At Whitaker Marketing Group, we’ve seen firsthand how the land market continues to evolve across Iowa and nearby states.
Productive farmland remains the foundation of our business. However, a new trend is emerging — the rise of recreational land buyers.
More families now seek land not only for farming but also for hunting, fishing, ATV riding, camping, and rural living. This shift is changing how land is marketed, sold, and valued in the Midwest. It’s also creating new opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Why Recreational Land Is Gaining Momentum
1. Lifestyle Matters More Than Location
Buyers today are prioritizing lifestyle and recreation over traditional land use. For many, owning land means creating a private retreat where they can escape city life. They want a place to hunt, fish, or simply spend time with family outdoors.
A survey from the Realtors Land Institute (RLI) found that recreational tracts are one of the fastest-growing land sectors. In fact, more buyers now seek properties that support camping, hunting, and ATV riding.
2. Growing Market Values
Recreational land isn’t just about lifestyle — it’s also a strong investment. In nearby Illinois, Agriculture.com reported that recreational land averaged about $6,600 per acre in 2024, with some sales reaching $7,500 per acre.
Similarly, Missouri Ag Connection noted that timberland and recreational properties showed some of the biggest value increases last year. Meanwhile, cropland values remained steady. Here in Iowa, we’ve seen the same upward momentum.
Tracts with hunting opportunities, CRP income, and building potential often attract multiple bidders. As a result, they frequently sell at premiums compared to similar land without those features.
3. Limited Supply, High Demand
Across Iowa and the Midwest, recreational parcels with timber, water features, or easy access are in short supply. When these properties reach the market, competition is strong.
Reports from Agriculture.com show that demand for recreational land has outpaced supply in many regions. Buyers often compete for mid-sized tracts between 30 and 80 acres, pushing values higher.
4. The Appeal of Income + Enjoyment
Recreational buyers in Iowa are increasingly looking for land that serves multiple purposes. Land enrolled in CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) or that has rental income potential provides financial returns while also offering recreational use.
This dual-purpose appeal — income plus enjoyment — makes recreational tracts highly desirable for long-term ownership.
What This Means for Iowa Landowners
If you own land in Iowa or surrounding states that includes timber, water, wildlife habitat, or even the potential for recreational use, your property may be worth more than you think.
Recreational buyers are often willing to pay a premium for land that checks these boxes:
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Hunting potential
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Water features
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CRP income
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Residential living opportunities
Therefore, marketing these unique attributes requires a specialized approach. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we highlight not just the farmability of a property but also the lifestyle value it provides to modern recreational buyers.
Tips for Buyers Considering Recreational Land
If you’re exploring recreational property in Iowa or the Midwest, keep these tips in mind:
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Define Your Purpose – Decide whether you’re buying mainly for hunting, income potential, or a future acreage site.
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Check Access and Infrastructure – Not all recreational tracts have roads, utilities, or easy entry points. Always verify access and amenities before purchasing.
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Understand Zoning and Regulations – County rules on hunting, building, or conservation easements can differ significantly.
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Assess Resale and Long-Term Value – Smaller tracts (under 40 acres) tend to attract more buyers and often sell faster at premium prices.
Conclusion
The rise of recreational land buyers is more than a passing trend — it’s a lasting shift in how people view and value land across Iowa and the Midwest.
Demand for recreational land continues to grow, and it’s reshaping the market in exciting ways. At Whitaker Marketing Group, we’re proud to help sellers unlock the full value of their recreational properties. We also assist buyers in finding the perfect tract that fits their lifestyle and investment goals.
Whether you’re selling a property with hunting potential or searching for your own outdoor retreat, our team is ready to help every step of the way.
Contact Whitaker Marketing Group today to learn more about opportunities in Iowa’s recreational land market.
515-996-5263 |✉️info@wmgauction.com
