When you stay at this vacation home in Wellman, you'll be 12 minutes by car from Kalona Historical Village. .This vacation home is 24.4 mi (39.3 km) from University of Iowa and 14.4 mi (23.1 km) from Frytown Conservation Area.
Kalona Historical Village - 11 min drive - 9.3 miles
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort - 25 min drive - 21.8 miles
University of Iowa - 32 min drive - 30.3 miles
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics - 33 min drive - 30.5 miles
Kinnick Stadium - 34 min drive - 30.7 miles
Getting around
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) - 49 min drive
Restaurants
Casey's General Store - 8 min walk
The Well - 5 min walk
Los Amigos Taqueria - 11 min drive
DJ's Casual Cafe - 10 min walk
Stone Wall Brick Oven Pizza - 12 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼🌾Quirky Little Shanty.
Better than staying with family! 😉
All the comforts of home…..One bedroom shanty with the ability to sleep six plus one on the couch. Refrigerator and cupboards are stocked with breakfast staples and variety of snacks. Fully equipped kitchen including basic cookware. Bathroom with shower. Washer and dryer. Linens provided. No internet but there is a dvd player and a variety of movies. TV gets local stations. Located 30 minutes SW of Iowa City. Variety of attractions and things to do within an hour drive. Kalona historic/shopping, Riverside Casino, Amana Colonies, Iowa City, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Stead’s Children Hospital. Coral Ridge mall, the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk….., English River Wildlife Area offers hunting and non hunting activities. https://washingtoncounty.iowa.gov/facilities/facility/details/English-River-Wildlife-Area-7
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. A Smart television and a DVD player are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave.
This smoke-free vacation home features books, games, and a playground. Amenities include a video library.
Guests will find features like onsite parking.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV
Video library
Outdoor areas
Firepit
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming cats and dogs only
One pet total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
2 steps to reach entrance
No elevator (single-level property)
Smooth flooring in public areas
Smoking not allowed
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Hunting nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Please wash up any dishes. You can just leave them to air dry. I will put away.
Check for runaway socks. They are the most commonly left behind item. Blanket/pillow is the second.
Pull the door closed behind you and travel safely. Love Auntie
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total pets
Note from host: Ask for special accommodations
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Max guests dependent on planned use of space.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Max guests dependent on planned use of space.
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
The Iowa Auntie’s 👩🏼🌾Quirky Little Shanty.
Better than staying with family! 😉 Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 42 out of 46 reviews
10 - Excellent
42
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 46 reviews
8 - Good
4
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Benjamin P.
Nov 19, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice, quiet and clean property.
Benjamin P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rebekka G.
Nov 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
My husband and I were stressing because we needed to find a last minute spot to stay with our two dogs for a wedding in Iowa City. We were coming from out of state in Michigan. I reached out and was met with a prompt and incredibly kind response and we booked right away. Even with it being 25 minutes away from the wedding venue, we couldn’t be more pleased with our stay. We drove through historic Kolona and enjoyed checking out some cute shops, and the land in Iowa is just beautiful. The home was adorable, and it was perfect for our two night stay. It had everything we needed and we loved the added goodies too, of course. Thank you for allowing us to bring our puppers with us. We will definitely be back again if we are ever back in the area!
Rebekka G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Miranda E.
Nov 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We stayed here while visiting Iowa to see family for our daughters 3rd birthday. The host, Jennifer, was so sweet and accomodating. She left the light on for us after learning we would be in late and there were so many helpful amenities that may our stay much easier. The neighborhood was quiet and we didnt have any issues while staying there. Would highly recommend this to anyone needing somewhere to stay in small town Iowa.
Miranda E.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Marilyn B.
Oct 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Home was impeccably clean. Some say they are dog friendly, but really don't want pers. Here I really felt like mine were welcomed. And so many snacks and such to choose from!! This home was so welcoming, my husband made the comment that he felt like someone lives there, but they just left for the weekend and let us use it.
Marilyn B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
Paula S.
Sep 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
2nd time staying at The Shanty. We had a very nice time. The house was very clean and quiet. We will be back. Love that it is pet friendly!
Paula S.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Alex B.
Sep 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very friendly host
Alex B.
Stayed 22 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Donald S., White Lake, WI
Sep 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great communication before, during and after our stay. An abundance of snacks and food available to us.
Donald S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Janelle C.
Aug 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Do not miss out staying here at the Aunties Shanty. I felt like I was at home with every thing I needed. The shower is great and the bed is comfy. It’s clean and the hosts are just fabulous. I will be back.
Jennifer had our lil welcome package all complete. Nice stay for a lil shanty! Thanks a mint
Carl
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sandra c.
Mar 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The Shanty
Wonderful place to stay. Everything was nice and quiet. This was exactly what we needed for a short stay and wonderful price. We really appreciated all the little extras around. If you needed anything this place had it.Loved it and will definitely stay next time we need a place in this area.
Sandra c.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
CJ S.
Mar 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Recommended
We had a very nice stay. Incredibly stocked and it was cozy and easy. Will stay again for sure.
Very comfortable and provided several comforts. I hope to stay here next January every year!!
Joshua
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lechance S.
Jan 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing house
More amenities than the Hilton, I enjoyed every second of our stay.
Lechance S.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Bob O.
Dec 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy
It was very comfortable
Bob O.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Andrew O.
Nov 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Home away from home
Quiet area of town. The home had everything and more. Nice place to get away from reality!!!!!
Andrew O.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tom H., Ames, IA
Nov 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A Great Getaway…
Our son was cast in a play at Iowa on a game weekend. Hotels were booked or ridiculously expensive. We found the Auntie Shanty on VRBO and couldn’t be happier. It was just 30 minutes from Iowa City and allowed us to see the show multiple without breaking the bank. The house was very clean. To say that Hennifer went above and beyond would be and understatement.Every possible need was My wife commented that this was
Tom H.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tim H.
Oct 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Love the Shanty
We felt right at home. All the comforts of home. Very clean and cute. Nice and quiet area. We hope to be able to stay again.
Tim H.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jessica H., Omaha, NE
Sep 15, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Quaintness Galore
Such a fun and quaint stay with some teens for a volleyball tournament. Met our needs perfectly and the snacks were an added bonus!
Jessica H.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amanda H.
Sep 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
5 STARS!!
We love Aunties Shanty! The pups approved too. Cute, comfortable house with everything you need - like home.
Wonderful host! Gave great suggestions, very easy to work with, generous snacks and goodies, very very clean and homey! Made us feel at home! Host goes above and beyond! Highly recommend!
Kathy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carrie s.
Aug 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Cute place
Carrie s.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
shannon l.
Aug 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Comfortable stay
Cute place and was a comfortable stay for our family while traveling through the area. Lots of little touches that made it extra special.