5 Exceptional Midwest Acreages and Estate Retreats from Illinois to Iowa

Along the water’s edge in scenic Calhoun County, Illinois—about 50 miles north of St. Louis—Kamaroo Farms unfolds as a turnkey agritourism and exotic animal ranch with an atmosphere all its own. The land is home to camels, kangaroos, ostrich, emu, pheasants, and more, creating a daily rhythm that feels equal parts working farm and destination retreat. A 2-bed, 3-bath home is complemented by a guest cabin, while a stocked 3.5-acre lake anchors outdoor time with an easy, unhurried focus on recreation. For those drawn to serious utility, a 96’×75’ shop with an aircraft hangar pairs with a 1,600-foot private airstrip. Trophy whitetail hunting and abundant recreation round out a property built for memorable weekends and established income potential.

Size: 96.00 acres

Surrounded by 52± acres in Douglas, this updated, one-of-a-kind retreat is designed for both everyday living and memorable weekends. More than 5,000 square feet of finished space unfolds into bunk rooms, multiple family rooms, and a distinctive recreation area highlighted by a basketball court set above the oversized 2-car attached garage. A large primary en-suite and four additional bedrooms support gatherings of all sizes, while additional shop and storage space keeps hobbies and gear neatly contained. Outdoors, trails wind through rolling land with hunting grounds and a pond that anchors the view. The back patio—complete with a hot tub—looks out across the water, offering an easy rhythm of mornings outside and evenings under open sky.

Set on nearly three acres in town in Marion, this contemporary, zero-entry Sunderman-built estate balances polish with serious capability. The main residence pairs reinforced concrete construction with radiant heat, Energy Star efficiency, a tankless water heater, and a high-end Lennox HVAC system. In the kitchen, premium Café appliances support everyday cooking and entertaining, while heated travertine bathroom floors add a quiet note of comfort. Outside, the grounds unfold with a stocked pond, an in-ground heated pool, and a charming playhouse. For collectors and makers, the heated 5,000-square-foot shop is joined by a 10-car show garage and a 2-bedroom apartment attached to the shop. Smart home technology ties it all together, with iPhone-controlled locks, thermostats, garage doors, cameras, and pool systems—so daily life runs smoothly, indoors and out.

Along the water’s edge in Washington, Missouri, this riverfront bottomground parcel is designed for working the land with ease. The property fronts the Missouri River and includes a section on St Johns Island, pairing a broad row-crop footprint with the kind of setting that changes with the seasons. Gravel road frontage supports day-to-day operations, while convenient access to the highway and a local cooperative keeps logistics straightforward and cashflow-minded. High crop yields anchor the agricultural appeal, and pockets of wooded ground add a secondary layer of use during hunting season activities. Just five minutes from Washington, it balances productive acreage with proximity when you need supplies, equipment, or a quick trip into town—then returns you to open fields and river air at day’s end.

On West Bay Road in Lake Park, this newer-construction residence pairs generous interior volume with a backyard designed around summer living. Five bedrooms and 3.5 baths are complemented by expansive living spaces and quality finishes, offering the ease of move-in-ready comfort without the added time or expense of building. Outdoors, a heated 41′ x 20′ pool sets the tone, complete with a 10′ tanning ledge, hot tub, shallow play area, and an 8′ deep end—equally suited to quiet afternoons or lively gatherings. The heated 4-stall garage goes well beyond parking; clear the space and it becomes an indoor pickleball court. A dedicated golf cart stall adds flexibility for a workshop, hobbies, or extra storage, while the expansive driveway keeps guest parking effortless. Life here is built around room to spread out and moments to share.