If you’re like us, a hotel is more than just a place to stay—we seek the best of the best without spending all of our monthly paycheck.
This means conducting thorough research before booking, looking for a location that feels like a home away from home—seeping with historic architecture, charming decor, and exceptional service, among other factors.
Fortunately, we don’t have to travel far to find such a place. Tucked away in Lake Forest, there is a 57-room inn that serves as an exquisite getaway for out-of-town guests and locals alike.
Deer Path Inn named the No. 1 resort in the Midwest
Deer Path Inn feels like you’ve been transported to a European villa, which makes sense because it’s modeled after a 15th-century English manor house in Kent, England.
For over 100 years, this establishment has been an integral part of the North Shore’s cultural fabric. By combining tradition with modernity, this notable Illinois destination fuses comfort and charm, and according to Travel + Leisure, it’s also the best resort in the Midwest.
From the moment you step through the manor house doors and spot the wellies lining the wall, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to an English countryside estate.
Each year, thousands of Travel + Leisure readers vote for their favorite cities, islands, hotels, and more. In the 2026 awards, Deer Path Inn won the No. 1 spot as the best resort in the Midwest.
