Boasting an expansive rural and unpolluted countryside, the serene state of Iowa gives city dwellers a rare opportunity to explore mother nature’s beauty. The charming towns and cities in The Hawkeye State also have fascinating histories and quirky attractions. Check out the World’s Largest Strawberry, which stands at an impressive 15 feet (4.6 meters), and Grotto of the Redemption, a religious shrine with 4 million dollars worth of precious stones, minerals, and rocks.
To complement your stay in this unique and peaceful state, here are some equally quirky Airbnb vacation rentals in Iowa that ensure a comfortable stay with true Iowan hospitality.
1. Cozy & warm stay in a Manor built in the 1800s (from USD 65)
Nestled in a quiet corner of the warm, friendly of town of Clermont, this gracious Airbnb host, Becky, promises a comfortable stay in the master suite of her historical 1860s brick manor. While vintage in the charms of its facade, guests would find the remodelled interior cosy and homely, with its earthy colour palette and elegant wooden furnishings. After a tiring day exploring the rich history of the ‘Brick City’ or doing one of its many outdoor activities; canoeing down the river or taking a bike ride to the nearby Elgin, you can look forward to a pleasant respite in the spacious suite, reading a good book or catching up on your favourite Netflix series (plus points), while snuggling up on a cosy 4-poster queen bed. OR you could treat your tired muscles to a nice long soak in the claw foot bathtub of your private bathroom.
A little footnote about the host. As praised by multiple guests, Becky is gracious and a great conversationalist. You would be well impressed by her hospitality and on how clean and cosy she keeps her home. You would also be very pleased with the scrumptious breakfast spread she cooks in the morning. If you’re interested in the rich history of the town, Becky is more than willing to fill you in about her town over a nice cuppa joe!
Brick Manor Bed & Breakfast - SuiteClermont, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
breakfast and coffee were deliciouscool 1800's house with all the newest amenities including central a/c and a very comfortable queen size bedrebecca served me a delicious egg bake fruit and fancy coffee for breakfastthe bedroom was so comfortableshe also prepares wonderful egg dishes for breakfast along with fruit toast and coffee/teaCleanliness:
very clean and rebecca was very welcomingthe rooms were very clean and largevery clean home with everything you need for rest and relaxationi was worried and for no reason place was super clean and nice and comfortablethe room was comfortable and clean and the breakfast was ample and deliciousHost:
she is a wonderful hostshe is a fantastic hostrebecca was a wonderful hostrebecca is an amazing hostbecky was a great host - very responsive to questions when i bookedRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice quiet and private locationgreat place to stay comfy bed and a terrific locationgreat location—-close to many small towns in northeast iowaspent 2 nights there and was delighted to find a restful place with a comfortable bedeasy walk to pizza parlor and restaurant in a charming historic town
2. Get the best of both worlds in a 1900s Home (45 USD)
Conveniently situated a 2-minute drive from Downtown and West Des Moines, this Airbnb offers their guests a balance of both the modern and historical side of Iowa, in their 1916 home. Perfect for a mid-sized family, the host ensures guests a nice and quite stay, with the privacy of the whole third floor, consisting of 2 spacious bedrooms (one queen bed, one twin bed) with an interconnected full bathroom.
The house itself is comfortable with wooden floors and rustic furnishing. Antiquer’s would especially be charmed by the historical home as many of the original fixtures are still intact and in use. After a day out about town, guests could enjoy a relaxing evening by the warm fireplace in the living room or on the patio in their peaceful garden. But beware, their charming dog Bruce might just persuade you to a friendly game of fetch! You are also welcomed to the full use of the kitchen and fridge, saving you money on food, while guests with extended stays have the convenience of using the laundry in the basement.
Private Floor in Historic Home
Address: Des Moines, IA, United States (see map)
Price: 45 USD
Number of Guests: 3
3. Calming respite in a Cottage in the woods (from USD 135)
Immerse yourself in nature in this private cabin. Take a romantic walk with your significant other in the solitude of 140 acres of beautiful forests. Wake up in this elegantly decorated cottage and feel at ease sipping your morning coffee on the porch while listening to the serene sound of nature. Breathe in fresh oxygen snuggling up in the evening by the fire pit, sippin’ on a cold tall glass of sweet tea. Whatever tickles your fancy, what’s certain is that you’ll find yourself totally relax and at peace during your stay at Honeybee Cottage!
Honeybee Cottage at Star's HollowJanesville, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage amenities were wonderful and the cottage itself inviting and comfortablethe cottage was perfect: a fully functioning kitchen bathroom and window air conditioningfyi you will probably not have wifi in the cottagethe sofa is not a sofa bed so allow extra time to inflate/deflatethe honey bee cottage was very comfortable and quietCleanliness:
so clean and and well decoratedcabin is adorable clean and homeybeautiful cabin next to a clean oasisthe communication was excellent the cleanliness and the special touches in the cottage were greateverything was so clean and tidy which we appreciatedHost:
wonderful hospitality from these super hostspenny is a great host and super responsivepenny hosts an amazing airbnbpenny and dan are the best hostsgreat hosts and great propertyRead more reviewsLocation:
it is a beautiful location for a nice relaxing getawayit’s away from city noise and it’s a great place to disconnectperfect place to relax and rewindit's also a great place to just relax for a weekend which is what i used it forthe pond was nice and we especially enjoyed the walking trails
4. Unique stay at a Silo On The Ridge (from USD 79)
Ensure yourself a unique stay in Iowa in this one of a kind Airbnb! How many people do you know that can say they’ve stayed in a beautifully restored silo in Decorah? This is a quirky way to enjoy Decorah, where the host would happily give you a horse drawn carriage ride through town. Located just outside of beautiful Decorah, Iowa where you can float the Upper Iowa River, bring your bike and ride the new 11-mile trail, sit and watch the world famous Eagles Nest, take a shooting lesson from a world class local gunsmith, or visit their award-winning local breweries. There is so much to be done! The silo is surrounded by some of the best fishing and hunting in the country.
Silo on the RidgeDecorah, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was very comfortable and the air conditioning worked wellinterior is tiny main floor has a fold up kitchen table fridge/microwave love seat and cupboardthis is such a cool place to stay loved the views beds were superthe shower was good and i appreciated the shampoo and shower gelit was an adventure peaceful quiet quaint and cozyCleanliness:
the bed was very comfortable and everything was neat and cleanit’s all very clean and well cared forreally enjoyed it beds were comfortable place was really cleanthe silo was clean and has lots of amenitiesvery clean and great location in the countryHost:
jim was the perfect hostjim is a great hostjim was available if needed and a great hosthe was friendly and a good hostjim is a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in the countryit is a unique place to stay cute and rusticjim's place is cute and cozyi had a wonderful few days tucked away in this little creative and peaceful locationthe location is perfect and just a short drive to the beautiful little town of decorah
5. Luxurious retreat in a lavishly decorated Spanish Bungalow (from USD 133)
My personal favourite on the list, this host promises a stylish retreat in their centrally located Spanish Bungalow in Des Moines. A short distance from supermarkets, restaurants, parks, trails and downtown Des Moines; convenience is the key word when renting out this Airbnb. Humble looking with its traditional Spanish facade, its interior is brimming with personality; the host has taken a great effort to ensure a luxurious feel living in her lodging; decorating the living space with vibrant furnishings and arts from both local and regional artists. Flooded with natural lighting, inspired by its flourishing surrounding nature, the home is complemented by loads of thriving green plants. Guest would sleep comfortably in one of two equally tastefully decorated bedrooms offered; one with a luxury, memory foam queen and the other with a plush twin bed. An extensive list of amenities is available at this Airbnb, from a coffee maker, piano and full basement with an extra bathroom, shower, laundry, treadmill and pool table.
Unique Spanish Bungalow!Des Moines, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bed is comfy and air conditioner worked greatvery comfortable with good ac - it 100 degrees when we stayed therecomfortable beds and lots of extra special amenities we haven't seen at other airbnbseverything was comfortable and we loved morning coffee in the shaded backyardheather's spanish style bungalow is truly a home full of original artwork great style and cozy detailsCleanliness:
clean inspiring and cozyclean and lots of fun decorationsclean neat and so many great touchesit was sparkling clean and very stylishwonderful peaceful clean and stylishHost:
she has truly earned the designation of super hostheather was a great hostheather is a wonderful host who is responsive and kindheather was very prompt and helpful with responses to questions and needsheather is such a kind and friendly hostRead more reviewsLocation:
location is great close to downtownlocation was great for food delivery and runs to walmart and grocery storeit’s close to the grocery store and to many of des moines’ other attractionsheather’s place is very cute and cozythe location was ideal as everything we wanted to see and do was within 10 minutes
6. Chic one-bedroom loft for four just minutes from dowtown Omaha (from USD 52)
Located in the historic city center of Downtown Haymarket District of Council Bluffs, and just nearby Downtown Omaha, Nebraska, this chic and spacious one-bedroom loft is the deal to take when visiting Iowa. Tammy’s place can sleep four guests on two queen-sized beds. Access to basic amenities like Wifi, indoor fireplace, free parking, air conditioning, and hot water are available to guests. There is also a big kitchen with granite countertops and is fully decked with cooking appliances and cookware for those who would rather cook meals than eat outdoors every night. The beautifully furnished space also has an indoor fireplace for cold nights out, and a cozy night in. Look no further and book Tammy’s loft for a long weekend or two in downtown Iowa.
Haymarket Loft Minutes to Downtown Omaha.Council Bluffs, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice living room area with sectional couch tv free wifi nice dining areagreat views from the living room and back patiothe living room is massive with a great view into downtown council bluffskitchen was huge and the living room had great viewsthere's plenty of room to spread out and relaxCleanliness:
very clean and spaciouscomfy beds and clean spaceeverything is very clean and tidyit was amazingly clean incredibly spacious and very comfortableclean home the bed is very comfortableHost:
tammy was a great hosttammy was a great hostand i was very satisfied with the host was quick responsetammy was a great host and provided many amenitiesthis is the kind of place i would love to live inRead more reviewsLocation:
location is in a very good location and close to downtowngreat location and 2 nice restaurants for breakfast within walking distancegreat place near downtown council bluffsthe location is quaint and coollarge apartment in a great location
7. Chicken Coop tiny house (from USD 110)
A tiny house located in a beautiful area in Fayette, Iowa, this Airbnb can comfortably accommodate two people. It is cozy and guests will surely love it. Check out the property’s vineyard and see where Heaven Boutique Winery’s delicious wines originate. You can even visit the winery and enjoy live music every Friday night during the summer. If you feel like having a quiet afternoon, bike to the nearby Volga River State Lake Recreation Area.
Chicken Coop Tiny HouseFayette, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the place was clean and the service impeccableRead more reviewsLocation:
just enough great location for seeing state parks in ne iowa
8. An eccentric stay in a Church Art studio
For the creative minds and art enthusiasts looking for some solace, this 140-year-old Church converted art studio would definitely peak your interest. Decorated with the artist’s original oil paintings, you’d basically have an eccentric stay in a private art gallery in the rural town of Malvern. Embrace complete solitude in the comfort of a warm studio apartment in the downstairs of the church. Complete with living amenities & surround sound system, staying here would feel at home. There are 2 queen size beds in the bedroom and a full-size futon in the studio living room. If you want to be inspired by nature, the Wabash Nature trail is two blocks away from the church, offering 63 miles (101km) of groomed path, perfect for biking and hiking. Though rural in its nature, the humble town has a lot to offer from delicious eateries, a bar, a grocery store, library, pharmacy, gift shop, and even an art gallery! If you want to explore beyond the borders, Downtown Omaha’s Old Market is a short drive away. You could also take a slow cruise, admiring The Loess Hills Scenic Byway. This is a perfect lodge for a small town getaway!
Art ChurchMalvern, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
full kitchen comfy bed and even a fan for background noiseusually i'm not a big art fan but this stuff is interestingthe art-lined bedroom is huge with two queen beds and an adjoining powder roomwe easily found all we could possibly need to make a simple supper and breakfast including coffeewe couldn't have been more impressed with the apartment from it's size to it's eclectic decorCleanliness:
very clean well stocked with all your needsclean interesting eclectic and soulfulthe place was very cleansuper stylish and clean welcoming spacethis place was unique and very cleanHost:
he was a great hostalso a great hostzach is a wonderful hostzack was a most kind and down to earth host who made us feel at homethis is an amazing place and a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
loved that it was close to a bike trailgreat place to stay location is greatthe location is located in a charming small townvery good location in a great little townthis type of unique location is why i love airbnb
9. Spacious luxury condo in the heart of dowtown Des Moines
Grab the chance to stay at a luxury condo when in Des Moines. Just ten floors high, this luxury condo complex is a much better deal than another hotel room. Jennifer’s spacious luxury flat is big enough to accommodate four people and has all the amenities you could ask for. Some of these include a king-sized bed, Wifi access, TV, heating, air conditioning, hot water, dryer, and washer among others. The building also has a sauna and gym where guests can work out and relax after long days of exploring downtown Des Moines. Guests can also make the most out of their stay with access to Netflix and Roku for a superb staycation away from home.
The Downtown Luxury Condo 10 Floors High!Des Moines, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very stylish apartment plus jennifer is an excellent communicatorvery clean and in a fantastic central location the view makes the room even cozier at nightit's a studio apt so if you bring a friend just be aware that it's wide openjennifer had been super accommodating when it came to some last minute room changes during my staythe bed was really comfortable the bath/shower was great and the full kitchen was functionalCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and attractiveit was clean and well equippedjennifer's place was super clean and comfortablespace is clean and surprisingly quiet from street noiseplenty of crisp white clean towelsHost:
our host was great she thoroughly communicated with usjen was a fantastic hostjennifer was a great host that responds in a very quick mannerjennifer was a great hostwe loved the accommodations and the hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is outstandinggreat location in downtown des moinesgreat location for downtown des moinesgreat location in the kirkwood hotelamazing location walking distance to many great restaurants and very unique space
10. A writer's retreat in the countryside
If you’re a writer, looking for a quiet little place that’ll inspire you to write, or if you’re a group of girls looking for a place to host your girls next retreat, congratulations, you’ve both found it!
Situated in the rural town of Fertile; by the Winnebago river, guests can expect an ideal place for relaxation and self-reflection. The host offers his spacious upstairs area of his converted creamery, that consists of 1 big bed room, another smaller bedroom. Both bedrooms you’ll find are tastefully decorated with a mix of modern minimalism with a twist of country charm; the bigger room has comfortably sized queen bed while the other a decently sized twin bed.
You would have access to the entire creamery and the surrounding peaceful countryside during your stay; which includes a large working kitchen, 3 living rooms downstairs, complete with the hosts library of eclectic books & the large yard with a beautiful setting of the countryside.
The surrounding area you’ll find is peaceful and serene, with Clear Lake being a short 10-minute drive away. You could have a bonfire in the yard, have a picnic by the riverbed across the creamery, take a hike in the nature trails nearby or just wander in the beautiful picturesque countryside. This place offers visitors a chance to enjoy a simple life.
Upstairs Of Old Creamery in IowaFertile, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is a great kitchen space too which is rare in an air bnbeverything about it was charming artsy cozyCleanliness:
it’s clean charming and uniquely relaxingamazing space clean welcoming eclecticit was also very clean and the check in process what a breezeclean stylish remote and perfect for usenchanting intriquing unexpected clean and a great escapeHost:
the host was very considerate and helpfulnathaniel was an awesome hostnathaniel was a great hostnathaniel was a great host and his home was quite comfortablenathaniel is a great host and staying at his home is always pleasureRead more reviewsLocation:
just a cute place with cute design ideas inside the placefertile is a cute little walkable iowa townit is set in such a beautiful place right next to a riverbeautiful place all instructions from nathaniel were easy and clearvery unique place it was great for a little getaway
11. Cozy CR Station train caboose
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sleep in a train car? Now you don’t have to! This charming, two-bedroom caboose has been arranged for your comfort and pleasure. All the amenities you will find and need in a normal house setting will be available to you. If you like to cook, there is a fully equipped kitchen ready to use. You can even make your own cocktails with the bar equipment provided. Watch the amazing sunset over the horse pasture while enjoying the cocktails you’ve made yourself. This unique experience will definitely make your vacation in Iowa a lot more interesting.
CR Station Train CabooseDecorah, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the couch is extremely comfortablekids loved playing in the lifted bed feeding the horses and playing with the stuffed animal doggiesmy tall husband didn’t think he could fit in the 2 person bed in the loftthe bed was comfortable and we enjoyed watching the sunset from the deckthe shower only has a two-minute heater but the pressure is outstandingCleanliness:
the location was convenient the place was clean and the horses were fun to watch from the deckneat clean and a great hostHost:
jim was a wonderful hostjim is a very gracious hostjim is an excellent hostjim is an excellent hostjim was very hospitable and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfectbeautiful location and a fun spacefun place to stay and close to towngreat location and hostunique stay in a great location relaxing while watching the sunset and stars was great
12. The perfect group getaway stay with mother nature
One mile from the beautiful Mississippi River, on the outskirts of McGregor, this cute, quaint and clean A-shaped loft is the perfect place for your group weekend getaway with mother nature. You’ll enjoy full privacy of the loft in the woods, located above the host’s detached garage, complete with a 2-bedrooms, a comfortably sized living space, a big deck to admire the lush green surroundings, a kitchen and a bathroom. Guests would also have the modern comfort of free Wi-Fi, a big screen TV and Netflix to catch up on your binge watching! This little place is tucked neatly in a quiet little area close to the beautiful Pike Peak State Park, where guest can go on a long scenic hiking trail, have a BBQ and be awed by the most spectacular view of the mighty Mississippi River!
A-Frame Loft in the Quiet WoodsMcGregor, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi and internet access allowed us to be entertained as the sun descendedwe loved it plenty of room and a balcony to grill and relax onthis is a cozy space with a great view out into the woods from the bedroom windowbeds are comfortable and the kitchen is well stocked and there's space to relax and enjoy naturethe a frame is in a secluded area very relaxing & comfortableCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablevery clean and welcominggreat place that was clean and cozygreat accommodation clean and well maintainedeverything was sparkling clean and comfortableHost:
sandy was an outstanding hostsandy was a great host and is very welcominggreat host and an outstanding facilitysandy and john were friendly and helpfulthe hosts were welcoming informative and personableRead more reviewsLocation:
very close to many fun thingsbeautiful location and a well kept houseamazing spot close to town but secludedwhat a great place to stay excellent location private “in the woods” location and excellent hostswe would definitely come back to this place
13. An ideal family Retreat in Keosauqua
Planning a family retreat in the outdoors for a large family can be costly, but luckily for you, this remodelled church offers a great deal on affordability and outdoor activities ideal for a family of 10! The host has beautifully restored this 160-year-old church for the comfort of its visitors. Keeping a home-away-from-home feel in mind, the interior is warmly decorated with soft furnishings, multiple plump chairs and a full kitchen with a breakfast bar. It has an outdoor patio for warm, quality time around the fire. Children would be entertained by the many outdoor activities offered like basketball, corn hole game, croquet set and more!
Perfect for a big family retreat, this rental can host up to a clan of 10 with its spacious rooms and living quarters. Suggestions on the interesting places could be recommended by the host, who conveniently lives across the street. Activities such as horseback riding, swimming, nature walks and bicycle rides are readily available in this rural town. As a plus point, the host, owning a few establishments in town, would also give a generous 15% off for all guest renting of Kayaks, Canoes and Bicycles!
The Methodist Church RetreatKeosauqua, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Read more reviewsCleanliness:
sandy was very hospitable and the place was large clean and well-supplied with everything we needed
14. A picturesque countryside Church wedding
The last Airbnb on our list can double as a great countryside retreat and also a picturesque wedding venue. Newly remodelled, this 1860’s church promises you the perfect vintage spring countryside wedding, with its rustic white wooden facade and its expanse landscape, lush with farmlands and untouched greenery. The interior of this charming chapel is also warmly decorated with hardwood floors, a spacious common area and a kitchen with full amenities, you could definitely host an intimate private dinner with your closest friends and family!
Surrounded by lush cornfields and untouched woodlands by the Burr Oak Creek, visitors could catch a magnificent view of the sunrise, while woodland creatures of deer, foxes and songbirds would surely delight you with their presence in the morning. You’d be amazed at how much the host, Sarah and her mother Jane, would make your stay, providing guests with a spacious bedroom with a queen sized bed, fresh soft towels, basic living amenities (sans internet connection for a complete immersion in nature) and the promise of complete silence in the night. If you want to get away from everything, this place is for you! Being 7 miles (11km) from the nearest town, traffic noise would be non-existent; you would be left in your own solitude. Maybe you would like to take the rough trail access to the river for hiking or horseback riding, or if you have your IA fishing license, you could go for a serene fishing trip down the Burr Oak Creek, as it is a registered ‘put’ n’ 'take’ trout stream.
Elliott's Burr Oak Church (Closed/CV19)Osage, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful interior of a restored church/guest house that has provisions for a very comfortable staythis was the perfect space i loved the kitchen and the many places to sit and relaxmet us with farm fresh eggs for breakfast for the next morningvery spacious incredibly comfortable and as peaceful as it getsCleanliness:
it was very clean and comfortableclean well stocked and charmingwe found everything to be clean and orderly insideit was clean and very well keptthe place was very clean and comfortable and you have to experience this unique placeHost:
sarah was a very gracious hostsarah was a great host the property was phenomenalsarah was an excellent host--very welcoming and friendlyi enjoyed meeting my hosts jane and sarahthey were very nice and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
a great great quiet locationit was a great time away in a beautiful little placegreat place and i plan to stay again this summer for a couple of nightsthere are so many unique places to sit relax rest eat and just ponderthe place was very interesting and we had plenty of quiet time during our anniversary weekend
15. Glamping at Camp Kelly
Forget about city life for a while and unwind at Camp Kelly. Go off-grid and enjoy glamping in the peaceful scenery of Monticello, Iowa. The tent has a cozy queen bed that can easily sleep two guests. If you want to spend the afternoon reading, feel free to lay in the hammock with your book in hand. There is also a grill available if you want to prepare your own meals. Experience the true meaning of glamping by enjoying the comfort that the Lotus Belle tent has to offer!
Glamping at Camp KellyMonticello, Iowa, United StatesTop guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
loved the seasonal decor easy to reach the owners with quick responsethe hosts brennen and nick were above and beyond accommodating ensuring that our stay was peaceful and relaxing
A retreat away from everything
Step away from the stresses of a 9 to 5 office job and the perpetually loud noises in the city, and take time off to rest and rejuvenate amidst nature. With these Airbnb vacations rentals, Iowa is giving you the perfect chance to do just that. Book any of these accommodations on your next trip to The Hawkeye State.
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