With so many beautiful small towns scattered throughout the Hawkeye State, it's easy to plan a long-weekend vacation right here in Iowa. One of the coolest areas in the state is the Villages of Van Buren, where small-town life is still the norm. A getaway here is a unique vacation for sure, but you can make it truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you stay in the Mason House Inn's Caboose Cottage.
The charming tiny town of Bentonsport is one of the Villages of Van Buren County, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The beautiful Des Moines River serves as a backdrop to the town, and the historic train bridge is one of the notable landmarks.
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Here in the Villages of Van Buren, you'll find boutiques, scenery, and fine dining — so you'll want to stay a few days!
The Mason House Inn has been hosting guests since 1846 when it opened as a guest house for steamboat travelers. Today, it offers 10 one-of-a-kind rooms for visitors.
The most unique room at the Mason House Inn is their Caboose Cottage, next to the historic Wash House.
This authentic, vintage 1950s era Caboose was once part of Texas' Roscoe, Snyder and Pacific Railway — and now it's one of the rooms!
You'll love the queen bed and amenities they've crammed into this unique room — you can even climb up to the cupola for a beautiful, panoramic view.
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The Mason House Inn is located on a beautiful property, and you'll enjoy walking around town before you retire to your train car.
Truly, this is the most unique place to stay in the entire state!
The Mason House Inn is located at 21982 Hawk Dr., Keosauqua, IA 52565. Read more about the history of the Mason House Inn on their website, here, and call (800) 592-3133 to book your stay.
Looking for the best bed and breakfast in Iowa? We've got you covered! After all, who needs to spend boatloads of money on a vacation when you can have a perfectly good staycation right here in Iowa? From island castles to barns-turned-B&B, the best bed and breakfasts in Iowa are so charming, you will want to plan a trip just to see them!
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1. Mason House Inn, Bentonsport
This quaint little bed and breakfast in Bentonsport is nearly 170 years old, and was built by Mormon settlers as a hotel for steamboat travelers. Aside from the main inn area, there is a Caboose Cottage that you can stay in as well, and the owners serve a full country breakfast in the morning. Be careful, though, it's notoriously haunted! For more information about this charming inn, be sure to visit the Mason House Inn official website.
2. Redstone Inn, Dubuque
This beautiful B&B in the heart of Dubuque's historic district is furnished in a Victorian fashion, and the Parlor is especially lovely. There are 15 different rooms, each as magnificent as the last. For more information, you can visit the Redstone Inn online.
3. Hotel Manning, Keosauqua
This gorgeous Steamboat Gothic hotel in Keosauqua has been open for business since 1899. Take a step back in time when you stay in one of 18 rooms in this antique bed and breakfast in Iowa. Ready to book your stay at what many consider the best bed and breakfast in Iowa? Check out the Hotel Manning online for rates and availability.
4. Potter's Mill, Bellevue
Potter's Mill is a historic grist mill turned charming bed and breakfast in Iowa that is now home to Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ and The Inn at Potter's Mill. The inn, tucked into the bluffs, offers rustic and charming rooms, with a splash of modernity for a truly unique stay. The kitchen, Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ, offers delicious Southern soul food. Learn more when you visit Potter's Mill online.
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5. The Castle Bed & Breakfast, Sabula
Who knew that Iowa has an island? And who knew that this island has a castle on it? Pretty neat, huh? This 105-year-old castle sits on the bank of the Mississippi, offering guests an unforgettable view at an unforgettable bed and breakfast. This is that island getaway you've been needing! Learn more when you visit the Castle Bed & Breakfast online.
6. Hancock House B&B, Dubuque
This magnificent Victorian B&B shows Queen Ann architecture at its finest. Be sure to ask about the fireplace in the South Parlor, as it won a blue ribbon at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. During your stay, the generous Inn-keepers will provide you with a full breakfast each morning, cookies and coffee in the guest pantry, and complimentary wine and beer. They know how to treat guests right at Hancock House!
7. Larch Pine Inn, Clear Lake
This elegant Victorian inn was built in 1875, and has been beautifully preserved both inside and out. Aside from the main inn area, there is a charming little Carriage House Suite you can stay in, and you can always look forward to waking up to a generous home-cooked breakfast. Find out more when you visit Larch Pine Inn online.
8. Barn on the Bluff B&B, Elkader
This barn-turned-B&B is probably one of the most unique places to stay in Iowa. When you reserve the barn, the entire barn is yours. You will find a full kitchen, dining for 20 guests, 3 bathrooms, a fireplace, game room, covered porch and a fire pit, where you can sit outside to enjoy the beautiful northern Iowa view. Learn more when you visit Barn on the Bluff B&B online.
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9. Mont Rest Inn, Bellevue
This beautiful 1890s Victorian-style inn is the original Murder Mystery hotel, and they do all sorts of fun themed events. On your stay, check out any one of their 12 gorgeous guest rooms, many of which come with a fireplace and jacuzzi. For a getaway that's not that far away, be sure to check out Mont Rest.
Ready for a staycation yet? We sure are! What are some more unique bed and breakfasts in Iowa to check out? We'd love to hear your opinion on what you consider to be the best bed and breakfast in Iowa in the comments below -- be sure to share with us!
In Northeast Iowa, a charming bed and breakfast welcomes travelers with a cozy rural experience that's unlike any other. The property includes two units - one is a cabin inspired by the Little House on the Prairie books of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The second unit is a barn made of timbers salvaged from a nearby barn and corn crib.
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So why would someone want to spend the night in a pioneer cabin or a barn built of old timber?
Read on to find out.
The Little House on the Farm's cabin was built in 2009 on the foundation of a barn that was once here. From the outside it looks just like something out of Walnut Grove!
The Guest Barn also looks like it's always been here. It was actually constructed in 2012 with materials that were salvaged nearby and carefully moved here, piece by piece.
The units include modern conveniences like air conditioning and traditional touches, like handmade soap and comfy patchwork quilts.
The original barn held hay and dairy cows. The barn is just 700 square feet but it has an open concept design so it feels much larger.
The properties are open all year so they make a nice winter escape.
You can warm up by a relaxing fire on the coldest of days. Books, magazines, and games are provided.
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There's no television in the guest barn, but there's always something good to watch outside.
Guests at the Little House on the Farm and Guest Barn can expect a home-cooked farm-fresh breakfast, nightly campfires, and plenty of rural Iowa beauty. The friendly farm dog "Rover" may greet you when you arrive.
Looking for more unusual Iowa escapes? Here are 10 charming bed & breakfasts that are perfect for a getaway.