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Heart of the Loess Hills

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Exterior
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Dining
Dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Moorhead, IA
  • Place, Moorhead Cultural Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Preparation Canyon State Park
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Lewis and Clark State Park
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 2

1 Twin Bunk Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 6

1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen

About this property

Heart of the Loess Hills

A perfect oasis for a getaway into the country. Totally updated family retreat. Perfect for families, hunters and couples! Enjoy the tranquil country views from the front deck. Brand new fridge, couches, tables, chairs, beds, firepit, grill and all guest linens, paint, carpet etc.
Features oversized 3+car garage, and huge yard. Excellent spot for hunters, or anyone wanted to escape city life. Take a moment to view every single star in the sky. Beautiful furnishings to enjoy.
Board games and a foosball table are available also. Picnic table on deck is great if you want to eat outside and the firepit is a great gathering spot for everyone.

When you walk in you will see the gathering area of the dining Area with a large flat screen TV, living room with a large flat screen TV, fully functioning kitchen for creating your favorite meal and a sitting area next to the kitchen for enjoying your morning coffee. The bedrooms feature comfort plush mattresses and linens. Oversize bath towels enough for each guest.

The property includes 2 acres. Smart TV, so you can login and watch HULU, Netflix and other popular devices. We now have fast STARLINK Wi-Fi! We are very excited about this as cell service and internet was very difficult to get before. We are located 12 miles from Onawa. minutes away from Preparation Canyon State Park, 20 minutes from Blue Lake. Home is located near over 12,000 public hunting acres offering the best whitetail and turkey hunting in the Midwest.

Other things to note
We supply firewood for the outdoor firepit. Toilet paper, paper towels, hand and dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash are provided. We do not allow pets in this home or in the garage. They must be kept outside and renter is responsible for any waste removal and damage the pet does.

A little bit about our area:

The Loess Hills are a unique geographical formation that are composed of fine ground wind blown silt from glacier deposits. As the glaciers melted, the Missouri Valley flooded with enormous amounts of water. Each winter, the waters froze, and large areas of sediments were left exposed to the wind and blew to the East and deposited in the dune like hills, you will see.
Preparation Canyon offers a lake for kayaking and public fishing. The Overlook on the north edge provides an amazing view as well as hike. This is also a great picnic spot.
The Loess Hills Scenic Byways are 200 miles of paved highway where you can see wildlife, prairie plants and hills.
Lewis and Clark State Park is located at Blue Lake, west on Onawa. A great place for boating or learning a little bit of history.

Towels and bedding and plates/ glasses/ silverware is provided. Please bring food and supplies for your stay. Grocery store in Onawa 12 miles away or a small gas station is located in town.
Restaurants nearby:
Buds Bar and Grill- 4 miles
Moorhead Mini Mart- Carryout pizza
Fiesta Brava Mexican- 12 miles
Pizza Hut- 12 miles
Bamboo Village Chinese- 12 miles
Frannies Cafe- 12 miles
Dairy Queen- 12 miles
McDonald’s- 12 miles
Subway -12 miles
Suds N Jugs Bar and Grill- 12 miles
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Do not damage any permanent or non permanent items on this property, you will be held accountable.
Fridge must be cleaned out and all garbage bagged and tidy

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Moorhead

Located in Moorhead, this vacation home is in a rural area. Moorhead Cultural Center is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Preparation Canyon State Park and Lewis and Clark State Park. Discover the area's water adventures with motor boating and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting.
View more Vacation Homes in MoorheadOpens in a new window
Map
Moorhead, IA

What's nearby

  • Moorhead Cultural Center - 9 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Preparation Canyon State Park - 13 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Lewis and Clark State Park - 23 min drive - 32.5 km
  • WinnaVegas Casino - 43 min drive - 66.8 km
  • Desoto National Wildlife Refuge - 47 min drive - 81.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪moorehead ia - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Summertime Drive-In - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Blue Bonnet II - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Ada J's Feedbunk - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Fat Boyz - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Heart of the Loess Hills pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Heart of the Loess Hills?

As of May 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Heart of the Loess Hills on May 2, 2026 start from $311, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Heart of the Loess Hills?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Heart of the Loess Hills?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Heart of the Loess Hills located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly vacation home is 4.9 mi (8 km) from Preparation Canyon State Park and 5.7 mi (9.1 km) from Moorhead Cultural Center. Lewis and Clark State Park and Burgess Health Center are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Melissa L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was fine. It worked for our family. The big garage was great! Only complaint was there were a lot of dead flies and asian lady beetles in the bedrooms and closets. The rooms also needed dusted.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean and friendly owner
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location in the Loess Hills. Nice older home with lots of room to spread out. Owners where quick to reply to questions and very helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great place to stay will definitely be back.
Stayed 28 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Tina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place, very clean. Light and fan in one bedroom upstairs did not work. Other wise very happy w our stay. The garage was a big plus for us. Hopefully will be able to come back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abigail C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Getaway

Stephenie is a friendly host and was quick to respond whenever I had a question. Check in was very easy. The home has plenty of space and the views are spectacular. If you are looking for a comfortable place to stay in the country in a peaceful setting, don't hesitate to book Heart of the Loess Hills!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jared S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place

Nice place with lots of room
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Centrally located

Great place to stay when visiting Monoma county.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Duane o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place

Nice property a few minor issues, but overall a nice stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location

Close to everything
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location, nice place

Great house for a short family getaway in the beautiful Loess Hills. House is lovely, great layout for a family. Firepit with provided firewood is nice extra.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Work

We stayed there for work had a good time. The beds were comfortable and place was clean. Host was very responsive
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loess Hills Getaway

Had another great stay at this home with many luxury conveniences. The owners are the best and sure made us comfortable. Will stay again next time I’m in the area if available. Thank You
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house in a great area.

The house was very nice in a wonderful quiet area. Only a few miles from the loess hills scenic overlook and hiking trails! Stephanie had the house unlocked and ready for us before we even got there and was super nice and answered the few questions I had. Have already recommended it to friends as a great place to visit and house to stay in. Plan on returning myself someday.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jackie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loess Hills graduation

We had a family graduation & this house was perfect. Everybody (25 year old to 80 year old) had their own space/bed. 2full baths & great common areas to hang out, we watched movies & played Uno. The view is spectacular! We had a couple hour coffee time the first day! We’d love to come back & explore the hills!! First night storm rolled thru, all cars were parked in garage!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding Trip

This was one of the only VRBO’s in the area about 25 minutes from a family wedding. The house was clean and had everything they said it would. Did not have WIFI and cell service is almost non-existent out there. But we sat out on the patio and had conversation one night. It gave us the reason to unplug and enjoy the company. We enjoyed watching for animals across the road and see what we could spot. Perfect house for an unplugged weekend. Would rent here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Teri P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was wonderful! Furniture was comfortable and accommodating for all 8 of us. Lots of towels, great large washer and dryer, all the toilet supplies we needed. Our hiking group enjoyed the location so close to Preparation Canyon. Having The huge garage available for our the cars was so nice! The view from the front of the house was lovely and peaceful. The price was quite reasonable for the size of our group. The host Stephanie, was delightful and responsive. We had a minor issue with a blown fuse and the host was there within 15 minutes and had it fixed in seconds. The minor issues included: 1. A glitch in VRBO app that was not the host's fault. It promised two futons that did not exist. 2. Cookware was was worn out flaky Teflon and not cleaned well so felt greasy to the touch. 3. On our two 90 degree days, the air conditioner could not keep up until we turnout the thermostat down to 50 degrees. We were able to turn it up 10 degrees each day after as it cooled down outside. Stephanie was kind to tell us it was ok to turn it down as needed.
Hiking at Preparation Canyon
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

No problems
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hunting Tri

Awesome place to spread out and relax. House was perfect for our hunting party.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Women’s retreat

Lovely, large modern home in quiet rural setting. Perfect for reconnecting with each other and checking out of hectic every day schedules!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loess Hills Vacation Spring 2022

What a beautiful property to stay in. The home is well maintained, clean and tastefully decorated with plenty of room. Has 2 large screen TVs with Dish programming which was great. The Foose Ball table was fun too. Highly recommend this place.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Miguel A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Houce

We really enjoy staying in this Beautiful house , we rented for Christmas and had a wonderful time , kids enjoy doing s’mores at the fire pit and for the adults the morning walking to the lake was really relaxing
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alfred S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous house

Easy owners had everything we needed and some.
Stayed 36 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday Surprise for Grandpa!

Beautiful and comfortable on the inside. Spectacular views from the front deck. The hosts were very accommodating. Family time together around the fire pit making s’mores was an added bonus.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Stephenie Johnson

Host profile image

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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