9 Airbnbs in Iowa on everyone's wish list, from converted silos and barns to vintage homes
Get a different view of Iowa by staying in an Airbnb. Across the state, you can find silos, barns, former farmhouses, and cabins all converted into vacation rentals with special amenities to make them memorable. Discover a bungalow in Burlington, a charming barn in Dorchester, a cabin built in the 1920s in Cumming and a silo with a view in Missouri Valley. Others offer stunning views of the Mississippi River, the Loess Hills, or the prairie. Two feature pools and tiki bars, some are close to Des Moines and all are among the most desired Airbnb locations in Iowa. Take a look and dream of vacation time.
A mid-century home in Ankeny
Step back in time to this vacation home built in 1948, sitting on four acres. Visitors can find a ’70s game room, tiki bar, children’s playroom, pool, and hot tub. The house sleeps 10 with six beds.
Where: 15 minutes north of downtown Des Moines
Bed and bath: Four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, two half baths
Amenities: Kitchen, washer, dryer, pool, hot tub, tiki bar, WiFi, work area, and more.
Best for: Big groups who want to immerse themselves in the vacation rental vibe.
Cost: $357 per night
Contact: airbnb.com
The Fleetwood Inn bungalow in Burlington
This charming bungalow in downtown Burlington offers original built-ins, vintage details and inspiration from the American West. Three people can sleep comfortably in this cozy vacation rental.
Where: Downtown Burlington
Bed and bath: One bedroom, one bathroom
Amenities: Washer, dryer, kitchen, private back yard, and more.
Best for: A small family or a couple who wants to explore Burlington.
Cost: $58 per night
Contact: airbnb.com
A country cabin in Cumming
The countryside awaits with quick access to Des Moines in this cabin that sits on a gravel road outside of Cumming. Built in the 1920s, the cabin sleeps seven in two bedrooms with five beds. This is more of a relaxing space than a party scene. The cabin sits 2.5 miles from the Great Western Trail for biking.
Where: Ten minutes south of West Des Moines
Bed and bath: Two bedrooms and two bathrooms
Amenities: Full kitchen, washer, dryer, WiFi, workspace, and more.
Best for: Adventurers who want to hunt for morel mushrooms, ride bikes or lay outside under the stars.
Cost: $122 a night
Contact: airbnb.com
The Miles Barn in Des Moines
The Miles Barn offers an industrial loft-style vacation rental right in Des Moines. The open-concept space features 20-foot ceilings, polished concrete flooring, lots of windows and light, steel railings, and many concrete and wood elements throughout. Upstairs find two bedrooms accommodating four people and one bathroom. It does sit near I-80, so sound from the interstate can be heard inside the space.
Where: Ten minutes from downtown Des Moines.
Bed and bath: Two bedrooms, one bathroom
Amenities: Full kitchen, washer, dryer, WiFi, and more.
Best for: Couples who want to make the most of a trip to Des Moines, girls’ nights.
Cost: $119 a night
Contact: airbnb.com
Former farmhouse near the Des Moines International Airport
Up to nine people can sleep in this house in a residential neighborhood near the airport. The home, originally built in 1908 as a farmhouse, offers seven beds. Outside, find a pool, hot tub, patio, tiki bar, tiki hut, rainbow playset, tree house for the kids and more. Upstairs discover original doors and woodwork.
Where: South side of Des Moines
Bed and bath: Three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Kitchen, gas fireplace, hot tub, pool, and more.
Best for: Families with children
Cost: $323 per night
Contact: airbnb.com
The Balsam Barn in Dorchester
This former bar renovated into a two-bedroom vacation rental offers the quiet of the country combined with the best of the outdoors. Visitors can trek to the Upper Iowa River a few miles away for hiking, fishing, or kayaking. Six guests can sleep comfortably in the six beds in two bedrooms. Find a fireplace in the living room, a balcony with a view of the sunrise, and a gas grill near a fire pit. The owner plans to renovate the smaller barn into a bar.
Where: Northeast Iowa
Bed and bath: Two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
Amenities: Full kitchen, fireplace, washer, dryer, and more
Best for: Those who enjoy the outdoors.
Cost: $206 per night
Contact: airbnb.com
A hot tub with a view in LeClaire
Escape the city with life on the Mississippi River at this home in LeClaire, just north of Davenport and Bettendorf. This modern home features a hot tub, and room for seven people to sleep comfortably. A boat dock on the Mississippi River is available as well.
Where: Along the Mississippi River in LeClaire
Bed and bath: Three bedrooms and two bathrooms
Amenities: Washer, dryer, WiFi, workspace, boat dock, hot tub, among others.
Best for: Those who want to explore LeClaire or folks who want more of a party vibe.
Cost: $207
Contact: airbnb.com
Renovated grain bin in Missouri Valley
Six can sleep comfortably in this whimsical, converted grain bin with a view of the Missouri River and Loess Hills. The two bedrooms are connected to the downstairs by a spiral staircase. A full bathroom includes a bathtub and shower. Outside, a patio with a firepit awaits the sunset.
Where: Thirty miles north of Council Bluffs
Bed and bath: Two bedrooms, one bathroom
Amenities: Full kitchen, washer, dryer, WiFi, among others.
Best for: Girls’ getaway, couples
Cost: $191
Contact: airbnb.com
Wold Farm renovated grain bin in St. Olaf
Imagine sleeping inside a grain bin converted into a one-bedroom escape from the everyday world. This magical, sun-soaked vacation rental on Wold Farm sits five miles down a gravel road, and one mile from the Turkey River. This retreat accommodates up to three people.
Where: St. Olaf in northeastern Iowa, north of Elkader
Bed and bath: One bedroom, one bathroom
Amenities: Reading materials, WiFi, a kitchenette with a microwave and mini fridge/freezer, among others.
Best for: Romantic getaways, girls weekend or solo adventures.
Cost: $141 per night
Contact: airbnb.com
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where to find the most wanted Airbnb rentals in Iowa in silos to barns
