Every once in a while a travel list lands that makes even seasoned wanderers pause. In 2025, Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice named a handful of “historical bed and breakfasts” across the U.S., and a notable number of them sit squarely in the Midwest, a region often overlooked in favor of coastal or ultra-touristy destinations.
What makes these inns special is the blend of history and comfort. Many are restored mansions, once homes of industrialists or regional figures, now offering travelers a way to sleep in living history. As the Newsweek list describes, these are “old homes revived” for today’s visitors, featuring rich woodwork, stained glass windows or period features preserved with care, combined with modern touches like gourmet breakfasts, comfortable beds, and sometimes even spa-like baths.
For travelers longing for charm over cookie-cutter standardization, for story over blandness, these B&Bs offer a sense of place rooted in local heritage, where your stay becomes part of the narrative.
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Step back in time: The best historical bed and breakfasts across America
1. Laurium Manor Inn | Laurium, MI
Laurium Manor Inn claimed the top spot in Newsweek’s 2025 ranking and for good reason. This 13,000-square-foot mansion on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula was built in 1908 for wealthy copper magnates. With 45 rooms, original fireplaces, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork, it is a living museum of early 20th-century elegance.
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Things to do: Explore nearby Copper Harbor, hike along the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula trails, or tour historic mining sites. Winter travelers can enjoy snowmobiling, and summer brings kayaking and lake adventures.
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Best time to go: Late spring to early fall for warm weather and hiking, or winter for snow-covered charm and fewer crowds.
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Insider tip: Ask for a room overlooking the gardens for serene mornings and consider booking a guided history tour of the mansion itself to learn about the copper barons who once lived there.
Related: Midwest city beats out New York as one of the top food cities in the U.S.
2. Cartier Mansion | Ludington, MI
Cartier Mansion is Michigan’s second standout, a 1905 neoclassical home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With Roman brick, limestone accents, and elegant columns, the interiors are a feast of antiques and warm wood tones.
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Things to do: Take a stroll along Ludington State Park’s sandy beaches, rent a bike for a Lake Michigan shoreline ride, or explore nearby wineries.
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Best time to go: Summer and early fall for outdoor activities and lake breezes.
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Prices: Nightly rates begin at $180 for standard rooms, with specialty suites up to $350.
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Insider tip: The mansion hosts occasional wine and cheese evenings. Arrive early for breakfast to sample seasonal Michigan fruit dishes.
3. Abilene’s Victorian Inn | Abilene, KS
Abilene’s Victorian Inn is a true step back in time. The house was built in 1887 and is listed on the Kansas Historic Places register. It once belonged to the family of “Swede” Hazlett, a childhood friend of Dwight D. Eisenhower, a meaningful slice of presidential‑era history in a small Kansas town.
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Things to do: Visit the nearby Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, a must for history buffs; take a stroll or bike ride in the adjacent park; explore downtown Abilene’s antique shops and historic streets; check out the local heritage museum or catch community events.
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Best time to go: Spring through early fall brings mild weather, blooming trees, and a pleasant small‑town atmosphere. It’s also a nice time if you enjoy Americana and slower‑paced travel.
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Prices & rooms: The Inn offers six guest rooms and suites. Rates have been advertised starting as low as US$79 per night, a budget‑friendly option for travelers seeking history and comfort.
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Insider tip: Enjoy your morning coffee out on the front porch and listen for the distant train whistle to really absorb that old‑town vibe. Breakfast is served by a trained chef in a communal dining room, and the hospitality reportedly makes many feel more like visiting old friends than paying guests.
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Note of caution: Some guest reviews mention that upkeep can be variable. Historic homes require constant care, and a few guests have commented on aspects like porch furniture needing refreshment or older carpets.
4. The Ruse | Healdsburg, CA
The Ruse offers an updated take on the traditional B&B, blending cozy Victorian‑style architecture with modern luxury and amenities. It is an 11‑room inn in Healdsburg, located amid vineyards and within walking distance of downtown charm.
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Things to do: Walk to nearby wineries for tastings, explore Healdsburg Plaza for restaurants and galleries, or spend the day sampling the region’s wine‑country offerings.
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Best time to go: Late spring through early fall, which captures warm weather for poolside lounging, vineyard tours, and alfresco dining. For a quieter, more intimate vibe, shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) can offer fewer crowds and calm luxury.
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Prices & rooms: As of recent data, nightly rates for a stay at The Ruse start around US$320 (before taxes and fees) for two adults, though prices may vary by season and room type. All 11 rooms are individually furnished, many with upscale bedding, modern comforts, and a boutique‑hotel feel despite the intimate size.
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Insider tip: After a full day, return to the inn’s quiet grounds for a fire‑pit evening under the stars. For a couple’s getaway or a relaxed solo retreat, this balance of comfort and activity makes The Ruse stand out.
Related: Retirees are obsessed with this Midwest town and it’s the perfect blend of small-town life and big city fun
5. Rehoboth Guest House | Rehoboth Beach, DE
This coastal gem offers a blend of historic charm and beachside relaxation. Bright, airy rooms open onto views of quaint streets and sand dunes.
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Things to do: Walk or bike along the Rehoboth boardwalk, explore local boutiques, or rent a kayak to paddle along the coast.
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Best time to go: Summer is ideal for the beach, though spring and fall provide lower crowds and still pleasant weather.
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Prices: Rooms generally run $160 to $300 per night depending on proximity to the water.
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Insider tip: Ask for a second-floor room for breezy ocean views. For a quiet escape, visit the local farmers market and sample fresh seafood for a picnic lunch.
6. Linden Historic Bed & Breakfast | Natchez, MS
Linden Historic B&B embodies southern charm and antebellum elegance. The stately mansion and gardens give guests a window into Mississippi’s past.
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Things to do: Tour Natchez’s antebellum homes, enjoy riverboat rides on the Mississippi, or attend seasonal music and art festivals.
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Best time to go: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and flowering gardens.
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Prices: Rates range from $160 to $275 per night.
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Insider tip: Request a room with a balcony for a tranquil view of the gardens. Evening ghost tours in Natchez provide a fun, spooky local experience.
Step into southern charm at Linden Historic B&B in Natchez, Mississippi, where every balcony view tells a story.WikiCommons
Why these B&Bs stand out
Each of these inns offers more than a comfortable bed. They are immersive historical experiences where architecture, local culture, and stories of past residents become part of your stay. Travelers who prioritize atmosphere, history, and thoughtful breakfasts will find these B&Bs far more memorable than a generic hotel.
Whether you are seeking the grandeur of Laurium Manor, the lakefront charm of Cartier Mansion, coastal relaxation at Rehoboth Guest House, or southern sophistication at Linden Historic B&B, these destinations prove that in 2025, B&Bs can outshine even the grandest hotels.
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.