The One Iowa VRBO You Need to Book for Epic Dark Sky Views

If you are looking for a year-round stargazing escape that truly has it all, then the Raccoon River Retreat just outside Adel, Iowa, is just the fit you are looking for. Situated on over 11 acres of private wooded property, this VRBO offers all-season fun you rarely find in one place. Close enough to secure everything you need, yet secluded enough to feel disconnected from modern society, the Raccoon River Retreat is sure to become an annual destination for larger family gatherings or groups of friends.

Spacious and Comfortable for Families or Groups

The Raccoon River Retreat boasts 2,400 square feet of living space and sleeps up to eight guests. The retreat's layout is unique enough for families or mixed groups of friends to spread out, though do note that with only one full bathroom, you’ll need a little coordination and patience to make the stay comfortable for everyone.

The kitchen is well equipped, with stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, and accessories like a coffee-maker and microwave, making it easy to imagine family breakfasts filling the space with laughter.

A Vacation Home That Has It All

Let’s start with its most extraordinary feature: the indoor heated pool. It's prepped and ready for fun, no matter the weather outdoors; there is even a basketball hoop for friendly competition. There is a fee for heating the pool during the colder months, but it is well worth it. Plenty of pool floats are available to keep arguments at bay, and other amenities like a dart board and a sun porch to unwind post-swim.

Sports fans can enjoy the game room, which features a full-size bar and a big-screen TV for complete immersion. With a tent for little ones to camp in, a ping-pong table, this family room is great for relaxing after a busy day of activities.

Outside, the property continues to impress with a fire pit that is begging to be used for roasting marshmallows. There is a separate, smaller cabin, complete with its own fireplace, a hideaway for when family or friend time becomes slightly overwhelming. 

Perfect for Stargazing, Dark Sky Views, and Outdoor Adventures

Thanks to its secluded location, just a short drive from Adel, Iowa, and far from city lights, this retreat offers dark, open skies that reveal a fantastic canopy of stars. On clear nights, the 11 acres of property ensure plenty of space for a blanket or lawn chair as you take in the view.

Be sure to pack a telescope, binoculars, or camera equipment to catch constellations like Orion’s Belt, Ursa Major, and Cassiopeia. Simple moments, spent with friends or family, beneath a blanket of stars, cause you to pause and appreciate the quiet, still beauty of Iowa’s countryside. 

A Year-Round Escape in the Heart of Iowa

Whether you’re planning a trip to Iowa as a family getaway, a small reunion, or a weekend with friends, be sure to use the Only In Your State AI-powered itinerary planner to receive customized local restaurant, activity, and event suggestions. The Raccoon River Retreat is a reminder of how refreshing simple pleasures can be when you have the space to enjoy them.