Travel + Leisure Readers’ 5 Favorite Resorts in the Midwest of 2025

Midwestern getaways are having a moment, thanks to properties that pair regional character with luxurious amenities, in pretty stunning settings. Whether you crave historic charm on Lake Forest’s tree-lined streets or an immersive wilderness adventure in the Ozarks, this year’s reader-voted resorts in the region deliver unforgettable experiences and thoughtful service. Read on to discover the resorts that travelers to the Midwest are choosing as their temporary home away from home.

• How Voting Works

  Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

  Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

  • Rooms/facilities
  • Location
  • Service
  • Food
  • Value

  For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

Guests flocked to Big Cedar Lodge (No. 4) for an authentically rustic experience. But don’t worry, there are plenty of upscale touches to ensure a remarkable stay. “We have been going to Big Cedar for a dozen years. This place is everything you want from a beautiful visit to the Ozarks,” one reader shared. They praised the “excellent activities” like boating on Table Rock Lake, walking the hills on beautiful paths, and enjoying the incredible spa.

Readers also praised the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (No. 5) for its family-friendly amenities. “The Grand Geneva Resort provides the perfect balance for families seeking to have their children engaged and entertained, and the parents having their desires for excellent food, drinks, and service,” one traveler noted. “Quality, elegance, cleanliness, and luxury are not compromised in the least. Everyone in the family left fulfilled! We plan on coming back every year!”

Once again, Deer Path Inn held on to its title from 2024 as the number one spot in the Midwest for your next outdoorsy stay.

The Winner

Deer Path Inn: Lake Forest, Illinois

The Tudor-Revival landmark, first the home of Colonel William Sage Johnston, was turned into a hotel in 1929 and has been charming guests ever since. The inn blends English-style hospitality with modern comforts, all nestled in the heart of Lake Forest’s historic district, just a quick train ride from downtown Chicago. There are 57 rooms, three dining venues, a legendary afternoon tea in the Garden Courtyard, and plush lounges where guests can kick back and relax all day. In addition to the setting, it’s the people who make Deer Path stand out. “Beautiful Inn with wonderful staff,” one reader shared. “They make you feel at home from the moment you enter. Excellent dining options, too!” Just make sure that during your getaway, you stay awake long enough to enjoy the property’s signature nightly milk and cookies.

The Full List

Deer Path Inn: Lake Forest, Illinois
Reader score: 96.94

Grand Hotel: Mackinac Island, Michigan
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 88.16

American Club Resort Hotel: Kohler, Wisconsin
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader score: 88.12

Big Cedar Lodge: Ridgedale, Missouri
Reader score: 84.00

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Reader score: 83.89