Updated Jun 14, 2024

Here Are The 20 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Iowa

Discover the best vacation rentals in Iowa, offering unique accommodations for families, couples, and large groups.

Updated Jun 14, 2024

Written by

Clarisa

Stays|Vacation Rentals

Published Nov 12, 2024

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Iowa Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

If you're craving a unique getaway in Iowa, this Ankeny cabin offers gorgeous views and modern amenities.

Published Nov 12, 2024

Written by

Nikki Rhoades

The Hawkeye State serves up some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Midwest. If you've never been to Iowa, you might be surprised to learn that it's seated between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. With loess hills, steep valleys, prairies, and savannas, the state is a surprisingly memorable destination for a vacation... or a staycation if you already call it home. Today, we're going to take a trip to one iconic getaway near Ankeny, Iowa. It has a gorgeous landscape that's so characteristic of an Iowa stay, but the cabin has enough charm on its own that it just might become your new favorite getaway. Pack your bags now, because you won't want to pass up a stay in this gorgeous Iowa cabin!

There must be something in the water in Ankeny, Iowa, because this charming community has produced politicians, musicians, and athletes aplenty. It was founded as an agricultural community in 1875, but World War II turned it into more of a manufacturing hub. Since the start of the new millennium, the population has exploded here, but there are still some lovely places where you can enjoy a secluded getaway.

A glamorous two-story cabin with wide windows spanning the upper story sits before a cotton candy sky. — Airbnb

At first glance, this charming Ankeny Airbnb looks more like a resort than a cabin. With gorgeous wide windows and no shortage of trees, it's an escape in nature that offers modern amenities alongside a chance to unplug. With 1.8 acres to explore and a private pond, this pretty getaway is perfect for fans of fishing. Make sure you bring some bait if you're planning to fish!

A deck with four chairs sits before a lake with a fountain, framed by an autumnal Iowa forest. — Airbnb

While you can set up your fishing spot out on the grass, there's nothing quite like fishing right off the dock. An outdoor dining area helps you continue to soak up the property's gorgeous vibes while you dine, and the wide open skies right over the lake also make this a gorgeous little spot for stargazing.

Inside, you can enjoy a balance of modern living and natural splendor. Wide windows practically immerse you in the beauty of the outdoors, and a cozy fireplace helps set the scene as you're unwinding at the end of the day. An open concept space with wide ceilings and lots of wooden elements help it feel rustic despite modern features like arcade games, a TV, and a full kitchen.

A cozy couch sits in the center of a cabin room with high ceilings and before a staircase leading to a loft. — Airbnb

The space sleeps up to 11 guests with four bedrooms and eight beds. It's an incredible space for family getaways, whether you're heading out with just the kids or meeting up with your sibling's family once you arrive. Whatever you decide, you'll appreciate how spacious this Airbnb in Iowa feels. And just as the living room features gorgeous windows that immerse you in nature, smaller windows in the other rooms ensure that you awake feeling immersed in nature, too.

A large gray-scale bedroom with a single bed and two windows looking out into nature. — Airbnb

Depending on your trip timing, you can score this pretty place for under $400 a night. If you're planning a girl's retreat with the ladies or a guy's getaway with the boys, it's easy to divide the cost and make this a surprisingly budget-friendly getaway. It's spacious, gorgeous, and surrounded by natural beauty, but the area is enchanting, too! Saylorville Lake is just a five minute drive, and if you don't mind adventuring a bit further, the Prairie Trail District is just under 10 minutes away.

A large lake with a fountain sits before a massive cabin surrounded by Iowa fall foliage. — Airbnb

There's nothing quite like an Iowa getaway. With chic amenities, gorgeous surroundings, and plenty to do in the immediate area, this spot is perfect for unplugging and soaking up the beauty of The Hawkeye State.

While you're in Ankeny, you might enjoy indulging in the local pizza buffet or Hawaiian-themed restaurant to round out your dining bucket list.

Stays|Vacation Rentals

Published Sep 10, 2024

The Cozy Cabin Where You Can View the Best Fall Foliage in Iowa

A charming Airbnb in Sherrill, Iowa, this cabin sleeps nine and is an amazing place for a leaf-peeping trip feet from the Mississippi River

Published Sep 10, 2024

Written by

Raymond Goldfield

As the weather gets cooler and fall settles in, it's time for that great annual tradition - leaf-peeping! There is no question that Iowa is full of incredible fall foliage opportunities, many of them in the state's amazing state parks. So it's also no surprise that they're jammed with people wanting a look at nature's annual change. That's why I always like to find a getaway for my own private leaf-peeping trip, and I found an incredible one hiding in the tiny town of Sherrill, right on the Mississippi River. This Mississippi Waterfront Cabin is an Airbnb in Sherrill, Iowa, that sleeps nine and is packed with great amenities that the whole family will love - plus the best views of the fall leaves changing in a truly laid-back and remote setting.

It won't be long before the leaves of Iowa's forests are in full fall color, and that means it's the perfect time to find your family's perfect autumn getaway. An Airbnb where you can watch the leaves change from your own home base is a great change of pace.

That's exactly what you'll find at the Mississippi Waterfront Cabin, an incredible rustic home that sleeps nine comfortably and is an ideal spot for a full-family getaway. It's ideal for those who love the crisp fall air and want to spend a good amount of time outside.

That's because the Mississippi River is right in your backyard, offering some incredible views of the surrounding areas. You'll have water on one side and colorful trees on the other - it doesn't get any better than that!

The interior of the cabin is wonderfully rustic, but it has all the modern amenities you'd expect, including WiFi and a TV. So, if your fall foliage trip has to be a working vacation, you're covered!

The three bedrooms all come with incredible views to wake up to, and they're ideal if you have a big family that needs a lot of space. While this Airbnb has a great country vibe, it's pretty close to the beautiful Finley's Landing Park and only a short drive from the Quad Cities.

Of course, with views like this, you might just be tempted to stay put and have a true staycation, basking in all the local color!

Have you stayed at this charming Airbnb in Sherrill, Iowa? Let us know about your stay in the comments section, and make sure to book your own stay on the official Airbnb listing - there are still plenty of dates available in the fall! Sherrill is also only a short distance from the community of Balltown, which is home to Breitbach's Country Dining, the most popular buffet in Iowa and the state's oldest restaurant: It's still serving up delicious country cooking!

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Here Are The 20 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Iowa

Best Affordable Places to Stay in Iowa

1. Charming Victorian Home, Davenport

2. Clear Lake Getaway, Clear Lake

3. Little Country House, Jasper County

4. Cheerful Red Cabin, Lansing

Best Places to Stay in Iowa for Families

5. Clear Creek Cabin, Decorah

6. Big Sioux River Cabin, Larchwood

7. Spacious Lake Cabin, Oskaloosa

8. Rock Creek Lakefront Gem, Kellogg

Best Romantic Places to Stay in Iowa for Couples

9. The Botanical Suite, Elkader

10. Beautiful Rustic Barn, Warren County

11. The Drake House, Downtown Dubuque

12. Hilltop Treehouse Lavender Farm, Oxford

Best Places to Stay in Des Moines

13. Colorfully Idyllic, Des Moines

14. Designer Downtown Condo, Des Moines

15. Historic 1920 Home, Des Moines

16. The Cheetah House, Windsor Heights

Best Places to Stay in Cedar Rapids

17. Burnett Cottage, Cedar Rapids

18. Lake McBride Cabin, Cedar Rapids

19. Historic Italianate, Marion

20. Bohemian Firehouse, Cedar Rapids

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This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Iowa Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

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The Cozy Cabin Where You Can View the Best Fall Foliage in Iowa

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All Stories

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