10 unique lodgings for out-of-the-ordinary stays

When planning your next vacation and looking for accommodations, trade in the typical for the unexpected. Standard hotel rooms are fine, but for more story-worthy digs, check in to any of these memorable options in the Midwest and South.

Wickliffe, Indiana

Floating cabins on Patoka Lake are a great choice for fishermen, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a different kind of getaway. Every 2- or 3-bedroom cabin has its own boat slip plus queen beds, full bathrooms, a kitchen, and a TV—in short, all the comforts of home.

Each cabin’s large deck includes a gas grill and offers a great spot for fishing and relaxing. You’ll be lulled to sleep at night by the water lapping against the cabins, which are available from April to October.

Cabin options for landlubbers include suites above the Patoka Lake Winery’s tasting room and in the 2-story attached silos. Rates for 2-bedroom floating cabins start at $299, with some weekday specials available.

Hermann, Missouri

For those seeking a tranquil stay in the woods, The Cottage delivers. While the property’s name might conjure images of adorable cabins on the ground, this tree-house bed-and-breakfast offers a more elevated experience.

Both the Sunrise Tree House and the Sunset Tree House feature sleeping lofts with queen beds surrounded by windows, and the Moonlight Tree House is wheelchair-friendly, with no stairs or ladders. A fourth option is a more traditional cabin solidly planted on terra firma.

Unlike the tree houses you might have played in as a child, these cozy cabins have bathrooms, kitchenettes, and decks with Adirondack chairs for relaxing with a cup of coffee. Homemade breakfasts await within each cabin’s fridge upon arrival. Rates start at $270.

Hannibal, Missouri

Take a step back in time at this luxury bed-and-breakfast countryside house. The historic Garth Woodside Mansion sits on 36 acres of woodlands, meadows, and gardens in legendary author Mark Twain’s hometown. Its 8 rooms drip with Victorian decor.

All rooms include a gas fireplace, and some have a whirlpool tub. You can even request the room that Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, slept in several times. Three cottages with outdoor hot tubs are also available, 2 of which accommodate 4 guests. Rates start at $200; 2-night minimum on weekends.

Ridgedale, Missouri

Tent camping isn’t considered luxurious, unless you’re talking about the glamping tents at Camp Long Creek, which is part of Big Cedar Lodge. These canvas tents feature wood floors, a king-size bed, a chandelier, and a private bathroom with a shower. Unlike most tents, where your comfort is subject to the whims of the weather, these units feature heating and air-conditioning.

Some tents overlook Table Rock Lake, while others offer views of the surrounding Ozark forestland. Soak in a private outdoor tub, and on cool nights, warm up next to a firepit. Camp Long Creek also has a zero-entry infinity pool, a marina, and a vintage Airstream trailer that serves breakfast and lunch seasonally. Rates start at $460 with a daily resort fee of $35.

Makanda, Illinois

Situated within the Shawnee National Forest and on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Rocky Comfort Cabins are big on personality. Two of the options, The Cove and The Hollow, are earthen shelter cabins complete with hobbit-style round doors and grass-covered roofs. Take in bucolic views through the bedroom and living room windows. Relax in your patio’s hot tub with a glass of wine.

Or book the Creole Cabin, featuring French Creole architectural accents, vaulted ceilings, and plenty of romantic ambience. It also has its own private covered hot tub. Each cabin has a full kitchen and indoor gas fireplace. Rates start at $199.

Vilonia, Arkansas

Once the home of a Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile, Titan Ranch is now a 3,500-square-foot vacation home for up to 6 guests. This one-of-a-kind lodging experience in a former nuclear missile complex is located completely underground.

To get in, you descend several flights of stairs. From the landing, the master bedroom is up one level, while the kitchen, living room, and theater are down a flight. A second bedroom with 2 queen beds is located in an open area.

The 2-bathroom facility has modern appliances and amenities, including a 144-inch HDTV and a large kitchen. A guided tour is included with your stay. Rates start at $370 plus a one-time $85 cleaning fee.

Sometime this spring, the property plans to unveil a 103-foot-long replica Titan II missile aboveground that will also welcome guests. Laying on its side, the 540-square-foot space is set to include a master bedroom, 2 twin Murphy beds, a kitchenette, and 2 bathrooms. Rates are expected to start at $275 plus a one-time $85 cleaning fee.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Situated within a scenic valley, The Nest of Hot Springs will have you movin’ on up to a deluxe treetop in the sky. The safari tent boasts luxury and comfort inside and out. With a king-size bed, a sofa bed, and a modern kitchen, this uniquely designed lodging is perfect for up to 4 guests.

Take in breathtaking views through the bedroom and living room’s panoramic windows, including from a soaking tub. Outside, relax on teak furniture on the deck overlooking the valley. Fire up the outdoor grill, then serve dinner alfresco at the large dining table just a few feet away. Other outdoor amenities include a hot tub and a shower.

The same host offers 2 similar but larger tent properties in Hot Springs called the Bluebird House and the Wren House. Rates start at $335; 2-night minimum.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Over the past 120-plus years, this Queen Anne Victorian building has played several roles. Upon opening in 1902, it was a neighborhood jail, later becoming a library and a community center. Now restored into a charming boutique hotel with lots of exposed brick, the Inn at the Old Jail is a quaint spot for an overnight stay. Some rooms are named after New Orleans Police Department figures.

French furnishings from the 19th century are paired with luxurious amenities and modern comfort throughout the 9 rooms. The smallest one, The Cage, features a shower room constructed out of an overnight “drunk tank.” You can relax in a courtyard or on the rooftop terrace. And unlike prisoners of yesteryear, you may not want to leave. Rates start at $209.

Delhi, Louisiana

You can find rustic cabins in nearly 20 Louisiana State Parks, but none quite like the options at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, which seem to float over the 2,700-acre lake. Sitting on stilts, the 2-bedroom cabins have a bathroom, a full kitchen, and a living area.

The best place to be, however, is the deck: Drop a fishing line or greet the day with a cup of coffee while relaxing in a rocking chair. Rates start at $150.

There’s a short nature trail in the park, located in the state’s northeast corner. For additional outdoor experiences, visit the nearby Poverty Point World Heritage Site, which preserves earthworks from an ancient Native American civilization.

Follow a 2.6-mile hiking trail to see the park’s wonders, including a massive 72-foot-tall mound. A museum displays artifacts discovered at the site, including projectile points, beads, and small clay figurines.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Providing a great way to decompress just blocks from the beach, the 4 modern cabins at the Beatnik are all about relaxing and recharging. Uncommon amenities like private outdoor showers complement the shared plunge pool and firepit.

With decor inspired by the beatnik culture of the 1950s and ’60s, this place is a modern version of a motor court. Architecture buffs will appreciate the clean lines and midcentury vibe, and it’s a great base from which to explore the colorful and artsy appeal of this Southern beach town. Rates start at $250.

Debra Pamplin is a freelance writer from Folkston, Georgia.