4 Unique Places to Stay in Iowa: From an Old School-Turned Hotel to a Cozy Dairy Farm

Situated between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, Iowa is a unique destination that offers a slice of American charm with landmarks like the iconic Field of Dreams. Here are unique places to stay in Iowa.

Amidst its vast farmlands and tranquil Main Streets, Iowa serves as an adventure seeker's haven, providing outdoor activities such as whitewater paddling and long-distance biking.

Beyond its agricultural fame, Iowa surprises visitors with craft breweries, captivating museums, and expansive prairies along the Missouri River to the mighty Mississippi. Explore four unique places to stay in Iowa and immerse yourself in its charm.

A beautiful farm in Iowa | Source: Pixabay

4 Unique Places to Stay in Iowa

1. Spook Cave and Campground

Situated alongside Bloody Run Trout Stream, Spook Cave and Campground boasts an intriguing lore. Early settlers in Beluah town avoided a mysterious cave due to eerie noises, believed to be tormented spirits. Later, after a flood in 1896, Beluah became a ghost town, with only a waterfall and a cave left behind.

In 1853, a man named Gerald Mielke explored the area and revealed the vast underground Spook Cave, named for the initial fright it caused. Today, the cave has shed its scary reputation, transforming into a haven for outdoor fun, such as cave tours, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking trails.

With various amenities, Spook Cave and Campground is ideal for family getaways, reunions, or gatherings with friends. The campground caters to diverse preferences, offering spacious non-hook-up tent sites, affordable water and electric sites, and family-friendly full hookup sites.

2. Grain Bin Lodge and Retreat

If you're up for a refreshing break away from home, then Grain Bin Lodge and Retreat is for you. Located in LeMars, Iowa, the two-story, 30-foot-diameter grain bin, which was transformed beautifully for lodging, is a unique and cozy place to stay.

The place is beautifully furnished with barn wood and retro decor. You will find comfortable seating on the ground floor, three dining tables, a bathroom, and a convenient kitchenette. Upstairs is a charming loft with two queen-sized beds and one full-sized bed.

The lodge is surrounded by seven acres of orchards and shrubs, providing a scenic backdrop filled with birds and wildlife. There's a fire pit and plenty of lawn space outside for ultimate relaxation—a perfect retreat from the ordinary.

3. Hotel Grinnell

Hotel Grinnell, located right in downtown Grinnell, Iowa, is where the past meets a vibrant present, seamlessly blending tradition with a modern touch. This historic building holds a unique charm that invites guests to immerse themselves in its rich history.

The hotel was built in 1921, and originally, it was Grinnell City's junior high school until the late 1970s. The building, designed by a famous firm called Proudfoot, Bird & Rawson, has a timeless Neoclassical look and stands three stories tall.

What used to have state-of-the-art classrooms and a gym is now a unique hotel, eatery, bar, and event center, independently owned and full of character. Hotel Grinnell brings together the old-school vibes with a new-school attitude.

4. New Day Dairy Guestbarn

If you're seeking an authentic barn life experience, the New Day Dairy GuestBarn is the ideal destination. Renowned for their hashtag "#sleepwiththecows," this unique bed and breakfast is in the heart of Northern Iowa.

This unique getaway provides fresh air, vast open fields, colorful wildflowers, gravel roads, and experiences perfect for families. Its fun activities include milking a cow, playing with barn cats, and doing barn chores, making it an ideal destination for a memorable rural escape.

Whether exploring cave tours, relaxing in a transformed grain bin, indulging in historic vibes at Hotel Grinnell, or experiencing rural life at New Day Dairy GuestBarn, Iowa invites travelers to savor the diverse and unforgettable moments it offers.

These captivating experiences are sure to satiate your wanderlust. Once you've explored the beauty of Iowa, consider venturing into unique places to stay in Washington State for another chapter of new and enchanting adventures.