Iowa vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Iowa

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

Guest favorite

Cottage in Spirit Lake

5 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviews

Charming Lakes Cottage in the Woods!

BruceRating, 5 stars4 months ago
We have stayed at various places up at the lakes and this was our favorite. A great choice if you need a lot (5) of bedrooms. A great space out back if you want to do a bonfire, which we did all 3 nights. The owner hosts are VERY friendly, helpful and responsive. And the house itself is very well appointed. 5 stars all around. We are looking to stay here again next trip up!
Guest favorite

Townhouse in Dubuque

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews

The Fenelon Place

SteveRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We have made a habit of staying at Jeremy’s place a couple of times a year when we come up for family events. We are always comfortable and happy with our choice.
Guest favorite

Cottage in Clear Lake

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 179 reviews

Charming 3 bedroom lake home - on site parking

AnthonyRating, 5 stars1 day ago
Enjoyed the upgrades making the place feel even more homey, always has hot water for the multiple bathrooms, and a very nice addition was use of the garage to park our car during the Surf Ballroom Winter Dance Weekend!
Superhost

Home in Arnolds Park

4.76 out of 5 average rating, 38 reviews

Okoboji Perfection!

CallieRating, 5 stars5 months ago
Just as described in a perfect location! Worked great for our group!
Superhost

Cottage in Harpers Ferry

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

Harpers Slough Cottage w/ Hot tub

AmandaRating, 5 stars1 month ago
This was a great place for a group of friends to gather! The kitchen space worked great for serving our snacks, and there was comfortable space for everyone. The views from the deck were beautiful. This was a great stay, and it was quiet and peaceful during our winter stay!
Guest favorite

Home in Lakeside

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

Mom & Pop's Lakeside Place

JuanRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Good spot to relax near friends and family. Dog friendly with the fenced-in backyard was a major plus.
Superhost

Home in Arnolds Park

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 61 reviews

Okoboji Bridges Bay Cabin Well Stocked!

KathyRating, 5 stars5 months ago
It was everything g we expected and I would say more. The house had everything we needed.
Guest favorite

Bungalow in Decorah

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews

Renovated Private Bungalow By Downtown & Trails

ErinRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Great host and a nice, private location! Overall a great experience.
Guest favorite

Home in Ottumwa

5 out of 5 average rating, 9 reviews

Fran's Cottage

JenniferRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Cozy and peaceful cottage. Home had everything we needed to celebrate Thanksgiving as a family. Large kitchen with good sized fridge, stove top/oven cooking equipment/utensils. There was plenty of dining space for meals and playing games. Also was nice to have a washer and dryer so we didn’t have to go home with dirty laundry. Would stay again.
Superhost

Home in Mystic

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 9 reviews

Sunny Days Valley View Villa 3

TammyRating, 5 stars5 months ago
Loved our stay. 2 days there were 13 of us definitely tested the capacity lots of room. My husband and I added a day , he seldom gets summer vacations. Bring blankets especially if people sleeping on couches. More kitchen stocking if doing a lot of cooking. The house was awesome one level especially the game room extra space. Two sleeper sofa’s would work in there. Lots of room for large groups. Fire pit and pool absolutely great. Patio and two doors on the poolside was very useful. I did call Douglas with a few questions, very accommodating and friendly.
Superhost

Home in Lakeside

4.75 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Cozy Lakeside home 3-bed 2-bath wi-fi AC Beach

MelissaRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Angie’s beach house was a perfect spot for our extended family to gather for Christmas. The house was spotless, very nicely decorated and perfectly checked all the boxes. I’m sure we’ll be checking into renting again this spring or summer when family comes to visit again . Angie was very responsive and so nice to work with. Highly recommend! 🌟
Guest favorite

Home in Iowa City

5 out of 5 average rating, 31 reviews

The Stuart House near downtown Iowa City

JadaRating, 5 stars3 months ago
Fantastic hosts! Very communicative. Great little spot for a weekend trip to Iowa city.

Iowa cabin rentals

Guest favorite

Cabin in Clear Lake

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 122 reviews

Cornerstone Cabin with lakeview

PatrickRating, 5 stars1 day ago
Another great stay here at Clear Lake thanks to Steve. We’ve stayed at this cabin twice now to do some ice fishing! Highly recommend!
Guest favorite

Cabin in Arnolds Park

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews

Okoboji Bridges Bay Cabin on Pond

KesleyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
This was our 2nd stay with Ryan and it’s been great both times! Always clean, like the pictures, and easy to check in. Ryan has had great communication before and during our stay. Will stay again!
Guest favorite

Cabin in Newton

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 270 reviews

Little Cabin in the Woods - Great for Staycation!

DelmarRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Was a beautiful little cabin in the woods. Was very peaceful a place away from the busyness of life. There was hiking trails and seen some wildlife. The hot tub was amazing and the perfect touch to relax in . The clear instructions on everything was very helpful as well. Would definitely recommend this cabin for couples to get reconnected. Would love to bring our family next year and stay at the bigger cabin. Also close enough to a bigger town but yet out in the country. Awesome place enjoyed it so much.
Superhost

Cabin in Harpers Ferry

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 230 reviews

Andy Mountain Cabin #2

JasonRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Great place we have stayed here a few times and will be back again!
Guest favorite

Cabin in Decorah

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews

Whats New Cabin and Antique Store

MelindaRating, 5 stars2 months ago
This little place was cute and cozy! Had every thing you needed in your Home away from Home ! Beautiful surroundings and tucked away in your own little quiet spot. Will definitely be coming back! Thanks again!
Superhost

Cabin in Keosauqua

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews

Private Woodsy Cabin close to River and Keosauqua

MeaghanRating, 5 stars4 months ago
It is a beautiful place to see the nature. Super quiet place. Wonderful hosts.
Guest favorite

Cabin in Iowa Falls

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

Cabin Cove By the River

RobertRating, 5 stars2 months ago
such a great place. relaxing, warm and welcoming. Will definitely rent again. loved the place and area.
Guest favorite

Cabin in Keosauqua

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 512 reviews

Timber Creek Cabin

DemetrionRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
The place was amazing and easy to find, very clean and secluded. The host communicated well, I will be back one day !

Other great vacation rentals in Iowa

Guest favorite

Home in Correctionville

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 20 reviews

Cute 2 BR home perfect for a small town getaway

JamieRating, 5 stars13 months ago
Just as described. My husaband travels year round and prefers to stay in Airbnbs. Comfortable bed, everything he needed to fix meals. He appreciated the shower accommodating his 6'7" frame. Would stay here again!
Guest favorite

Home in Des Moines

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews

Great location. Sleeps 8 w/ full kitchen & parking

MeganRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Charming home with all the amenities needed for a great reunion of 4 friends from college. The well-kept home was inviting and perfect for long conversations, shared meals, and restful nights. Delicious eateries in walking distance. So glad we found this home! Would return in an instant!
Guest favorite

Home in Le Claire

5 out of 5 average rating, 11 reviews

Group Retreat

RickyRating, 5 stars3 months ago
It had everything we needed for our stay. Check out instructions were clear. I would definitely stay here again
Guest favorite

Home in Manson

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 16 reviews

Twin Lakes Family Escape

Manuel & AmandaRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Awesome place would definitely stay there again.
Guest favorite

Home in Huxley

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 44 reviews

Comfortable and spacious

AndrewRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We celebrated the holidays at this house, and it worked out great. The house had plenty of space, a kitchen with everything we needed, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. Being able to park in the garage was a nice treat. Huxley is a smaller town, but it does a have a nice grocery store and is only a 10-15 minute drive to both Ames and Ankeny.
Guest favorite

Home in Dyersville

5 out of 5 average rating, 29 reviews

Cedar Peak Acres

JanetRating, 5 stars1 week ago
We rented Shelli’s place after my Mom passed away. Shelli was so helpful with our reservation and our stay, and sent kind and thoughtful messages before, during, and after our visit. The place was bigger than I expected and so nicely furnished. It was a great experience and I’ve already passed on the rental information to family and friends for their future needs. The whole experience made such a trying time in our lives that much easier and we’re very grateful! 💝
Superhost

Place to stay in Keosauqua

5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

The Tiny Nest, A Unique Space on Main Street!

AndyRating, 5 stars2 months ago
From my wife Abigail: This little nest provided an overnight spot for my sister and I and our girls that we were grateful for, as we had trouble finding something available for our spur of the moment little shopping trip. We were packed in there fairly tight, but made some good memories🤩 We got there late and really appreciated that our host went over and set up the cots and made up the beds!
Guest favorite

Home in Monona

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews

Driftless Manor Getaway

LynnRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We appreciate the little extras she has available. Also plenty of blankets and pillows. Everything is clearly marked.

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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