Field of Dreams house, a former jail and a llama farmhouse among Iowa's unique vacation rentals

Adam Hensley, Des Moines Register
·3 min read
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The MLB won't be back in Iowa this year for a Field of Dreams game, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the baseball experience.

Starting in March, fans can stay at the famous farmhouse featured in the 1989 film. The rental, which sleeps up to seven people, has three bedrooms and overlooks the traditional field, which is rentable as well.

But the Field of Dreams experience got us thinking. What are some of Iowa's most unique vacation rentals?

Here's a look at eight of the state's most interesting Airbnb properties.

JailHouse Inn in Elkader

What used to house some of the area's most notorious criminals throughout its 150-year history, the Elkader Jailhouse Inn now offers four suites for guests to enjoy. Authentic jail cells coupled with luxurious beds and bathrooms bring a unique twist with history and culture.

The nightly price depends on which suite you select, but they range from $96-$113, according to Airbnb's website.

From 2021:Norwalk Airbnb, the five-star Farmhouse Retreat, is Iowa's top-ranked property for hospitality

Clemens Mansion in Conrad

Love luxury mansions with a sporty flair? This 16,000-square foot home in Conrad comes complete with 11 bedrooms, a gym with a basketball court, a library, living room, theater and a gourmet kitchen.

The Clemens Mansion is listed at $1,280 a night and can host more than 16 guests.

Farmhouse Stay with Llamas at Prairie Patch Farm in Cedar Rapids

Prairie Patch Farm in Cedar Rapids gives travelers a farmhouse to relax and connect with llamas.
Prairie Patch Farm in Cedar Rapids gives travelers a farmhouse to relax and connect with llamas.

This one-bedroom home gives travelers a chance to unwind with llamas. The Airbnb comes with a queen bed sleeper sofa, high-speed internet and a relaxing porch that backs up directly to the llama pasture. Prairie Patch Farm will start accepting inquiries for its Airbnb on March 1 for April-July reservations.

This Cedar Rapids location costs $212 a night.

More places to stay:Plot your stay at one of 14 hotels near Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines

CR Station Train Caboose in Decorah

If you're a fan of trains, this stay in a real caboose is the spot for you.

This Decorah spot has modern amenities inside the caboose, such as Wi-Fi, a kitchen, refrigerator, TV, air conditioning and more. But in the process of restoring the caboose, the owners kept the original conductor's chairs and overhead handrails. Your caboose stay includes one queen bed and a bunk bed.

The Decorah caboose location runs $147 a night.

Renovated barn in Ames

This historic barn in Ames is now an Airbnb.
This historic barn in Ames is now an Airbnb.

This historic barn, located about 10 minutes from Iowa State University's campus, offers a unique take on glamping. Inside the barn, you can choose where exactly you want to sleep: In a boat or a camper.

This Ames barn costs $140 a night and has room for four guests.

More:How is an Airbnb different from a B&B? Which is better for your vacation?

Captain's Quarters in Le Claire

This Le Claire spot gives guests the chance to unwind right along the Mississippi River in a guest suite. The cozy, 600-square foot suite was named a top five "Most Romantic Couples Getaway" in 2019 by River Travel Magazine.

A one-night stay in the Captain's Quarters, complete with a king bed, comes out to $145 a night.

Bohemian Firehouse in Cedar Rapids

Built in 1916, this space stood as the living quarters for firemen and housed their firetruck. The first floor is a retail shop, but the second floor is for guests, with a modern kitchenette, bathroom and king bed.

This Cedar Rapids firehouse runs $162 a night.

More:How to spot hidden surveillance cameras in your Airbnb, VRBO, or vacation rentals

Grain Bin Lodge and Retreat in Le Mars

The Grain Bin Lodge and Retreat, located in Le Mars, provides travelers with a unique lodging experience.
The Grain Bin Lodge and Retreat, located in Le Mars, provides travelers with a unique lodging experience.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Should you choose this Le Mars location, you'll stay in a converted grain bin. It's a two-story unit with a full bath, kitchenette, live seat, smart TV, Wi-Fi and a dining area with two tables. Guests can stay in either a full bed or two queens.

One night in the Grain Bin Lodge costs $124.

Adam Hensley is a digital producer with the USA Today Network. You can follow him on Twitter @A_Hens83 or reach him at ahensley@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa's unique vacation rentals include llama farmhouse, caboose, grain bin