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Iowa vacation rentals

Vacation rentals in Iowa by owner — compare homes, condos and cabins, message verified hosts, and book direct with no service fees.

Iowa offers attractions like Des Moines' Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Iowa State Fair in August, the charming town of Amana Colonies, and the recreational Iowa Great Lakes. Folks visit for local festivals, the state's farmland vistas, and cycling on the High Trestle Trail. Houfy provides direct bookings with local hosts across Iowa. Explore rentals ranging from lakeside cabins in Okoboji to city apartments in Cedar Rapids and Davenport. The annual Ragbrai ride is a must-see cycling event rolling through different towns each July.

Top-Rated Vacation Homes in Iowa

Browse the highest rated vacation properties in Iowa.

Black Barn Dubuque

6 bd· ba
5· 1

$3,531.00 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 27 – 30, 2026

The views from the Barn are magnificent. Peaceful, relaxing and shareable.
My family was so appreciative that I had found a wonderful family retreat. skiing for hours and the greatest part of the day spent in the pool with the kids. I was a respite from the world and wonderful to spend time with our family. See you next season.
Suzanne · Stay February 2026

Drake House: The Loft with Private Hot Tub

1 bd·2 ba
4.97· 196

$585.64 USD total for 3 nights

Oct 11 – 14, 2026

This is an incredible space and Jenn is an incredible host. Jenn was immediately communicating with us while we were laughing about being at the wrong door at check in and was great about communication pre, during and after our stay. The Loft is an amazing space and I will never stop raving about it. It feels so welcoming as soon as you step inside. The downstairs living area and kitchen is big enough to spread out, not to mention the outside space. You will never feel crowded. Upstairs is an additional living room type area with a sofa bed, my friend slept on this and said it was very comfortable. The upstairs bedroom is huge, again, you will not want for more space. Both bathrooms are a good size. Everything was clean and there were plenty of extra towels, blankets, dishes, etc. Being a native of Dubuque, I can tell you that the location is outstanding. Especially with all the renovations in the Millwork District but you can easily hop on Central or 9th and get anywhere you need to go quickly. Being directly upstairs from the coffee shop is great. A definite underrated luxury for this listing. I would recommend this listing to anyone, although I also don't want to recommend it simply because I want it to be available to me anytime I'm in town. Also look for Jenn's other listings, they will be just as amazing.
C. · Stay July 2021

Corner of calm in the heart of Cedar Rapids!

2 bd·1 ba
5· 121

$1,546.72 USD $1,444.72 USD total for 10 nights

Dec 3 – 13, 2026

This is a cozy, older home that's been revamped. Upon check-in, the place was very clean and smelled great. The beds are super comfy! We stayed for a week, and I worked from the home. I had plenty of space to set up an office in the dining area and the wifi was sufficient for everything I needed to do. The Smart TV is wall-mounted, which was a very nice touch, as it allowed me to watch the TV from multiple locations, including the dining area where I was working. The kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed for our stay. The heat worked great and kept the home nice and toasty during the snowy weather. Alex, the host, was easy to work with and very responsive. We had a smooth check-in experience and he was available throughout our stay. It snowed twice and he made sure we knew there was a shovel and road salt if we needed it - very nice!
K. · Stay November 2019

Modern & Homely 4 Bdr NE House by the Golf Course

4 bd·2 ba
5· 2

$4,144.00 USD $3,863.33 USD total for 14 nights

Dec 2 – 16, 2026

Alex was great to work with, and his home was awesome! The location is great, the house is clean and in great condition, the furnishings and decorations are tasteful and modern, and the house was well supplied in every way. In short, my experience with Alex and his house were everything I wanted, and we hope to stay there again next year!
B. · Stay October 2021

Rare Find! Near Wedding Venues & Metro

7 bd·6 ba
5· 38

$2,245.00 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 27 – 30, 2026

Decorah Valley Home with a View (Apartment 2)

1 bd·1 ba
5· 4

$357.00 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 26 – 29, 2026

The stay was lovely. The home is perfectly located with a wonderful view and gorgeous yard. The place is very modern, clean and comfortable with many amenities to keep us entertained. The shower was wonderful, the towels thick and new, the beds and pillows were very cool comfy. Evan and Kristen were very helpful fitting our large family in, and we had complete privacy. We enjoyed the bikes, and we love that they are located along the bike path. We loved the foosball table. We watched a family of deer play and eat in the front yard. Thank you for the wonderful stay!
C. · Stay September 2021

Firepit & Fun Near ISU — 4BR, Porch & Fenced Yard

4 bd·2 ba
5· 11
We had a fabulous stay with our family. Beautiful home with everything we needed. Well equipped kitchen with great appliances. The location was perfect! Nice quiet neighbourhood with easy walk or drive to amenities. Nice walk to ISU Campus and Jack Trice Stadium. Tricia was always responsive and helpful to our needs. Highly recommend!!
R. · Stay April 2024

Downtown Ames Peaceful Getaway

2 bd·1 ba
5· 6

$567.04 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 27 – 30, 2026

Charming and enchanted cottage
We stayed here for Christmas 2023. It was even more charming and enchanting than we could imagine. Invision finding that perfect hidden gem ... that ideal cottage ... the peace of the day. The beds are soooo comfortable ... we slept like babies ... especially with the train luling us to sleep!!! The host family is simply amazing and so sweet. It's very close to restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
Stay December 2023

Recommended Homes in Iowa

Handpicked properties we think you'll love in Iowa.

Drake House: City View with Private Hot Tub

2 bd·2 ba
4.9· 326

$707.64 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 26 – 29, 2026

Drake House: Fleur de Lis with Private Hot Tub

1 bd·2 ba
4.91· 291

$547.04 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 27 – 30, 2026

Decorah Valley Home with a View (Apartment 1)

2 bd·1 ba
4.9· 72

$351.75 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 26 – 29, 2026

$1,789.20 USD $1,674.98 USD total for 10 nights

Oct 17 – 27, 2026

Charming Getaway w/ Cozy decor & modern amenities

2 bd·1 ba
4.92· 170

$431.00 USD total for 3 nights

Oct 11 – 14, 2026

1409 Sycamore St Iowa City

5 bd·2 ba

$3,006.08 USD $2,807.41 USD total for 10 nights

Dec 3 – 13, 2026

Central 2BR Escape w/Grill Nook*Near BrooksidePark

2 bd·1 ba
4.8· 20

$1,061.40 USD total for 14 nights

Nov 29 – Dec 13, 2026

$3,244.64 USD $3,029.28 USD total for 10 nights

Nov 2 – 12, 2026

Vacation houses with pools in Iowa

Cool off in style with these amazing pool homes in Iowa.

$745.48 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 26 – 29, 2026

Pet friendly vacation rentals in Iowa

Bring your furry friend along! Browse pet-welcoming homes in Iowa.

Family sized charmer- Mason City, IA

4 bd·2 ba
4.86· 7

$955.80 USD total for 3 nights

Nov 13 – 16, 2026

$876.30 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 25 – 28, 2026

$793.50 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 25 – 28, 2026

The Rehoboth - Iowa (Entire Home) Deluxe & Elegant

4 bd·3 ba
4.97· 30

$619.50 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 27 – 30, 2026

$1,875.00 USD $1,515.00 USD total for 30 nights

Sep 26 – Oct 26, 2026

Champagne Loft in Historic Millwork District

1 bd· ba

$450.00 USD total for 3 nights

Sep 27 – 30, 2026

Why visit Iowa

Discover what makes Iowa a perfect vacation rental destination.

Experience Amana Colonies

Seven German heritage villages await.

The Amana Colonies, about 20 miles from Iowa City, offer a glimpse into German pioneer life. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted goods and traditional food.

Explore Maquoketa Caves

Hiking trails and unique geological formations.

Located 30 miles south of Dubuque, Maquoketa Caves State Park features 13 caves and panoramic hiking trails. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

Adventureland Park Fun

Located just outside Des Moines.

Adventureland Park offers over 100 rides and attractions, including water rides and shows, only 8 miles northeast of Des Moines. Great for families.

Visit Iowa State Capitol

Historical tours in downtown Des Moines.

The iconic gold-domed Iowa State Capitol building offers free guided tours. It is situated in the heart of Des Moines, a must-see for history buffs.

Where to stay in Iowa

The best areas and neighborhoods for your vacation rental in Iowa.

Des Moines

Iowa's capital city features a vibrant downtown area with attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the popular East Village shopping district.

Best for: culture, nightlife, shopping

Iowa City

Known for the University of Iowa, this city has a lively arts scene with venues like the Iowa City Jazz Festival and lively downtown areas.

Best for: arts, festivals, university visits

Dubuque

A river city rich in history, featuring the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and scenic views from the Fenelon Place Elevator.

Best for: history, river views, museums

Amana Colonies

Clusters of German heritage villages offering unique shopping, homemade goods, and traditional German cuisine.

Best for: culture, shopping, food

Find Iowa vacation rentals that suit your style

Vacation homes, apartments, cabins and more — pick the kind of Iowa vacation rental you want, then book it direct with the host.

Iowa vacation rentals with free WiFi, hot tub or air conditioning

Free WiFi, hot tub, air conditioning and more — every Iowa vacation rental here is listed by a verified host and bookable direct, with the price the host set.

Top attractions in Iowa

All within driving distance of Iowa vacation rentals.

Amana Colonies

Historic villages that provide insight into German communal living. · 20 miles from Iowa City

Iowa State Capitol

An iconic building with a 23-karat gold dome offers public tours. · 0 miles from Des Moines center

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Offers a network of caves and picturesque hiking trails. · 30 miles south of Dubuque

Adventureland Park

A family-friendly amusement park with over 100 rides. · 8 miles northeast of Des Moines

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Riverside museum focusing on history and wildlife of the Mississippi. · 0 miles from Dubuque center

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Features works from famous Iowa artist Grant Wood. · 0 miles from Cedar Rapids center

Best Time to Visit Iowa

The best time to visit Iowa for vacation rentals is from May to September when temperatures are warm and rainfall is moderate.

The best time to visit Iowa is November to February, when the weather is at its best. For lower prices and fewer crowds, November to March is the best time to book.

Best weatherNov – Feb
Best valueNov – Mar

SepNow

78°F26°C

Rainfall Moderate

Demand Mid

Oct

64°F18°C

Rainfall Moderate

Demand Mid

Nov

49°F9°C

Rainfall Low

Demand Low

Dec

37°F3°C

Rainfall Low

Demand Low

Jan

29°F-2°C

Rainfall Low

Demand Low

Feb

36°F2°C

Rainfall Low

Demand Low

Mar

50°F10°C

Rainfall Moderate

Demand Low

Apr

61°F16°C

Rainfall Moderate

Demand Mid

May

72°F22°C

Rainfall Moderate

Demand Mid

Jun

82°F28°C

Rainfall Moderate

Demand Peak

Jul

84°F29°C

Rainfall Moderate

Demand Peak

Aug

82°F28°C

Rainfall Moderate

Demand Peak

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Quick answers about booking vacation rentals in Iowa and what direct booking on Houfy actually means.

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