Lucky Star Farm (near Iowa City, IA) - One of My Happy Places!
The Milk House at Lucky Star Farms (near Iowa City, Iowa)
Whether you grew up on a farm or have never stepped foot on a farm, you will LOVE your stay at Lucky Star Farm near Iowa City, Iowa. So much to do on the farm and so much to see within an hour’s drive in any direction. Come explore one of my “happy places!”
Short video of Lucky Star Farm created in July 2024. ⬇️
I have stayed in this AirBnb four times in four years and I just adore this place. This AirBnb is located in a renovated Milk House on a farm about 15 minutes’ drive outside of Iowa City, Iowa. The place is always clean, cozy, and adorable. There is a queen-size bed, small living area (seats 4), dining area, kitchen, and bathroom on the main floor of the Milk House. Upstairs is a loft with a queen size bed and children’s books and toys. There are lots of books and games downstairs for all ages, many of them with a farm-related theme. And, yes, it has ceiling fans, air conditioning and heat.
The best part, though, is the farm! Wake up to the rooster crowing and llamas munching their breakfast mere feet from your window! Watch goats play, ducks comically glide across the yard in groups of 4 (so funny), friendly cats to pet, chickens and young turkeys to watch, and llamas to entertain you. There is a small pond with a large deck where I like to watch the birds flit around, the turtles swim, and if it is deep enough (depends on the rains that year) - my kids swim, kayak, and paddleboard on. They loved it. I even saw a large heron across the pond once.
There are yard games to play, a fire pit to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, and a small outdoor patio to enjoy a meal or drink outside. WiFi and a TV are available as well, but you may just feel the urge to unplug and live life more simply for a few days. There is a trail around the farm to enjoy a little nature or meditation walk. Depending on whether the hens are laying, there may even be farm fresh eggs available to make a delicious breakfast or omelette. The hosts, Susan and Rich, are some of the most hard-working and nicest folks you will ever meet. They love to answer questions about the farm and will even introduce you to their two beautiful dogs if you ask.
The rates, in my opinion, are quite reasonable for all the wonderful amenities. In addition, for a moderate fee, one or both of them will give you a personal tour of the farm and let you meet and greet the animals, including the llamas and baby goats. I’ve had baby goats climb on my lap and head butt me, taken the whole goat herd for a stroll around the pond, fed chickens, observed baby and teenage turkeys eating breakfast, petted llamas and laughed time and again over the antics of the ducks.
This is a very special place which gets exceptional reviews and is hosted by an amazing couple. Just be aware that this is not a place to bring your own pets. Please contact the hosts BEFORE booking regarding their policies, as this is a working farm with its own equilibrium. This IS a place for animal-lovers and folks who want to relax in a peaceful and beautiful setting and perhaps even revisit a piece of their childhood growing up on a farm. Below is their AirBnb listing. Book ahead, particularly on weekends and in the summer!
And if you wish to do a little sight-seeing while you stay on the farm, you are within an hour’s drive of the following places with a BUNCH to see and do and unique restaurants to try:
Kalona
The Amanas
Iowa City
Cedar Rapids
West Branch (Hoover Presidential Library)
Quad Cities
You could easily stay a week and have ample sightseeing to do every day! For all ages! Art, museums, state parks, shopping, historical sights, children’s museums, a tour of an Amish town with stops at an unbelievable Amish bakery and/or general store, and awesome restaurants galore!) Staycation, anyone? 😉 (Yes, I’m stretching the definition of a staycation a bit, but it would make a great family or grandparent/grandchildren vacation for a week).
And the best part? You can come back and spend beautiful evenings at Lucky Star Farm!
Stay here yourself! ⬇️
Murphy says, “What are you waiting for?” 🐾