Top 15 Iowa Resorts for Unforgettable Getaways

With 90% of its land allocated for agricultural purposes, there was potential for Iowa to adopt the moniker, the Corn State. Fortunately for the residents of Iowa, the official designation is The Hawk Eye State. This title is not a nod to Colonel Hawk Eye Pearce from M*A*S*H, a character who never resided in Iowa, but rather honors Black Hawk, the leader of the Native American Sauk tribe, which was relocated to Iowa following conflicts with settlers.

Setting that aside, it is indeed true that 90% of Iowa’s land is used for agriculture. Fortunately, Iowa boasts a significant amount of attractions within the remaining 10%, including remarkable engineering marvels. Snake Alley, which is recognized as the most curvy street globally, works in concert with the Fenelon Elevator, the steepest and shortest train line in the world. The Kate Shelley High Bridge stretching across the Des Moines River is notable for being the highest and longest double-rail trestle bridge in America.

Additional sites of interest in Iowa encompass the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, providing insight into the River’s pivotal role in the nation’s development. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases Iowa’s artistic engagement, while the stunning limestone formations found in Maquoketa State Park are breathtaking. Film enthusiasts may appreciate visiting the iconic bridges depicted in “The Bridges of Madison County” and the filming site of “Field of Dreams,” where “ghost” games are conducted on Friday nights.

Now that it’s evident there is much to explore, let’s examine the top resorts in Iowa:

1. Honey Creek Resort

Source: honeycreekresort

Honey Creek Resort is located along the shores of Rathbun Lake, offering an exceptional variety of lodging options. The resort provides lodges with lake views, standalone cabins, and numerous powered RV or tent sites, catering to travelers of all preferences.

Numerous amenities and programs are available throughout the day, including various lake activities such as canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet ski rentals, as well as an indoor water park accessible year-round. The resort also features an 18-hole championship golf course at The Preserve. Should these activities not appeal, the management organizes various programs daily to ensure every stay at Honey Creek is memorable.

Website: https://www.honeycreekresort.com/

2. Waterloo/Lost Island Resort

Source: koa.com

The Waterloo KOA RV Resort is managed in cooperation with the Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo, Iowa. This resort presents a wide range of accommodations, including deluxe cabins as well as powered RV and tent sites. Notably, guests benefit from discounted entry to the Waterpark. Spanning 24 acres, the park is a highlight for visitors to Iowa, featuring over 15 attractions, including water slides, rides, and a wave pool, along with regular entertainment offerings.

After spending the day at the waterpark, the resort is conveniently located near the South Hills Golf Course and the Isle of Capri Casino. Numerous nature trails are available nearby, or guests may remain on-site and enjoy the Disc Golf course or the lake, where kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented.

Website: http://koa.com/campgrounds/waterloo/

3. Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground

Situated on Lake Oelwein in the northeastern part of the state, the Lakeshore RV Resort utilizes the stunning surroundings to create a tranquil and enjoyable experience. Activities such as shuffleboard, disc golf, mini-golf, and basketball complement the lake, which is ideal for swimming and boating.

The resort exclusively accommodates RVs and tent sites; however, the current operators’ 25 years of experience have fostered a culture of attentiveness, encouraging repeat visits. The property provides access to numerous nature trails for walking and is conveniently located near several Amish settlements, as well as the Mississippi River Museum. With abundant sights in the area, Lakeshore RV Resort serves as an ideal base camp.

Website: http://lakeshoreiowa.com/

4. Newton KOA Resort

Source: koa.com

Located just 30 minutes from Des Moines, the Newton KOA Resort features multiple campsites across a varied landscape. Guests can enjoy swimming in the below-ground pool or fishing in the specially stocked pond (be sure not to confuse the two activities). Several playgrounds are available on-site, along with nature trails that connect to the campground.

The standout feature of the Newton KOA is the operators’ involvement. Throughout the summer, they host ice cream sundae events in the Community Area, and on Saturdays, they prepare pancakes for all guests. These initiatives create a sense of community among campers, resulting in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Website: http://koa.com/campgrounds/newton/

5. Des Moines West KOA RV Resort

Source: koa.com

Offering various deluxe cabins and powered sites, the Des Moines West KOA Resort is situated in Winterset, known as the birthplace of John Wayne and the setting for the Bridges of Madison County. It features a well-stocked fishing pond suitable for catch-and-release fishing, along with a swimming pool and a wide array of activities for guests, establishing the Des Moines West KOA as a popular choice.

As for accommodations, guests can opt for RV sites, cabins, or tents, each providing a unique experience. After a day of exploring local attractions, the resort features Hunt Brothers’ Pizza and a number of BBQ facilities and camp kitchens scattered around the area. Weekend activities are organized throughout peak seasons, making it an ideal destination for families.

Website: http://koa.com/campgrounds/des-moines/

6. White Rock Resort

Source: whiterockconservancy

White Rock Resort features a selection of character cottages and campsites across the 5,500-acre White Rock Conservancy, making for a distinctive lodging experience. From historic farmhouse rooms to self-catered cottages and environmentally-conscious campgrounds, the Conservancy provides accommodations to suit various budgets and requirements.

The resort caters to nature and conservation enthusiasts with activities available during their stay, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and mountain biking—offering excellent engagement with Mother Nature.

Website: http://whiterockconservancy.org/

7. Grand Falls Casino Resort

Source: thelocalbest

The Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort presents a luxurious experience in Iowa, featuring a hotel with four levels of upscale accommodations, along with indoor and outdoor pools, spas, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The casino offers a variety of dining options, serving as a destination in its own right.

The resort also hosts an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by renowned architect Rees Jones, who has created over 100 courses worldwide. The Falls, as the course is commonly referred, includes a stunning 30-foot waterfall that meanders through its center and flows into a picturesque 12-acre lake, creating an exceptional golfing experience.

Website: http://www.grandfallscasinoresort.com/

8. Sandbar Beach Resort

The Sandbar Beach Resort is located on Spirit Lake and features 15 cabins offering direct water frontage, each providing splendid views of the surroundings. Tailored for fishing enthusiasts, the Sandbar Resort grants access to one of the region’s finest fishing lakes.

Fishing and paddle boats are available for rent at the reception area, while the beach adjoining the cabins offers an ideal swimming environment with shallow waters. The resort is conveniently located within minutes of various attractions, including four golf courses, Arnolds Park Amusement Park, and diverse dining venues.

Website: http://www.sandbarbeach.com

9. Cutty’s Okoboji Resort

Source: cuttysofokoboji

Operating various cabin accommodations, Cutty’s Resort features a substantial number of RV and camping sites. The cabins are well-appointed and include linens in the pricing. The camp maintains neat and clean facilities, with the cabins arranged in a lodge-style layout. Amenities include a pool and an on-site dining establishment catering to visitors.

During peak season, the operators organize regular artistic and craft activities, along with festival events designed to keep families entertained amidst sightseeing and fishing excursions. If experiencing the beauty of glacier-formed lakes is on your itinerary, this is a prime location!

Website: https://www.cuttysofokoboji.org/

10. King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort

Source: kingspointeresort

Surrounding a stunning timber and stone lodge, the King’s Pointe Resort in Storm Lake offers hotel rooms and self-sufficient cabins. The grounds incorporate an upscale dining establishment, and the overall resort radiates elegance. Accommodations are contemporarily styled and can host up to five guests.

The Sunrise Cottages can accommodate as many as ten guests, maintaining the standard of sophistication demonstrated in the hotel rooms. However, the resort’s centerpiece is the accompanying waterpark, featuring both indoor and outdoor activities, enhancing the overall experience beyond a traditional pool.

Website: http://www.kingspointeresort.com/

11. Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Source: grandharborresort

Situated in Dubuque, the Grand Harbor Resort features hotel accommodations and an indoor waterpark, providing year-round family-friendly entertainment. The hotel offers over 190 rooms decorated with a minimalist contemporary design, as well as a Tony Roma’s family restaurant located within the complex.

In addition to the waterpark, the hotel houses a well-equipped fitness center. With function rooms and a business center featuring printing and internet capabilities, the Grand Harbor serves as an ideal venue for corporate events, weddings, and family gatherings.

Website: http://www.grandharborresort.com/

12. Hole N’ The Wall

The Lodge is open year-round and provides a picturesque winter escape. Northwestern Iowa is a charming destination for your family’s next significant event or vacation. Hole N’ The Wall Lodge does not offer accommodations by individual rooms as hotels do; instead, the entire facility is available for private venue events such as weddings, family reunions, and retreats.

Resembling a rustic western ambiance, the Lodge features a Game Room that appeals to children and adults alike with a variety of arcade games. The adults can enjoy pool tables, an electronic dart board, foosball, air hockey, table tennis, Big Buck Hunter Pro, and a wet bar.

Website: https://www.holenthewalllodge.com/

13. Cedar Valley Lodge

Cedar Valley Lodge is ideally located along the Yellow River within the Yellow River State Park. Built around a central timber and stone lodge, it offers multiple accommodation choices for guests. The central lodge features five bedrooms, complemented by The Log Home (also five bedrooms) and the Cabin on the River (four beds), making Cedar Valley Lodge a superb retreat for larger families.

The unique character of the accommodations, combined with the splendor of the Yellow River State Park, establishes the Lodge as an all-weather destination. Wintertime activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, while fishing, hiking, and mountain biking are popular in the warmer months. The Ladyluck Riverboat Casino is located just 10 miles south of the Lodge.

Website: http://www.cedarvalleylodge.com/

14. Riverside Casino and Golf Resort

Source: riversidecasinoandresort

The Riverside Casino and Golf Resort complex encompasses a world-class hotel for its guests. The hotel features rooms that vary across four tiers of luxury, each tastefully decorated to evoke a contemporary feel. Notable amenities include three pools, a fitness center, a day spa, and multiple dining venues.

The adjacent golf course is an 18-hole championship course, spanning 7400 yards, designed by Rees Jones, contributing to his extensive portfolio of over 100 courses across the United States. The award-winning course is masterfully integrated into the landscape, meandering along two rivers and several artificial lakes.

Website: http://www.riversidecasinoandresort.com/

15. Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center

Source: arrowwoodokoboji

The Arrowwood Resort is centered around its Conference Center, with a corporate outlook apparent in its architecture and facilities while still remaining a delightful holiday retreat. The resort features its own award-winning restaurant and provides access to the 27-hole Brooks National Golf Course, ingeniously designed to embrace three distinct styles of golf courses.

Guests may also avail themselves of on-site hairdressing services and shop for formal attire at the Elegance Boutique. Overall, Arrowwood embodies a comprehensive vacation experience while being conveniently situated near numerous regional attractions.

Website: https://arrowwoodokoboji.com/