11 Unique Places to Stay in Iowa For An Unforgettable Experience
Lisa Battles
Author
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.
There are many cool places to stay in Iowa, and some travelers prefer to play it safe with hotels, inns, and independent vacation rentals across the Hawkeye State. However, for those always on the hunt for the most eccentric accommodations, do we ever have a list for you.
Some of the most unique places to stay in Iowa are converted structures that had former lives. They include former grain bins, churches, train cars, and depots. Of course, farmhouses (and farm animals!) are not in short supply here, so you’ll find a couple of those in our curated list, too. Despite their being unconventional, most of the options have the basics you’d expect like air conditioning, cable TV, and free WiFi, while others offer additional amenities that rival the best hotels.
Grain Bin Cabin Rentals In Iowa
While treehouses are trending in some places, we think these unconventional farm structures across America’s Heartland will steal your heart. It’s Iowa, so naturally, you will find plenty of converted barns and silos. In a turn of outside-the-barn thinking, folks are even transforming old grain bins into tiny cabins. Here are a few to consider.
1. The Grain Bin Lodge & Retreat
Located in LeMars, Iowa, just 26 miles northeast of Sioux City, this unique rustic retreat is a converted grain bin with a two-story layout full of reclaimed barn wood and antiques. The 700-square-foot main floor offers a living room, full bath, a vintage-style kitchenette, and a dining area. Upstairs, a 500-square-foot open loft holds the sleeping area with one full bed and two queen beds. Set on a 10-acre property, guests can enjoy an orchard, berry patches, a garden, and a fire pit. Ample green space invites outdoor activities like yard games, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. Note: All guests must be age 12 or older.
2. Grain Bin Getaway
This converted grain bin's thoughtful design creates a tranquil atmosphere for a cozy stay. Conveniently situated to explore several Midwest gems, it's only a 30-minute drive from downtown Omaha, 1.5 hours from Sioux City, and a short distance to various state parks. Take a road trip, or just happily stick around to explore the surrounding 20 acres of the beautiful Loess Hills. The bin site includes an external electrical hookup for campers.
3. Quiet Country Stay
In 2017, the proprietors of an 1851 farm beautifully converted this 1901 grain bin into a cozy living space. This tiny retreat is located just 179 miles from Des Moines near Dyersville. There, you are within easy reach of attractions like the iconic Field of Dreams movie site and the National Farm Toy Museum. Immerse yourself in the rich agricultural heritage and scenic beauty of this easy-living escape.
Train-Themed Rentals In Iowa
Railroad enthusiasts may have to check how joyfully they conduct themselves when they see these unique rentals in Iowas. Puns aside, you’ll find a handful of places to stay with railroad vibes, like a converted caboose or stylish suite in a historic depot.
4. CR Station Train Caboose
This delightful, restored caboose is located out in the country a short drive from Decorah. Use the retro barware to mix a cocktail and settle into original conductor’s chairs to take in the sunset over the horse pasture. Guests can visit with the horses across the fence and feed them apples from the nearby trees.
5. All Aboard Suite At The Whistle
The All Aboard Suite is located within The Whistle, a historic railroad depot within walking distance to Washington’s Main Street and lively town square, Central Park. A private backyard allows for relaxing moments outdoors, serene except for the occasional train, of course. Another perk is the proximity to the 12.5-mile Kewash trail within two blocks.
Historic Church Vacation Rentals In Iowa
As part of a relatively fresh trend, people are giving historic churches new lives as distinctive vacation rentals. Iowa has several of these converted spaces that seamlessly blend the unique historical architecture of sacred spaces with modern conveniences and comforts.
6. Art Church Iowa
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This converted 148-year-old former Presbyterian Church offers a unique getaway where you can immerse yourself in art and the charming small town of Malvern. A local artist purchased the church in 2012, and he initially lived and worked within the building’s downstairs space. Today, guests may rent the studio only and visit the artist’s new studio space upstairs. The building is within walking distance of downtown’s retail district and the Wabash Nature Trail.
7. Historical Church Hideaway
This beautifully preserved 1867 rock church about 15 miles west of Dubuque is now known as the Lattnerville Church Inn. Restored with care and modern renovations, it features an open layout with a top-notch kitchen and spacious dining area, plus cozy living areas. Six to eight people can stay here comfortably in its three bedrooms and private baths. A perfect spot for a small group trip or reunion, the inn welcomes outdoor gatherings on its large, patio with pergola and beautiful landscaping.
Old Barns For Rent In Iowa
Iowa has many beautiful old barns, including some that are now bed-and-breakfast inns for multiple guests. Here are a couple of especially unusual options where you’ll have the run of the barn (or creamery) almost entirely to yourself.
8. Old Barn Remodel
Experience the historic charms of rural Iowa in a beautiful, old renovated barn within 10 minutes of Ames and Iowa State University. The stay includes modern appointments like clean linens and basic toiletries, the renovation kept it rustic. One of the coolest things about its open floor plan? Dedicated space for quirky sleeping options like a vintage trailer or illuminated boat. Friendly free-range hens on the property add true farm charm.
9. The Old Creamery
Stay in the upstairs living space of this restored creamery building in the rural community of Fertile. Located along the Winnebago River, the space is historic, peaceful, and meant for relaxation. While the owner resides separately downstairs, guests enjoy secured sleeping quarters upstairs and use of shared spaces downstairs that include living spaces, a kitchen, and an additional bathroom.
Farmhouses For Rent In Iowa
For quintessential Iowa farm experiences, consider a stay in a beautiful farmhouse. These offer more traditional accommodations than converted grain bins or silos. At the same time, they’re unique in their amenities, which include meeting resident farm animals.
10. Modern Farmhouse
11. Farmhouse at Prairie Patch Farm
Stay in this charming farmhouse that is over 100 years old and if you’re lucky, you’ll have a llama encounter. Prairie Patch Farm is just south of Cedar Rapids and home to a small herd of llamas and an assortment of other farm animals. While you aren’t guaranteed a llama liaison during your stay, the home’s back porch is part of their pasture. The private nature preserve and wildlife refuge offers several llama experiences seasonally (llama yoga, anyone?). The experiences, like farmhouse rental, are separate and by reservation only. A glamping tent joins the accommodations in the Spring of 2024.
Have you been to any of these cool places to stay in Iowa? Let us know if you’ve come across other gems. We are always on the lookout for the best unique rentals in Iowa that offer unforgettable experiences.
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More to Explore
Unique Places To Stay In Iowa
What are the best unique hotels in Iowa?
The best unique hotels in Iowa tend to also be the most historic. Here are a few options.
- The first iteration of Zuber’s Homestead Hotel opened in 1862 in Homestead, which is part of the historic Amana Colonies.
- Hotel Winneshiek in Decorah was built in 1905 and hosted members of the Norwegian royal family in 1939.
- Stay in the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright hotel in Mason City, the Historic Park Inn Hotel, circa 1910.
- The historic Hotel Pattee in Perry opened in 1913 and today is a boutique hotel that’s especially favored by railroad enthusiasts.
- Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport dates to 1915 and has hosted many celebrities and dignitaries.
Where are some unique cities and towns in Iowa?
Just a few of the most unique cities and towns in Iowa include:
- Des Moines, the state capital
- Amana Colonies, seven villages settled by German immigrants in the mid-1850s
- The charming small town of Mount Vernon
- Iowa’s oldest city, Dubuque, on the Mississippi River
For more, check out these collections of great medium-sized Iowa cities and the best small towns in Iowa.