Break Free — Plan the Perfect Iowa Corporate Retreat

A corporate retreat is a powerful way for your employees to regain focus, work on team building, gain new insights, or receive a reward for a job well done. Whether your retreat is about leadership, education, or recreation, you need the perfect destination to gather. As you consider your goals and plan your retreat, we’d like to suggest you consider any of these 8 fabulous Iowa venues.

Iowa State Center at Iowa State University, Ames

About Iowa State Center at Iowa State University: The scenic Iowa State University campus is home to the Iowa State University Center, comprised of three separate venues—Stephens Auditorium, Scheman Building, and Fisher Theater. The Scheman Building is ideal for gatherings and retreats with 25 flexible conference rooms, a 450-seat auditorium, 8000 square feet of exhibit space, and 2600 square feet covered outdoor space. Full-service catering, free WiFi, and AV tech support are all available.

Activities: There’s no shortage of unique, fun, interesting things to do in Ames. Visit the Alluvial Brewing Company, take a stroll at Reiman Gardens, enjoy the art at Brunnier Art Museum, shop North Grand Mall, or take a dip at the Furman Aquatic Center.

Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport | Conference Center, Des Moines

About Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport: Conveniently adjacent to the Des Moines International Airport, the Hotel & Conference Center offers the space and amenities needed for meetings and presentations. There are 20,000 square feet of meeting space with a grand ballroom and 15 other rooms. Full banquet and catering services are also available. On-site restaurant offers full-service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Activities: There’s plenty to do and see here. Your team may want to check out the hotel’s indoor pool, whirlpool, and complimentary fitness center. Nearby attractions include Blank Park Zoo, the Iowa Events Center—Wells Fargo Arena, Prairie Meadows Casino, or Adventureland Amusement Park, to name just a few.

Bridges Bay Resort, Arnold’s Park

About Bridges Bay Resort: Offering exceptional views and amenities on the shores of Lake Okoboji, Bridges Bay Resort caters to your crew, whether big or small. With 9700 square feet of flexible event center space, group seating for up to 600, and dining for up to 350, your event is sure to be unforgettable.

Activities: An assortment of activities are available right at the resort. Your team can dive into fun at the Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark or the outdoor pool and swim up bar. They’ll get their thrills at the SkyRider Zipline or spend a quiet afternoon at the private, fully stocked fishing pond. Arcade and game room, fitness center, basketball and sand volleyball courts, outdoor children’s play station, and outdoor shelter with gas grills means there’s something for everyone.

Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, Okoboji

About Arrowwood Resort: Located in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes region, Arrowwood Resort invites guests to relax in their 100 beautifully appointed hotel rooms. There’s room for up to 600 here in the 30,000 square foot event space and 10,000 square foot event hall. On-site, Minerva’s Restaurant serves up a treat for every taste bud.

Activities: Your team can relax at the resort’s Salon of Okoboji, make a splash at the Indoor Water Playland and Whirlpool or the outdoor pool, shop the Elegance Boutique, or compete on the croquet court.  The excitement here is endless!

Clarion Hotel Highlander Conference Center, Iowa City

About Clarion Hotel Highlander: Meetings are more memorable at Clarion Hotel Highlander Conference Center located less than three miles from the University of Iowa. The Conference Center offers a wide range of meeting spaces for groups as small as 15 and as large as 350. The banquet and meeting specialist help plan a personalized menu for your team.

Activities: Local points of interest include the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the North Dodge Athletic Club, and the Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark. Your team will discover outdoor activities for everyone at nearby Lake McBride State Park, such as hiking, biking, boating and swimming. Or, they may choose to play a round at nearby High Point Golf Course.

Honey Creek Resort, Moravia

About Honey Creek Resort: This luxury resort set along the shores of Rathbun Lake welcomes guests to the ultimate event venue with 8,881 square feet of beautiful event spaces and picturesque outdoor event spaces. Chef-crafted catering menus and luxury accommodations, including 105 lodge rooms, 28 cottages, and RV parking, make this spot ideal.

Activities: Your team can escape the stress of the workday at the indoor water park, play a spirited round at the 18-hole championship golf course, sail away with boat and watersport rentals, or discover nature’s wonders with the resort’s hands-on educational programs. Team building activities can be tailored to your group’s interests and objectives.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, Cedar Rapids

About Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Convention Complex: You’ll find everything you need here for an unforgettable event. The facility combines a 267-room Double Tree by Hilton with the U.S. Cellular Arena and the new state-of-the-art U.S. Cellular Convention Center. With 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, it’s ideal for groups of 10 to 9,600.  Onsite business center and video conferencing are available at the hotel.
    
Activities: Options for activities seem almost limitless here with the African American Museum, Brucemore Mansion, City Center, Grant Wood Studio & Visitor Center, and Ushers Ferry Historic Village. Onsite, the hotel boasts a fitness room and pool.

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, Sioux City

About Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center: The resort is located in the heart of downtown Sioux City and can accommodate up to 500 guests with up to 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The resort has 161 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, on-site parking, and airport shuttle.

Activities: In addition to the resort’s indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpool, guests can kick back on the outdoor patio, lift a pint at Palmer’s Pub, take a stroll at Stone State Park, explore the Sergeant Floyd River Museum, sneak a treat at Palmer Candy, or try their luck at the Hard Rock Casino Sioux City.