You can’t have a group tour without finding a place to call home base. Sure—group tours are all about the sights and experiences. But who says your group’s hotel can’t be a part of those experiences? In some cases, the place where your guests lay their heads at night can prove to be just as fascinating as the attractions they visit during the daytime.
Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, recognizes 315 historic hotels across the United States—but that doesn’t account for the thousands of historic properties that don’t officially make the list. These storied buildings and businesses can be found in every region, but the Midwest is home to several iconic spots your group won’t want to skip.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is home to The Pfister Hotel, open since The Romanesque Revival-style building was designed to incorporate then-groundbreaking features like fireproofing, electricity all throughout the building, and its own power plant and individual thermostats in each room. Art is on full display at The Pfister, as guests are immediately greeted with an ornate fresco sprawling across the lobby ceiling, marble columns, and antique furniture. Recent renovations at The Pfister only enhanced the elevated sophistication of the property. The hotel is able to accommodate large groups and events, making it an unforgettable place to stay in Wisconsin’s largest city.
“Celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, The Pfister is the crown jewel of Milwaukee,” says Michael Evans, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “For generations, The Pfister has been the hotel of choice for presidents, poets, performers, and hall of famers. It has served as the trusted backdrop to red-carpet events, history-making announcements, as well as countless galas, weddings, meetings, reunions, and more. With these renovations, we are blending our celebrated history and traditions with contemporary refinements, fresh aesthetics, and enhanced amenities that will result in The Pfister’s continuation as a Milwaukee and national icon for generations to come.”
Credit: The Pfister
Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, in Chicago, Illinois, was originally built as a wedding gift from Potter Palmer to Bertha Honore Palmer in 1871. After burning down only 13 days after its grand opening in the Great Chicago Fire, the hotel was rebuilt and reopened in 1873. The current structure was redone yet again in 1923. Palmer House was the first hotel to incorporate the light bulb, telephone, and the vertical steam lift—otherwise known as the elevator. It also is the surprising birthplace of a classic sweet treat: the brownie.
Today, guests at the hotel can enjoy an expansive collection of impressionist art, gather where stars like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland visited, and sample the landmark dessert that calls the hotel home. The property features multiple dining and imbibing options, including Lockwood Restaurant, Lockwood Lobby Bar, Lockwood Express market, and Potter’s Bar.
In French Lick, Indiana, French Lick Springs Hotel was established in 1845. The hotel features 442 guest rooms, casual and fine dining options, and easy access to child-friendly activities, walking trails, formal gardens, and both an indoor and outdoor pool. The Beaux Arts-style turn-of-the-century resort underwent a full $600 million renovation in 2006, restoring it to its original glory.
The hotel, a part of French Lick Resort, also offers guests access to The Stables at French Lick Resort, home to 27 horses; live musical performances; The Spa at French Lick; several golf courses; and an on-site casino. For a time, French Lick Springs Hotel operated as the unofficial headquarters for the Democratic National Committee. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt campaigned there prior to his election in 1932.
Hotel Blackhawk, an Autograph Collection hotel, originally opened in Davenport, Iowa, in 1915. The property underwent a $46 million renovation in 2010. Leisure and group travelers are offered specialized rates and a myriad of weekend packages that combine each stay with visits to local cultural institutions. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, next to Adler Theater and River Center, and two blocks from Figge Art Museum.
Since 1899, the Hotel Perry has stood as a quintessential Petoskey, Michigan, landmark. As the only hotel in downtown Petoskey, Hotel Perry offers proximity to local businesses and direct access to the picturesque Lake Michigan waterfront. Old-world grandeur and panoramic views meet first-class service and modern amenities at Hotel Perry. The rooms are tastefully decorated with antique-style furniture, and ADA-accommodating spaces are available. The hotel even works with group tours, making your Petoskey visit easier and more enjoyable for every one of your travelers.
In Minnesota’s capital city, The Saint Paul Hotel offers a stay steeped in both history and luxury. The property opened in 1910 and has since hosted guests ranging from foreign royalty to notorious gangsters. Prior to its official opening, the building was previously owned by John Summers, who opened his home to guests from all over the world in 1856, eventually naming the 60-room property Greenman House. Greenman House was destroyed by fire in 1878, then reconstructed into something larger and more modern that same year—and renamed The Windsor. After a brief stint as an arcade and theater in the late 1800s, The Saint Paul Hotel was born.
For groups looking to stay in a place that offers a little bit of European flair, look no further than Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center in Newbury, Ohio. This Tudor-style manor boasts a 150-acre glacial lake right in its backyard, miles of beautiful trails, and a cabin-like atmosphere suitable for all seasons. Originally constructed in 1925 and remodeled in 1956, the property is named after Lemuel Punderson, Newbury’s first permanent settler, and features views of Punderson State Park. The hotel has unique packages available for groups of all types, featuring seasonal events and other offers.
Whether booking a grand city landmark or charming lakeside retreat, the Midwest’s historic hotels prove that where you stay can be just as impactful as where you go and what you see. These properties blend layered heritage with modern comfort, offering travelers not only a place to rest but also an immersive experience filled with stories, architecture, and timeless character. By choosing accommodations that reflect the region’s past and personality, tour planners can elevate every itinerary.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: The Saint Paul Hotel, St. Paul, Minnesota; Credit: Visit Saint Paul
