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ARI - A Better Stay

Whether you gather as a family, visit a college student, travel for business or want to experience life in a smaller midwest town, we have a vacation rental just for you! 


With bike rentals, 14 mile rec trail, 1700 acres to explore, coffee shops, boutiques, and great events, Oskaloosa is the place for a better stay!   

TuDor- Sleeps 13-17


Francis Rodrquez, Antonio Rios & Family - Texas


"We truly appreciate every step taken to make us feel at home. We leave feeling very grateful for allowing us to stay at your wonderful place.  Favorite Memories: Waking up to fresh fallen snow in the morning & sitting around the piano & fireplace."  

More testimonials.   

Nest - Sleeps 7

Sit cozy on one of the turquoise twin woven couches or orange velvet swivel in living room.


Drew, Melanie, and Quinton, Jude, Erodie & Rachel Kihnamer - Oregon!


"We've never been to this part of the country & decided to take the kids on a month-long road trip! This place is a great 'home away from home'! Very cute, plenty of space, and nicely air-conditioned! We loved exploring downtown Oskaloosa! Hearing the bells in the park, the bandstand music, sipping coffees -just very enjoyable! Pe



Show More

Sunny Cottage - Sleeps 7


Gavin, Scott & Sharon R., Jayden H., BluffDale, Texas


"What a beautiful home! We loved it so much we stayed two extra days. The space in this book doesn't come close to allowing me the ability to list all the things we love here! ...Sitting in the front yard enjoying your landscape. I think I walked around the house over a dozen times admiring all the flowers."


More testimonials 

Cabin - Sleeps 14-18

Birds eye view of the cabin property and its location to Lake Keomah.


Sheri and Guests - June 2022


"Can I please give this place 10 stars?! The location, the amenities and the kindness of the people that live there! It was the perfect quick getaway for six adults and six kids. We all slept well and our 48 hours together and this location was unforgettable. Thank you to Christian and Melissa for going above and beyond!"

More Testimonials

Lee's Garden Loft

Lee's Garden Loft, next door to The Tudor was occupied the day we finished it! It may be available for summer overflow from the Tudor, or it may already be spoken for as word spread quickly about this convenient and cozy location. 

Things To Do In Mahaska County

Mahaska Community Recreation Trail

There's a Relaxing Way to Travel the Trail

There's a Relaxing Way to Travel the Trail

This ten-foot wide concrete trail  14 miles paved trail around Oskaloosa through native prairie, city park, interactive conservation center, animal shelter, ponds, streams and more. Find trail map, trailheads and more here. 

There's a Relaxing Way to Travel the Trail

There's a Relaxing Way to Travel the Trail

There's a Relaxing Way to Travel the Trail

Take the Trail Tram Tour!  May through October for free! One of our guests ordered   Breadeaux pizza  towards the end of their tour and had it delivered to the shelter on Green Street ending their fun with a picnic. 

Outdoor Fun - Every Season!

There's a Relaxing Way to Travel the Trail

Do You Carry Your Discs Wherever You Go?

Loved by families for generations!  Keomah State Park springs flowers, floats kayaks, leaf or snow carpets your path, and freezes over to offer fishermen a twist to their sport. 

Do You Carry Your Discs Wherever You Go?

Do You Carry Your Discs Wherever You Go?

Do You Carry Your Discs Wherever You Go?

Oskaloosa has an active disc golf community and three frisbee golf courses for varied challenges and a change of scenery. One is on the Edmunson Park grounds adjacent to outdoor picnic areas, fireplaces, Edmunson Swimming Pool, and one of the trailheads. Another is near the miniature golf course and the other is behind our Conservational Center. 

Three Golf Courses

Do You Carry Your Discs Wherever You Go?

Three Golf Courses

Enjoy Tee time at one or all three of Oskaloosa's golf courses, one is overlooked by the deck of our favorite dinner spot in town, the other owned by a PGA  tournament champion 

The Alley

Do You Carry Your Discs Wherever You Go?

Three Golf Courses

The Alley is an exceptional outdoor venue for all sorts of happenings. You can reserve it for an event or simply bring a book, board game, or friend and eat or drink al fresco! in June and July enjoy Thankful Thursdays from 6-8 before the city band performs for the community. 

Cedar Bluff Natural Area

Hallmark Movie - Real Life, Anyone?

History Lovers, We've Got You!

"With a blend of forest and prairies, 225 total acres, and over 3 miles of trails, Cedar Bluffs Natural Area can easily take up an entire afternoon to explore. The north end of the trail features an overlook with a breathtaking view of the Des moines River. This is even more rewarding after climbing the bluffs to get to it." - Jacob Glandon in Explore Mahaska County 2022 issue. 

History Lovers, We've Got You!

Hallmark Movie - Real Life, Anyone?

History Lovers, We've Got You!

Go back in time when you visit Prine School, Littler Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, Nelson's House, Mott General Stored, and more along with the museum and library. The museum hosts a calendar of events through its open season and will schedule individual tours, if you ask! Schedule your visit to Nelson Pioneer Farm between May and October.. 

Hallmark Movie - Real Life, Anyone?

Hallmark Movie - Real Life, Anyone?

Hallmark Movie - Real Life, Anyone?

Iowa's best Lighted Christmas Parade amidst a cascade of colored lights, Sweet Corn Serenade, Annual Art Show, Fridays after Five, Thursday night city band, and each of these are an idyllic event that makes you wonder if we are in a Hallmark movie! Walk across the street to a bookstore in an old bank with vaults as rooms adjoined to a vintage coffee shop filled with young and old and you will be sure it must be make believe! Lots of live music, here is one example. 

Stam's Garden Center & Nursery

Stam's Garden Center & Nursery

Hallmark Movie - Real Life, Anyone?

While you choose your treasure or two or three of them from this delightful sunny shop, your children will make friends with the cats laying around, and in spring there are bound to be some kittens! Make a fairy garden, seasonal arrangement, succulent pot or buy one of theirs! 


Mahaska County Conservation

Stam's Garden Center & Nursery

Mahaska County Conservation

Check out County Parks in Mahaska County link (https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Mahaska.aspx) to view a description and locations of nearly twenty parks (including marshes, trails, sand dunes, and more) set aside to view and experience wildlife unique to this area. 


Crow Row Antiques

Stam's Garden Center & Nursery

Mahaska County Conservation

Just a few miles north of Oskaloosa in New Sharon's cute downtown. We've heard great things about the coffee shop and a women's boutique store there as well, so a good morning or afternoon trip to this cute town, and on the way there or on the way back, stop at Russell Wildlife Area! 

Wine Connoisseurs or Winery Fans

Dining Al Fresco or in Festive Atmosphere

Wine Connoisseurs or Winery Fans

Rosso & Wine with authentic Italian products just opened their doors in Penn Central Mall! Tassel Ridge Winery offers wine tasting, scheduled dinner and wine events and tours of the wine making process.  

Nostalgic Rides

Dining Al Fresco or in Festive Atmosphere

Wine Connoisseurs or Winery Fans

Coming soon will be the official opening of Nostalgic Rides with bikes for date day  or family bike rides through town or on the Recreation Trail. 

Dining Al Fresco or in Festive Atmosphere

Dining Al Fresco or in Festive Atmosphere

Dining Al Fresco or in Festive Atmosphere

Wood iron Grille is our favorite dinner spot with a delicious menu and chef's specials always fun to anticipate! 

Shop til you drop!

Treat yourself a milkshake or a cup of Joe!

Dining Al Fresco or in Festive Atmosphere

The Book Vault is a favorite from lots of guests! Beautifully merchandised book & gift store housed in a historic bank with themes in various vaults! We have a long list of delectable boutiques, a shoe store like they used to be, and wonderful buyers who have brought beautiful finds to their shops. Enjoy! 

Treat yourself a milkshake or a cup of Joe!

Treat yourself a milkshake or a cup of Joe!

Treat yourself a milkshake or a cup of Joe!

Smokey Row Coffee Shop  is a spot for all of us! Enjoy a full menu in addition to the treats and sit long and talk much! You could always start with dinner at delicious Tasos and follow  up with a latte to keep the conversation going, maybe even a piece of Tiramisu with Espresso drizzled on top or a generous serving of Affogato! Walk through the door to the bookshop and browse if your sipping solo! 

Old School Fun With Your Kids?

Treat yourself a milkshake or a cup of Joe!

Treat yourself a milkshake or a cup of Joe!

Axe throwing competition anyone? How about pinball or PacMan? Maybe Duckpin Bowling or Laser Tag? Stop at Penn Central Mall for all this fun and let Heather feed you something delicious at Wanderlunch while you're there! 

Water Fun at the State Park

Water Fun at the State Park

Water Fun at the State Park

Rent kayaks from Nostalgic Rides, bring your own or stay at The Cabin and use the kayaks and pedal pontoon boat there for you . 

Let's Go Junkin'

Water Fun at the State Park

Water Fun at the State Park

Our county has some treasure hunters that bring their finds to you! Stephanie at North Creek Antiques is one of those traveling buyers! Take the crew and bring home a piece of history! 

Friesan Farm House

Water Fun at the State Park

Fresh ingredients & Catering

Near Tassel Ridge Winery, experience the cheese-making process and try samples of various ages and flavors of their gouda. Call 641-204-222 for hours and to pick the best time for your trip here. 

Fresh ingredients & Catering

Fresh ingredients & Catering

Fresh ingredients & Catering

Grate Expectations Catering and Cafe is simply delicious! Enjoy a fresh and flavorful lunch Monday through Friday 11-2 or call them at 641-676-3388 to cater your event!  1109 A Ave. West, Oskaloosa.

Debbie's Celebration Barn

Fresh ingredients & Catering

Debbie's Celebration Barn

Book your wedding, baby shower, graduation party, family reunion or other grand event at Debbie's Celebration Barn in Oskaloosa.

Bluff Creek OHV

Fresh ingredients & Catering

Debbie's Celebration Barn

Our sons have enjoyed riding here!  This is the information directly from Iowa DNR about Bluff Creek OHV: 


Located in Mahaska County southwest of Oskaloosa.  This is a 350-acre park with most of the area accessible for riding.  The area is an abandoned coal mine that has been developed into a riding area.  There are approximately 20 miles of trails, steep hill climbs, deep pits, and four motorcross tracks.  One track is dedicated to novice and beginning riders.  One track is extremely challenging and is often called the "gravity cavity". 


The park is open year round, but is closed when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.


Thirteen primitive camping sites are available, with flush toilets, shower stalls, and water spigots.


A current registration is required for Iowa residents and a nonresident user permit is required for out-of-state riders. If registration is required in the nonresident home state, it must be displayed on the machine.


The park is not currently signed open to ORV, or side-by-side, use.


For more information, call 641-670-0240.

Adventure, Food, Shopping and More in Mahaska County

  • For Almost Everything Mahaska County, check out this site, including Food, Adventure, Shopping, The Arts and more! 
  • The Midwest is synonymous with "hard work" and our Chamber lives up to that for sure!  Check out our Calendar of Events and book a stay far in advance of it, especially some of the popular annual events:  Annual Art Show (my personal fave! ) in June, Sweet Corn Serenade, middle summer, Nelson Pioneer Fall Festival and our famous Lighted Christmas Parade! 
  • Mahaska County has over 1,700 acres of forests, wetlands, prairies and parks to explore (including Lake Keomah State Park). 
  • Mahaska County Conservation Board manages 20 separate parks, river accesses and wildlife areas with over six miles of maintained trails . This is in addition to the bike trail around Oskaloosa and the miles of trails at Keomah.
  • Downtown shopping and we are a fantastic thrift store and antique/vintage stop in the country! 
  • Delicious Dining and Drinks
  • Active Art Community , including live music through every season and rotating sculptures, featured artists, and classes for all age
  • Active master gardening group offers free classes throughout the year. 
  • Home of Wooly Mammoth dig and bones from this showcased at our brand new conservation center. 
  • Solar system walk about in the process of being created right on our bike trails. 


Day Trips - DownTown Des Moines

Pappa John Sculpture Park activities for all ages!
Iowa's ornate state capitol. History, art, architecture and civics education/appreciation.
Salisbury House
Des Moines Art Center.

Social

Vacation Rentals

Contact Us

Welcome Home! We look forward to hosting you, your family and friends. 


If you have a question about your desired home stay, please text us. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.

A Better Stay

Oskaloosa, Iowa, United States

609-847-6955 Voice & Text OskyBetterStay@gmail.com

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