Riverview Mansion - Metropolis, Illinois || A One-of-a-Kind Experience
On our ultimate road trip, we stopped in Metropolis, Illinois to stay at the Riverview Mansion. Check out the video first…
THE HISTORY
Back in the 1880s, the Quante’s decided to build the most incredible house in Southern Illinois. They started with a solid, donut shaped foundation that moves up and down with the water pressure. This helps prevent flooding, and preserves the house through all seasons.
Then it was time to add the first flush toilet septic system in the area plus electric lightbulbs and ceiling fans. Being the inventive man he was, Mr. Quante asked Edison’s men to wire the lightbulbs into the ceiling fans, even though that wouldn’t be formally invented for six more years.
They were the first home in Metropolis to have a telephone, and even received a phone before the mayor.
The Quante’s already had the biggest, most beautiful and well-lit home in Metropolis, but it wasn’t complete without their custom elevator.
It was the Quante’s family home from the 1880s until the 1930s when the grandkids sold it to a group of doctors who wanted to make an all-inclusive and innovative hospital. It stayed a hospital until it was made a family home in the 1970s and then, the current innkeepers, Will and Lori purchased the home a few years ago to open their dream bed and breakfast.
Hospital Certificate from Riverview Mansion
THE INN
The Inn has four rooms you can rent. One is on the first floor and the other three are upstairs. All rooms have jacuzzi tubs, plush beds, and many interesting stories. All of the rooms upstairs were part of the 1930s hospital, so make sure to ask Will and Lori to tell you more!
In addition there are rooms on the first floor you can wander around, touch and peruse through anything you’d like. Will and Lori give you free reign! In the kitchen you’ll find snacks and goodies out all day long. There are also several coffee pots in the dining room ready for you!
OUR ROOM
Our room was the grand suite on the first floor of Riverview. It’s massive with a canopy king bed and jacuzzi in the bedroom. In the bathroom you’ll find a handicap accessible walk-in tub, and a very high-tech toilet. It can massage, act as a bidet, and it’s warm. Kind of weird the first time you sit down, but also really interesting!
Our TV was equipped with Roku, and you can watch normal TV or sign into your Netflix account.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast is different every morning, but they’ll serve it anywhere from 4am until 6:30pm.
You’ll always have one (or more) or Lori’s pastry creations along with your choice of eggs and potatoes and meat. If you have a preference, tell them! They want to make you a delicious breakfast you’ll enjoy.
While we were there, we enjoyed red velvet cinnamon rolls, roast beef and potatoes, pecan sticky buns, crepes, and more. We were spoiled.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Riverview Mansion is the perfect place for anyone who wants to come in a stranger and leave part of the family. They make you feel so welcome and loved, and we can’t wait to go back this summer!
A very special thank you to Will and Lori for making our stay so memorable.
If you’d like to support this wild ride, become a Patron, we have some awesome reward tiers. Sometimes we even pick up little gifts for you along our travels.
Pin this post with the graphic below:
Riverview Mansion may just be the most historic bed and breakfast in Illinois.