This Hobbit House Airbnb in Illinois Feels Straight Out of Middle Earth

Hobbit-Inspired Getaway in Illinois Feels Straight Out of Middle Earth

This past winter, I found this really fun cooking brand called Rhubarb and Lavender. They create meals inspired by literature and movies. When they launched a winter series based on the food of Middle Earth, I was instantly taken back to my college days when I could not wait for each new Lord of the Rings movie to hit theaters.

Lord of the Rings Nostalgia Hit Hard

Being an 80s kid, the 1977 animated movie The Hobbit scared me to death, so when the first Lord of the Rings film came out, I was skeptical.

But I always loved Elijah Wood, so I gave it a chance and ended up loving it.

I could not wait to try the recipes, so I planned a cooking and watch party with my daughter. We made most of the dishes, and I introduced her to the world of hobbits, elves, wizards, and the Ring. She powered through the trilogy with me, which is no small task in one week. I had the best time reliving the adventure. It had been almost (cough) twenty years since I last watched it! And, all the special effects still hold up perfectly.

The Algorithm Led Me to a Hobbit House in Illinois

Since I was suddenly back in my Lord of the Rings era, the algorithm started showing me all kinds of themed content. One of those gems was a charming Airbnb in historic Nauvoo called the Nauvoo Halfling House.

Inside the Nauvoo Halfling House

This bermed home is tucked into a hillside in a small wooded glen, making it feel like something straight out of the Shire. It is the perfect stay for anyone wanting to unplug, connect with nature, or spend a weekend living like a hobbit.

The rental offers four bedrooms and sleeps up to ten guests comfortably. The host also encourages guests to explore the property, wander the woods, and enjoy the streams nearby.

According to their Airbnb page, the woods are natural and rustic, so guests should be prepared for thick undergrowth, thorny honey locust trees, ivy, and uneven terrain. Long pants and sturdy shoes are a smart idea if you plan to roam.

More to Do in Nauvoo, Illinois

The Halfling House alone could justify the six-hour drive, but the town of Nauvoo adds even more charm.

According to local tourism sources, visitors can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, wine tasting at area wineries, 1840s-style games and activities, charming local shops, local dining, interactive attractions, more than 20 museums, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.

Suggested Weekend Itinerary:

Day One: Arrive in Nauvoo
Leave early and make the scenic drive into Nauvoo. Check into the Halfling House, unpack, and take time to explore the property.

Wander the wooded grounds, enjoy the quiet setting, and settle into your own little slice of the Shire. For lunch or an easy dinner, stop by Lock 19 for burgers, sandwiches, and hand-cut fries, or grab a casual bite at The Red Front.

End the night with a cozy Lord of the Rings movie marathon, board games, or stargazing outside the house.

Day Two: Explore Historic Nauvoo
Start the morning with coffee and breakfast at the house, then head into town to visit the Historic Nauvoo South Visitors' Center. This is a great first stop to learn the town’s history and plan the rest of your day.

Spend the afternoon exploring Nauvoo’s historic streets, museums, restored buildings, and shops. If you enjoy something a little different, stop by The Flood Museum.

Later, cross into nearby Iowa for a tasting at Christian Herschler Winery, a unique winery housed in a restored limestone home. Return to Nauvoo for dinner and a relaxing evening back at the Halfling House.

Day Three: Slow Morning and Head Home
Enjoy one last peaceful morning tucked into the hillside. Take a short walk around the property, sip coffee outside, and soak in the quiet before packing up. If time allows, stop in town for one more stroll or souvenir before beginning the drive home.

Bonus Road Trip Add On
If you want to stretch the getaway, Nauvoo also works well as an overnight stop on the way to Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, or Minneapolis.

Nauvoo is not especially close to a major city, but it makes a great stop if you are headed toward Cedar Rapids or Minneapolis. Or, you can simply hop in the car and treat yourself to a road trip somewhere new.