Top 12 Airbnb homes near Chicago, from secluded escapes surrounded by dunes and forests to hygge-style cottages or a private spa
Travelers appreciate Chicago for many reasons, including the beauty of the city's architecture. But sometimes you want to take a break from its hustle and bustle, and the perfect way to realize this is with great Airbnbs near Chicago. Stay in one of the country houses or cottages and enjoy the peace of life, go hiking or fishing, go biking, and relax in the hot tub – these great Airbnbs near Chicago will make your dreams of the perfect vacation come true.
1. Miller Beach House in Miller Beach
One of the best Airbnbs for a large group is just 40 minutes from Chicago, in the Indiana Dunes National Park area. It can accommodate 19 guests. They will have panoramic views of the forest and scenic dunes around them, and the beach on Lake Michigan is steps away. The home is six levels and there is something for every guest to enjoy. There is a gourmet kitchen with professional appliances, four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a recreation room with TV, football, and other games, five multi-level terraces overlooking the dunes and the national park, a sauna, a 7-person Jacuzzi, a sand volleyball court, and indoor and outdoor seating and dining areas.
2. Audrey's Abode in Jacksonville
This charming, fully restored log cabin is located on an amateur farm near Jacksonville and is one of the best Airbnb rentals near Chicago with a rustic atmosphere. Cute and eco-friendly, it looks simple and modest on the outside but is equipped with all modern amenities inside. The house consists of two bedrooms (on the first floor and in the loft), a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and a living room with a fireplace. In front of the house, there is a small wooden deck with a table and chairs where you can sit cozy while grabbing a coffee. The house sleeps a maximum of 8 guests. It's a great and affordable place for a family trip.
3. The Hygge House in Cable
The small house with warm wooden floors, sparkling garlands at the entrance, and narrow hallways found in northern Wisconsin epitomizes the Scandinavian concept of hygge, which describes a cozy lifestyle. It is one of the best options for those looking for Airbnb homes for a casual and budget-friendly weekend getaway in the countryside near Chicago. It has three bedrooms, and one bathroom, and can accommodate up to 6 guests. After hiking the forest trails and biking or paddle boarding on hot days that allow you to explore the neighborhood, make tea in the pristine white kitchen in the evening and sit in the living room in front of the fireplace or have a sit-down meal with snacks and hot chocolate by the fire. In the wintertime, you can rent this Airbnb near Chicago for skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing.
4. Romantic Escape in the Dunes
The owners named this charming little hut after their favorite hotel in Switzerland, Hüüsli. The name translates as "little house" and embodies the cozy European atmosphere that reigns here. The original structure of the house was built in 1951, but it was completely remodeled in 2020. It is now a cute, romantic cottage for a couple or 4 guests maximum with two bedrooms and a bathroom. The living room with soaring ceilings and a burning fireplace borders the updated kitchen. The backyard has a wooden double swing, picnic deck, and fire pit. A bonus is a glassed-in porch with a dining table and a small seating area for morning coffee or evening cocktails. But the most important benefit of this Airbnb in the Chicago area is the beaches within walking distance.
5. The Hudson Schoolhouse
Over a hundred years ago, this building was constructed for a school. It's more modern and relaxed now, but the "schoolhouse vibe" is still felt. Comfortable furnishings, decor, and appliances create an all-important and cozy countryside retreat with a combination of rustic style and luxury. The house has two bedrooms, but a total of 8 people can stay here overnight. It also has 1.5 bathrooms, a lobby, a dining room, and a spiral staircase leading to the loft-style second floor. Guests can soak in the hot tub, spend time in the game room, or settle in with a book from the home library on the outdoor bed. If they fancy some outside fun, they can go for a walk in the woods or to nearby Lake Bloomington. This lovely cottage in the Chicago area can be rented on Airbnb for a decent price, but it's well worth it for a family vacation.
6. Modern Country Escape in Michigan City
One of the most ideal Airbnbs for city dwellers near Chicago who want to spend a few days outdoors is less than an hour and a half away from the Windy City. It's a modern, bright home with nice decor and stylish design for a flawless short stay with a higher budget range. The two floors accommodate two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a full kitchen with a large dining area, a cozy living room with a fireplace, a glassed-in veranda, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the forest. The home is located in a unique green community surrounded by over 200 acres of forest, meadows, and prairie, yet minutes from beaches, wineries, restaurants, and other harbor activities. Four guests can stay here.
7. Log Cabin Retreat in Gurney
This Wisconsin neighborhood where you can stay near Chicago is famous for one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. A beautiful log cabin is just a mile away from it. If you're looking for privacy and immersion in nature, this option is perfect for you, as the home sits on 136 acres of private land. You can fill your leisure time here with hiking in the neighborhood, relaxing around the campfire, fishing, and relaxing in the hot tub. Also, don't miss the opportunity to admire beautiful sunsets and sunrises over the picturesque farm fields while sitting on the backyard patio near the outdoor fireplace. The home has two levels that house two bedrooms, a bathroom, a full kitchen, and a spacious living room with a fireplace. This Airbnb near Chicago can be rented for 6 guests maximum.
8. City Cottage in Sturgeon Bay
Located in the heart of Sturgeon Bay, this cozy apartment allows you to enjoy the "best of both worlds": relaxing in a measured environment without being in the middle of nowhere. The 400-square-foot home has one bedroom and one bathroom. There's a courtyard with a barbecue area, so guests will have to decide for themselves if this is a cottage in the city or still an apartment. Either way, the place is decorated so impeccably that it might feel like a vintage Pinterest picture, and is great for making it a starting point for exploring Sturgeon Bay or Wisconsin in general. You can start your walk with the shopping districts of Sturgeon Bay and the Door County Maritime Museum. This is a great address to book an Airbnb near Chicago for a romantic getaway for two.
9. Farmhouse in Gays Mills
For a short vacation near Chicago, enjoying long walks, biking, and tasting great beer, you can find Airbnb homes in the Driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin. For example, a farmhouse in Gays Mills, surrounded by 6 acres of forested hills, allows you to start your day with morning coffee on a veranda with scenic views, continue with hiking trails and a sauna by a creek, and end it with a drink by the fire and contemplation of the starry sky. Two bedrooms can accommodate 4 guests. The house is close to the Kickapoo River, Wisconsin Gardens, and the town of Viracoa. Inside, there is a living room with a fireplace, a full kitchen, and a bathroom.
10. A modern spa near Michigan City
The couple and the owners of this place used their extensive personal experience traveling around the world to create one of the most perfect Airbnb in the U.S. for a vacation combined with spa relaxation, just an hour from Chicago. What makes a stay here special are the luxurious bathing treatments and scrubs in the in-house spa, sauna, hot tub, and yoga studio. The scenic prairie, fruit farms, breweries, and farmland surrounding the house only enhance the overall relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Upon request, guests can include exclusive services from a local chef who specializes in farm-to-table cuisine. The multi-level home features two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, two bathrooms, and several indoor and outdoor sitting areas.
11. Pere Marquette Cottage in Baldwin
For a comfortable and fulfilling vacation in the woods near Chicago, book a craftsman-style Airbnb in a quiet and secluded rural setting near Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Guests here will base their time here on kayaking, fishing, hiking the trails, and taking a break from pesky modern technology: there's no Wi-Fi or TV. Instead, borrow fishing rods and a double kayak from the owners and head out for an outdoor adventure. Relax after your outing in the hammock, then cook your catch over the fire, or relax with a drink on the terrace while waiting for the sunset. The cottage has two bedrooms for up to 4 guests, one bathroom, and a full kitchen, and is especially charming with huge full-wall windows overlooking the scenic and wild Pere Marquette River.
12. Egg Harbor County Lake House
A cozy modern home with a classic feel on the shores of Green Bay Lake in Door County will suit those looking for good Airbnbs near Chicago for a secluded out-of-town vacation for a couple, family, or group of friends. It only has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but it can accommodate up to 8 people overnight if needed. A private beach and boat dock, great cafes, restaurants, shopping and family entertainment nearby, and spectacular sunsets are the perfect formula for leisure time in this region. The home features a living room with a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen, and outside there is an al fresco dining area and seating by the fire overlooking the bay. Guests can stay here at any time of the year, and the budget range, though high, is affordable for a large group.
