By: Skylar Lathrop

This isn’t your typical getaway – from Yurts to tiny homes, this travel guide will help you plan the perfect weekend road trip packed with outdoor activities.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life or the endless cornfields associated with Midwestern farmland, it may be time for an escape. This list of five unique Airbnb destinations in the Midwest will provide fresh air and a change of scenery. From tiny homes to large cabins, there is something here for any traveler.

Lead, South Dakota

Lead, South Dakota, is the perfect destination to experience the Black Hills and enjoy a weekend in the winding mountains. Steel Pines Cabin is a relaxing stay for a cozy getaway. Surrounded by trees and a breathtaking view of South Dakota’s Black Hills, this Airbnb destination will allow you to experience the immersion of nature from the comfort of a cozy cabin.

Steel Pines Cabin Details:

• The average cost is $263 per night – minimum stay of two nights
• One queen bed and one sofa bed – maximum occupancy of 4 guests
• One full bathroom
• Full kitchen and private patio

“I love sharing the unique beauty of the Black Hills with others, and hosting allows me to create memorable experiences for guests,” said Jordan Hirschfeld, owner of J&J Hospitality and Airbnb host. “Its proximity to Terry Peak, Deadwood, and Spearfish Canyon makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.”
While staying in this cozy cabin, pop into Lewie’s Burgers and Brews for fries and beer, or head over to Lasagna Mountain for some Italian favorites.

Despite Lead’s small size—with a population of 3,053—there is no shortage of things to do. Stop by the town’s Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center to discover the history of the flora and fauna that supported indigenous populations or learn about the creation of the deepest gold mine in existence. Admission is free, and the visitor center is open to the public daily.

When you are done at the visitor center, the Roughlock Falls State Nature Area is a beautiful and free place to stretch your legs. The waterfalls, mountains, and trails allow visitors to escape technology and fully immerse themselves in nature. 

Chelsea, Iowa

Chelsea, Iowa, only an hour outside of Des Moines, provides a quick countryside escape from the city. This small town has under 300 residents and is the ideal place for a weekend retreat. While looking for a place to stay near Chelsea, try yurt glamping on a magical goat farm. The town is a short drive away from the property, allowing guests to connect with the rural environment surrounding the yurt and become one with the goats. 

Yurt Glamping Details:

• Averages $125 per night
• Two full/queen-sized beds and one pull-out couch
• Stand-alone shower/bathroom – not connected to the yurt
• Kitchenette and free parking

You don’t need to leave this property to experience something new. The yurt contains an add-on sheet where guests can choose to add goat hiking, dining options, or tours. A variety of different excursion packages allow visitors to feed animals, hike with llamas, and socialize with goats. If animals aren’t your thing, try adding on the outdoor movie theater, Polaroid camera, and canvas painting. 

If you are looking to head into the town of Chelsea, a 15-minute drive from the goat farm, you will find plenty of places to explore, including dozens of beautiful hiking trails. The paved Czech trailheads connect Chelsea to three other neighboring small towns. Easily accessible to individuals of all abilities, you can bike or walk along this 30-mile trail for no cost. 

If you hope to see something new, the Traer Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is a 30-minute drive from the goat farm. This extensive collection of food, animal, and state-themed salt and pepper shakers will provide hours of enjoyment. Admission is $5 per adult, $1 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. When you get hungry and tired of exploring, Lincoln Cafe in Belle Plaine (6 miles from Chelsea) is the perfect place to grab a bite. This small, family-owned establishment has a surprisingly diverse menu. Food cost ranges from $9-14 per dish. Grab some pasta, stir fry, or liver and onions to round out your weekend getaway.

Valentine, Nebraska

Valentine, Nebraska, is a town filled with the natural beauty of waterfalls and scenic sandhills. With various outdoor activities, Valentine is the best location for any hunter, fisherman, or outdoor enthusiast. 

The Merritt Dam Road Hill House is a country-inspired cabin only a few miles from the heart of Valentine. This spacious home is the ideal getaway for cabin lovers who enjoy experiencing rustic decor while maintaining the comforts of home.

Merritt Dam Road Hill House Details:

• Averages $250 per night – minimum three-night stay
• Three queen-sized beds, two single beds, one bathroom – up to six  guests allowed
• Full kitchen, indoor fireplace, and two decks
• The home contains a dedicated workspace for guests who need to complete work during their stay.

“The house sits high up on the hill overlooking the Nebraska Sand Hills, Merritt Reservoir, and the Snake River,” said Taija Golden, owner of the Hill House and Airbnb host. “Samuel McKelvie National Forest and the Wildlife Refuge are great public hunting and fishing locations.”

There is no shortage of things to do in this beautiful town. This Merritt Dam Hill House is close to Smith Falls State Park, a historic destination with a trail to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall and a bridge across the Niobrara River. 

Visit one of the many white sugar sand beaches near Merritt Dam Road or float down the Niobrara River in an intertube as you enjoy a beverage. 

When you start to get hungry, or just need to relax, stop by Coachlight Cafe, a popular diner just down the street from Smith Falls. This casual establishment offers burgers, chicken filets, and shrimp baskets on a menu packed with options. Bulldoggers BBQ is a female, veteran-owned southern-style BBQ restaurant. Its wide variety of sauces and spicy pickles will leave your mouth watering.

Tofte, Minnesota

Tofte, Minnesota, is another beautiful place for a quiet weekend getaway. This destination is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with countless lakes perfect for fishing, boating, or kayaking. If you are looking to escape an everyday Midwestern lifestyle, this town will provide you with every relaxing outdoor adventure imaginable.

After a long day of hiking, fishing, or exploring Tofte, rest your feet at an A-Frame tiny home in the mountains. Recently built and fitted with all the amenities you could ask for, this cozy home is the perfect place for a couple or individual looking to escape. 

A-Frame Details:

• Averages $309 a night – two-night minimum stay
• One king-sized bed and one queen-sized bed – up to four guests 
• One full bathroom
• Full kitchen, EV charger, and indoor fireplace

If you are traveling during colder months, you won’t need to worry about staying warm. This cabin has heated floors, a small sauna, and an outdoor fire pit.

“Tofte is such a great location because it’s central to the North Shore Attractions,” said Airbnb Owner and Builder Alex Schauer. “I love visiting the ski hill. The snow can be tremendous and provide amazing, almost out-west, Rocky Mountain experiences.”

This small town is located on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior, providing guests with various outdoor activities. If you want to get inside for a while, the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum is just down the road. Displaying fishing nets, oars from the early 1900s, and lots of history, this is the perfect place for any fishing fanatic. Make sure to plan when considering Tofte. Some destinations are only open during warm summer months.

When you get hungry, stop by Coho Cafe & Bakery for a coffee and pastry or sit down at Bluefin Grille for a more formal meal. Both restaurants are at the Bluefin Bay resort, only a few miles from town.

For those who crave outdoor adventures, the taste of freshly caught fish, and cozy cabins, Tofte, Minnesota, is an unbeatable destination for your next getaway.

South Range, Wisconsin

Nestled close to the cliffs of Lake Superior and home to breathtaking hiking trails and hidden waterfalls, South Range, Wisconsin, is the ideal space to soak up the sun and explore the unknown. 

Stay in a one-of-a-kind Nordic Shipping Container during an unforgettable weekend getaway. This Airbnb home is constructed from two storage containers, one 40-foot, and the other 20-foot. This non-traditional home has a Nordic cedar sauna for cold weather and is only half a mile from Lake Superior.

Nordic Shipping Container Details:

• Averages $258 per night – two-night minimum stay
• One king-size bed and one bathroom – up to two guests 
• 80 acres of private land, full kitchen, beach access
• Cedar Sauna and outdoor cold plunge 

While staying in this Nordic home, guests have access to trails spanning 80 acres of land and boat access to a public beach directly on Lake Superior.

If you are looking for a hike that will allow you to delve into the nature surrounding South Range, Amnicon Falls is less than half a mile from the Airbnb and surrounding lakes. This state park is open year-round and has many waterfalls and rapids for hikers to stop at. Most trails at Amnicon Falls are classified as medium to challenging. 

If you are looking for a more accessible hike, the Osaugie Trail is just down the road. This paved and relatively flat trail is a great alternative for individuals who are not as comfortable tackling a long and challenging hike. 

After working up an appetite at the nearby trails, grab dinner at the Dreamland Supper Club. This business is located only six miles east of Superior and offers a wide variety of cuisine. It is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday. Stop by to grab a lobster tail or 20-oz Prime Rib.