Visit The Mermaid House Hotel for a taste of local and U.S. history during your Downstate Illinois adventure. Named for the mermaids he reported seeing on his travels, the hotel was built by retired sea captain Lyman Adams in 1830. In 1842, Charles Dickens visited The House and later wrote about it in his book American Notes! Though The Mermaid House is no longer a hotel, you can tour the home via appointment on your next visit to Downstate Illinois!
