Nestled in the midst of 21 acres of secluded woodland and 59 acres of grassland in scenic northeast Iowa – just 30 minutes from Volga Lake, Backbone State Park and Brush Creek Park – you’ll find J&J Hideaway.
This fully modern, two-story cabin had been a dream for years of John and Jacquelyn Fedeler of Arlington, Iowa. Six years ago John’s brother Mark helped him complete the quaint 1,080-square-foot cabin. Now the Fedelers rent out their cabin, so others may enjoy nature in a comfortable, non-commercial way. Their cabin has all of the modern conveniences including a whirlpool tub and satellite TV.
J&J Hideaway has become a favorite get-away for men and women alike. Groups of women have retreated to the cabin for weekend of scrapbooking and quilting. Groups of men enjoy staying there during deer hunting, wild turkey and pheasant seasons. Even John Michael Montgomery spent three days in the cabin in during late muzzleloader season in December 2009. Photos of the famed country singer with Fedeler family members hang on the walls of their cabin.
“Once people stay in our cabin, chances are they’ll come back again,” says John. “There’s a group of guys from Michigan who will be making their fourth hunting trip this fall. There’s another group of bow hunters who return each season. Often times these guys will then make a second trip with their wives, who enjoy the peaceful setting.”
The Hideaway is conveniently located just five miles from trout streams that are stocked by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The woodlands also make the perfect backdrop for reading books any time of the day or grilling and dining on the patio. Plus, there is a fire pit where guests can make s’mores or sit around a fire at night.
The Fedelers have forged a trail through the woods, and they especially enjoy walking through the woods during springtime when they can find antlers shed by deer. Their biggest find during “shed hunting” is half a rack from a 175-class buck. There’s a state preserve next to their land, so there is plenty of natural cover for wildlife to thrive. Bald Eagles also nest nearby, so they enjoy watching pairs return each season.
With a love for the land and of the great outdoors, John feels fortunate that he had an opportunity to start farming 32 years ago with his father. Click here to learn more about the Fedeler family and their farming operation.