The best tiny home Airbnbs to rent near Chicago

Best for: saunas

This cosy cabin in the woods is pure Michigan magic. While its only 700 square feet, the layout makes it still feel roomy. The cabin sleeps up to four, with one main bedroom and a lofted queen bed that looks right out over the forest (getting there’s half the fun — you’ll need to climb a ladder). There’s a living room with a pull-out sofa for extra guests. Your six miles from Harbor Springs and a couple of miles from Lake Michigan. Whether you visit in summer or snow, this place is a warm (not least because of the new outdoor sauna you can use), woodsy escape that’s all about slowing down and soaking it all in.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests

Location: Harbor Springs, Michigan

Price: From $219 per night

Best for: hiking

If you’re wont to heavily Instagramming your excursions, this northern Michigan tiny house might be your dream digs. This shack features eye-popping colorful designs on the inside and out. Though just 144 square feet, the one-story getaway has a queen-sized bed, breakfast bench, and full kitchen – although the bathroom is in a separate trailer. Guests can enjoy the outdoor fire pit and easy access to hiking trails, not to mention the other outdoor activities the Sleeping Bear Dunes region has to offer.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: Frankfort, Michigan

Price: From $165 per night

Best for: hot tubs

Alright, we admit it, we're suckers for a 'grammable shack. That's why we've put this dreamy blue hideaway on the list. This one's in Lapeer, in the 'thumb' of Michigan, so to speak. It sleeps two in a raised loft bed, there's a fully equipped kitchen, indoor shower and toilet, and a porch that'll provide a lovely, relaxing chill amongst the trees. Plus a shared hot tub. Now, that toilet… It's a composting affair, but it doesn't smell. In fact, if it does smell, you'll get a night's stay for free.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: Lapeer, Michigan

Price: From $159 per night

Best for: solo travellers

This delightful little garden home is just a half-hour outside of Madison in the town of Belleville, Wisconsin. With tasteful, sleek decor, a dreamy farmhouse-style design, and flower and vegetable gardens surrounding it, this tiny home looks like a fairy tale escape. If you’re looking for seclusion, this isn’t your best bet, as the tiny house is adjacent to a full-sized rental home. There’s certainly an upside to that, though. Discounts are offered for renting both properties, and tiny house renters have access to the main house’s gas grill and main deck, as well as their own private bathroom in the main house.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: Belleville, Wisconsin

Price: From $136 per night

Best for: off-grid living

Escape the hustle and bustle of big city life in this gorgeous glamping-style Airbnb on the Indiana/Michigan border – just 90 minutes from Chicago. With the pure intention of slowing things down, this off-grid cabin has no electricity – and as a result, no TV, or Wi-Fi. Sound daunting? We promise it's not – once you get into the swing of things. It's a great way to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Check out local bike routes and trails, head into the local town for restaurants and breweries, or simply relax in one of the hammocks as your travel bud lights the fire pit. Bliss.

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests

Location: New Carlisle, Indiana

Price: From $357 per night

Best for: homey vibes

This newly remodeled tiny home Airbnb in Antioch is the perfect weekend escape. From the New England styling to the string-lit backyard, this adorable property oozes cozy charm. There's one bedroom and one bathroom fit for two guests, and the kitchen comes fully equipped with all you'd need for any cooking you'll be doing. But the best part of all? There's a private beach accessible only from the campsite down the 'beach stairs' – and it's as idyllic as you'd think – blow-up unicorn floaties and all. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: Antioch, Illinois

Price: From $255 per night

Best for: low-cost stay

This impeccably designed dwelling is well worth the hike up to northern Michigan. Situated two miles outside of Charlevoix, a stay here means easy access to gorgeous hiking trails and bike paths, and just a short drive to the beach. The house is 200 square feet, but every inch is thoughtfully curated with a light, airy aesthetic, sleek white tiling, and gorgeous wood floors. Heaters are available for wintertime use – or on cool summer evenings.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: Charlevoix, Michigan

Price: From $141 per night

Best for: camping vibes

Fancy testing your limits with both nature and space? This petite cabin on the river in St Charles may do the trick. Depsite it's adoringly tiny space, you trade space for canal, river and greenery views. In abundance. There's also outdoor seating with a firepit to roast your s'mores on every evening – and a bicycle or two if you fancy a local ride around. Yes, it's as charming as it sounds. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: St Charles, Illinois

Price: From $142 per night

Best for: being close to Lake Michigan access

If you don't mind staying among other tiny-housers, then this cute 1950s vacation plot makes for a beautifully retro place to stop. The nine boxy cottages offer full-size double beds in rooms you can stand up in (a luxury in a tiny home), full indoor bathrooms, kitchenettes, and a TV. Outside, in the communal area, is a large playset for the little ’uns and a fire pit. Each house has its own barbecue and access to Lake Michigan Beach is easy as pie.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: Lake Michigan Beach, Michigan

Price: From $147 per night

Best for: couples

This waterside cabin is the closest you can get to wake up on a beach without having to dig sand out of crevices you didn't even know existed. Nestled at the edge of the trees in quaint Lake Ann, the front door opens right onto its own little sandy slice of beach, sharing only the dock and swimming platform. There's a hammock on the porch and inside is a gas grill, fridge, microwave, coffee machine, and more convenience. It even comes with wifi, a TV, and a tandem kayak.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: Lake Ann, Michigan

Price: From $197 per night

Best for: girls’ trip

If this countryside escape looks similar to the one you've been dreaming of, it's high time you got booking. This stunning New Buffalo home houses two and it sits on 20 lush acres of farmland, on which you'll discover a fire pit and grill to enjoy for some outdoor entertainment. Inrerior-wise, the cottage has a rustic boho vibe, especially the wood-paneled ceilings and vintage upholstery - we dig it. Watch beautiful sunsets over the farm or take the trail walk that runs along the Galien River. Bliss. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: New Buffalo, Michigan

Price: From $213 per night

Best for: being near the beach

Parked on the western coast of Lake Michigan, this 125-square-foot abode is in the perfect spot for exploring the best of the region. It’s just a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, and the Huron-Manistee National Forest, plus there are lots of options for skiing, hiking, biking, and more. The house itself ain’t too shabby, either. The cozy log cabin boasts a lofted queen-sized bed, plus a bonfire and hammock on the property. Note: the bathroom is technically outside the house – though quite close.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Location: Frankfort, north Michigan

Price: From $168 per night

Best for: luxury stay

This one’s technically a treehouse, but its compact size and clever use of space give it tiny home cred in our books. Located in the suburb of Schaumburg, this four-person abode is an accessible retreat for Chicagoans. The house boasts eco-friendly windows, a fireplace, wifi, hot tub access, a feather bed comforter, a Keurig coffee maker, and a complete kitchen. It perches beside a koi pond in a spacious backyard – talk about relaxing.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests

Location: Schaumburg, Illinois

Price: From $302 per night

Best for: group stays

Arguably all of the Airbnbs on this list are cozy, but what makes this spot a little different is that this one is nestled in Harbor Country - just 90 minutes out from Chicago. As for the decor? it's got Hugge down to a t. The white walls really open up the space, while the warm-toned neutrals and sandy wood floors offer instant relaxation. Kitted out with a living/ kitchen area with heated floors, a mudroom, a front deck, a backyard, and how could we forget, three bedrooms - our favorite of the three being the loft bedroom with an electronic ladder - making it the perfect spot for a family vacation. Other clever, functional features include the smart TV disguised as artwork (above the kitchen table) and the maple wood dining table filled with board games. It's home decor goals for sure. 

Rooms: Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests

Location: Lakeside, Michigan

Price: From $503 per night

Best for: families

If a nature-filled vacation is calling your name, look no further. This gorgeous A-frame cabin nestled in the heart of Homewood's forest is ready and waiting for you. From the outdoor hot tub-gazebo combo to the pickleball/basketball/volleyball court on-site, there are endless activities to keep you entertained here. And, if all you want to do is chill, the interiors are designed for the toasty cuppa joe while you're all snug inside. Bliss.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests

Location: Homewood, Illinois

Price: From $240 per night