Historic Rose Hotel in Elizabethtown, Illinois – Oldest Operating Hotel in Illinois
We recently stayed at the Historic Rose Hotel in Elizabethtown, Illinois, and it turned out to be an incredible weekend getaway. Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest and perched high on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River, the views alone make this place worth the visit.
We spent a weekend here in October, and the scenery was beautiful. Sitting above the river, the hotel offers wide views of the water and the surrounding hills of southern Illinois.
A Piece of Illinois History
The Historic Rose Hotel holds a special place in Illinois history. Built in 1812 by James McFarland, who settled the town of Elizabethtown, it is considered the oldest operating hotel in Illinois.
The town itself was named after McFarland’s wife, Elizabeth.
Originally, the building operated as a tavern and boarding house, serving river travelers, pioneers, and locals passing through the area. In 1891, a new owner took over the property and converted it into a hotel, closing the tavern and focusing solely on lodging.
Over two centuries later, the hotel still welcomes guests looking to experience a piece of history.
Staying at the Historic Rose Hotel
This historic hotel is a wonderful place for a quiet weekend getaway. Because of its popularity and limited number of rooms, it can sometimes be difficult to book a stay.
Each room is spacious and comfortable while still maintaining the character of the historic building.
Is the Rose Hotel Haunted?
Like many historic buildings that have stood for more than two centuries, the Rose Hotel has its share of ghost stories.
With generations of riverboat passengers, pioneers, and travelers passing through its doors, tales of unexplained footsteps, voices, and lingering spirits have become part of the hotel’s history.
Paranormal investigators and adventurous guests have reported strange experiences over the years.
During our stay, however, we did not experience anything unusual — and to be honest, we weren’t looking for ghosts either.
Dining Nearby – E’Town River Restaurant
Just a short walk from the hotel is the E’Town River Restaurant, which sits on a floating barge along the Ohio River.
It’s a fun and unique place to grab a meal, especially if you enjoy southern-style catfish and river views.
A Great Basecamp for Exploring Shawnee National Forest
One of the best things about staying at the Historic Rose Hotel is its location. Sitting at the southern edge of Shawnee National Forest, it makes an excellent basecamp for exploring southern Illinois.
Many of the region’s most popular natural attractions are just a short drive away, making it easy to spend the day hiking, sightseeing, and discovering the beauty of the Shawnee Hills before returning to the hotel in the evening.
If you enjoy historic places, scenic river views, and exploring the outdoors, the Historic Rose Hotel in Elizabethtown is definitely worth checking out.
Check it out: Historic Rose Hotel
Check it out Historic Rose Hotel
