Vacation rentals in Iowa
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Iowa
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Other great vacation rentals in Iowa
Tiny home in Monona
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 152 reviewsCreekside-water and nature lovers paradise
Guesthouse in Atkins
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 163 reviewsHawkeye Hog house. Is this heaven??? No, it's Iowa
Cabin in Eldora
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviewsCharming Lake House Cabin
Loft in Burlington
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 194 reviewsThe Peacock Loft / Spacious Artistic Loft
Cabin in Cumming
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviewsIconic Iowa - A 1920 Built Country Cabin
Cottage in Clayton
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews2-Bedroom Creekside Cottage Near the Mississippi
Cabin in Newton
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 255 reviewsLittle Cabin in the Woods - Great for Staycation!
Cabin in Harpers Ferry
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 231 reviewsYellow River Getaway
Other great vacation rentals in Iowa
Tiny home in Des Moines
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviewsDes Moines' coolest Tiny Home! Private deck/garage
Tent in Perry
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 94 reviewsRelaxing galaxy bell tent getaway
Place to stay in Janesville
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 59 reviewsRustic Cabin River Retreat!
Tiny home in Norwalk
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 24 reviewsCharming Waterfront Tiny House & Sauna
Dome in Knoxville
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviewsFantastic Geodesic tent by lake red rock
Place to stay in Winterset
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviewsWhimsical cabin nestled in the woods
Bungalow in Des Moines
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 58 reviews“The Treehouse” A-Frame Bungalow on 1.25 acres
Home in Lake View
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 63 reviewsCheerful two bedroom lake home.
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.
Destinations to explore
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