From November through April, you can rent cabins at state parks for two-day minimums (instead of the week-long requirement during peak season). And you’ll still get to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds aplenty!), ice fishing and more.
Experience the great outdoors at these awesome accommodations:
Honey Creek Resort Cottages, Moravia
South Central Iowa
This beautiful full-service resort also includes luxury cottages perfect for a family retreat. As you gaze out on Rathbun Lake, you’ll feel like you’re in the wilderness but will still be able to enjoy the amenities of the resort – including a restaurant and indoor waterpark. Starting at $189/night.
Reservations
Backbone State Park, Dundee (near Strawberry Point)
Northeast Iowa
If you haven’t been to Iowa’s first state park, winter is a great time to experience it. Trails remain open for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling and hunting and fishing are popular recreational activities. Modern luxury cabins are available in both one- and two-bedroom styles. Starting at $50/night.
Reservations
Lake of Three Fires State Park, Bedford
Southwest Iowa
Tucked away in Southwest Iowa, Lake of Three Fires State Park is a perfect place for a quiet family getaway. Their four modern cabins accommodate up to four people each and the park itself contains eight miles of trails around the lake. The trails are snowmobile and equestrian friendly. Starting at $50/night.
Reservations
Lake Wapello State Park, Drakesville
Southeast Iowa
Lake Wapello State Park, often called the “country club” of Iowa’s state parks, is a popular location for cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the winter months. The park offers one six-person cabin year-round, located among the quiet wooded hillsides. $85/night.
Reservations
Pine Lake State Park, Eldora
North Central Iowa
Named for the ancient white pines that line the hiking trails, this park offers four stone-and-timber cabins with woodburning fireplaces and modern amenities. Cabins sleep 4-6 people, making it a perfect location for a weekend away with your family. Starting at $65/night.
Reservations
Springbrook State Park, Guthrie Center
West Central Iowa
Springbrook State Park’s Sherburne House is ideal for large family gatherings and holidays. The cabin sleeps up to 10 people and features tons of amenities from a full kitchen and huge living room to a large deck overlooking the wooded park. Take a stroll on the 12 miles of hiking trails and you’re almost guaranteed to see deer and an abundance of wildlife. $200/night.
Reservations
Union Grove State Park, Gladbrook
Central Iowa
One cozy cabin is tucked away in Union Grove State Park, right on the banks of the 110-acre Union Grove Lake. Hiking, snowmobiling and wildlife watching are popular outdoor activities – but with the cabin’s luxury accommodations, you might not want to leave. $75/night.
Reservations
Waubonsie State Park, Hamburg
Southwest Iowa
You’ll be able to enjoy one of the rarest and greatest Iowa vistas – the Loess Hills – from your accommodations in one of Waubonsie State Park’s camping cabins. Cabins can sleep anywhere from 2-10 people (please note, some cabins do not have modern restroom facilities or running water). Starting at $60/night with plumbing.
Reservations
Learn more about winter Iowa getaways on Pinterest with our Iowa Cabins, Iowa State Parks and We Love Winter in Iowa boards.