Have you ever stayed overnight in a historic church? Savanna Haven in Savanna, Illinois, gives travelers the chance to sleep beneath soaring ceilings and colorful stained-glass windows inside a beautifully converted church just two blocks from downtown and the Mississippi River. The property keeps so much of its original character while adding all the comforts of a modern vacation rental. It may honestly be one of the most unique places we have ever stayed!
Disclosure: A huge thank you to Savanna Haven for hosting our stay. As always, all opinions are my own. Read full disclosure policy here.
Getting Started at Savanna Haven
Located in a quiet neighborhood in Savanna, Illinois, the converted church is only about two blocks from the city’s historic downtown and the Mississippi River. Parking was easy with plenty of street parking available.
No one in the family had any clue where we were staying, so imagine their surprise when we pulled up, found easy street parking, and realized it was a church! The building was easy to spot, and the surprise reveal made arriving even more fun.
Before our stay, I was in communication with Beth, the owner, and she was very responsive throughout the entire process. She made everything feel easy from the start, including check-in. We received our smart-lock code ahead of time, entered it at the front door, and walked right in with no issues.
Pro Tip: There is also a ramp for handicap accessibility, which is helpful if you are traveling with someone who needs it. It would also make bringing in a wagon, stroller, or luggage a little easier.
About the Hosts
Savanna Haven is part of Haven Vacation Homes, a family-owned vacation-rental company operated by Beth and her family. They also host several unique vacation homes in Galena and have years of experience as highly rated hosts.
Beth told me she happened upon the Savanna Haven listing while already hosting in Galena. When she first walked inside, she immediately felt a sense of peace. After praying about the decision, she felt called to purchase it and create a retreat where guests could rest and reconnect.
The church itself dates back to the 1880s and was once an Episcopal church. A few original pieces remain, including the pulpit, some pews, and the beautiful stained-glass windows. It was interesting to see that some of the windows include names of people connected to Savanna’s past.
The family has created a place where travelers can rest, reconnect, and explore everything Savanna and the surrounding Driftless Area have to offer.
Bedrooms
Savanna Haven has three bedrooms, all about the same size and each with a queen-size bed, side tables, and a white-noise machine. The basic setup is similar in each room, but every bedroom has its own color scheme and personality. The three queen beds worked out really well for our family of five and gave everyone plenty of space to sleep comfortably. We let the kids pick their favorite rooms first, which may have led to a little arguing before everyone finally made a decision!
What really made the bedrooms special were the stained-glass windows. Each room has its own, and I loved waking up to the morning light shining through the colorful glass. It is such a unique detail and another reminder that you’re sleeping inside a beautifully converted church rather than a typical vacation rental.
The Bathrooms
Savanna Haven has one full bathroom and a half bathroom. The full bathroom features a rain shower and includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, towels, and other basic necessities. They even had extra toothbrushes available in case anyone forgot one, which was such a thoughtful touch. Although it was a little tight, it was clean, well-stocked, and worked well for our family of five. Having the additional half bathroom was especially helpful when several of us were getting ready at the same time.
Common Areas
One thing we loved about Savanna Haven was how much room there was to spread out while still feeling like we were all together. The main living area is large and open, but all of the different seating areas made it feel cozy instead of empty.
The L-shaped couch quickly became our favorite gathering spot. At the end of the night, we would all pile onto the couch, relax, and watch a movie together. The jewel-tone decor, exposed beams, and colorful stained-glass windows made the entire space feel warm and inviting.
There are also smaller cozy spots tucked throughout the church. One of my favorites was the little reading nook with most comfortable reclining chairs, books, and a small indoor fountain. It was such a peaceful place to sit and relax away from the main gathering area.
I really liked that even with the open floor plan, there were plenty of places to find your own little corner. You could curl up with a book, play a game, watch a movie, or just hang out together.
Music and Entertainment
One of the best things about Savanna Haven? There is so much to do without even leaving the house! The owners really thought of everything when it came to keeping guests entertained between adventures.
My music-loving son immediately gravitated toward the piano and could barely be pulled away from it. I think that was one of the first moments when he realized just how cool this stay was. We also found a mandolin, harp, vinyl record player, and even a karaoke microphone. Another favorite was the mini arcade filled with classic games. And yes, we definitely spent some time trying to beat the Galaga high score!
There were plenty of quieter options too, including books, colored pencils, and a huge selection of board games. There is even a poker table, which would be perfect for a family game night.
The Kitchen and Dining Area
One of the biggest advantages of staying in a vacation home is having access to a full kitchen, and Savanna Haven had just about everything we could want or need. The kitchen includes a full-size refrigerator and freezer, gas stovetop, oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, blender, cookware, baking supplies, dishes, utensils, a Keurig, and even a crockpot. Yes, everything!
I especially loved the cute plates, silverware, ceramic pots and pans. These were some of the little decorative touches that showed just how thoughtfully everything had been selected.
The spacious dining table had enough room for our family of five. I loved the mix of original church pews and modern acrylic chairs. It was another perfect example of how the property blended historic character with modern style.
The Private Backyard and Hot Tub
Behind the church is a private, fully fenced backyard, which was such a nice bonus. There was plenty of room for the kids to hang out, and since the property is dog-friendly, the fenced yard would be especially convenient if you’re traveling with your pup. It has everything a family could want – a table and dining area, propane grill, firepit with seating, and, best of all, a private hot tub. And yes, even though it was over 90 degrees during our stay, every single one of us still ended up in the hot tub!
One of my favorite moments was actually early in the morning. I grabbed my coffee and sat outside on the patio while everyone else was still sleeping. It was so quiet and peaceful and honestly the perfect way to start the day.
I can only imagine how cozy this backyard would be during a cooler fall evening. Pair the hot tub and firepit with a day of hiking and taking in the fall colors at nearby Mississippi Palisades State Park, and I think a fall stay here would be pretty amazing.
Perfect Location
One of our favorite things about Savanna Haven was the location. It is only about two blocks from historic downtown Savanna, so we could easily walk to shops, restaurants, and coffee. My personal favorite was being able to walk over to The Novel Bloom, an adorable coffee shop, bookstore, and flower shop. Seriously, it is SO cute!
Having Sullivan’s Foods and Dollar General within walking distance was also a lifesaver. Since we cooked several meals during our stay, it was so convenient when we needed extra dinner ingredients, more snacks, or one of those things you inevitably forget to pack.
My husband and I also love running when we travel, so being close to the Mississippi Riverfront was a huge plus. We could wake up, head toward the river, and run along the Great River Bike Trail with views of the Mississippi along the way.
The location really gave us the best of both worlds. We were close enough to walk downtown for coffee, food, and quick errands, but also just a short drive from some of the area’s best outdoor adventures. Mississippi Palisades State Park is nearby and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, overlooks, and some incredible views of the Mississippi River.
Savanna also makes a great home base for exploring more of the region. We took day trips to places like Fulton and nearby Thomson, and you could easily venture farther to Galena, Dubuque, or Clinton, Iowa (hello Dambo trolls!). There is so much to explore within an easy drive!
Read more about searching for Dambo Trolls in Clinton, Iowa.
Tips to Enjoy Savanna Haven
- The three bedrooms are loft-style and open toward the vaulted ceiling, so sound and light may travel between rooms.
- Linens, beach towels, cookware, basic seasonings, a Keurig, cleaning supplies, and a washer and dryer are provided.
- The Wi-Fi was strong, and the air conditioning worked very well during the heatwave.
- There is a ramp at the entrance and one step into the kitchen and dining area.
- Train tracks are nearby, but we barely noticed them. White-noise machines are provided in each bedroom.
- Quiet hours begin at 10 p.m.
- We had a little trouble getting the firepit to work, but Beth was quick to respond and help.
- Savanna Haven welcomes pets, and the fully fenced yard makes it an especially convenient option for families traveling with a dog. Guests should confirm current pet fees, limits, and rules directly with the host before booking.
Final Thoughts on Savanna Haven
If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Northwest Illinois, Savanna Haven is one to add to your list. It worked especially well for our family of five, and the kids had plenty to keep them entertained. Honestly, the photos did not do it justice!
Sleeping inside a restored historic church surrounded by stained glass and soaring ceilings is memorable on its own. Add three bedrooms, a full kitchen, family entertainment, a fenced backyard, and a private hot tub, and you have such a fun home base for exploring Savanna and the surrounding area.
We would absolutely recommend Savanna Haven and would stay again! I would especially love to return in the fall and pair it with hiking at Mississippi Palisades State Park. Be sure to tell Beth and the Haven Vacation Homes family that O the Places We Go sent you!
NITTY GRITTY
Property: Savanna Haven, also listed as Unique Church Stay or Savanna Church
Website: https://www.havenvacationhomes.com/savanna-haven-orp5b72d64x
Parking: Street parking
Check-in: 4 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m.
