Donna and Amber knew it was time for a mother-daughter trip, and living in two different cities meant they’d need a bit more coordination to make it happen. Luckily for them, the halfway point between St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, IL is just a drive on I-55 to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.

With just a short drive for each of them, they experienced Vrooman Mansion for the first time and the abundant sunshine that makes the Julia Vrooman Suite glow. 

It’s time. Plan the mother-daughter trip. The sister trip. The friend trip. The trip with your granddaughter. Experiences and memories are the best gifts, and sometimes they even start annual traditions.

Read more about Donna & Amber’s experience and favorite moments from their stay. Then check availability and continue building memories together when you book history, and choose to stay in a mansion.

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Mother Daughter Guest Review from St. Louis & Chicago

Wow! What a beautiful place! This was a girls day trip for my Mom’s birthday and we couldn’t have picked a better place.

She lives in St. Louis, and I live near Chicago so I searched for something in between to meet. Perfect!

We love history & the tour & info was just awesome! SO much better than just grabbing some hotel! They really LOVE what they do here- done with love and it shows! Nothing was “skimped” on. The bedding was so comfy even!

That’s it, I’m moving IN!

Hehe – moral of the story – it’s perfect.

Amber – LaPorte, IN
Donna – Waterloo, IL

 

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The Julia Vrooman Suite

Located on the second floor at the end of the hallway, the Julia Vrooman Suite is the ideal spot for any guest. Sunlight pours through the south and west windows, making the room glow. Just outside your door is the coveted coffee closet filled with endless complimentary drinks and snacks for your stay. And the back stairs lead down to the kitchen, whose breakfast smells will make their way to you in the morning, beckoning you to indulge.

With a queen size bed and two chairs perfect for late night conversation, you’ll quickly realize like Donna and Amber did, why this suite is a favorite of so many. The rich blues and warm browns are both lively and comforting.

Vintage Decor + Moderna Amenities

Attached to the Julia Vrooman Suite you’ll find a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, vintage pedestal sink and antique pull chain toilet. For added comfort, open the closet and borrow our luxurious bath robes. Plus each bathroom at the mansion is equipped with a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion to make your travel packing simpler. The vintage character of the mansion alongside modern amenities like free WiFi and USB plugs at your bedside, blend the past and the present for new generations to experience in comfort. 

Built in 1869, expanded in 1900

Originally built in 1869 by Eli Barber, Julia Green Scott and Matthew Scott were the first to live here. Julia and Matthew had two daughters, Letitia Scott Stevenson (who married Adlai Stevenson I and has a room named after her just down the hall), and Julia Scott Vrooman. In 1900 Julia Scott worked with local architect Arthur L. Pillsbury to design an addition to the home which included multiple spaces like this beautiful foyer, staircase, parlor and our iconic stained glass windows.

Take a Tour and Explore On Your Own

When new guests check in, we provide a tour of the mansion and grounds sharing stories of the Vroomans and the Scotts, including what each room was used for and which furniture is original to the home. Many desks, couches, chairs and tables are as old as the floors you’re walking on. Just off the music room, you’ll find a space with an in-wall safe filled with stories, memories, photos and history. 

Spaces for Conversation

When you’re here we want you to explore on your own. Read in the upstairs library. Have conversations in the safe room. Ask us to turn on the player piano. Enjoy a glass of wine in the parlor. This home is a treasure and it’s meant to be lived in and loved by every guest.

Gourmet Bed and Breakfast in Bloomington, Illinois

There are mansions you can tour. But then there are mansions you can experience. Vrooman Mansion is proud to be a bed and breakfast and special events venue that teems with life and new memories for every guest. 

And our breakfast is not continental. It’s gourmet, and we want you to enjoy every bite. If you are gluten free, dairy free, or have any allergies please let us know so we can create a custom gourmet breakfast for you, too. We strive to use seasonal ingredients and give you an experience that will leave you exclaiming as Donna & Amber did, “That’s it, I’m moving IN!”

Check our availability and book your stay. Whether it’s time with family, friends, or a significant other… or you just want some time away for yourself to reflect, choose one of our seven suites and book the next historic memory in your life.

Book history.