As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

With the stress of the holidays, work, and all of the other added responsibilities at this time of year, finding a cozy winter retreat to get away from it all is a great way to escape and decompress for a couple of days. Here are 11 of the coziest winter retreats you can find in Iowa. Scroll on if you have ever found yourself wondering, “where are some great weekend winter getaways near me?” Choose your favorite, and then pack up and enjoy your winter getaway!

1. Cedar Valley Lodge
617 Downing Ln, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Cedar Valley Lodge
The Cedar Valley Lodge is situated in the beautiful Yellow River State Forest, a perfect secluded retreat for an amazing weekend. You can rent the log home, the lodge or the cabin on the river. They all come with modern amenities and rustic charm. To make reservations, call 563-586-2200. You can also check out the Cedar Valley Lodge website for more information and to book your stay.
2. The Lodge Resort Hotel
945 US-69, Forest City, IA 50436, USA
Facebook/The Lodge of Forest City
Located in Forest City, Iowa, this rustic resort lodge is a cross-country skiing lover’s dream. Nearby, you’ll find 47 miles of hiking and biking trails, so even if there’s not snow on the ground, you can get out into nature for some fresh air. Rooms are comfy with modern amenities, and there are also suites available for larger parties. For reservations, call 641-585-5060. Check out The Lodge Resort Hotel Facebook page for more information.
3. Red Cedar Lodge
1880 Gilbert St, Charles City, IA 50616, USA
Facebook/Winterink's Red Cedar Lodge
Booking a stay in one of these cabins will provide you with a scenic and comfortable weekend getaway. Located along the scenic Cedar River, you’ll be surrounded by rustic beauty. The cabins come with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, 37" TVs with cable and much more. And there are plenty of winter activities to partake in, including snowmobiling, sledding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Call 641-228-3444 for reservations. EDITOR'S NOTE: Unfortunately, the owners of Red Cedar Lodge have made the difficult decision to sell and enjoy retirement. We hope you instead find one the other weekend winter getaways listed in this article to enjoy.
4. Adams Street Country Lodge
1412 170th St, Creston, IA 50801, USA
Facebook/Adams Street Country Lodge
This B&B is a beautiful and serene place to get away from it all. Located half a mile from McKinley Lake and surrounded by hills and ponds, you’ll love the scenic surroundings on this property. You can cozy up with a book next to the fireplace or relax in the whirlpool and sauna. To find out more, call 641-344-5478 or check out the Adams Street Country Lodge Facebook page.
5. Andy Mountain Cabins
2335 Andy Mountain Ln, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Facebook/Andy Mountain Cabins
The Andy Mountain Cabins offer a cozy retreat in a breathtaking setting. They are situated near the Mississippi River, the Effigy Mounds and Pikes Peak Park, where you can enjoy gorgeous hikes and spectacular views, or just hole up with a good book if the weather is too cold. For reservations call: 563-586-2123. You can also find out more information and book online at the Andy Mountain Cabins website.

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6. Iowa Country Cabin
2370 X Ave, Clarinda, IA 51632, USA
Facebook/Iowa Country Cabin
The Iowa Country Cabin is located in a peaceful natural setting with country decor. This is the perfect place to just hibernate, relax and kick back. For more information, call 712-585-3701.
7. Five Ridge Prairie Cabin
Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve, 15561 260th St, Westfield, IA 51062, USA
Plymouth County Conservation / Facebook
This small, rugged camping cabin is for those who really want to feel like they’re in the middle of nowhere. The cabin comes with a few modern conveniences, but it’s pretty no frills. The cabin has one room with a lofted bed, futon, table and chairs and a propane grill and stove outdoors. There’s also a primitive bathroom and a small amount of power. The cabin is available year-round, weather permitting. For reservations, call 712-947-4270.
8. The Natural Gait Cabins
Marquette, IA 52157, USA
Facebook/The Natural Gait
These cabins in the lovely Northeast Iowa are cozy and rustic, with modern conveniences. The cabins are fully furnished and feature wrap around decks, wood burning stoves and puzzles, games and magazines for a lazy afternoon spent by the fire. For reservations, call 563-535-7314, or visit the Natural Gait website.
9. Mont Rest Bed & Breakfast
300 Spring St, Bellevue, IA 52031, USA
Facebook/Mont Rest Bed & Breakfast
This charming 1890s Victorian-style inn is located on a beautiful 9-acre wooded bluff with incredible views of the Mississippi River. There are 12 beautiful guest rooms, and many come with a fireplace and jacuzzi, for those cold winter nights. For reservations, call 563-872-4220 or visit the Mont Rest Bed & Breakfast Facebook page.
10. Little Swan Lake Winery and B&B
320th Avenue, 320th Ave, Iowa, USA
Facebook/Little Swan Lake Winery and Bed and Breakfast
The Little Swan Lake Winery Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful country getaway. This one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast is located in a renovated grain elevator. The rooms are all unique, offering their own kinds of charm, and you can’t beat a weekend getaway right in a winery. For reservations, call (712) 858-4592.
11. Lorelei Cabins
11823 Lorelei Ln, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
Facebook/Lorelei Cabins
Lorelei Cabins are cozy, charming and secluded, for optimal peace and quiet. But there are also plenty of activities for every season, like hiking, bonfires, wildlife watching and more. There are two cabins available to rent. Both have hot tubs, and one also has a spa tub. For reservations, call 800-847-2850 or book online on the Lorelei Cabins website.

Have you stayed at any of these places? What did you think? If you have other favorite weekend winter getaways in Iowa, please share in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!

For more amazing places for a weekend escape, These 10 Charming Bed & Breakfasts In Iowa Are Perfect For A Getaway.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Places To Visit During Winter In Iowa

Katie Feldkamp | November 29, 2022

What are some places to visit during winter in Iowa?

Iowa does not come up short for magical places to visit, even in the winter. When feeling adventurous, consider checking out some of the following:

  • Sleigh rides at Jester Park Equestrian Center
  • Wells Fargo Arena for an Iowa Wild game
  • Glide around the Benton Skating Plaza in DesMoines
  • Go snowshoeing at Ledges State Park in Boone
  • Visit Santa’s Castle at Storm Lake

For more information about these locations and more, check out this article on unforgettable places in Iowa to visit this winter.

Where are some of the best small towns in Iowa to visit this winter?

Small towns tucked into the Hawkeye State don’t lack charm. Beat cabin fever this winter and visit somewhere new! Hop in your car, and drive to some of the following towns this winter in Iowa:

  • Nevada in Story County
  • Decorah in Winneshiek County
  • LeClaire in Scott County
  • Dyersville in Delaware and Dubuque Counties
  • Wapello in Louisa County

Read more about these places and several other small towns in this article about charming small towns in Iowa.

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