Full Guide 2023
Every year thousands of visitors visit Iowa for a reason. Conveniently located between Missouri and Mississippi, Iowa is the new dream destination for anyone wishing to explore picturesque waterways, lush parks, and fascinating collections of art, culture, and history.
The Hawkeye State, known for its awe-inspiring nature, unique stores, and excellent location that borders two navigable rivers, is a perfect destination for a serene retreat from the city buzz.
And if you wish to make your getaway even more memorable, book a stay in on the magical treehouses surrounded by natural beauty. From luxury to budget-friendly, we’ve compiled a list of the best treehouse cabins in Iowa that fit any budget.
Check out the list, and book a stay for an unforgettable experience.
Situated on the edge of town sits this treehouse that offers a semi-off-the-grid experience but with the convenience of being close to downtown.
Climb the wooded stairs and enjoy the scenic view from the high-perched deck, and once they head inside, they’ll find a semi-equipped kitchen with a growing tree inside, making the treehouse one-of-a-kind. Outside, guests will find a BBQ grill, a fire pit, and a sitting area for everyone to gather around.
Being so close to downtown Des Moines, guests can engage in many activities the town offers or a game of golf at the Grand View Golf Course.
Enjoy this hidden paradise which boasts natural beauty and a relaxing and refreshing setting decorated to the utmost detail.
Believe it or not, the three-bedroom log cabin comfortably sleeps up to eight people and features ceiling fans in every sleeping area. Outside, a spacious deck with rocking chairs and a swing allow you to listen to the gentle stream waters.
If you do decide to book a stay here, it goes without saying that you should visit the Steyer Opera House, Malanaphy Springs, and Decorah Eagle’s nest or engage in some of the best trout fishing right on the front door.
If you want to explore the southwest Iowa area, then stay at this perfect sanctuary that boasts many modern and luxurious amenities.
A place where luxury meets comfort with amenities like a hot tub, multiple decks, and a covered gazebo will make your jaw drop as soon as you step on the cabin’s property. Inside, an open floor area and two, separated with custom-made cedar doors, bedrooms boasting luxury details only add to the place’s elegance.
Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Blackburn State Park, or the Forney’s Lake State Wildlife Management Area, both just a short drive away.
Located along the bank of the Mississippi River, this magnificent riverfront cabin is quaint, with a porch overlooking the awe-inspiring river’s scenery.
This cozy cabin has a modern feel with many high-end appliances, and it’s highly rated as one of the best waterfront cabins with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy. During your visit, unleash your inner chef or finish that book you’ve been putting on the shelf for too long on the cozy sofa.
Guests can engage in many activities, including swimming, fishing, hunting, and exploring what nearby bars and restaurants have to offer.
No detail was overlooked in this romantic handcrafted log cabin featuring vaulted ceilings, log beams, a floor-to-ceiling lime-stone fireplace, and a log construction to support the place.
The cabin also features a truly beautiful custom-made wooded kitchen and plenty of natural light from the windows. Upstairs, in the loft suite, you’ll find the master bedroom with a private bath.
After a long day filled with many activities, such as hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling, relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings from the covered porch.
Relax and unplug in this secluded retreat, perfect for a couples getaway, which overlooks the private 11-acre lake.
This 2-bedroom log cabin with string lights that light up in the evening, which only adds to its beauty, features a romantic and cozy vibe making it a perfect place to rekindle your love. Inside, guests will find an open-concept ground floor and stairs leading to the loft.
Cozy up near the woodstove in colder months, and enjoy your time in nature by fishing in the lake or chilling on the hammock, or curling up near the fire pit in the warmer months.
If you are looking for a home-away-from-home boasting an excellent location and many outdoor activities, this custom-built tiny home is a great choice for an intimate couple’s getaway.
Grab your coffee and awake to the sandy beach in front of the home on one of the sunbathing chairs and catch those first sun rays while the breeze plays with your hair, or sink in the outdoor hot tub.
Even though it comfortably sleeps four people, we recommend booking the cabin as a romantic getaway from hectic everyday life.
Unplug and unwind in this off-the-grid wagon, where you get to experience luxury and the beautiful outdoors.
Everything you need for a comfortable stay in this unique wagon is already there, as well as the extras to make the experience unforgettable such as a fire pit, an outdoor bath, and a luxurious shower. Inside you’ll find bunk beds, a queen-sized bed, and a semi-equipped kitchen.
Guests can run around on the fields or stargaze near the firepit with only another wagon nearby.
Nestled between Lake MacBride State Park and Coralville Reservoir, guests get the best of both worlds.
This is not your ordinary tree-like cabin but a unique one that features original beams and flooring from the 1800s church and plenty of space for a whole family vacation. Once inside, they’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows, vaulted ceilings, and a tree construction that keeps the cabin whole.
Being so close to the beautiful Coralville Reservoir, guests can enjoy and recharge their batteries on the beach.
The next time you are looking to venture to a place with an awe-inspiring riverfront view, book a stay in this spacious riverfront cabin.
Unwind and relax on the spacious porch or grill the freshly caught fish and enjoy al fresco dining with mesmerizing scenery of the river. Or, come inside and enjoy the cabin’s spaciousness, along with the comfortable bedding in every room.
Only a short drive away from the famous Van Buren county, you are in for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This magnificent river cabin located in Dorchester overlooks the towering bluffs and the scenic Upper Iowa River.
This cozy cabin features an outdoor hot tub for guests to sink in after a long day of exploring the area and a charcoal grill for outdoor dining. Enjoy the palette of colors all year round as it’s located on a private property surrounded by towering trees.
With plenty of nature surrounding the cabin, guests can take on their own hiking trails or head to the river and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
The next time you are looking to venture into a one-of-a-kind romantic cabin, book a stay in this private waterside cabin.
Awake to this beautiful scenery from the porch or in the gazebo, or round up near the fire pit and enjoy the soothing firecracker sounds late at night. Then, for a more private retreat, head inside the cabin and fall into a deep sleep in the comfortable bedding.
Explore the outdoor paradise of Marion County, or stay on the elevated tree-like porch while taking in all the beauty before the cabin from the crystal clear waters and towering bluffs.
Next on our list is this Amish handcrafted log cabin which bursts with luxury and comfort.
Whitetail Ridge features an all-year-round outdoor hot tub, a welcoming fireplace for guests to cozy up on gloomy days, plenty of room if you want privacy, and a fully-equipped kitchen to unleash your inner chef.
When summer comes, take your beach towel, lay it near the swimming pond, work on your tan and splash your feet in the crystal waters, or hike the trails in the Yellow River Forest.
We are rounding up our list with this creekside cottage in a secluded area with no other property in sight.
Climb the stairs and find yourself in a fairly-like cabin with hardwood floors, pine walls, and wooded stairs leading to the loft area. The soothing sound of the running waters near the cabin will drive you into a deep sleep on the comfortable bedding.
Fish and hike during the day, and relax and unwind near the fire pit or in the hot tub with a clear sight of the Milky Way like never before.
The Loft Cabin #4 is a cozy home bursting with rustic decor, and it’s packed with many modern amenities necessary for a weekend getaway with your loved ones.
Inside the cabin, guests will find a fully-equipped kitchen, a sitting area with bunk beds next to the sofa, and stairs leading to the loft area for a more private retreat. Outside, on the cozy porch, you’ll find a rocking chair that gives a new meaning to stargazing and a pew for sitting out on starry nights.
Cedar River is a pleasant short walking distance on one of the hiking trails for those who want to explore the surrounding area.
Next on our list is this beautifully wood-crafted cottage, easily accessible from the main road, which features amazing scenery.
This 1-bedroom cottage with red and green exterior design and rustic interior gives a homey vibe to anyone who wishes to spend their weekend away from the city buzz. Cozy up in front of the TV or head to the wooded stairs for a more private retreat.
For a full romantic getaway, light up the fire pit just below the cabin with a glass of wine in hand and enjoy the quiet evening and the stairs that light up the sky.
Timber Ridge Log Cabin is an impeccably designed tree-like family-friendly lodge boasting a seasonal swimming pool and a hot tub for guests to cool off or warm up depending on the season.
The cabin offers ample space for entertaining with a welcoming fireplace and plenty of privacy; it all depends on what you are here for. Early birds wake to the beauty of the woods and the wildlife surrounding the cabin while sitting on the covered porch.
This spacious cabin offers many activities inside the cabin, like swimming or running around on the private property.
Nestled by the bridge across the river, guests can fully relax and unwind in this unique cabin while enjoying southeast Iowa’s beauty.
Awake on the screened-in porch on rainy days, catch the first sun rays on the deck with the freshly brewed cup of coffee on the picnic table, or head to the fire pit for stargazing late at night. For a private retreat, rest in the master bedroom or cozy up in the living room on the reclining love chair.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a plethora of activities, including hunting, fishing, or simply looking at the wildlife along the river.
There are quite a few romantic cabins on the list, but we decided on Cozy Log Cabin and Hickory Lake Getaway as the best treehouses for couples.
We consider Timber Ridge Log cabin as the best treehouse for families. So, without further ado, book a stay here to relax and unwind from the city buzz.
Yes, most of the treehouses are pet friendly.
Rivebottom Tiny Home 2 Timber Ridge Log Cabin, Whitetail Ridge, Upper Iowa River Cabin, Pet-friendly Outdoor Paradise, and Creekside Cottage, all feature a private hot tub.