Vacation rentals in Iowa

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Houses in Iowa

Top guest favorite
Home in Pleasant Valley
5 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviews

Mississippi River House

Erin And LanceRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
We greatly appreciated an early check-in after our long 14hr redeye flight into Moline. The view of the Mississippi was absolutely stunning. The hot tub was so relaxing and peaceful overlooking the river and the wildlife with the beautiful sunsets. The lounge chairs and table/chairs on deck were a great option to continue to enjoy the outdoor beauty. The bed was comfortable, but quite firm. Overall, we really enjoyed our time at the Mississippi river House, and look forward to staying again in the future!
Guest favorite
Home in Boone
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 306 reviews

Boone's Bodacious Bungalow - A Cozy 2 Bedroom Stay

ZacharyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
What an amazing and wonderful home and neighborhood! It is extremely peaceful and quiet!
Superhost
Home in Manson
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

The Gidel "GUESTHOUSE"

MelanieRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Barb was friendly and accommodating throughout the weeks after booking leading up to check in. At check in she was super friendly to the girls who checked in and made herself available should we need anything else. Check in and out instructions were super simple. As for the property itself it was beautiful and well maintained. Yes there were dust bunnies, but nothing out of what would be ordinary for a lakeside cabin. The site had so much recreational things available on the lake such as kayaks and paddle boards and a dock to swim or fish off of. There was a fire pit right in front of the lake and PLENTY of firewood included in the rental. We had a bachelorette party for my sister so we were out and about most of the second day, but had we stayed in, we would have had plenty to do just on the lakeside. the beds were mostly comfortable and there was plenty of space. 10 out of 10 would return, and probably will with the kiddos at some point for a family getaway!
Top guest favorite
Home in Iowa Falls
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 179 reviews

Swinging Bridge Cottage

SandraRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Truly enjoyed our stay at the Swinging Bridge Cottage in Iowa Falls. Clean, comfortable, well stocked. Beautiful location on the Iowa River
Guest favorite
Home in Burlington
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

The Fleetwood Bungalow with Dreamy Porch

ChloeRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
We had a great stay! The place was so cozy, the decor was so cute, and the whole house was very clean (and the towels smelled amazing!😊) She was a great communicator and had very clear instructions on how to check in and out. Great for a little weekend trip! Would definitely stay again!
Guest favorite
Home in Cedar Falls
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 274 reviews

The Cottage

Brian And LauraRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We had a nice stay at the cottage. It was just as described and very clean. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful. Riley was easy to communicate with and quick to respond.
Top guest favorite
Home in Coon Rapids
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviews

1875 House, 316 Sumpter Ave, Coon Rapids IA

HaileyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
It’s a great deal and even better than expected! The local restaurant Chuck’s Bar & Grill was amazing and White Rock is a wonderful place if you enjoy the outdoors. It’s beautiful. The host were very accommodating and sent our check-in instructions as soon as we booked.
Top guest favorite
Home in Winterset
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 257 reviews

The Legacy Stone House

CindyRating, 5 stars1 month ago
This little gem far exceeded our expectations. The hosts were great at communicating and very responsive. The cottage is so eloquently decorated, yet cozy enough to feel like home. It was close to town, but felt like country living. We absolutely feel in love with the charm of this place. We would highly recommend both the hosts and the property! Thank you!!

Cabins in Iowa

Guest favorite
Cabin in Harpers Ferry
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 146 reviews

Andy Mountain Cabin #1

BarbaraRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Everything, as usual, was wonderful. I have stayed here several times and have future stays booked. The cabins are super cozy no matter what time of year. This was an odd stay weather-wise, as the in-floor heat was needed overnight (oh that is the BOMB, especially in winter!) and the a/c in the afternoon was needed sometimes. Either way - easily stayed completely comfortable! I can't say enough good about Andy Mountain. As a lone female traveler, I can attest to how safe and at home you'll feel there. The cabins/campground have a neighborhood feel and everyone is always friendly. It's nice to have your own private space with covered porch, grill, and fire pit right there. Also of note is that there are dishes, silverware etc and a full size fridge so you can do all of your own cooking if you're not going to be out and about. Great stay - best place I've ever stayed and will continue to stay there in the future!
Top guest favorite
Cabin in Pella
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews

The Prayer Cabin

AbigailRating, 5 stars1 week ago
This was the perfect weekend getaway! And they responded right away when we had questions! Definitely a spot we will try and go to again.
Top guest favorite
Cabin in Harpers Ferry
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 292 reviews

Yellow River Getaway

JoyRating, 5 stars3 days ago
Beautiful cabin in private area. Very quiet and secluded. Lovely decor and well stocked with everything we could possibly need. Rick responded promptly to all communication.
Top guest favorite
Cabin in Iowa Falls
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

Cabin Cove By the River

RobertRating, 5 stars6 months ago
such a great place. relaxing, warm and welcoming. Will definitely rent again. loved the place and area.
Top guest favorite
Cabin in Algona
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 337 reviews

Tiny House Living Experience

SamanthaRating, 5 stars4 weeks ago
We were truly spoiled with this unexpected gem. Your tiny cabin is something we will talk about for a long long time! Thank you for being so accommodating to us over our short stay. we can’t wait to come back again!
Top guest favorite
Cabin in Eldora
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

Charming Lake House Cabin

ShawnRating, 5 stars1 week ago
It is a very beautiful cabin! The neighborhood was very friendly and we felt very safe. We were especially thankful that we could take our two large dogs with us. They were very clear with their rules and quick to respond when we had a question. Thank you for sharing your cabin with our family! :)
Guest favorite
Cabin in Sabula
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviews

Floating Cottage on the River "Nantucket"

JasonRating, 5 stars1 month ago
This was our second year staying here, and it won’t be our last! The atmosphere is perfect—laid-back, welcoming, and full of charm. The community truly makes you feel at home. Kelly remembered us from last year and treated us like old friends, even giving us some free worms to get our fishing started. The community fire pit is a great place to relax and meet new people, and the fishing is top-notch. We caught over 20 walleye between 15–19 inches and even landed a beautiful 33.5-inch pike. We’re already looking forward to year three. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a trip with friends, Sabula is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss!
Top guest favorite
Cabin in Malcom
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 190 reviews

Bison Ranch*Cabin*Huge Views

CharityRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We had a lovely stay at the Bison Ranch Cabin. Great location off the beaten track being in the middle of farmland- so peaceful and relaxing. Catered no worries for our family of 7. Beds were super comfy especially the main bedroom, could have slept for days, would have loved to have stayed longer. Thanks for having us 🇩đŸ‡ș

Family friendly vacation rentals in Iowa

Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Lansing
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 264 reviews

2 Bedroom Cabin in Quiet Setting

CathyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
I was looking, last minute, for a place to get away from the stresses of life and my job, and this place had it all. A quiet setting, beautiful views, wildlife to check out, and a short drive to cities that could be explored. A trip to Prairie du Chien one day, and another day to Lansing. The house was clean, had the amenities I needed, and Bryce was very responsive. Thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
Top guest favorite
Apartment in Garnavillo
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 276 reviews

Spacious BnB with THE BEST Mississippi View

GeraldineRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Lisa's home is beautiful! Spectacular views! We met friends for an overnight stay. Lisa's place had everything we needed, we spent 90 percent of our time outdoors enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. We will definitely return for our annual get together. Thank you Lisa for an incredible experience!
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Dunlap
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews

Hilltop Studio Apt.

OxanaRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Very nice and quiet place to stay. Easy check in and friendly hosts. Thank you
Top guest favorite
Farm stay in Ames
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Onion Creek Farm 1 room, private bath, kitchenette

AbbeyRating, 5 stars1 day ago
After a long work trip, it was so nice to be able to go to Joe’s place and have a peaceful and relaxing home to be in. The house is surrounded by absolute serenity and peacefulness just far enough away from the heart of Ames that you feel like you’re out in the middle of the country but close enough where you can easily get into town and have all of the amazing restaurants experiences that you can have there!
Top guest favorite
Farm stay in Spencer
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 250 reviews

The Bunkhouse at Hobby Horse Acres

EmilyRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We loved the peaceful atmosphere and the animals! The area was beautiful and we enjoyed sitting around the fire pit and enjoying the sunny spring days :)
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Nevada
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

FarmPond Inn

RachaelRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Wonderful stay in a adorable apartment with a stunning view. Perfect for a much-needed getaway. Situated right by the pond with a lovely hot tub.
Guest favorite
Barn in Ames
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 293 reviews

Old Barn Remodel Unique, Artsy, Solar, Glamping!

YolandaRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Very nice host and it’s sooo cool to stay in a barn.
Top guest favorite
Cottage in Le Claire
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 501 reviews

Cottage on the Mississippi. Venue & dog friendly

JillRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Kathryn's place was amazing with wonderful river views and close proximity to all things in LeClaire! The historical cottage was so charming and well appointed! Kathryn was so responsive to booking and additional inquiries. We just wished we had more time to spend and can't wait to return! Thank you!!

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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