Whether it's in northeast Iowa along the shores of the Mississippi River, in the Loess Hills near the state's western border or spots in between, the Hawkeye State has plenty of destinations that are perfect for a couple's getaway. Select a romantic cabin amid some of Iowa's most scenic natural surroundings and enjoy a hand-in-hand stroll, a peaceful canoe trip and intimate moments making meals together or cuddling on the porch or by the fire with your significant other.
This cabin resort is set in northeast Iowa's Allamakee County along natural bluffs between the Yellow and Mississippi rivers. The Kouple's Cabin, a cozy option just steps from the Yellow River, includes a full bed, linens, an outdoor fire pit and romantic claw-foot tub -- perfect for a bubble bath for two. Sit on the back porch with your significant other and enjoy a serene wooded view. If you prefer a larger cabin all to yourselves, choose from among several with porches nestled on secluded lots. These cabins have wood-burning stoves, games and puzzles for a quiet, intimate evening. During the daytime, rent a canoe for a peaceful paddle along the Yellow River or enjoy a hike or horseback ride along the resort's miles of trails. For a night out, choose from several restaurants in the historic riverfront town of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, a 15-mile drive across the Mississippi.
Backbone State Park in Strawberry Point, dedicated in 1920, was Iowa's first state park and is named for Devil's Backbone, a steep bedrock ridge cut by a loop of the Maquoketa River that forms northeast Iowa's highest point. The park has historic one-bedroom cabins built in the 1930s atop a bluff overlooking Backbone Lake. The cabins have bathrooms, kitchens with cookware and fire rings. You must provide your own linens, but make it a romantic adventure by bringing your coziest comforter and shopping together for a new sheet set you both admire. Spend time with your significant other fishing, swimming, paddle boating or canoeing on Backbone Lake. Or for the more adventurous, hike or mountain bike the park's miles of trails, climb 80-foot limestone cliffs or explore nearby caves. For a romantic dinner out, visit Schera's, an Algerian-American restaurant along the Turkey River in downtown Elkader, less than a half-hour away.
These two cozy cabins are in a secluded, natural setting along the southern banks of the Des Moines River. Each studio cabin has a king-size bed, private whirlpool tub, gas fireplace, full kitchen, furnished deck, screened-in porch and an outdoor fire ring. Spend your daytime hours bird-watching at an adjacent bald eagle refuge, go on a romantic hike or bike ride along the Volksweg Trail, which is just steps from the cabins. Other options include swimming, fishing, boating or canoeing at nearby Lake Red Rock, the state's largest man-made reservoir. Have fun cooking your own meals together or make the short drive into downtown Pella, where you can share a romantic dinner at Monarch's along the canal at the Royal Amsterdam Hotel.
Stay in a cabin at this Woodbury County park along Snyder Bend Lake, an oxbow of the Missouri River in western Iowa's Loess Hills. The cabins have queen beds, full kitchens and baths, fire rings and spacious outdoor decks where you can sit hand-in-hand and enjoy quiet moments viewing wooded surroundings. At the park, a half-hour south of Sioux City, you can fish, boat or canoe on the lake, stroll along a walking trail and spy waterfowl on a scenic observation deck. Take a romantic walk through the prairies, wetlands, butterfly and wildlife gardens at the nearby Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Or take a leisurely drive along the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, which winds for 200 miles through the Missouri River Valley and the namesake formation of rolling dunes. For romantic dining with extensive wine selections, try Eldon's Restaurant or Kahill's Steak, Fish & Chophouse, both near Sioux City.
