Last Updated on June 11, 2023 by The Noms
We have compiled a list of the best 25 weekend trips from Omaha. Great road trip locations with unique vacation rentals, perfect for any time of year!
We have some great ideas for a weekend away at unique vacation rentals, all within about a 6 hour drive from our home in Omaha. They may be closer to you, or farther, but we thought they were great options, and have some fun choices of places to stay or fun activities to do near them. These unique rentals can be a better option than hotel rooms
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We adore unique vacation rentals, and we know we are not alone in this. VRBO offers unique places as vacation rentals like a treehouse, geodesic dome, a tiny home, shipping container, A Frame cabin, and other super unique vacation homes!. There are amazing places offered both off the grid and in cities all around the midwest and south
We have come across some unique vacation rentals that you might like to see while planning your next getaway. The featured unique vacation rentals below prioritize a location within 6 hours of our home base: Omaha, Nebraska.
Spirited Travel
Since starting Gastronom, we have been traveling all over the US and abroad. We always call our traveling “Spirited Travel” because we make sure to always make a visit to local breweries, wineries and distilleries! It’s always a great part of our trip, and we have quite a few great ones in Omaha and the surrounding areas!
We do judge a cool vacation rental rental on style, decor, location, price and fun, special amenities they may offer. We personally love to be able to cook at least breakfast for ourselves while traveling, but this is completely up to you! Equally, we love a nightcap, or a cocktail before going out to dinner, so those need to be close options, too!
Vacation Rental Features
You will enjoy your time away in any of these rental properties. Some more more than a 5 minute drive to town, and some are just a short walk to the next street. But, Jay and I are always more than willing to drive to get where we are going!
Some of the fun features we have listed in the vacation homes below are out of this world! Some are fun, some are practical, but all are things you may look for in your perfect place!
- firepit
- full kitchen, small kitchen or fully-equipped kitchen (there are many options!)
- floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views, lake views or wildlife viewing
- modern conveniences like more square feet, air conditioning, private hot tub, pool table, foosball table, smart TV, prime location close to grocery stories or other modern comforts
- historic touches like wood paneling, stone walls, wood-burning fireplace, covered porch, high ceilings, wraparound porch and more!
- Location: maybe a quick walk to the movie theater or local restaurants, bars or shops
Other things that you may look for are the best things or a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts like:
- horseback riding
- golf course
- tennis courts
- a perfect getaway on a working farm or organic farm
- large deck
- picnic tables
- hot spring
- access to a state park
- ideal spot on acres of land
- incredible views
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- Christmas Pop Up Bars
- Humboldt Bay Social Club
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Hope you check these out and plan some time away! So if you are looking for private acres with modern amenities or a great spot within walking distance of local spots with large windows, and perfect for large groups and a king bed, we have some great options below!
Cheers!
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Unique Vacation Rentals
These unique vacation rentals are all within 5 hours of Omaha, great for a weekend getaway, and they are all unique. We made sure they all had something interesting or quirky about them, and we think you will love these! Make sure to book a stay away soon!
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Guests: 8
Price: $322/night
This gorgoues restored mansion built in 1911 is now a perfect place to stay if you are visiitng Kansas City! Features are 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, full kitchen, air conditioning and a washer and dryer.
Located a quick drive from the Plaza, Westport and the Power and Light District!
Location: Wakeeney, Kansas
Guests: 15
Price: $180/nt
This unique rental is in an old church conversion. Lots of room to spread out with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.
Close to swimming pool and playground in the town of Wakeeney. Wakeeney is also known as the Christmas City of the High Plains!
Location: Liberty, Missouri
Guests: 24
Price: $650/night
.This vacation rental is a great alternative to hotel rooms for large groups! A unique place for sure located on 22 private acres it is a great spot to play outside!
Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, volleyball, horsehoes, firepit and trails on the property abound which makes this a perfect choice to stay at, and a short drive from Kansas City!
Location: Clarksville, Iowa
Guests: 9
Price: $358/night
Watching cows being milked from large windows in your very own guest barn? Yes! It's located on the New Day Dairy Farm!
Sleep with the cows in this super unique rental with all modern comforts! This unique experience includes a farm tour and continental breakfast. The space has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, front garden, porch, patio and a firepit. And obviously views of the cows!
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Guests: 16
Price: $774/night
This absolutely unique location in Kansas City features panoramic views of downtown through floor-to-ceiling windows. This is an ideal spot to enjoy a quick walk to local restaurants. Incredible views are seen from the large deck, high ceilings abound inside along with a fully-equipped kitchen, this beautiful home is a good idea!
With 4 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms there is definitely space to spread out!
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Guests: 10
Price: $825/night
This amazing retro house in Kansas City has an heated indoor swimming pool shaped like a guitar! This 6,000 square foot weekend getaway has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, plus 2 half bathrooms, too! Elvis actually stayed at this home while in Kansas City in the 1950s!
Includes a game room with pool table and arcade games, grill, projector screen and a prime location near all things in Kansas City!
Location: Independence, Missouri
Guests: 16
Price: $1,374/night
This amazing historic mansion has room and fun for everyone! 9 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms are spread out in this massive home among unique vacation homes!
A splash pad, putting green, fire pit and basketball court outside. A commercial kitchen with (3!) dishwashers, a bee themed tea room, a game room with ping pong, shuffleboard, arcade games and more inside!
Ideal spot for large groups with modern amenities in a historical setting.
Location: Riley County, Kansas
Guests: 4
Price: 176/nt
This adorable A frame house is perfect for a romantic weekend away, or a family of 4! Features like an electric fireplace, retro appliances, foosball and comfy beds are inside the home.
While outside activities abound. These include a private hot tub, fire pit, disc golf course, cornhole, dock access and lake views.
Location: New Ulm, Minnesota
Guests: 4
Price: $200/nt
This vacation rental is located on the bottom floor of the old Hauenstein Brewery building. 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom in this historic building where they brewed beer from 1891-1969.
The host lives above, but there is an upper garden with firepit and outdoor cellar. No full kitchen is available.
Location: Bloomfield, Iowa
Guests: 5
Price: $179/night
This cabin, located on a private 11 acre lake is the perfect place to get away from it all. Located on an organic farm, you may hear cows and see farming equipment, but will be away from it all.
Relax in the hammock, enjoy coffee on the porch, or take the kayaks or canoe on the lake. 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
Location: Riley County, Kansas
Guests: 13
Price: 418/nt
This converted schoolhouse was a high school in it's previous life. Built in 1916, this fun vacation home has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and some fun historic features left in the building.
A covered carport is your outdoor space with a fire table and seating to enjoy the evenings.
Location: Dubuque, Iowa
Guests: 6
Price: $186/nt
This gorgeous townhouse has been redone with all modern conveniences, but has historic charm. 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms makes for a tidy and pretty place to rest your head. The patio is where this property shines and backs up to the limestone bluffs that Dubuque is known for, giving the patio a secluded and private feel!
Location: Galena, Illinois
Guests: 6
Price: $185/night
This gorgeous mansion in Galena, Illinois was built by a brewer from Bavaria in 1842. It features a cellar that was once his brewery and tavern. It has hot water heated floors, a dry bar, electric fireplace and shuffleboard, along with room to enjoy a cold beer!
Also a private patio and yard with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this property is walkable to Main Street in Galena.
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Guests: 2
Price: $242/night
This unique vacation rental is truly a tiny home! The perfect getaway full of privacy in the heart of Kansas City! This 23 foot trailer is a 1 bed and 1 bath (with a real flushing toilet) with ice cold air conditioning for those hot summer days!
A hot tub on the deck, Smart TV and more combime for a truly unique rental property!
Location: Shell Rock, Iowa
Guests: 8
Price: $117/night
This unique vacation rental is located in an old flour mill next to a river. 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths make it cozy and a great location for biking, fishing and kayaking. A living room futon is available for extra guests.
There is another studio apartment available on the property (sleeps 6) and they can be connected by an inner staircase, so keep it in mind for larger groups!
Location: Jo Daviess County, Illinois
Guests: 8
Price: $205/night
Located 15 miles from Galena, Illinois, these Rustic Cottages are the perfect place to get away. No cable TV or internet is available on the property. There is a 15-20 minute drive to Galena, but close to outdoor activities and even a winery!
The property is located on 7 acres of land, and there are other short-term rentals on the property. Wildlife viewing is sure to happen in this great place!
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Guests: 8
Price: $166/night
This super unique vacation rental is in a shipping container! 2 full bathrooms and 3 bedrooms, along with a roof top deck make for a fun and definitely unique place to stay!
Location: Galena, Illinois
Guests: 4
Price: $244/night
This nautical themed home is a fun brick cottage in Galena, Illinois. Small with just 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, this home is located a short walk to shopping areas and restaurants. Take advantage of the covered porch views of the Galena river!
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Guests: 4
Price: $104/night
This small but well appointed eclectic apartment isn't too small to have a formal dining room! 2 bedrooms and 1 bath can host 4 easily in a 100 year old home. 6 foot farm sink in the kitchen and a close drive to all KC has to offer!
Location: Ainsworth, Nebraska
Guests: 4
Price: $120/night
This adorable converted filling station is a must stay! Small, but cute, it features a fenced yard with a shaded patio and gas grill. Small kitchen with all you may need. And take your pick of quite a few Nebraska State Parks to go to nearby!
Location: Galena, Illinois
Guests: 8
Price: 371/nt
The pre-civil war home of Ulysses S. Grant, this brick structure has been restored with discretely diguised modern conveniences.
Location: Dixon County, Nebraska
Guests: 6
Price: $186/night
This unique tiny home is on an 80 acre property with some other tiny homes nearby. An outdoor hot tub, deck and firepit make for great times outside. Inside find wifi and tv, washer and dryer, wood floors and wood paneling. 3 beds and 1 bath in this space, as well as stunning views!
Location: Lyon County, Iowa
Guests: 10
Price: $395/night
This gorgeous cabin has views for miles! Room to spread out, with modern amenities, private hot tub and in a great horseback riding area!
Location: Crossroads, Kansas City, Missouri
Guests: 6
Price: $337/night
This Kansas City retreat is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath vacation home with 2 living rooms, sauna, game room with mini bar, sonic ice machine, and workout room on the bottom floor. Full kitchen and bedrooms on the top floor.
Walking distance to breweries, bars and restaurants.
Location: Nauvoo, Illinois
Guests: 9
Price: $149/nt
A brick manor house built in 1840 by Rufus Abbott, a Mormon Pioneer before moving to Salt Lake City. 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms as well as a great way to experience history!
Location: Bethany, Missouri
Guests: 3
Price: $150/night
This mid 1900s gas station has been converted into a studio cottage. A great kitchenette and room to spread out in this cute little vacation home!
Location: Crofton, Nebraska
Guests: 9
Price: $570/night
This Crofton Cabin has great views of the river, and a lot of room to spread out across all the floors of the A frame cabin by a spiral staircase. Near a state recreation area and golf couse, with nearby hiking trails.
Tiki hut on deck with grill, hot tub, fire pit and wood-burning stove.
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Guests: 6
Price: $302/night
This luxury condo in downtown Lincoln is beautifully decorated and easily located to UNL and downtown shops and restaurants.
Access to the rooftop deck and courtyard with firepits and grills.
Location: Nauvoo, Illinois
Guests: 8
Price: 235/nt
A lovely brick home that is an early Nauvoo pioneer home with antiques. Great for children with room to run and a large dining room.
A lovely brick summer kitchen in the garden.
Location: Gretna, Nebraska
Guests: 12
Price: $770/night
This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in Gretna is a family fun oasis for sure! Outside is a kids (and adult) paradise! Covered patio with gas fireplace and grill, exercise pool, hot tub, basketball court, in ground trampoline! There is also a media room inside.
1 mile walking trail to restaurants, so close to a lot of things!
Location: Camdenton, Missouri
Guests: 16
Price: $1,058/nt
An amazing waterfront home on the Lake of the Ozarks, this vacation home is also located on a golf course! So much for everyone to do with a 40 foot private pool, boat slip, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and more in this 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath house!
Enjoy the lake views from this spectacular home among many vacation homes in the area.
Location: Harvey County, Kansas
Guests: 5
Price: $114/nt
This unique rustic location is on some lakes and is a super private getaway on 35 acres! 1 bed area (loft) and 1 bathroom, which is in an outbuilding, but has a shower!
Centrally located between Wichita, Hutchinson and Newton, Kansas. Features include a firepit, kitchenette, tv, covered bar area outside with fridge and picnic table, grill and more! You need to bring towels, toiletries and bedding, but the fun awaits!
Location: Duenweg (Joplin), Missouri
Guests: 2
Price: $98/nt
This unique vacation rental is in an old Santa Fe caboose! With a queen bed, kitchenette, and full bathroom just outside the caboose (but still inside!), this unique location is fun for train nuts and people that love interesting places to stay!
Location: Riverton, Kansas
Guests: 6
Price: $100/nt
A vacation rental in an old converted building on Route 66. Cute and quaint, this location sleeps 6 in 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
Location: Lawrence County, Missouri
Guests: 4
Price: $209/nt
A vacation rental in this case in in a unique container set up on a 400 acre organic farm. Perfect for trail hiking, stargazing and more! With a large deck, firepit, grill, porch swing, hot tub, and even a washer and a dryer, this is the perfect getaway!
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Guests: 8
Price: $207/nt
This loft in Old Town Wichita is located above Emerson Biggins Sports Bar, and a $25 voucher to eat there if you stay in this location.
A great location near restaurants, breweries, shops, galleries and museums. A unique hanging bed is in the primary bedroom, too!
Location: Matfield Green, Kansas
Guests: 4
Price: $214/nt
This vacation rental encompasses a frontier store with stone walls. The store started as a log cabin in 1868, and was also a post office.
Keep in mind restaurants and grocery stores are a drive away, so make sure to pack what you need!
Location: Louisburg, Kansas
Guests: 13
Price: $350/nt
This gorgeous luxury downtown loft is large and perfect for a big group. 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms have tall ceilings, and a large common room with the kitchen and living room. 3000 square feet perfect to spread out!
Location: Lindsburg, Kansas
Guests: 6
Price: $151/nt
This adorable home has stone walls 24 inches thick, but is full of modern amenities! 2 bedrooms, suites with a king-sized bed each, and 3 bathrooms.
Thre is space outside on the patio under a pergola. Perfect for getting away.
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