8 Waterfront Retreats In Iowa That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures
By Raymond Goldfield|Published May 10, 2024
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
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There are few things more spectacular than a spring day on the water, and the start of warmer weather always makes me want to get away from the city and into nature. But what happens when one day isn’t enough? That’s where Airbnbs come in – these private home rentals offer a combination of the comfort of a hotel and the privacy and closeness to nature of camping. We searched to find the best waterfront Airbnbs in Iowa, ranging from cabins on the shores of Iowa’s most popular vacation lakes to rustic getaways miles away from the nearest town – and even some adorable houseboats and tiny homes perfect for an intimate getaway. Whether you’re planning to sneak away for a weekend with that special someone, or to pack the whole family into the car for an escape in the great outdoors, one of these Airbnbs is your ticket to the perfect spring vacation.
Located in the heart of Iowa's Amish Country, this cabin sleeps six and is on the shore of a private ten-acre lake. This is a very popular spot for those looking to go fishing, paddleboating, or swimming. Kayaks are available for rent, and the modern house has a full kitchen - perfect for frying up some fresh-caught fish. Visit the official Airbnb listing to book your lakeside escape.
This peaceful, beautiful cabin in rural Durango is less than 10 miles west of Dubuque, but it's incredibly peaceful and is near some amazing wineries. Sleeping four guests and open to those 12 and older, it features a private pond and full kitchen, as well as an outdoor patio with gas grill. One of our favorite parts of this place is that it's a working farm, so there are chickens wandering around - and the hosts provide breakfast items, including farm-fresh eggs! Book your farm getaway on the official Airbnb listing.
A charming ranch lake home on the shore of Rock Creek Lake, this three-bedroom house sleeps four and is ideal for a small family. You're only a few steps away from the lake, and the kitchen has some amazing amenities including a waffle-maker. The patio is an amazing place to have breakfast, and the modern interior is one of the most charming and colorful we've found. Find out for yourself by booking an escape on the official Airbnb listing!
Ideal for a quick getaway for two, this quaint houseboat docked in Sabula Harbor is perfect for a unique couple's getaway. While the houseboat is stationary, many guests bring their own boat for water recreation. The inside of the houseboat has a queen-sized bed, a TV, and a small bathroom. This is perfect for those who love the water so much, they'd love to sleep on it. The houseboat can be booked on the official Airbnb listing, and it's a great way to try houseboat living for a weekend.
One of the most iconic cabins in all of Iowa, this spectacular cabin in North Liberty sleeps eight and features a one-of-a-kind amenity: private dock privileges! With views over Lake Coralville and the Iowa River, it features a massive fire pit that makes for an amazing spot to enjoy a summer evening. If it's an unseasonably chilly night, there's even a hot tub! The views here are some of the most impressive on our list, including appearances from local wildlife. This one goes fast, so head to the official Airbnb listing to book your stay today.
A tiny home is one of those unique getaways that everyone should try at least once, and this charming Bellevue getaway sleeps four. Unlike many tiny homes, which are no-frills affairs, this one even has a full kitchen and wifi coverage. It's located by an RV park with all the associated amenities, and it comes with some surprising perks like a private hot tub and a fire pit. It might be a tiny home, but this is anything but a small-scale getaway, so book your stay on the official Airbnb listing.
A sprawling home on the shores of Big Spirit Lake, this amazing getaway sleeps 10 people and has one of the best private docks and patios we've ever seen. It's so spacious that it's easy to have a big family dinner outside. This is a bustling area, and it really starts to come alive in the spring, so this is an amazing home base for a summer of adventure in the Iowa Great Lakes. This one books up fast, so make sure to book your summer getaway on the official Airbnb listing.
8. Cozy Two-Bedroom River Cabin With Awesome Views
Pella is one of our favorite vacation spots in Iowa, and this charming four-person cabin on the banks of the Des Moines River is an amazing place to experience it. It feels like you're in the middle of nowhere in the best way, and the cabin comes with access to a floating fishing dock. You're only a short drive away from both Pella and Knoxville, if you want a day trip into town, but with all the activities available at nearby nature sites like Lake Red Rock, you might not need to return to civilization! Spring is the perfect time to book this cabin on the official Airbnb listing.
Have you stayed at any of these waterfront Airbnbs in Iowa? Let us know about your stay in the comments section! If you want even more spring escapes, check out this list of our favorite spring Airbnbs in Iowa. Some of these vacation spots may be quite a drive away from your home, so make sure you’re stocked up with lots of road trip snacks and plenty of sunscreen.
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