Log cabin getaways
Letting your children close their eyes and wake up again, cozy in a log cabin, is probably one of the best ways to let them relate to life in earlier times, particularly the life of President Abraham Lincoln.
And there are several places within an easy drive from Chicago to do just that.
Galena in northwest Illinois offers several log cabin getaways. One of the most authentic is at Allen's Log Cabin Guest House Vacation Rentals located a mile and a half from downtown Galena. This rustic retreat features five authentic log cabins from the early 1800s that have been retrofitted with amenities of today such as whirlpool tubs, central air and heat, wood-burning fireplaces, microwaves and coffee makers, flat screen televisions with DVD players, Egyptian cotton sheets and comfortable beds. All of the relocated cabins are situated on the boyhood estate of Civil War Gen. Augustus Chetlain. Children and pets are welcome in the cabins and grilling and smoking are permitted.
The cost of the four smaller cabins (for two or four people) is $179 per night weekdays and $199 per night on the weekends, with a two-night minimum stay on weekends.
The Chetlain Cabin, for up to six people, rents for $229 per night midweek and $249 on weekends with a two-night minimum. Additional charges may apply to holidays and to the fifth and sixth adults. To check availability, log onto Galena-Illinois-Lodging.com or phone (815) 777-4777.
Another log cabin experience is available nearby at the 45-acre Adventure Creek Alpaca Farm in Galena. There are 12 newer handmade log cabins surrounded by more than two miles of walking trails. They also feature all of the modern amenities, plus the fun of spending time on a working alpaca farm.
The cost is $189 to $199 per night, with a $25 charge for each extra person. The minimum stay is two nights. Call (815) 777-4200 for reservations.
You can also consider the many log cabin rentals in Brown County, Ind., southeast of Indianapolis.
A wide variety of cabins, including at least one which features a billiard table and an indoor six-person hot tub, can be rented through Hills O'Brown Vacation Rentals at (812) 988-6429. All of these cabins, like those in Galena, are equipped with the modern conveniences and most are located close to the Little Nashville Opry, Little Nashville historic artists colony and Brown County State Park.
Rental rates vary depending upon the individual cabin. For more information, log onto browncountylogcabins.com.