Right before the pandemic hit, I was planning a trip to Venice Beach, Calif. I began looking for some unique homes on Airbnb and I found a couple of spots that were just perfect. They were only a few feet from the beach. Then the pandemic hit in March. I haven't traveled anywhere in over a year. I haven't even taken a proper staycation. So I decided to stay in bed one weekend and search Airbnb for homes in Wisconsin that would make a perfect getaway this spring.
Below I only share my top 10 picks from my saved lists, which you can view here and here.
Still Bend/Frank Lloyd Wright's Schwartz House
6 guests, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths | $489/night
What better way to enjoy a getaway in Wisconsin by staying a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? The Still Bend/Bernard Schwartz House was Life Magazine's "Dream House" from 1938 and is located on the East Twin River about a mile from Lake Michigan. The house is about 90 minutes north of Milwaukee.
WWII Submarine U.S.S. Cobia in Manitowoc
16 guests, 6 bedrooms, 65 beds, 3 baths | $500/night
Is a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright too fancy for you? Did 2020 feel like you were underwater? How about spending a few nights in a WWII submarine. Take a trip to Manitowoc and enjoy the "luxury" of the U.S.S. Cobia. The sub sleeps up to 65 people in sailors' bunks. U.S.S. Cobia is part of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
Big red barn with a basketball court in Cedarburg
8 guests, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath | $250/night
I have always wonder what would it be like to sleep in barn. This barn in Cedarburg features all the creature comforts that you are use to plus a basketball court inside. In a past life this barn used to serve as a dairy barn and it also features a wraparound deck that over looks acres of wetlands. And after a nice game of horse, why not relax in the wood-burning sauna.
Off-Grid Inn 
Off-Grid Inn
Off-Gird Inn in Fall Creek,Wisconsin
3 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bath | $212/night
Need a smaller space and somewhere a little more remote? Check out this tiny house from Off-Grid Inn located in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. You will be right in the middle of the forest but still have access to the conveniences of life like WiFi, a bathroom, heated blankets and more. This for the person that is camping-curious but doesn't really want to be sleeping outdoors with the insects and critters (like me).
A chalet on the shore in Door County
10 guests, 3 bedrooms, 6 beds, 2 baths | $400/night
I have lived in Wisconsin now for over 14 years and I still have yet to visit Door County. This Chalet would be perfect spot to enjoy all the wonders of Sturgeon Bay. Located right along the water, this home features a large patio, a full pier with a 15 foot row-boat and three kayaks, a shoreside fire pit and large grill for use. I wonder what kind of fish you can catch in the bay. Oh wait, let me guess: sturgeon.
Fisher Cat Creek Forest Retreat in Osseo, Wisconsin
5 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath | $103/night
Do you really want to get away from civilization aka social media and Zoom meetings? Well, this cabin is for you. Located a little under four hours northwest of Milwaukee, this cabin has the barebone essentials. Electricity comes from batteries, the sun or maybe a generator. You will need to pump your own fresh water. Luckily, a five-gallon jug is provided. The bathroom is an outdoor commode. Did I mention, no WiFi?
Farmhouse with pond in Oostburg, Wisconsin
15 guests, 5 bedrooms, 7 beds, 3.5 baths | $413/night
This farmhouse, surrounded by 40 acres of farmland, could be great for work retreat or a huge family. Not only is there a pond on-site, but there are basketball and volleyball courts, too. There is also row boats available to use on the pond. If you are a golf fan, 20 minutes way you will find Kohler golf courses. For those who don't like the outdoors, the farmhouse includes cocktail lounge overlooking the pond and a large bar in the loft space.
Boat Bungalow in Sturgeon Bay
5 guests, 1 bed, half bath | $111/night
Was the submarine a little too much for you? How spending some time in a 1976 30-foot sailboat in Sturgeon Bay? Amenities include access to bathrooms and showers, on sight gas grills and outdoor pool use. It's walking distance to 3rd Avenue shops, bars, parks and breweries.
Yurt hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs in Hartland Wisconsin
8 guests, 8 beds, 1 bath | $115/night
I never heard of the term Yurt until I started looking for places on Airbnb. This yurt is located in 300+ acres of forest wetlands within Camp Whitcomb/Mason, which happens to be the oldest Boys & Girls Clubs summer camp in the nation.
Tiny House on a private lake in Chetek, Wisconsin
2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath | $150/night
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, I would suggest this cozy but modern tiny house located on 100+ acres of mixed hardwood forest and glacially carved lakes. You also have access to hiking trails and a lovely view of the lake.
