This Iowa Cabin Offers Unforgettable Night Sky Views

Stargazing has always been one of my favorite things, and growing up in the Hawkeye State meant I usually had easy access to pretty dark skies—especially during junior high and high school, when my family lived in rural northeast Iowa, about 20 minutes outside Decorah. To see all the bright, twinkling pinpricks in the firmament, I simply had to turn off the porch light and step out into the yard. Now I live in a large metropolitan area of more than 3 million people, and seeing the stars means planning an excursion far away from the city. So, you can imagine my delight when I came across a charming rental cabin in rural northeast Iowa that was specifically designed for stargazers.

The Stargazer Waterfront Cabin is located on the southern edge of the Yellow River State Forest outside the small community of Monona, in Iowa's sublime Driftless Area. It sits on the edge of a small pond above a forested valley, just the kind of view that invites you to sit and unplug for a spell. The cabin sits on a 103-acre parcel and shares the pond with another rental, but it feels far from everything except the surrounding nature.

With a loft, a sleeper sofa, and a half bath with a shower, the cabin can accommodate up to four guests, but in reality, it would be best for a couple's getaway or a solo retreat. A well-appointed kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and electric skillet ensures that you'll have everything you need to prepare meals during your stay. There are a couple of eateries in Monona—a bar and grill and a pizza place—but nothing super close to the property, so you'll want to bring provisions with you before you check in.

During your stay, you'll have free-range access to the 103-acre property, including three swimming ponds, the u-pick flower farm—that blossoms in the summer and early fall—and Suttle Creek, which runs through the property. The ponds are also stocked with fish, so you can drop a line if the mood strikes you. The rental includes a bundle of wood for each night you stay, which means you almost have to enjoy a crackling bonfire beneath the stars during your getaway.

When you've doused the fire and are ready for bed, climb up to the cabin's loft, where you'll find your bed and a massive skylight so you can count constellations and watch for shooting stars until you drift off into your own dreamscape.

April is Global Astronomy Month, so it's a perfect time to book the waterfront Stargazer Cabin in Iowa. But it's not like the stars go away when May rolls around—and you'll definitely want to come back when the flower farm is in bloom. Check out the cabin's Airbnb listing to see additional photos and to make your reservation.

Looking for more Hawkeye State adventures? Check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.