Top Hotels in Iowa Resorts
Top Things to do in Iowa
8 Resorts in Iowa: Best hotel deals for 2023
History and monuments dot this landscape almost as often as the golden farmlands. Learn about America’s 31st president at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch. In northeast Iowa is the Effigy Mounds National Monument, a group of prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds. This part of Iowa is also home to the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage. The 37-county region tells the story of American agriculture, agribusiness and farm life and is affiliated with the National Park Service. In addition, there are five national wildlife refuges here.
If you love history, imagine seeing the Amana Colonies, consisting of seven historic villages in 1855 by German immigrants as a religious communal society. Here you can also buy antiques, hand-woven baskets, furniture and clocks and locally made wine and beer. In Ames, take the family to see the Christian Petersen Art Museum, a newer structure that exhibits works of art by Christian Petersen and contemporary artists. You won’t want to miss the state capital of Des Moines, home to Blank Park Zoo with its naturalistic exhibits and more than 800 animals from five continents. You also should enjoy the Brenton Skating Plaza, an outdoor family entertainment venue.
Things to do in Iowa
1. Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 1957 reviews
Located in the Port of Dubuque, Iowa, Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark is the perfect spot for enjoying this beautiful and exciting destination area. Gather with friends for a relaxed conversation in our Tony Roma's Restaurant & Lounge, or slide into a whole new world of water fun in our 25,000 square feet indoor waterpark. Newly Remodeled Rooms and Public Space!
Good for what we needed!
Reviewed By kca0210I would have given this place 5 stars … my only complaint, which may sound silly to some but important to me, is that there weren’t enough electric outlets! There were 2 usable … one in the bathroom and one tucked back next to the microwave. We needed many more to charge our phones, watches and iPad. The water park was plenty for our 2 year old who just wanted to wade around the kiddie pool and go down the slide. The breakfast was FANTASTIC!! Everything tasted great and the staff servicing were all great as well, very friendly!! Whoever made those donut holes should get a raise … those were the best I’ve ever had! The rooms were outdated but clean and spacious. I’m a little amazed they only have 2 elevators for that large of a place but it all worked out fine. The arcade was fun but you don’t win any tickets for prizes which we didn’t care about but I’m sure some kids wouldn’t love that. We ate lunch at Tony Roma’s out on the patio which had a beautiful view and food was good. We would definitely come back!
2. Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 238 reviews
Arrowwood is nestled in the beautiful Iowa Great Lakes Region next to the 27 hole championship Brooks Golf Course and in the heart of all the lakes area has to offer - swimming, waterskiing, boating, windsailing, winter activites, shopping, concerts, plays, museums, amusement parks, bike trails and so much more.
Clean, Comfortable, Interesting
Reviewed By TacocomboThis is a very interesting and modern hotel. Very clean, beds were comfortable. The patio in every room is a very nice touch. Breakfast was poor to say the least. The pool was fantastic. Everything was such a long walk with such a complex layout but I liked it a lot. Would stay here again.
3. Lake Panorama National Inn and Suites
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 31 reviews
Lake Panorama National Inn and Suites offers two bedroom/two bath townhomes, plus motel units that feature two double beds or one queen bed. Townhome amenities include a full kitchen, laundry, fireplace, cable television and an outside patio. Townhomes offer one queen bed, two twin beds with bathrooms and a sofa sleeper in the living room. Motel units include private bathroom, cable television, wireless internet access, outside patio and private heating/cooling systems. All guests at Lake Panorama National Inn and Suites have access to the resort's pool, tennis courts, fitness room and private beaches on beautiful Lake Panorama. Temporary boating and fishing passes for Lake Panorama may be purchased for use during your stay.
Meh
Reviewed By Margaret JThis place is just okay. Which is sad for how much a room is. Room smelled musty. Turned the air in which made us sneeze and our noses run. Went to take a shower and found we had a guest. Just contained him with a cup and hoped that the rest of the family wasn’t around. The water pressure was horrible. Barely enough water to actually shower. I hear from the locals that there are better places to stay for the same money or a little more. Worth a little more. I really can’t recommend this establishment. I won’t be staying here again.
4. Village West Resort - West Lake Okoboji
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 183 reviews
We are a full-service Lakefront resort on West Lake Okoboji located in Spirit Lake, IA. We have units ranging from hotels to 4 bedroom condos. Beautiful beach, restaurants, outdoor and indoor pools, rec center, gift shop, lounge,convention center and much more. Located right on West Lake Okoboji with beautiful views.
Nice location but I would not recommend
Reviewed By 2babybluzThe area is really nice. But I don’t know if our room was an exception….. but it was filthy. Maybe they forgot to clean it!! There was feces and urine on the rim of the toilet, the oven had never been cleaned…. With aluminum foil all over it. The dish drainer was filthy as well as the upstairs shower and tub. The carpet had something on it that would not come up. The gentleman at the desk, when we called, about it was rude. I would not stay there again.
5. Smock Resorts Wasserbahn Waterpark
Hotel Resort and Indoor Waterpark
6. Crescent Beach Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Family resort
Okoboji respite resort
Reviewed By smalltown_MNNice antidote to the opulent insanity that is Okoboji. We stayed in Little Sioux cottage. Nice, clean but basic accommodations. Great view of the lake and nice outdoor deck. Beds were very comfortable. Pretty well outfitted kitchen. WiFi was weak but worked. Mini-golf was “rustic” but still fun. Great playground for kids. John (?) was VERY helpful and friendly.
7. King's Pointe Waterpark Resort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 1101 reviews
King's Pointe Waterpark Resort has 100 Spacious guest rooms and suites with lake views, patios and balconies and 4 cottages. With 2 waterparks, the aquatic facilities are unmatched in this region. The Outdoor Waterpark offers 5 slide attractions, a lazy river, lap lanes, diving boards, zero depth entry, spray ground, and a family play area with slides, water basketball and lily pad walk. Sunrise Pointe golf course is also available to our guests. King's Pointe also offers 3,000 square feet of event and meeting space, tailored catering menu sand no-hassle technology services. With an on-site full-service restaurant, King's Pointe is a great place to bring your fellow business colleagues, family, and friends.
Best time of my life!
Reviewed By Kirbo-is-coolSo me and a group of my friends went to king's ponite water park and it we had such a great time! there's a lot to do in one day and the people who work there are very welcoming and the life guards keep on watch for our safety.
8. Grand Falls Casino & Golf ResortR
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 217 reviews
Won’t be back
Reviewed By tammysY9148UPThe front desk gal was rude upon arriving for our stay. I’ve never been to a casino with such tight machines. Same as the last time we stayed. We won’t be back. Atmosphere was nice though I’ll give it that.
