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Iowa vacation rentals

Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Iowa

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Superhost
Cabin in Decorah
Magnolia Cabin at Decorah High Point Cabins
Magnolia Cabin: | WiFi | Hot Tub | Open All Year Round | This Superior Craftsman 2 Person luxurious hot tub cabin is everything you will need to relax as a couple. The vast view of the Driftless Valley will take your breath away. Enjoy nights out on the deck in the Hot Tub or relax and read a book in the spacious studio cabin. King size bed for you comfort and WiFi for your enjoyment. This is to be an experience of a lifetime as you reset and relax in this remote escape.
$423 per night
Tiny home in Dorchester
River run Tiny house w/ hot tub
This cute and modern 340 sqft tiny house is an unique Airbnb experience . With all custom work inside and out it’s a must see ! Located on the beautiful Upper Iowa river in dorchester Iowa . For a romantic couples getaway , fishing trip or small family retreat, it will make your trip a special one . It features 2 open loft bedrooms ( one on each side ) 1 room with a queen bed and the other with 2 single beds. Downstairs futon can sleep 1 more adult or 2 children .
$153 per night
Cabin in Waterville
Creekside Cottage
Take it easy at this unique aA true fly fisherman’s dream destination. Located just two miles north upstream of the Yellow River Forest. The sound of water running over the stretch of rapids near the cabin will lull you to sleep. Located just two miles north upstream of the Yellow River Forest. The sound of water running over the stretch of rapids near the cabin will lull you to sleep. No other cabins or homes within sight.
$108 per night

Other great vacation rentals in Iowa

Superhost
Cabin in North Liberty
Fall & Winter Getaway-Kayaks,Hot Tub,Pet Friendly
$275 per night
Superhost
Cabin in Dorchester
Fly Reel Cabin w/ hot tub
$154 per night
Cabin in Red Oak
Idlewood Cabin
$95 per night
Superhost
Bungalow in Des Moines
“The Treehouse” A-Frame Bungalow on 1.25 acres
$165 per night

Your guide to Iowa

Welcome to Iowa

Those who don’t know Iowa will associate it exclusively with corn. The state is the country’s largest producer of the crop, anchoring the Midwestern Corn Belt. But beyond its obvious associations with farmland in the heartland, Iowa is rich in culture and nature. Home to the world’s largest truckstop and the country’s most famous state fair, the state is represented by snippets of real Americana, patched together like a quilt across the prairie. In western Iowa, the town of Le Mars is known as the ice cream capital of the world. The eastern part of the state boasts a UNESCO-designated City of Literature, Iowa City, as well as the cultural hubs of Cedar Rapids and Davenport. And in the heart of the state, Des Moines stands as its center of politics and economy. No matter where your Iowa journey takes you, there’s sure to be a scenic byway, a quiet monument, or a photo opportunity along the way.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Iowa

Extreme heat. Frigid cold. Thrilling summer thunderstorms. Awe-inspiring tornadoes. Depending on when you visit Iowa, you could experience any number of weather patterns, thanks to its position in the landlocked, wide-open plains. Iowa’s variable climate also means that spring is glorious and fall color is gorgeous, and the only thing rivaling the state’s sticky-hot summers are its postcard-perfect winter scenes. In general, it’s best to book one of Iowa’s cabins for rent during the warmer months, when festivals and fairs dominate the event calendar. Book a trip to the northwest in May for the Orange City Tulip Festival, an homage to Dutch heritage that’s more than 80 years old. In late July, Indianola hosts its glorious National Balloon Classic. The famous Iowa State Fair takes over Des Moines the second week of August, drawing fans of funnel cake and carnival rides to see the famous butter cow sculpture. And in the fall, the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival is a fantastic occasion to go leaf-peeping just outside Des Moines.


Top things to do in Iowa

Charming small towns

Some of Iowa’s best spots to visit are its smallest. Pella shows off its 175-year-old Dutch heritage with the tallest working windmill in the country and the annual Tulip Time festival, held during peak blooming season each May. The seven tiny villages that comprise the Amana Colonies were established in the 1850s for German exiles, and stand today as National Historic Landmarks. All over the state, small towns with unique histories welcome visitors year-round.

The Bridges of Madison County

Chances are you’ve heard of Madison County’s picturesque covered bridges, which have stood sturdy since the 1800s. Of the 19 originally built around the county, there are now just six, and they’re well worth the visit — especially in October, when they’re honored with a celebratory festival.

Driftless Area

Earning its name for the fact that it was bypassed by glacial drift, the Driftless Area was left with beautiful and unique geographical features unlike a typical Midwestern landscape. The Iowa section of this multistate region is marked by deep river valleys, limestone bluffs, and steep inclines. Beyond numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, the sparsely populated Driftless Area is home to quaint inns, old churches, and charming antique shops.

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