IL Summer Vacation: Best Airbnbs For Local Getaways

ILLINOIS — Summer vacation is like a light at the end of the tunnel of cold and dreary Chicago winters.

Sometimes, the whole trip might revolve around where you'll stay for the vacation. And if not, then you'll have a neat place to rest your head.

To get you inspired, Patch compiled a list of eight unique Airbnbs available in Illinois for this summer's family-friendly, romantic or solo trips.

Entire house with private beach and kayaks

Summer is all about the beach, and at this three-bedroom house in Havana, the beach is all yours. The property, called "The Havana Cabana," sits on Dierker Lake and has private access to a sandy beach. Guests have use of three adult kayaks, one double kayak and one child kayak as well as a pedal boat.

• Price: $270 per night
• Rating: 4.95 stars
• Amenities include a fire pit, a hammock, lake floaties, a grill, fishing equipment, beach chairs and an in-unit washer and dryer.

Cottage overlooking private woods

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway from a busy life and crowded city, this cabin in Oregon is sure to provide calm and tranquility. Sitting on six acres of woodland, the house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and thoughtful interior design with vintage finds and colorful artwork.

If you need extra space, the property is also home to a guesthouse that sleeps two, and it can be added to the booking for an extra fee.

• Price: $265 per night
• Rating: 4.94 stars
• Amenities include a stocked kitchen (no microwave), working fireplace, outdoor fire pit, in-unit washer and dryer, a record player, TV with streaming services, board games and children's toys.

Silo on a canal

Is it a vacation in Illinois if you're not residing in a silo? With so much farmland, locals are bound to get creative and transform a storage container for grain into a livable space. In North Utica, a silo and house were converged to feature a one-bedroom and one-bathroom space accessible from a bright yellow door.

Located on the edge of a hayfield, the house, which is attached to a silo, is perfect for deer- and chicken-watching and some peace and quiet. The property is also three blocks away from town.

• Price: $114 per night
• Rating: 4.92 stars
• Amenities include a kitchenette, books, board games, air conditioning, a shared backyard and parking.

Timber house that benefits animal rescue

This tiny house in Princeton is ideal for those who want to camp but not actually "camp." The 12-foot-by-12-foothouse is located amid 10 acres of timber and doesn't have electricity, running water or an indoor bathroom (you'll use an outhouse) — a level up from traditional camping experiences.

By staying at Dana's Retreat, you're also benefiting 2nd Hand Ranch and Rescue, a wildlife rescue center operated by the Airbnb owners, as 100 percent of the fee will benefit the business. Guests are invited daily to help owners feed the animals.

The house is near the Hennepin Canal, Hennepin Hopper Lake and the Wetlands Initiative waterfowl refuge — ideal for canoeing, kayaking or sunset watching.

• Price: $140 per night
• Rating: 5.0 stars
• Amenities include a queen sleeper sofa, two loft beds, a cordless fan and LED lighting, a gas grill and one bundle of free firewood. Pet friendly.

The Caboose on Mayberry

Lovers of trains are going to love this: In Oreana, you can stay in a one-bedroom caboose from the mid-1900s. The train car is updated to modern standards, but owners made "every effort" to preserve its original elements during its renovation.

The caboose houses a queen-size bed, a dinette and an indoor bathroom complete with monogrammed robes and Egyptian cotton sheets. It's located near Lake Decatur.

• Price: $199 per night
• Rating: 5.0 stars
• Amenities include a private fire pit with a supply of firewood, Adirondack chairs, books, board games, wifi and a Bluetooth radio.

A-frame cabin in the Galena countryside

Galena is a beloved destination for weekend getaways in Illinois, and a fun way to experience it could be to stay in a cute A-frame in the countryside just outside the town.

Known as the Owl A-Frame, the house has a bathroom and kitchen on the first floor and a bedroom on the second. Up to four guests can stay here.

Previous guests said it's a "perfect retreat and escape" and described it as "peaceful and private."

• Price: $220 per night
• Rating: 4.97 stars
• Amenities include portable air conditioning, cooking and dinnerware basics, a private backyard, a fit pit and a BBQ grill.

Houseboat in East Peoria

What if you stayed on the water for a few days? At this houseboat in East Peoria, you can. Situated on Peoria Lake, the floating home can accommodate up to four guests with its two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Guests will access the modern house on the dock using a direct walkway and can make use of the lake with kayaks provided by the owners.

• Price: $256 per night
• Rating: 4.93 stars
• Amenities include air conditioning, a TV and sound system, board games, an indoor fireplace, a kitchen with cooking and dinnerware basics, a BBQ grill and an outdoor dining area.

Artists' eclectic apartment in Chicago

While most think of the Loop when Chicago comes to mind, most locals will tell you it's best experienced from other parts of the city. In comes this beautiful apartment lovingly decorated by two artists.

Located on a quiet street in Logan Square, the second-floor apartment in a classic Chicago two-flat has three bedrooms and is good for families or groups of friends. The space is adorned with vintage and modern decor, local art, mid-century and Polish folk items, and Peruvian textiles.

The home is within walking distance of popular restaurants, vibrant bars and a plethora of activities and events.

• Price: $171 per night
• Rating: 4.89 stars
• Amenities include a hammock, shared backyard, laundry machines, shared laundry room, fully stocked kitchen, TV with streaming services and fast internet.