15 Best Romantic (Weekend) Getaways in Iowa

Iowa is mostly known for its vast corn fields and wide open skies, but don’t assume there isn’t romance in every corner of this Midwestern state.

Whether you’re an Iowa native or just traveling through, there are many romantic getaways in this state just waiting to pamper you.

Lets explore the best romantic (weekend) getaways in Iowa:

1. Mont Rest Inn

Awarded with TripAdvisor’s 2016 Certificate of Excellence, this historic destination in Iowa is ideal for lovebirds looking to travel back to a lost era of grace and beauty. Mont Rest Inn, originally built in 1893, is nestled halfway up a wooded bluff overlooking one of the most panoramic views of the Mississippi River, and rekindles all the fond nostalgia of a time gone by.

Not only is the water view idyllic for a romantic getaway, but the amenities inside the Inn make the Mont Rest an obvious setting for romance. Luxuriate in your own private fireplace and Jacuzzi inside your room as you delight in the homemade chocolates left for you. Don’t even leave your room to be pampered with a therapeutic couples massage, performed in-room if requested. And then in the morning, recharge with a fully stacked family-style breakfast included just downstairs.

Website: http://www.montrest.com/

2. Hotel Julien Dubuque

Live up the historic charm of Dubuque, Iowa, while relishing in all the comforts of modern amenities at the Hotel Julien Dubuque. At this boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Main District, you are sure to win over your partner on a romantic weekend away from reality.

Since 1839, this hotel has been pushing the boundaries of elegance in the Midwest. Having hosted famous guests such as Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, and Al Capone, the Hotel Julien has always been a crowned jewel of Iowa.

With over a century and $33 million in renovations, the Hotel Julien now blends its classic historical elements with upgrades for modern comfort. Enjoy features such as an indoor heated pool and whirlpool hot tub, a full-service spa, and gourmet room service when you stay at this Midwestern beauty.

Website: http://hoteljuliendubuque.com/

3. Kingsley Inn

In Fort Madison, Iowa, you and your loved one can live like the king and queen you really are. Stay at the Kingsley Inn, adorned in Victorian elegance and charm throughout. While you’re here, you can escape from all the hustle and bustle of reality. This quiet town of 11,000 will surely offer the peaceful escape you’re looking for.

At the Kingsley, you’ll enjoy the intimacy of a wood-burning fireplace in your room, so you can cozy up with your special someone. And if you splurge a little, you can reserve the King Suite with Spa Bath, so you don’t even have to leave your room for special, pampering treatments.

And for dinner, simply head downstairs to the Atlas Steak & Smokehouse, which features prime beef hand-selected from Japanese cattle, arguably the most tender and delicious beef in the world, as well as house-smoked bacon and other unique items.

Website: http://kingsleyinn.com/

4. Historic Park Inn Hotel

Come visit the Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, Iowa, to experience the last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built hotel in the world. The master architect is best known for his intertwining of nature with design, designing structures that were in harmony with humanity and its environment instead of in disruption. This philosophy has been coined as “organic architecture.”

While his most famous piece is “Falling Water,” a private residence in Pennsylvania constructed in 1937 over a 30-ft waterfall, all of Wright’s buildings are extraordinary in their innovative style.

The Historic Park Inn Hotel is no different. Out of the 27 guestrooms at this location, no two rooms are the same. To take advantage of the maximum authenticity at the Historic Park, make sure to reserve the renovated original Historic Suite from 1910.

Website: http://www.stoneycreekhotels.com/hotel/travel/masoncity-parkinn/home.do

5. The Blackhawk Hotel

Visit Iowa’s capital of Cedar Falls for a weekend getaway with your loved one. At the Blackhawk hotel right downtown, you’ll have front-row access to the city while being pampered with the generous accommodations.

Right outside the Blackhawk’s doors, you and your darling can explore nature trails, peruse through the many shops, restaurants, and bars of downtown, or catch a show at one of the local venues. And then when you return to the hotel after a day of activity, you can relax in the granite and marble soaking tub, luxury linens, and world-class room service in your room.

Website: http://theblackhawkhotel.com/black-hawk-hotel

6. Brookstone Lodge and Suites

Just like the Brookstone store that serves as a synonym for relaxation and comfort, this Iowa Lodge prioritizes the relaxation and comfort of its guests.

When you’re looking to truly get away with your loved one for a romantic weekend in Iowa, the Brookstone is sure to save the day. Get cozy in this log-cabin-style lodge, with complimentary home-style breakfast, certified, plush Serta mattresses, and all the quiet in the world.

And if you and your sweetheart want to get out in the fresh air, the Brookstone Lodge is perfectly located among parks, woods, and lakes for you to take in all the nature you want.

Website: http://www.brookstonelodgeandsuites.com/

7. Red Cedar Lodge

Escape from all your responsibilities and stresses of everyday life when you whisk your special someone off to the Red Cedar Lodge, a retreat in Iowa’s countryside alongside the majestic Cedar River.

And because we know the level of privacy you’re craving, you and your sweetheart will get your own log-sided cabin rental away from all the other visitors. Each cabin features a full kitchen, gas fireplace, gas grill, cable HDTV, WiFi, and spacious decks to make you truly feel like you’re home away from home.

And outside of your private lodge, seize the opportunity to go canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, tubing,and more. And if you decide to go on your romantic getaway during the colder months, the Red Cedar Lodge offers campfire rings, sledding, cross country skiing, and snowmobile riding.

Website: https://www.theredcedarlodge.com/

8. Fillenwarth Beach Resort

Fillenwarth Beach Resort - Lakeside Cottage — Fillenwarth Beach Resort – Lakeside Cottage

Who knew there was a beach in Iowa? Though it’s not technically an ocean, the Great Lakes spanning to Iowa makes getting through the summers just a little more bearable. In the warmer months, the Fillenwarth Beach Resort in Northern Iowa is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

Relax along the shores of West Lake Okoboji, the premier natural lake in the state. Stay at the Main Beach location where you’ll take advantage of lakefront accommodations, your own private desk with a gas grill, and a lakeside patio walkway with tables and chairs.

And make sure to take a ride on one of the resort’s complimentary cruises, which features a complimentary alcoholic drink, light snacks, and of course the spectacular views of the Lake.

Website: http://www.fillenwarthbeach.com/

9. Victoria’s Vineyard Bed and Breakfast

Located just minutes away from downtown Des Moines, this cozy inn feels like it’s worlds away.

If you love wine, there’s no better destination for a romantic getaway than this vineyard treasure. As they sat it themselves at Victoria’s, you’ll enjoy “a taste of Spain in the heart of Iowa” when you visit this B&B.

Relax in your own private Jacuzzi hot tub, and grill on the deck or patio to take in the peaceful countryside at Victoria’s Vineyard. And of course, don’t forget about the wine. Wander through the idyllic forest,vineyard, and pond behind Victoria’s with a glass of wine in hand. Within minutes, you’re sure to forget all your stresses of daily life.

Website: http://www.victoriasvineyardbnb.com/

10. Designer Inn & Suites

Head over to the Designer Inn & Suites in Toledo, Iowa, for a uniquely romantic getaway with your sweetheart.

At the Designer, you can pick a “Fantasy Suite” to bring your experience entirely up to the next level. Each suite features a whirlpool tub for two, a large two-person shower, and spacious seating areas. There are many Fantasy Suites to choose from, so you just have to pick your style.

The “Roman Retreat” suite displays classic columns and marble furnishings throughout, to make you feel like you’ve traveled back to regal ancient times. The “Crystal Cave” suite, on the other hand, showcases dark, earthy tones and special lantern lights to guide your way, along with a private sauna to sweat all your stresses away. Check out this hotel for further choices such as the “Rainforest,” “Heart’s Delight,” and “Arabian Nights” suites.

Website: http://www.designerinnandsuites.com/

11. Des Lux Hotel

When they named this place the “Des Lux,” they weren’t kidding. Stop by this world-class hotel in Des Moines for a regal experience in the city on your next romantic getaway. The Des Lux, originally constructed in 1912 as the “Des Moines Club,” has taken pride in its luxurious accommodations for over a century.

Reserve a King Whirlpool Suite at the Des Lux to spoil your loved one to the fullest. These rooms are so comfortable you may never want to leave. And the best part is that you don’t have to. The staff at Des Lux offers 24-hour room service so that you never have to step foot outside of your suite if you don’t want to.

So whether you’re a Des Moines native or a passerby, the Des Lux is an ideal destination to get away from it all and reconnect with your partner.

Website: http://www.desluxhotel.com/

12. Hotel Pattee

The Hotel Pattee in Perry, Iowa, is not just a place to rest your head at night. Instead, the owners aim to honor the history and pay homage to all the people who have developed the American Midwest into what it is today. Unlike other accommodations, the Hotel Pattee tells a story.

Choose between one of 40 uniquely themed guest rooms at this hotel. For the classic rooms, guests can pick from an array such as the African Room, Central American Room, Irish Room, Italian Room, Quilting Room, and Woodworking Room.

If you and your sweetheart want to upgrade to a premier room, you can decide between options such as the Farmhouse Room, American Indian Room, and Colonies Room. For an even more luxurious experience, select a suite. The suites come in themes like Louis Armstrong and Travelers.

At the Hotel Pattee, you and your loved one are surely in for a unique experience.

Website: http://www.hotelpattee.com/

13. Quiet Walker Lodge Bed and Breakfast Inn

Rest, relax, and rejuvenate at the Quiet Walker Lodge B&B nestled in Iowa’s wine country. As the owners put it themselves, this B&B is a “nature lover’s paradise” in the midst of the Mississippi River Valley.

Explore the forest reserve with your loved one while you stay at the Quiet Walker. Meander through the two walking paths throughout the property lined with maple trees. Both are relaxing trails to expose guests to the beauty of the region.

If you’re searching for more of an adrenaline rush, check out the Heritage Trail, located one mile from the Lodge. This 27-mile-long path follows an old railroad line that was used by the Chicago Northwestern. Whether you hike or bike this trail, you’ll get to awe at the many remnants of the region’s milling and mining ventures.

Website: http://www.quietwalkerlodge.com/

14. Mason House Inn

For a trip back in time, bring your special someone to the Mason House Inn located in historic Bentonsport, Iowa. This 170-year-old mansion was built by Mormon craftsmen in the mid-nineteenth century as a hotel for steamboat travelers. Over the years, the Mason House has been used as a hospital three different times and was even a station on the Underground Railroad.

Today, guests can relax at the Mason House and feel like they’ve come to a simpler time. Surrounded by antique furniture and without TVs to distract from the romance of the getaway, couples will surely reconnect with each other.

For an even more special twist on your romantic getaway, reserve the Caboose Cottage. This is a real railroad caboose from 1952 that has now been converted into a private suite for extra privacy.

Website: http://www.masonhouseinn.com/

15. Four Mounds Inn

Not your traditional-style Inn, the Four Mounds is actually a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and educate, with volunteerism at its core. The property was given to the city of Dubuque, Iowa, in 1982.

Four Mounds is made up of 60 sprawling acres of woodlands, cultured grounds, and historic gardens along the Mississippi River. The Inn remains a Dubuque Landmark Site, part of the National Register of Historic Places, and a leading partner in the Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training (HEART) Program.

When you stay at the Four Mounds, you and your loved one can choose between three structures: the Grey House, the White House, and the Marvin Gardens Cabin. Each features sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and ultimate privacy for couples.

Website: http://www.fourmounds.org/