Heartland Lodge — Hotel in Pittsfield

I found Heartland Lodge while looking through a list of Orvis approved hunting outfitters as I wanted a premium experience. I first inquired on July 13th by email about their hunt and a few days later was contacted by Gary the owner. I described that I was looking for a mix of Goose, Duck and Pheasant hunting to which he told me that he recommended the Premium Hunt that would include duck hunting in the morning with pheasant hunting in the afternoon. In August I went to book it, and it took them almost 4 weeks to send over the contract after several requests. After a month had passed, what I didn’t realize was that they sent me the contracts for the wrong hunt. The contracts received were for the Premium Upland Hunt instead of the Premium Upland & Water Fowl Hunt. The week prior to our trip I e-mailed the lodge inquiring if we need to bring our waders. I received a reply from Gary that we should bring waders, and he said that we need to bring our IL duck stamp and federal duck stamp as well. (Which makes no sense if we didn’t actually book the Water Fowl Hunt as claimed).

Upon arrival in town, we called the lodge because we were running late for check-in. During that call we were informed that our package included upland hunting only which took me by surprise and I of course complained. The girl on the phone said she would speak with Gary the owner and see what they could do. After some back and forth with Gary based on what he recommended and that fact they told us to bring our duck stamps and waders, he agreed to switch us over to the combo hunt for days 2, 3, & 4 on the 4-day trip. (which we where later billed after returning home for and additional $513.13 for without informing us)

When we arrived at the lodge, we were not greeted by anyone but rather left a note on the main door of the lodge telling us where to go and the room combination. During booking we booked an upgraded 2 King bed luxury suite and the room had 1 King bed and a trundle bed which was far from luxurious and was located directly under the lobby where people come and go starting at 3 AM. There was absolutely no water pressure in the room to the point where we could not even brush our teeth. We had to let the water trickle into a cup and then dip our toothbrush into the cup to get enough water to brush! We complained about the water pressure the next day and no one ever fixed the issue or addressed it with us though the entire stay.

There is no hunting on-site at the lodge which we weren’t aware of. It was a 1 hour drive from the lodge to the water fowl hunting. Every day our guide picked us up in a late 1990s to early 2000s suburban that was visibly damaged and not clean. The guide dogs were in the car with us and the smell was so awful that we had to roll down the windows in the freezing cold to avoid gagging. To add insult to injury it has been 6 weeks and I still have never received the birds I shot (which are part of the hunt) even after providing our FedEx information for shipping.

The only positive things about this trip were that our hunting guide Terry was very nice and helpful and the food was pretty good overall. I don’t know how this lodge ever earned an Orvis endorsement. I would NEVER recommend this to anyone looking for a luxury hunting trip as this was not as advertised and I would highly recommend...

I have to admit that this lodge was awesome! Me and my husband had never been to a bed and breakfast before and was a little skeptical about going there for our 16th wedding anniversary. When I called and spoke to Wanda to ask some questions about the lodge she was the nicest person to talk to. I even spoke to katelyn who gave me great information as well. We stayed one night in the woodduck box in the prairie lodge and it was so clean and relaxing. Yes you can't lock it from the outside (only inside) but we were not concerned. Don't bring anything important if your that concerned lol! The night we went it was chilly and raining but it stopped by dinner. The fireplace kept the whole room warm. I loved the jacuzzi tub and the big clean comfortable bed. The lodge has rooms with tvs that you can request. We had one in our room so my husband could watch the game! I suggest going thru the week or on a Sunday like we did. We literally had the lodge to ourselves cause we missed the weekend rush. Good Christian values and sayings throughout. We don't even hunt, and still enjoyed the lodge.This lodge is not just for people who hunt, but for people who just went to get away from all the hustle and bustle of life! Next time we come back we may bring the kids or not! They would love the horseback riding. Which Zach was great with me. It was my first time riding and my horse kept wanting to stay way back from the rest of the group and then trot to get closer! He ensured I was safe the entire time! Zach also took us on the hay ride (which is included in the meal package-you can save some money) after dinner and that was nice. Then there was an open fire to roast smores. The lodge also set out micro popcorn and complimentary waters in the fridge in the Prairie lodge. I suggest getting a room in the prairie lodge because that's where you eat and check in and the hayride picks you up there after dinner and the stables are across the road. We did not mind taking our shoes off in the foyer room because there are a lot of muddy, dirty outdoor activities (ATV, trails, horseback riding) and this helped keep the lodge clean without constant mess.The meals were great. Homestyle cooking, piping hot every time. Its served family style. The wait staff was awesome, friendly and met all our needs during dinner and breakfast. My glass never went empty and if it did they were right there asking me if I wanted more. And the dessert is a great size that two people could eat it. My husband is very particular about other people's food and he is still raving about it today! I recommend the meal package and triple play. If you don't have an ATV there is 1000 per ATV deposit which you get right back after riding. Activities include volleyball, horseback riding ,walking and hiking trails, ATV trails, clay shooting or hunting, hay ride, and bonfire. This may not sound like alot but when you just want to relax and enjoy each other company its enough! Yes its in the country on the back roads but hey its a great getaway were you won't hear any trafffic just birds! Needless to say we will be back to hopefully stay more...

Hello everyone! My husband and I stayed the first week of December, 2018, and this was our first "hunting" trip together. The plan before arrival, he would hunt; I would try to stay occupied in the local area by shopping and visiting local restaurants. Major change of plans once we arrived!

Upon arrival, the staff was awesome! No joke, i felt welcomed and almost like I was visiting family. They helped us unpack and get settled in. I thought, good start, keep in mind, the careers my husband and I hold are fast paced so we were both on edge of how to relax and hoping we both could enjoy the trip; especially with me not hunting and needing to occupy my own time.

First day, my husband goes hunting very early, however, I get up early too, habit, and I go upstairs to the dining room, which is remarkable! I found coffee brewing, hot tea and all kinds of goodies! This was the day that I met the dining staff and found myself coming back frequently for coffee and great conversation! I then went on long walks, spent time with the horses, which I loved! I even met a few furry friends, cats, and, well, hope I didn't break rules, but I ended up having snack and walking buddies! It was during my walks that I met the staff that takes care of the grounds and they were wonderful! They let me feed the horses and I felt like I was on my own farm! Yes, I love animals!

Long and short, I NEVER left the lodge once! I spent time resting, eating the BEST homemade food ever, and walking around in comfortable clothes and having conversations with the staff and the owner just like I had known them forever!

A very young staff member, in which I was very impressed with her professionalism and people skills, met me one morning with my coffee in my favorite "lab" coffee cup! She had remembered, I like mugs! Not plastic for my coffee! I have stayed in luxury resorts and hotels that would NEVER remember that, much less take the time to run and get the cups from the cabinet! I felt special and I noticed this was the "norm" for how they treated all guests.

My final conclusion for this trip, well, booked for 2019 before we left and found this was the BEST TRIP EVER! I found peace and relaxation that is hard for me and found myself leaving my phone and NOT wanting to review work emails--- I was RELAXED FOR ONCE!

Oh, for the hunters, my husband had a rewarding time and was telling me about all the wildlife he was able to see while sitting comfortably in a ground blind! He stayed out all day so they packed him a great "bag" lunch that he was set from morning till dark! Also, a thank you to Matt, you made my husbands trip rewarding!

See you all in...