Discover 4 Unique and Exceptional Airbnbs Across Illinois

I want every vacation, weekend away and staycation I take to be memorable. Fortunately, property owners all over Illinois have tapped into their creativity to make one-of-a-kind Airbnbs in unusual spaces. Churches have been converted into condos and school buses made livable. As I plan out my next adventure in Illinois, these five quirky Airbnbs are top contenders for where I am hoping to stay.

1. Candy Kitchen: Greenup

In the tiny village of Greenup, you can spend the night in Candy Kitchen, a former soda fountain and confectionery.

Located in the middle of Greenup, Candy Kitchen will transport you back almost a century with its design and decor.

Inside, the building's history is proudly on display.

The soda fountain is still intact and the tin ceiling tiles are reminiscent of a time gone-by. The bedrooms offer comfortable accommodations so you are sure to have sweet dreams in Candy Kitchen.

2. Silo with Hot Tub: Lewiston

Illinoisans certainly get creative with repurposing spaces for fun vacation rentals.

Staying at this silo in central Illinois would be a fun adventure for a group or family.

The silo's open loft layout will give you a sense of the silo's size and remind you that where you are sleeping once had a practical, agricultural purpose.

Inside there is a full kitchen and nicely sized shower. Beware, there is no wifi at the property so this is a spot to come to if you are looking to disconnect rather than work from home.

3. School Bus: Golconda

The southern tip of Illinois is home to a quirky Airbnb that could theoretically move throughout the state.

This renovated school bus has been parked on Interwoven Permaculture Farm in the Shawnee National Forest. The bus has all the amenities of a tiny home but with the perks of being in the thick of nature.

The bus uses solar power to power its lights and air conditioning unit.

Inside of the school bus feels like a cozy cabin, and there is a back porch to sit on enjoy the night sky as well. The school bus is nearby Lake Harriet which is ideal for swimming.

4. Train Caboose: Oreana

Another Airbnb housed in an automotive shell can be found in Oreana, Illinois.

The owners of this property have modified a train caboose from the mid-twentieth century into a cozy rental.

Many parts of the train's interior today still look as they did decades ago, although the owners have added a custom shower, refrigerator and microwave.

This Airbnb will certainly transport you to another moment in time. The vehicle itself will be stationary, so this might be the calmest overnight train experience ever!

No matter where you are staying in Illinois, there are adventures to be had in these quirky Airbnbs. If you are looking for something a little moodier, consider staying at this gothic-inspired Airbnb that has made its rounds on social media. Would you take a staycation in any of these remarkable Airbnbs? If yes, you can use our new Travel Planner to find something new in Illinois to explore!