10 Best Ranches To Stay In Illinois, USA

Anirban
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read

Illinois offers a diverse range of tourist attractions that cater to different interests and preferences. The bustling city of Chicago is a major draw, known for its iconic skyline, and world-class museums including The Art Institute of Chicago. Visitors can also explore the architectural marvels of Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the stunning landscapes of Shawnee National Forest, hike through the lush forests, and admire dramatic rock formations. History buffs can also visit Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield or Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, showcasing the remains of an ancient native city.

You can level up your staying experience by booking a ranch instead of a hotel room to make the most of your trip. Browse through this list of the best ranches to stay in Illinois, USA!

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 31, 2024.

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1. Apartment in Hungry World Farm, Tiskilwa (from USD 80)

With this rental, you can enjoy a touch of nature without compromising on the basic amenities of any regular hotel room. The hosts even provide you with fresh eggs, bread, and fruits straight from the farm every morning. You will also have access to their well-equipped kitchen to make some breakfast and start your day. Then, you can enjoy hiking in their 100.0-acre (40.4 -hectare) forest. Or you can visit their market gardens and their native prairie relic.

If you get hurt, there is a first aid kit available at the rental. Moreover, you will have the added security of a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher, so you can sleep like a baby knowing that you’re safe here.

Stayed at this property?
Tiskilwa, Illinois, United States

67.09 km (41.7 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
181 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Host:
karla and everyone in this farm are very friendly we really enjoyed our stay
the hosts went out of their way to provide a delicious breakfast that fit my dietary needs
karla is highly communicative which i also appreciate
the host graciously provided complimentary farm produce and a refund for the time i couldn't stay
Location:
perfect location near my original hometown
great place to get away to
quiet peaceful safe and cute
nice place to have a quite stay away from the city
great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life
Cleanliness:
clean roomy and very comfortable
the place was extremely clean and the setting was just perfect
peaceful relaxing clean and comfortable place to stay
we spent two nights enjoying the clean spacious and comfortable accommodations at the farmer friend guest apartment
very clean cute relaxing peaceful refreshing atmosphere
Amenities & Room:
the bed is very comfortable and my friend found the sleeper sofa equally comfortable
the fresh eggs coffee fruit and other food for breakfast was great to have on hand
Read more reviews

2. Cozy cottage on Old Gillett Farm, Elkhart (from USD 483)

This simple yet classy cottage offers an ideal escape for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The property offers a magnificent view of the valley and the vineyard. Not only that, but you also won’t have to worry about missing work while being away. Thanks to the dedicated workspace and reliable Wi-Fi, you can stay connected and productive even during your stay at the cottage.

For basic amenities, you have a washer and dryer and an iron so you can look sharp. Even the bathroom comes with a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, and cleaning products. Also, the rental is pet friendly.

Stayed at this property?
Elkhart, Illinois, United States

73.83 km (45.9 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
133 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Host:
the host was easy to contact and quick to reply
the owner was very pleasant and welcoming
the host took care of us from the moment we drove up to the place
the host is super friendly and helpful
the host were great as well
Location:
perfect location for a visit with family in central illinois
the central location is great for springfield bloomington and peoria
location and scenery are great
it has a rural setting while still being close to the attractions in lincoln and springfield
i can't recommend this stay highly enough beautiful home and location
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and put together with a fine eye for detail
the house is thoughtfully decorated and very clean
my family loved our stay here at the cottage very clean and comfortable
what a lovely quiet clean and charming home on the farm
Amenities & Room:
the huge cast iron tub downstairs was soothing and we loved the view from the veranda
our stay was amazing the cottage was so cozy and inviting
cute place with amazing views love the kitchen and bathroom
the beds were comfortable and there’s a fully stocked kitchen which was nice
the house had everything we needed for a comfortable stay
Read more reviews

3. Home with fireplace, Hanna City (from USD 129)

If you want to enjoy a barbecue party with your loved ones, this is the perfect stay for you. And not just barbecue dishes, but with the fully equipped kitchen, you can make your favorite recipes just how you like them. And then, you can enjoy them while relaxing on either the private patio or outdoor dining area.

For entertainment, you will have access to the 55-inch HDTV, a ping pong table, and some board games. Also, note that this rental doesn’t offer a washing machine.

Stayed at this property?
Hanna City, Illinois, United States

15.67 km (9.8 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
35 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cottage 3 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Host:
every staff member and volunteer we encountered was very friendly & helpful
over all enjoyed our time there and the host was great at communicating with us
Location:
we loved our stay at the park in the cabins
) hope to come back again soon to enjoy more of all this park has to offer
the park was beautiful educational and fun
the park and animals are beautiful
great scenery and great location despite getting a little lost to the cabin we had a blast
Cleanliness:
the cabin very clean cozy and warm
wildlife prairie park legacy cabins were clean towels soaps dishes silverware pots and pans were provided
the cabin was so clean and modern
wonderful spot very clean very well furnished
great place to stay very clean and family friendly
Amenities & Room:
comfortable beds and furniture
having a personal fire pit grill and kitchen was great
Read more reviews

4. Ranch with park view and horse barn, Ottawa (from USD 110)

This rental offers a dream-come-true experience for horse lovers. In its 7.0 ac (2.8 ha) backyard, they have horses, chickens, and cats. You can also watch them up close or from the patio of the building.

If you are driving here, you can take advantage of the free parking. Moreover, if you are arriving early or departing late, they also allow luggage drop-off. With their lockbox and self-check-in facility, checking in is hassle-free and quick.

Also, the property offers a dedicated workspace and Wi-Fi, ensuring you can stay connected and attend to your job responsibilities when required.

Stayed at this property?
Ottawa, Illinois, United States

98.02 km (61.0 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
265 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Host:
not the host’s fault
the owners are so gracious attentive responsive to questions or concerns
they were friendly and waiting for us every day
thanks katie for being such a good host
katie is very friendly and professional
Location:
super close to all the parks and downtown ottawa
great quaint and cozy place that’s near downtown ottawa
highly recommend this home it’s in a quiet area and located less than 5 minutes from grocery stores
we would definitely come back if this place is available and we are in the area again
Cleanliness:
beds clean and comfortable
house was clean and check in easy
the house was plenty spacious clean and comfortable
nice and quiet area of town clean and easy to get around
house was as described and was clean and a pretty decent size
Amenities & Room:
our stay was very good other than an issue with a nearly new water heater
the gas grill worked great and the kitchen was very well stocked
the beds however were very comfortable
Read more reviews

5. One-bedroom home on Lodge Farms Equestrian, Wataga

Enjoy the premium experience of staying at an upscale rental surrounded by greenery. You can control the house by voice command through Alexa. Also, for your ultimate comfort in all seasons, the indoor space features central air conditioning and an electric fireplace.

While here, indulge in a range of choices for your bathing experience with a selection of shampoos, conditioners, and body soaps provided in the well-appointed bathroom. In addition to offering free parking, they also provide the convenience of a level two EV charger, catering to electric vehicle owners. However, note that the property isn’t kid-friendly.

Stayed at this property?
Wataga, Illinois, United States

77.88 km (48.4 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
28 reviews   Wifi Available
Farm stay 4 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts were very nice and accommodating
great hosts as well
great spot in the country with amazing hosts
great place with very friendly hosts
very comfortable private space with kind hosts and beautiful setting
Location:
great place to board a horse from what i can tell
Cleanliness:
very comfy clean peaceful and private
fresh smelling clean linens provided as well
highly recommended clean with everything we needed
lodge farms horse farm (cristine’s place) is fantastic this place is very clean charming and cozy
Amenities & Room:
beautiful quiet and comfortable
Read more reviews

6. Comfortable apartment at Riverview Ranch & Resort, Galena

When you rent this property, you’ll receive a complimentary 30-minute guided petting zoo experience for each night booked. The animals on the farm include horses, goats, pigs, dogs, ducks, chickens, and guinea pigs. Besides that, the place is also kid-friendly, so it can be a great opportunity for your children to interact with nature.

You also get to use the available canoes and kayaks free of cost. However, horse riding isn’t free. But if you are staying here, you will get a 20% discount.

Stayed at this property?
Galena, Illinois, United States

196.77 km (122.3 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
22 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Ranch 5 Beds 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Host:
roger and sabina are fantastic hosts
roger and sabina were such lovely hosts
roger and sabina are warm and welcoming hosts
wrangler roger and sabina were very welcoming and knowledgeable hosts
overall just a great weekend with super nice hosts
Location:
it's about a 15-minute drive to main street in galena and easy to get to
such a perfect place to unplug from regular life
this is the perfect place to stay while traveling to galena
Cleanliness:
very clean and comfortable room
Read more reviews

7. Grafton Getaway, Dow (from USD 526)

If you prefer privacy and a secluded environment without shared spaces, this rental on a spacious 23.0-acre (9.3-hectare) property is the ideal choice for you. Immerse yourself in tranquility and enjoy exclusive access to the serene pond where you can indulge in fishing.

Additionally, feel free to bring your kids as the property provides a range of amenities for their comfort and entertainment. From a highchair, toys, and games for kids to a baby gate, travel crib, and books for kids, you can rest assured that your little ones will have a delightful stay. You can bring your pet along too, but it will cost you an extra fee.

Stayed at this property?
Dow, Illinois, United States

199.1 km (123.8 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
Agritourism 26 Guests 10 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
our host brandon was there to greet us and make sure we were comfortable
owner has thought of pretty much everything needed for entertainment and relaxation
brandon was a very responsive host
brandon was extremely helpful and only a phone call away
Location:
couldn't have asked for a better location
hiking trails around the property for a nice walk
Read more reviews

8. Fabulous manor house on ranch, Elizabeth (from USD 650)

This 500.0-acre (202.3-hectare) cattle ranch also houses a commercial vineyard. Besides that, it offers a superb view of the valley. This rental offers you easy access to The Galena Territory Association. This fantastic association offers several sports facilities such as basketball and tennis courts, a pool table as well as a fitness room. There are snack shops available here too, so you can drop by whenever you want.

Moreover, the kitchen at this rental is fully equipped, so you can indulge in your favorite dishes. Also, they have a dedicated workspace in case you need it. However, do note that this accommodation is not pet-friendly.

Stayed at this property?
Elizabeth, Illinois, United States

197.11 km (122.5 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
36 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Ranch 7 Beds 12 Guests 5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 12

Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly and helpful host
owners are so responsive- they were so generous and showed us where to go on a beautiful hike
james the owner communicated well and was very easy to deal with
james was very responsive and easy to work with
Location:
beautiful location so peaceful and quiet
nice and close to galena but great to have a quiet place to stay
great location on a quiet private property surrounded by nature
Cleanliness:
everything about the house seemed clean and well-maintained
very clean huge kitchen lots of beds for guests
the farm house was clean updated and spacious
clean and beautiful property and very responsive owner
Amenities & Room:
kitchen was great even included an ice maker
very comfortable size and sleeping arrangements for 10 adults
to the right a huge kitchen that can fit 12 comfortably
updated kitchen with a bonus ice maker
Read more reviews

9. Stay at a Bison ranch, Villa Grove (from USD 182)

The best place to book this place is in winter. It’s because there is seasonal apple picking that you can enjoy. You can even stay cozy with their central heating. Besides that, the kitchen comes with everything you need to make your food without hassle.

The main draw of this place is its majestic bison. While they don’t allow parties on their premise if it’s a special occasion and you want to host an event, feel free to reach out to them beforehand.

Stayed at this property?
Villa Grove, Illinois, United States

157.88 km (98.1 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
45 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Farm stay 4 Beds 7 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 7

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and well stocked
great communication and everything was soo clean
Amenities & Room:
excellent working air conditioning as well as many ceiling fans was awesome
my kids absolutely loved the walking path and the chalkboard in the bunk bed room
Read more reviews

10. Ranch in the woods, Galena (from USD 200)

The rental offers much more than just an Instagrammable place to stay with all the cool features. On this 37.0-acre (14.9-hectare) property, you can interact with animals such as horses, alpacas, mini donkeys, and zebras. Not only that, you can even practice your river fishing skills. Or you can just go for a hike in the surrounding area.

With indoor air conditioning, a fireplace, and Wi-Fi, you can enjoy a cozy staying experience regardless of the season. Also, if you are traveling by car, the parking is free on the premises here.

Stayed at this property?
Galena, Illinois, United States

206.14 km (128.1 mi) from Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
276 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly hosts and animals
howard and gary were kind and personable hosts who made us feel comfortable and welcomed
the hosts are very friendly and good at communicating and providing suggestions for things to do
the treetops is a relaxing place the hosts were amazing and we loved feeding the zebra zeke
the alpacas and donkeys are super cute and very friendly the hosts were wonderful and very responsive
Location:
great location very relaxing
this was the perfect location so close to downtown galena but feels a million miles away
fantastic place and beautiful location
the location was beautifully secluded but only a short drive to attractions like galena cellars and main st
howard and gary made this trip wonderful this cabin is perfectly located close to town but also so remote
Cleanliness:
the cabin was clean and comfortable and the bathroom was very nice as well
the cabin was super clean comfortable and we had everything we needed
we had a great time at tree tops everything was super clean and well thought-out
clean peaceful and an enjoyable short drive to galena and some other fun spots
Amenities & Room:
it was a nice getaway for our 30th anniversary in a cozy cabin with great views
remote location which we loved because we are fans of the natural environment
Read more reviews

Enjoy an unique experience in Illinois, USA

Make your travel experience in Illinois, USA even more enjoyable by removing the worry of finding suitable accommodations. With so much to explore in the state, don’t burden yourself with unnecessary hassle. Simply choose from the options provided in the list based on your specific preferences and needs and enjoy a peaceful vacation.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anirban is a seasoned wordsmith with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking content. With over 5 years of experience, he has achieved recognition as a 3X Top Writer on Medium.com and...Read more

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