Annie Oakley slept here: Hillsdale's Keefer House
The 1885 Keefer House on Hillsdale's main corner put up railroad-era travelers from Buffalo Bill Cody to Annie Oakley, sat empty for two decades, and reopened as a boutique hotel.
The Keefer House opened in downtown Hillsdale in 1885, within a short walk of the railroad depot. It had 54 guest rooms and sample rooms for traveling salespeople, along with a dining room, two saloons, and a gambling room. A horse-drawn carriage carried guests from the station.
The city’s historic walking guide lists several famous guests, including William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, Annie Oakley, John Ringling, actor Jason Robards Sr., and poet Will Carleton. The hotel also hosted local dances, weddings, receptions, and funerals.
The Keefer remained a hotel until 1965, then became a rooming house and eventually closed in the early 2000s. After years of vacancy and redevelopment work, its official site says the building is again welcoming guests and diners.
The restored hotel now advertises 34 rooms. Its return keeps a large railroad-era building in active use while preserving the story behind one of Hillsdale’s most recognizable downtown corners.
Sources
Last reviewed against the listed sources: July 12, 2026.