The 19 best Airbnb cabins near Chicago

Neighborhood: Miller Beach (40 minute drive from Chicago).

Now going by the rather grand name of Elyon Hall, this dog-friendly beachside getaway is only 40 minutes from Chicago and sleeps a small army, with space for up to 18 guests across four bedrooms and a bunkroom (just note there’s an extra per-person fee once you go past 10). Wander the short nature trail through the rolling dunes to a semi-private, sugar-sand beach, or don’t bother leaving at all. Between the gourmet kitchen for playing chef, the cedar sauna and steam shower, and multi-level decks with a seven-person hot tub, you'll be spoiled for choice. There’s a sand volleyball court too, when the season allows.

Time Out tip: The house backs directly onto Indiana Dunes National Park, so you can put your legs to the test on the trails straight from the door.

Sleeps: 19 guests.

Perks: Gourmet kitchen, seven-person hot tub, volleyball court, steps from the beach.

Price: From $782 a night.

Neighborhood: Jacksonville, IL.

This cabin is downright charming, and the numbers on Airbnb back it up. Audrey’s Abode is in Airbnb’s top five percent of homes, making it one of the best-reviewed cabins in the state. Situated on a seven-acre hobby farm just south of Jacksonville, it’s a restored historic log cabin with all the modern amenities you could need for a rural getaway. Built from reclaimed materials salvaged from over 10 local barns, houses and structures, the place is sustainable, cute as a button, and fits into the local area an absolute dream. While it looks pared back from the exterior, inside you’ll find a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove with an oven, microwave, coffee maker, and even a washer and dryer. Speaking of mornings, we’d recommend taking your cup of joe straight to the front porch with the paper. It doesn’t get more rustic than that. 

Time Out tip: Bring the dog. The host only charges a tiny cleaning fee to let your four-legged friends live their best farm life.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Restored historic log cabin, built from reclaimed materials, front porch.

Price: From $161 a night.

Neighborhood: Cable, WI.

You may or may not be familiar with the Danish concept of hygge, which describes a certain kind of cozy lifestyle that the Danes (and their Scandinavian brethren) embody. This petite cabin with its warm wood floors, narrow hallways, and glittering string lights, brings that cozy spirit to northern Wisconsin, making for a perfect weekend escape from the city. Brew yourself a cup of pour-over coffee in the cabin’s pristine white kitchen, then get out into the woods: you’re just two miles from the CAMBA trailheads, some of the best mountain biking in the Midwest (Cable hosts the famous Chequamegon MTB Festival, no less), with Lake Namakagon and the Namekagon River both close by for paddling and swimming. Come evening, settle in around the outdoor firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate. Pretty dreamy, right? It sleeps six across three bedrooms, but makes a spacious hideout if you’re a couple, too. It’s pronounced hue-ga, by the way.

Time Out tip: Be warned—cell service is spotty out here. Download your driving playlists before you hit the highway, turn off your work notifications, and disappear for a weekend.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Outdoor firepit, two miles from the CAMBA mountain-bike trails, pour-over coffee kitchen, lake and river nearby.

Price: From $194 a night.

Neighborhood: Indiana Dunes area.

The hosts named this little beaut of a cabin ‘Hüüsli’ after their favorite hotel in Switzerland. The name means ‘little house’ in Swiss-German and gives you some idea of the adorable, snuggly European feels they’ve got going on here. Originally built in 1951 and totally remodeled in 2020, it blends Gingerbread House charms with a cooler, contemporary sensibility—think soaring ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a four-season sunroom where you can eat breakfast surrounded by nature, minus the bugs. It technically sleeps four, but those charming 1951 walls are thin, which is why the hosts pitch it squarely at couples—and 280 reviewers giving it a perfect five stars suggests the couples aren’t complaining. The beach is three blocks away, and note it’s a no-pets, no-toddlers affair (blame the narrow staircase).

Sleeps: 4 guests (best for two).

Perks: Wood-burning fireplace, four-season sunroom, beach three blocks away, fully remodeled 1951 cabin.

Price: From $382 a night.

Time Out tip: Don’t bother cooking every night. New Buffalo’s holy trinity of Redamak’s, Stray Dog and Beer Church is ten minutes up the road and the whole area is dotted with wineries and fruit orchards.

Neighborhood: Richmond, IL

When a place is called the glass cabin, you’re going to be thinking about one thing—the views. And this one delivers on a scale the name undersells. The vintage cabin sits on nearly 30 acres of protected land within the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, meaning your backyard is native prairie, a slow winding river, two ponds and oaks that have been standing for over 200 years. All of this you’re free to roam, kayaks included. Inside it’s a quirky combo of rural charm and eclectic art, with a great big open living space filled with light, light and more light. Richmond’s antique-stuffed downtown is minutes away, and Lake Geneva’s Gilded Age lakefront is a 20-minute drive.

Time Out tip: Richmond is a goldmine for antiquing. Spend an afternoon digging through multi-vendor stalls downtown, then head back to see how your vintage finds look next to the cabin’s own quirky decor. 

Sleeps: 6 guests

Perks: Floor to ceiling light-filled living space, walkable small town nearby.

Price: From $322 a night. 

Neighborhood: Lakeside, MI.

If your idea of the perfect cottage comes from a childhood storybook, chances are high you’ll love this place. From its blue and white exterior surrounded by flourishing hostas and fir trees, to the forestry wallpaper in the bedroom, it delivers just the right amount of fairytale charm. You’re less than a block from a wide, sandy private association beach where you can walk for miles, swim or gather round one of the designated fire-pit rings as the sun drops over Lake Michigan. It’s a great base for a small family getaway, and when you're not on the sand, the local farm stands, wineries and breweries of Harbor Country are all within easy reach. 

Time Out tip: Lake Michigan sunsets hit differently out here. Walk down the road to the Lakeside Inn and claim one of the rocking chairs on their front porch, order a drink and enjoy the view.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private beach access, garden playhouse, nearby farm shops and breweries 

Price: From $355 a night.

Neighborhood: Michigan City, IN.

Located less than 90 minutes outside Chicago, this stylish home is a perfect pied-à-terre for city folk who want just a little bit of nature (and a lovely bit of design) all in one. The modern-leaning home is gorgeous, and the neutral, satisfying decor ensures it is an ideal spot for anyone who just needs to relax. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-story house includes a fireplace, a screened-in porch and an open deck, evoking a traditional log cabin vibe with rugged wooden tables and decor. The kitchen has all the facilities you'll need to enjoy yourself. It’s just a short drive from the Lake Michigan shore and other Harbor Country attractions too, so you can get some exploration in.

Time Out tip: Take a walk into the central prairie to find the hidden labyrinth. It’s a silent, meditative stone path, which is perfect for clearing your head after sitting in 90 minutes of standard I-94 traffic to get here.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Fireplace, screened-in porch, open deck, access to meadows and marked trails.

Price: From $394 a night. 

Neighborhood: Tryon Farm, Michigan City area.

Part of a sustainable farm community, the House of Zen is well named. It’s a great modern update on the quintessential woodland cabin, with high wood ceilings, roaring fireplace and sheepskin blankets. A streamlined approach to decoration keeps things feeling abit more contemporary and there’s lots of opportunities to get back to a slower pace of life wandering around the immediate farm area and the wider countryside.

Time Out tip: Bring a good flashlight if you are arriving after dark. The community here is intentionally unlit to preserve the starlight views, so finding your way from the gravel parking lot to the front door can be a real adventure in the pitch black.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: High wood ceilings, roaring fireplace, sheepskin blankets, sustainable farm community.

Price: From $256 a night.

Neighborhood: Gurney, WI.

This area is known to house one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wisconsin, and that’s saying something, as a lot of water falls in these ends. Experience the most of all Potato River Falls has to offer from your very own (very pretty) log cabin, found just a mile from the falls themselves. If seclusion and full nature immersion are what you’re after, you’ll find them here: the home is situated on 136 private acres. That’s a lot of space to have to yourself. You’ll do well to walk around it in a day. Should you decide on a long day of hiking and exploring, sink into the hot tub or relax by the fire with a cold beer chatting to your close ones (it sleeps six) knowing there’s no one else around you. There are good fishing spots here too, should you fancy catching dinner. 

Time Out tip: Pack some serious stamina for your hike to Potato River Falls. While it’s only a mile away, conquering the steep trail requires climbing over 300 rustic wooden steps. You’ll definitely want to have the cabin’s hot tub bubbling and ready for your return. 

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: 136 private acres, hot tub, fireplace, fishing spots, a mile from Potato River Falls.

Price: From $643 a night.

Neighborhood: Sturgeon Bay, WI

Into the whole cabin thing but not being-in-the-middle-of-nowhere idea? Well, this abode in the heart of Sturgeon Bay is actually giving you the best of both worlds. This pad sleeps two people—it’s a one-bedroom, one-bathroom with a cozy 400 square feet of space. Guests have access to a shared courtyard and a barbecue area. This flawlessly decorated spot will make you feel like you’re living inside a Pinterest board. Is it an apartment or an urban cabin? We’ll let you decide. Either way, we think you’ll agree it is a wonderful place to stay, and a base from which to explore the city of Sturgeon Bay and Wisconsin at large. 

Time Out tip: Don’t just look at the water from the shore. Take a 15-minute drive out to Cave Point County Park to see the limestone cliffs. If you are there in the summer, rent a kayak from the Door Country Adventure Center to paddle right inside the underwater caves. 

Sleeps: 2 guests 

Perks: Shared courtyard, BBQ area, walkable to shopping and the Door County Maritime Museum

Price: From $154 a night. 

Neighborhood: Gays Mills, WI (Driftless Region).

This farmhouse Airbnb is nestled within six acres of rolling, forested hills. The Driftless Region acts as your backdrop, as you fill your days with long walks, bike rides, and great beer at the taproom of a nearby craft beer brewery (don’t worry, they make a great lager). Start your day with a morning coffee on the front porch where wifi is optional, treat yourself by not getting it—we love a social detox—and if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, you can try out a sauna by the creek. The best way to end the night has to be with a tipple by a roaring fire, mapping out the stars as they twinkle above you. The Airbnb sleeps up to four guests in one king-sized and one queen-sized bed, so ideal for close families, friends, or a couple with their pick of which bed (or one each).

Time Out tip: You are staying in the apple capital of the state. Before checking in, stop by Kickapoo Orchard on the main highway to stock up on fresh apple cider donuts and local baked goods to pair with your morning front-porch coffee.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Creekside sauna, front-porch coffee, fire pit, nearby craft brewery.

Price: An affordable romantic weekend for two.

Neighborhood: Michigan City area

Combine being away from ‘it all’ with a luxury soak ‘n’ scrub in your very own spa. This home is the creation of two hosts who used their own extensive experience travelling the globe and staying in other people’s homes to create what they consider to be the perfect living environment back Stateside. We certainly think it’s a bit special too, with a sauna, hot tub, yoga studio and beautiful surrounding prairie land to enjoy. There’s also the option of upgrading to include the services of a local chef specializing in farm-to-table delights.

Time Out tip: Splurge on the private chef upgrade if you want to turn this into an occasion rather than a regular weekend away.

Sleeps: 4 guests 

Perks: Sauna, hot tub, yoga studio, optional private chef upgrade, surrounded by farmland, fruit farms and breweries

Price: From $576 a night.

Neighborhood: Baldwin, MI (Pere Marquette River), a short distance from Traverse City and Grand Rapids

For an immersive-yet-comfortable forest getaway, head to this cozy, craftsman-style home. Located in the woods overlooking the Pere Marquette River, the cabin is your launching-off point for walking, kayaking, fishing, and relaxing. There’s no TV or Wi-Fi (which is part of its charm). For activities, Russ and Jade will provide fishing poles and a two-person kayak. The great outdoors awaits! Go catch some dinner, maybe even cook it on a fire pit. That’s living, people. 

Time Out tip: Skip the takeout. With the kayak and fishing poles the hosts provide, you can genuinely catch and cook your own dinner over the fire pit.

Sleeps: 4 guests 

Perks: Fishing poles and kayak provided, no TV or wifi, riverside fire pit

Price: From $243 a night.

Neighborhood: Egg Harbor, WI (Door County)

Abandon the city with friends or family and head to this intimate lakefront cabin in Door County. With a classic Midwest lake retreat vibe, this house sleeps 10 guests total—although there are only two bedrooms and two bathrooms, so prepare to get to know each other reeaaaally well, if you don’t already. The cabin is situated directly on Green Bay and includes its own private beach and boat launch, which is... well, do you have a private beach normally? Facing west, the house’s position should give you some breathtaking sunset photo opportunities too. Not to mention golden hour, oh boy the ’gram will be looking fierce. 

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Private beach, private boat launch, west-facing sunset views, excellent local dining, shopping and entertainment nearby.

Price: From $531 a night.

Time Out tip: Time your evening for sunset. The west-facing position over Green Bay makes this one of the best photo ops on the list.

Neighborhood: Fox Lake, IL (Chain O'Lakes), close by Pistakee Lake.

Whether it’s warm and summery or autumnal and misty, get away to this lovely A-frame cottage Airbnb for a weekend on the quiet shores of the Chain O Lakes. Located in Fox Lake, the retro-looking cottage comes with access to a boat slip, perfect for exploring the lake’s sparkling water. Spend some time poking around the backyard during berry season, too. You might just find a handful of blackberries or raspberries among the bramble. 

Time Out tip: Visit during berry season and you might find blackberries or raspberries growing right in the backyard. It’s free dessert, basically.

Sleeps: 4 guests. Pet friendly.

Perks: Boat slip access, backyard berry picking in season.

Price: From $290 a night. 

Neighborhood: Michiana (1 hour from Chicago), close to easy walks along the shores of Lake Michigan

A historic retreat, Buffalo House log cabin was built in 1932 and the owners have retained the trad vibe with taxidermy, old school hunting memorabilia, patchwork quilts ad antique furniture. The place has a cosy, old world feel and as well as charmingly decorated interiors, there’s a library full of books, a beuatifu garden where deer roam up to the windows and a games cupboard full of puzzles. Pets are welcome, and there’s a pretty beach nearby too. 

Time Out tip: In the winter, make the most of the huge stone fireplaces and the outdoor fire pit.

Sleeps: 8 guests

Perks: Built in 1932, taxidermy and antique decor, library, garden where deer roam, pet-friendly

Price: From $407 a night. 

Neighborhood: Union Pier, MI.

Named ‘The Pines’ for good reason, this handsome cabin is completely surrounded by dense evergreen forest, from the outside it looks like a traditional idyl with timber porches and vauted ceilings. Inside, however, its a modern dream with a spacious kitchen, high ceilinged living areas with huge windows that flood the rooms with natural light and roomy bedrooms with balconies. 

Time Out tip: Union Pier is in the snowbelt, so if you want Christmas-card scenes in winter, you’re in luck.

Sleeps: 6 guests.

Perks: Vaulted ceilings, huge windows, balconies, under 1.5 miles from the beach.

Price: From $364 a night.  

Neighborhood: New Buffalo, MI (20-acre farm), just 10 minutes from Lake Michigan.

Wake up to serene fields and beautiful sunrises each day at this quaint little cottage tucked away on a 20-acre farm in New Buffalo. Snug enough for two, this tiny home has a real rustic vibe to it. Furnished throughout with vintage decor pieces, linens, and lots of cool knickknacks to make it feel homey. Along with being just 10 minutes from Lake Michigan, you can warm up around the fire pit, or take the nearby trail to the South branch of Galien River. 

Time Out tip: The trail along the South Branch of the Galien River connects to the wider Galien River Marsh Trail system. It’s a flat walk if you want nature without the effort.

Sleeps: 2 guests 

Perks: Fire pit, nearby trail along the Galien River, vintage decor throughout

Price: From $190 a night.  

Neighborhood: Michigan City, IN

How cool is this one? We love a tiny home that effortlessly blends into its surroundings. Just because it’s secluded doesn’t mean it can't show off, right? Boasting a sleek, wood facade on the outside while being all bright and airy indoors, this beautiful cabin home offers the perfect blend of nature and contemporary design for a vay-cay you truly won’t forget. Along with two bedrooms, there’s a full kitchen, living room, dining space, and two full bathrooms—the ideal choice for some time with the fam.

Time Out tip: This is one of the few on the list with wineries, a beach and woodland all within easy reach. It’s very much worth it if you can’t decide what kind of weekend you want.

Sleeps: 4 guests

Perks: Full kitchen, surrounded by 200+ acres of woodland, nearby wineries, restaurants and a beach

Price: From $439 dollars a night. 

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