The 11 best historic Airbnbs near Chicago

Travel back to the 1970s with a stay at this charming old-school lake house. With its original features kept fully intact, you'll be able to admire the dark wood panelling, traditional fire place and retro furnite – including the classic pool table in the garage. There's a four-season sunroom for taking in the scenery and sunsets, plus an outdoor campfire, BBQ, dock seating, and even a hot tub. Kayaks are also available if you're planning on exploring the lake. 

Rooms? Three. Sleeps six guests. 
Mood? 70s time capsule. 
Location perks? Located between Muncie and Hartford City. Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the dock. 
Budget range? Very much affordable.  

Reminiscent of a vintage dolls house, this welcoming home is brought to life by its eclectic decor and brightly colored rooms. As you make your way through the space, you'll spot all kinds of old-school electronics from a CD player to a retro Sony TV, blended in with beautiful furniture pieces that date back to anywhere between the 70s and 90s. There's even a little home library you can hide away in, or a swinging bench out back that you can commandeer for the afternoon. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps four guests. 
Mood? Dolls house chic. 
Location perks? In a safe, residential neighborhood with a car park one block away. Close to many restaurants, a public library and West Towne Mall. 
Budget range? More than affordable. 

This home was actually originally designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright for a LIFE magazine feature in 1938. And now, it's available to rent on Airbnb. You might also recognize it from Netflix's The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. Of the design, Lloyd Wright wrote: “American family life is unlike any other in the world and I think this plan recognizes it for pretty much what it is—a little private club—with special privacies, ultra conveniences and style all the while." So that's exactly what you can expect. It's a huge four-bedroom, with a fully equipped kitchen and wood finishes. What a mid-mod dream.  

Rooms? Four. Sleeps eight guests.
Mood? A slice of history. 
Location perks? Just off the shores of Lake Michigan in a little vacation town to explore.
Budget range? On the pricey side.

This peaceful getaway with great 1930s charm is like something out of a magazine. It's perfect for a big family or a big friendship group, as it has five bedrooms, plus room to sleep more. You definitely won't struggle for space here. In the master bedroom, you'll find a heart-shaped jetted tub that you'll struggle to get out of. There is also a games room full of retro fun and Lewis Farm Market nearby. And it's not far from Lake Michigan, so there are limitless possibilities for day trips.

Rooms? Five. Sleeps ten guests.
Mood? Quaint country living.
Location perks? It's surrounded by four acres of cherry and apple orchards.
Budget range? Super affordable.

Located in the Randolph-Roanoke Historic District of Peoria, this regal structure stands out among a sea of classic Victorians. The stone exterior and prominent turret give way to an updated interior with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Plus, it's usefully located only a short distance from some major attractions, including Peoria Civic Center, the riverfront and the warehouse district.

Rooms? Two. Sleeps six guests.
Mood? Queens and kings of the castle. 
Location perks? Located conveniently close to all Peoria has to offer if you fancy venturing out.
Budget range? Surprisingly cheap.

Located about a mile from the village of Elkhart Lake, this wonderfully cozy cabin is in the perfect location for thrill-seekers. With Road America motorsport course and golf courses nearby, plus Greenbush Kettle Moraine trails for great hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing, there are endless things to do. As for the property, you'll find a thoughtfully designed A-frame ceiling and spiral staircase separating the upper and lower levels. There's unique architecture dotted around the whole property, a large fire pit area perfect for summer BBQs, and a wrap-around deck with hip patio furniture.

Rooms? Two. Sleeps five guests.
Mood? Rustic retreat.
Location perks? Perfect for adventurous folk looking for a weekend of exploring nature and eating al fresco.
Budget range? A great deal.

This sprawling historic farm has been in the same family for generations—116 years, to be exact. Though it's been updated with central air conditioning and other modern conveniences, the home features original hardwood floors and decades of family art. The spacious property offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, too. Visitors might enjoy hiking, birdwatching, biking, snowmobiling or roasting marshmallows at the fire pit.

Rooms? Four. Sleeps ten guests.
Mood? Family getaway. 
Location perks? Oh, just 100 acres of farm and woodland to explore. No biggie.
Budget range? Very affordable.

Built in the 1800s, Hamilton House is a stunning example of Italianate architecture, which was saved from demolition in the 1980s by the town's residents and businesses. It's now run by Gloria Marie, who rents out its eight bedrooms to those visiting historic Whitewater. Each room is sympathetically decorated in a Victorian style and breakfast is included. There are also local activities such as biking and hiking in the Kettle Moraine.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Historic charm. 
Location perks? In the heart of downtown Whitewater.
Budget range? Spenny AF.

Calling all antique home lovers, this Airbnb with Victorian charm has your name written all over it. Nicknamed "Belle Maison", meaning beautiful house, it's newly restored, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. And the best thing is that one bathroom has its original claw foot tub. You'd be just a block from Main Street, with plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. And when you want a bit of nature and scenic views, take a visit to the beautiful Rock River which is also nearby. 

Rooms? Two. Sleeps six guests.
Mood? Victorian delight.
Location perks? In the historic district of Watertown—time to get exploring.
Budget range? Surprisingly inexpensive.

This white-paneled house has a long history of hosting travelers, after all, it operated as a stagecoach during the 1800s. The renovated interior features a few unique architectural elements, including a sliding barn door and intricate built-ins. It’s pet-friendly too, so you can bring your bestie along. Be sure to check out the back building, which actually features an outdoor bar. We'll cheers to that!

Rooms? One. Sleeps one guest.
Mood? Blast from the past.
Location perks? Stay on Indiana's historic national road and come away with a story or three to tell.
Budget range? Cheap and cheerful.

Kerlin Schoolhouse, a cute little cottage just a couple of hours' drive from central Chicago, was built in 1870 and sits just off the historic Stagecoach Trail that once connected Galena and the big city. This is proper rural, so be prepared to hunker down. Cornfields surround the property on all sides and there are no neighbors for half a mile. But there's plenty to occupy you onsite, including a smart TV, barbecue and fire pit. The inside is the very definition of cozy (it was once a one-room school after all), with warm wood-panelled walls, a wood-burning stove (though there is modern heating too), and a mezzanine level, where you'll find the bedroom.

Rooms? One. Sleeps three guests.
Mood? Old world charm.
Location perks? Two state parks within a ten-minute drive.
Budget range? Cheap.