By DEB GRUVER

Staff writer

Historic Elgin Hotel is an oft-visited stop for people traveling to Marion County.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the limestone hotel, built in 1886, features 12 guest suites and a ballroom and courtyard for events such as weddings and class reunions.

The Elgin hired a venue sales manager in the spring to bolster its wedding and meetings business, owner Tammy Ensey said.

The hotel also has been undergoing upgrades, including new pieces of antique furniture and new carpet in some rooms.

“We like to keep it fresh,” Ensey said. “Our main thing is we want people to be comfortable, and we want to have modern amenities.”

Rooms — all named for a person or place in the area — feature docking stations and streaming TV. The hotel’s parking lot has electric vehicle charging stations, a project of the city.

“I don’t like people thinking they’re coming to grandma’s,” Ensey said.

The Elgin offers tours that focus on the hotel’s history. Those are $10 per person or $20 with a bierock lunch.

Upcoming events include a murder mystery dinner Oct. 14 with a theme of “Bountiful Harvest” and Falloween, a Halloween event, on Oct. 21.