When you picture a relaxing weekend getaway, does your mind jump to covered wagons, cowboy pools, and a herd of bison roaming the horizon? Probably not, but it should. Situated along a gravel road in Malcom, Iowa, Sunset Hills Bison Ranch is the kind of place that reminds you how big the world is and how peaceful it can be to slow down in the middle of it all.
Sleeping in Style (Yes, in a Wagon)
Forget what you think you know about rustic camping. At Sunset Hills, they call it “glamping” for a reason. The covered wagons are more boutique retreat than Little House on the Prairie. Comfy beds, cozy bedding, and even a wagon with its own bathroom make this the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. The shower house is so nice it might ruin you for regular campgrounds.
If wagons aren’t your style, Sunset Hills also offers a cabin tucked away on the property. The cabin gives you all the quiet and wide-open views of the ranch, but with the extra space and modern amenities some travelers prefer. Whether you want the novelty of wagon life or the cozy comfort of a cabin, there’s a stay here that fits your flavor of adventure.
Add in a cowboy pool, grill, and firepit at your very own nook, and suddenly your weekend looks a whole lot like relaxation with just enough grit to keep it interesting.
What to Expect When You Arrive
One of the best parts about Sunset Hills is how simple and stress-free it is. You check yourself in – no front desk, no paperwork shuffle. Just roll up the gravel drive, stop at the retail shop for the key, head to your wagon or cabin, and settle in. Everything you need to know is waiting for you inside. From guides on the history of bison to tips on what to watch for while you explore the ranch, they have you covered.
The ranch is designed to be self-serve, even the retail shop. Want bison burgers, jerky, or other ranch-raised products? Head inside, pick out what you want, and follow the honor system checkout. It feels a little old-fashioned and a lot refreshing. Expect wide-open spaces, quiet evenings, and time to unplug. This is your chance to soak up rural Iowa. Bring your own groceries if you want to cook or use the list of nearby restaurants and attractions provided by the hosts.
Bison, Burgers, and Big Skies
Claire and Joseph, part of our Evolution of the Heartland team, discovered quickly that the real magic of Sunset Hills is in the landscape. Wide-open skies. A storm rolling in just in time for a show-stopping sunset. Crickets and birds providing the soundtrack while they soaked in the cowboy pool with a glass of wine. And yes, grilling up bison burgers while bison themselves graze in the distance.
But don’t get too close. Joseph found out firsthand what a protective bull looks like when he wandered out early with his camera. The bison won the staring contest, and Joseph wisely backed away.
Meet the Stewards of Sunset Hills
Behind the ranch are Bethany and Karl Kriegel, whose story blends farming roots, hospitality experience, and a deep sense of faith. They don’t just raise bison; they steward them, honoring the land and the animals as gifts to be cared for. Their vision is simple but profound: create a space where visitors can step away from the noise of life and reconnect with nature, with each other, and maybe with something bigger than themselves.
Their faith shows up in how they live and work. Whether it’s letting bison pasture in former crop fields to replenish the soil or creating a self-serve retail store so guests can purchase home-raised meat and products without fuss, everything reflects their belief in using their gifts to serve others.
Celebrate National Bison Day
If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to experience Sunset Hills, mark your calendar for National Bison Day. On Saturday, November 1, the ranch will host a family-friendly celebration with tours, bison education, and plenty of opportunities to taste and learn about these incredible animals. It’s the ideal way to experience agritourism up close, connect with Bethany and Karl’s story, and see for yourself why bison are such a powerful symbol of the land.
Why Sunset Hills Belongs on Your List
This isn’t your typical hotel or vacation rental. There are no distractions from TVs or Wi-Fi, just clean, thoughtful touches, and the kind of quiet you didn’t realize you needed. Sunset Hills isn’t a stop, it’s an experience. Visitors leave with more than memories. They leave refreshed, connected to the land, and maybe carrying a cooler full of bison meat. It’s rural Iowa at its best: authentic, surprising, and rooted in the people who pour their hearts into making it possible.
So, if you’re ready to wander off the beaten path, we recommend you trade the city noise for Iowa sunsets and sleep under the stars with bison nearby at Sunset Hills Bison Ranch in Malcom, Iowa.
