The 7 Best Treehouse Rentals in Iowa [Updated 2024]
Welcome to our guide to Iowa’s best treehouse rentals in 2024!
My boyfriend and I spent the summer traveling through Iowa, exploring the state’s best treehouse rentals. We went to busy cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, and also visited peaceful places like the Loess Hills and the areas along the Mississippi River.
To find the best treehouses, we looked up lots of reviews, got tips from Iowa locals, and talked to travel experts. But the best part? We actually stayed in these treehouses to really see what they are like.
Our goal is to make finding your ideal treehouse rental in Iowa easy, one that perfectly matches your style, needs, and budget. We’ve selected the top treehouses based on their amenities, comfort, location, and overall appeal, focusing on those that provide an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a special treehouse experience, we’ve found great options.
We’ve got treehouses with amazing countryside views, by rivers, and in forests. Each one is a fun way to see the beauty of Iowa.
Ready to see Iowa’s top treehouse cabins? Let’s get started!
It’s a Treehouse: The Best Romantic Treehouse in Iowa for Couples [Pet Friendly] – A Unique Airbnb Stay
My boyfriend and I recently explored an incredible two-bedroom, one-bathroom treehouse, a standout among treehouse accommodations. This rental is the only authentic Airbnb treehouse listed, and we loved it!
The interior of this luxury treehouse struck a perfect balance between rustic appeal and modern convenience. It featured a well-equipped kitchen, a cozy queen-size loft bed, and an additional twin bed, all wrapped in a clean and inviting atmosphere. The property itself spans over an acre, ensuring privacy and tranquility with picturesque garden views, making it ideal for a romantic treehouse getaway or a nature immersion experience.
The rental can accommodate up to five guests, but we found it perfect for the two. This place is the perfect spot if you want a unique stay close to many activities (and it’s pet-friendly). It’s only five minutes from downtown with great bars and restaurants and close to Altoona.
This authentic treehouse was our top pick for Iowa treehouse rentals because:
- Secluded location: Plenty of privacy to grill, light a fire and enjoy the surroundings.
- Amenities: The pet-friendly cabin has all the kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor equipment needed.
- Nearby activities: Located just five minutes from downtown, the treehouse is a gateway to an array of activities, including vibrant bars, restaurants, and local attractions, aligning with the joys of rural tourism and adventure travel.
While this treehouse holiday offers an idyllic escape, guests should be prepared for a rustic experience, including navigating stairs and lacking Wi-Fi or washing facilities. However, these elements only add to the authenticity of the back-to-nature experience.
Pros:
- Enjoy a romantic evening by the fire pit under a starry sky.
- Private BBQ area for intimate outdoor dining.
- Relax in a hammock, perfect for leisurely reading or nature therapy.
- Wake up to serene garden views from the comfort of your bed.
Cons:
- The presence of stairs to access the treehouse and loft area.
Our stay in this authentic treehouse rental was a magical experience, offering a perfect blend of romance, privacy, and connection with nature. For those seeking a secluded getaway that’s close to lively activities, this property is an impeccable choice, promising an unforgettable treehouse stay experience.
It’s a Treehouse! It has heat – Treehouses for Rent in Des Moines, Airbnb.
Embark on a treetop adventure across diverse landscapes. Begin with the serene beauty of treehouse rentals in Wisconsin, venture into the heartland with my picks for treehouse rentals in the Midwest, explore the northern charm with treehouse Airbnbs in Minnesota, and traverse the scenic wonders of treehouse rentals along the East Coast. Let these elevated retreats be your passport to unparalleled experiences.
Lake Macbride Cabin and Cedar Rapids Cabin Rental for Large Groups
Lake MacBride Cabin, located between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, offers a unique treehouse cabin experience perfect for large groups. With three bedrooms and bathrooms, it can host up to fifteen guests, making it perfect for family gatherings or a group of friends.
Unwind in Comfort and Style at Our Family-Friendly Treehouse
Lake MacBride Cabin, located ideally between Lake MacBride State Park and the Coralville Reservoir, serves as a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The cabin’s proximity to hiking trails and beach excursions enriches the stay, with winter adding the charm of cross-country skiing.
Lake MacBride Cabin combines modern comforts with the great outdoors. It has a full kitchen, laundry facilities, internet, and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay. For outdoor adventures, kayaks, canoes, and bikes are available for guests. It’s pet-friendly so that you can bring your furry friends along.
This cabin was one of the best rentals we visited. Here are three reasons why you will love it too:
- Amenities: The cabin has everything to feel at home, including a full bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, running water, a spacious deck, and sleeping space for all your guests, and it is pet-friendly.
- Outdoor activities: We took full advantage of kayaking, canoeing, boating, and nearby hiking trails. There is a lovely beach, only a few minutes away—and cross-country skiing in the winter.
- Ample space: The cabin boasts a king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size bed, a double bed, and several sleeper sofas, offering ample space and privacy.
- Pet-Friendly Environment: Bring your furry friends along for the adventure, as this cabin welcomes pets.
Personal Experience: Our time at Lake MacBride Cabin was truly memorable, bringing our family closer through shared experiences in nature. However, it’s worth noting that most outdoor activities are weather-dependent.
Pros:
- Star-gazing by the fire pit in a serene, open sky setting.
- Outdoor activities like picnics, kayaking, and camping in the yard.
- Proximity to Cedar Rapids for diverse dining and nightlife.
Cons:
- Weather dependency of outdoor activities necessitates indoor backup plans.
Lake MacBride Cabin provides a unique vacation experience, merging adventure tourism with luxury cabin comfort. Whether enjoying the scenic view from the deck or exploring local attractions, this cabin is an ideal choice for an immersive nature retreat with all the comforts of home.
Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! – Johnson County (vrbo.com)
Thornwood Cottage: The Perfect Romantic Retreat – An Enchanting Getaway in Iowa
My boyfriend and I loved spending alone time at the Thornwood Cottage cabin. The one-bedroom, one-bath cabin has a small but fully equipped kitchen, a loft with a comfortable queen bed, and a rural setting for peace and relaxation. We loved this unique stay; perfect for two guests. It’s also pet friendly.
The location was close to some great hiking trails; we did some water tubing and boating. We found a closeby picnic table we had a great lunch at.
The location was perfect for exploring outdoor activities, and we visited Clear Creek Park, Yellow River State Forest, and Charles Wacouta Aquatic Park.
This rental was one of our favorite cabin getaways because it’s perfectly designed for couples. Here’s why you will want to book it:
- Amenities: The cabin has all the comforts of a home, including internet, air conditioning, a full kitchen, and a full bath.
- Location: The cabin is close to rich woods with hiking trails, river and lake activities, and urban areas.
- Beautiful setting: The cabin and one more rental (the Thornwood house) are located in a beautiful spot, with farm-like surroundings and a calm private yard.
This cabin was a fantastic spot for the two of us. However, the bathroom is outdoors, off the deck, which makes it challenging to use at night or in colder weather.
Pros:
- Create a fire ring in the big pit and enjoy a night around the fire.
- Enjoy water activities like boating and tubing on a hot summer day.
- Go for a fantastic hike and bird watching in the Yellow River State Forest.
- Enjoy being nestled in a private spot, grilling, or preparing a romantic meal.
Cons:
- The cabin offers a remodeled and full bath, but it’s off the porch and not part of the cabin.
Source: Vrbo.com Thornwood Cottage
Thornwood Cottage Cabin: the perfect little getaway – Allamakee County (vrbo.com)
River Runs Tiny House: On the Upper Iowa River with Hot Tub – A Riverside Haven for Relaxation
This two-bedroom, one-bath cabin was perfect for a weekend getaway with our favorite couple. The cabin accommodates up to six guests, but it was perfect for us. There are two lofts, and ours had a clean, comfortable queen-sized bed.
We spent much time on the spacious deck and soaking in the hot tub. The living area was great for group meals and drinks. We loved the yard off the large deck, with a nice lawn for grilling and soaking up the sun.
We had so much fun with our friends here and truly felt relaxed. Here are three more reasons you’ll agree:
- The view: Waking up next to a flowing river is impressive. There is an excellent lawn for picnics and grilling.
- The amenities: The spacious cabin has everything you need, including a washer and dryer. We loved the hot tub and beautiful lofts.
- The location: It’s a perfect place to relax on the river. It’s also close to great hikes and Decorah, which offers additional content.
This rental is one of the top treehouse rentals Iowa has to offer. However, I would have preferred more warm water in the shower.
Pros:
- Soak in the private hot tub while enjoying the view.
- Go hiking nearby.
- Visit Decorah for some great restaurants.
- Enjoy your morning coffee on the quiet riverside deck.
Cons:
- There was not enough hot water for the four of us.
Source: Airbnb.com River-run Tiny house w/ hot tub
River run Tiny house w/ hot tub – Airbnb
The Charming Lakeshore Cottage: Family-Friendly Luxury Getaway on Big Spirit Lake – A Lakeside Paradise in Iowa
My boyfriend and I loved staying at this Big Spirit lake cabin. It accommodates up to six guests, but we found it perfect for the two of us.
The two bedroom offers a stunning master bedroom with a king-size bed and a second bedroom with a queen bed. The living area is spacious and elegant. And the view is stunning.
We loved the large lawn by the lake, perfect for picnics. We also did some kayaking and fishing off the pier. MiniWakan State Park is close, and so are Spirit Lake and Okoboji. The city areas had some great restaurants. We found horseback riding options.
This spot was one of our favorite treehouse cabin rentals because of the beautiful location and interior. Make sure to book it because:
- Spacious and comfortable: The space accommodates up to six guests and is comfortably decorated and cozy.
- Lakeside view: located right on the water, the cabin offers panoramic views of the lake and trees.
- Location: MiniWakan Park, Spirit Lake, and Okoboji are all incredibly close to diverse activities.
I wish more treehouse cabins had the accommodations this property offers. However, the beach and lakeshore are communal property, and this is a residential area. There are neighbors and other visitors. So don’t expect to be alone.
Pros:
- Have a perfect night’s sleep in the comfy king-size bed.
- Make a fire ring at the fire pit and enjoy your evening under the stars.
- Enjoy the lake view and water activities right in your yard.
- Invite some family or guests to spend the night in the spacious lake cabin with you.
Cons:
- This rental is in a residential area with many visitors and neighbors. It’s not secluded, but everyone is friendly.
Source: Airbnb.com Charming Lake Cottage on Big Spirit Lake
Charming Lakeshore Cottage on Big Spirit – Airbnb
Wildflower Riverhouse: A Gorgeous Family-friendly Riverfront Cabin – Your Escape to Iowa’s Natural Beauty
My boyfriend and I loved staying at the Riverhouse cabin and enjoyed all the comforts of home. The cabin sleeps up to six guests, but we had the whole place to ourselves.
The three-bedroom, two-bath has a full kitchen, a bathroom with a large soaking tub, and a sunroom with stunning panoramic views of the lake and woods.
The host, Jamie, was friendly and accommodating and even gave us a gift basket with coffee and cooking supplies.
We noticed a lot of safety features for children, so this is a perfect place for kids. My favorite was the sunset view, which we loved watching from the fire pit. We found a picnic table nearby for a nice lunch spot.
Don’t miss out on this family-friendly lake cabin because:
- Activities: Being lakeside, it was easy to enjoy kayaking and fishing off the cabin property.
- Location: The rental is only a few minutes from downtown Cedar Falls, which is full of lovely shops and restaurants.
- Amenities: The cabin has a full kitchen, washer, dryer, multiple TVs, and Wi-Fi.
We enjoyed our stay a lot, and finding fault with the property took work. However, an open raiser staircase leads to one of the lofts unsuitable for many.
Pros:
- Enjoy the panoramic views from the sunroom.
- Go kayaking or fishing right off the cabin property.
- Soak in the luxurious large tub.
- Light the fire pit and enjoy a sunset and star-filled night sky.
Cons:
- Difficult stairs leading to the loft area are not suitable for some.
Source: Airbnb.com Wildflower Riverhouse Cabin
Wildflower Riverhouse – Cabin in Cedar Falls – Airbnb
The Milk House: at Lucky Star Farm, the Perfect Cabin experience for couples – A Cozy Farm Retreat
This was a fun farm experience and perfect for a couple like us. This property is a twenty-acre working farm with livestock, woods, and a pond. We loved seeing all the animals and crops being grown on the property. We even swam in the pond and did some fishing. Iowa City and Kalona are nearby.
The interior was comfortable and cozy, with gorgeous wood details. It can sleep up to four guests in two spacious bedrooms.
This place is excellent if you love farms, chickens, livestock, and food garden. Here are more reasons to love it:
- Ideally located: Minutes away from two cities, the farm cabin is secluded and peaceful.
- Activities: Take walks on the large property, enjoy the animals, or swim in the pond. There is even catch-and-release fishing.
- Interior: The cabin is perfect for couples; it’s romantic and has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
The hosts live on the land. This fact didn’t remove our privacy, but some guests might prefer a more secluded cabin.
Pros:
- Watch and pet all the animals on the large farm.
- Play with the dows, and take calming walks.
- Drive a short distance to the city for great shopping and restaurants.
- Do some swimming and fishing at the pond.
Cons:
- This place is a farm, so hosts live and work on the land.
Source: Airbnb.com The Milk House Cabin
The Milk House at Lucky Star Farm – Farm stays cabin – Airbnb
Wrap up on the best Iowa treehouse and cabin rentals
Iowa is a naturally beautiful state with a diverse and fun treehouse and cabin rentals.
We have compiled a list of the state’s ultimate treehouses and cabins, with fantastic river views, lake properties, and farm estates. |There is something for everyone.
Our treehouse and cabin picks are ideal for a romantic getaway or just peace with the family.
Check out our best eight picks for the ideal rental for you!
This list is the best the state offers, so you will love each rental no matter which one you choose!
The Top Iowa Treehouse Rentals
Treehouses | Highlights | Amenities | Pros | Cons | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
It’s a Treehouse | Romantic two-bedroom in a real tree. Secluded location. | Full kitchen, gas grill, fire pit, air conditioning. | Peaceful setting, BBQ in privacy, 5 min from downtown. | Stairs to entrance & loft, no Wi-Fi or washer. | Airbnb.com |
The Treehouse: Lake MacBride Cabin | Three-bedroom next to Lake MacBride & Coralville Reservoir. | Full kitchen, washer & dryer, A/C, spacious dining. | Kayaking, canoeing, hiking trails, spacious. | Activities are weather-dependent. | Vrbo.com |
Thornwood Cottage | Romantic cabin for two, close to hiking trails. | Kitchen, loft with queen bed. | Water activities, hiking in Yellow River State Forest, private spot. | Bathroom is outside, off the deck. | Vrbo.com |
River Runs Tiny House | Two-bedroom cabin by a river. | Spacious deck, hot tub, living area. | Private hot tub, riverside deck, close to Decorah. | Not enough hot water. | Airbnb.com |
The Charming Lakeshore Cottage | Lakeside cabin on Big Spirit Lake. | Two bedrooms, spacious living area. | King-size bed, lakeside activities, close to MiniWakan Park. | Residential area, not secluded. | Airbnb.com |
Wildflower Riverhouse | Lakeside cabin, sleeps up to six. | Three bedrooms, full kitchen, large soaking tub. | Panoramic lake views, close to Cedar Falls, kayaking. | Difficult stairs to the loft. | Airbnb.com |
The Milk House at Lucky Star Farm | Twenty-acre working farm. | Two bedrooms, wood details. | Animal interactions, farm walks, close to Iowa City & Kalona. | Hosts live on the property. | Airbnb.com |
FAQs
What’s the only Airbnb treehouse cabin rental in Iowa?
If you are looking for an authentic treehouse in a tree, you need to visit it; it’s a Treehouse posted by Airbnb. This romantic two-bedroom, one-bathroom has all the needed amenities and is pet friendly. You will love the gas grill, fire pit, and small kitchen.
What are the top two best treehouses in Iowa?
Visit the It’s a Treehouse posted by Airbnb for a unique and romantic experience. Or rent the Treehouse on the Lake, close to the State Park and Cedar Rapids. This cabin sleeps up to fifteen guests and has all the best amenities.
What modern comforts do treehouse and cabin rentals in Iowa offer?
Most rentals offer unique locations like lakefront properties, riverfront cabins, and national forests. It’s easy to visit Des Moines river, Iowa City, Fort Atkinson, Big Spirit, and more. They offer decks with views, soaking tubs, hot tubs, fire pits, water activity equipment, and fully equipped cabin kitchens and laundry.
Where is the Knotty Pine Guest house located?
The Knotty Pine Guest House is in Decorah, Iowa, just outside Fort Atkinson. It offers many outdoor adventures like kayaking, snowmobiling, biking, hiking, and fishing. The property accommodates up to eight guests. And the Fort Atkinson location guarantees
Are treehouse cabins popular in Iowa?
Yes. Make sure to book your treehouse cabins ahead of time, especially those with lakeside and riverside views. They make the perfect family and couple vacation spots. The peak season is winter skiing and snowmobiling.
What are the unique features of Iowa treehouse rentals?
Iowa treehouse rentals offer a unique blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Many rentals include cabin features such as a fireplace or a firepit to cozy up on chilly nights. Some rentals can also be considered cozy log cabins, providing a nostalgic and tranquil stay in Iowa. So if you’re looking for a unique lake getaway, these treehouse rentals are a great choice.
Where are these treehouse rentals typically located in Iowa?
Most Iowa treehouse rentals are cabins located in serene environments. Some are nestled in woods, while others are situated on the edge of scenic lakes, offering the convenience of being close to nature while providing many modern amenities. Many are also located between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, providing breathtaking views.
Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Brian