5 Trending Rentals in Iowa That People Book on Repeat (And We See Why)

There’s no better way to embrace the staycay than to find a cozy place to hunker down and forget the rest of the world exists. But with this growing popularity of Airbnb in the Midwest, you might spend hours sifting through thousands of options. To help speed up the search, dive into this list of five of the most trending vacation rentals in Iowa.

1. Treehouse and Sauna - Norwalk

Among my favorite types of stays right now are treehouses, a reinvention of the childhood playscape, which take on an otherworldly vibe for those of us who never really grew up. And what a delight to find this Iowa treehouse tucked into a 22-acre woodland less than 30 minutes south of Des Moines. This gem features all the luxuries one could dream of, including double king-size beds, a wood-burning sauna, stained-glass windows, blackout curtains, and a wrap-around porch. Plus, nature’s grand gestures like abundant birdsong, a babbling brook, and inky black skies dotted with stars. You can snag an off-season weekend night for around $200, which accommodates up to four people at this trending vacation rental in Iowa.

2. Train Caboose - Decorah

Next up is one of the most unique stays you can find in Iowa right now, a repurposed train caboose with all the vintage vibes. This stay is perfect for a family, featuring a bunk bed, two single beds, and, of course, a queen bed for the parents. It has all the creature comforts, too, so you can cook, sleep, and play all day with Iowa’s Driftless Area as your backdrop. It’s located in rural Decorah, sharing its plot with friendly horses who love to come by for a visit. The caboose vacation rental requires a 2-night minimum, totaling under $350 for both nights combined.

3. Spanish Bungalow - Des Moines

If cozy is the keyword for the kind of stay you’d prefer, this pink Spanish bungalow in Central Iowa might lure you in.  This place oozes charm from the front stoop through every corner of the house, and it’s easy to see why it’s a trending vacation rental in Iowa. Unlike the others on the list, this one’s an urban retreat in a vibrant community within walking distance of coffee shops, stores, and biking trails. It currently rents out for under $500 for a two-night stay and accommodates up to five guests.

4. Historic Milk House - Kalona

Looping back to the countryside, among the most quintessential stays you can book in Iowa is a farm stay. They are not as common as one might think, but the Milk House vacation rental, located between Iowa City and the charming town of Kalona, is the only one you need! The Milk House is a historic building situated on a 20-acre working farm that features a variety of animals, including chickens, goats, llamas, and turkeys. The restoration adheres to tiny house standards and accommodates up to four guests in a 700-square-foot space. You can book it for around $650 for a two-night stay.

5. Log Cabin in the Woods - Newton

Now, if it happens, a treehouse or a train, a bungalow or farm stay isn’t you’re thing, perhaps a cabin in the woods will fit the bill. But if you’re going for a cabin, you’ve got to go with a log cabin and floor-to-ceiling pine walls, just like this trending vacation rental in Iowa. Think of this one as a romantic escape, designed for just two guests on a sprawling 115-acre woodland near Newton, Iowa. It’s a true escape, featuring a jacuzzi bathtub and outdoor fire pit, but with no Wi-Fi and no cable television. For a 2-night stay, it’s quite the bargain at just over $400.

Looking for more Iowa vacation rentals? Find the perfect stay with Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner!