Chillout — 5 Iowa Resorts That Celebrate Snow

You have two options when it comes to winter — either hibernate for four months or get out and enjoy it. If your team is in the latter group, then we have some insider info for you. The following Iowa resorts do more than tolerate snow…they celebrate it! If you’re planning a weekend retreat or team building event, these five resorts are the hottest places to be when the weather is cold.

Honey Creek Resort, Moravia

About the Resort — Nestled on the shores of picturesque Rathbun Lake, Honey Creek Resort is the perfect get-away for your group. Luxury accommodations include guest rooms and suites at The Lodge on Rathbun Lake or The Cottages at Rathbun Lake. There’s even a lakeside RV campsite. After a day out in the snow, slip inside to the Rathbun Lakeshore Grille Restaurant for a menu to satisfy every appetite. There is also 8,881 square feet of dynamic indoor and outdoor meeting spaces that offer chef-crafted catering menus tailored to your taste and budget.

Winter Activities — Winter is a magical time here. With 16,000 acres of preserved forests, prairies and peninsulas, a day spent snowshoeing, hiking, or cross-country skiing will prove memorable. Or, go indoors and splash around the Buccaneer Bay Water Park with its water slide, lazy river, and hot tub.

Lake Panorama National Resort & Conference Center, Panora

About the Resort — Folks flock to the Lake Panorama National Resort & Conference Center for its many amenities. Its popular lodging options include hotel rooms and townhomes with full kitchens, dining and living areas, laundry, fireplaces, and outside decks or patios. The Links Restaurant caters to every taste with its menu of delicious steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta.  Both the LPN Conference Center and the Panorama West Clubhouse offer the ideal space for meetings or gatherings.

Winter Activities — Things don’t slow down here just because it’s winter. This is Iowa, after all. Spend your days outdoors cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Ready to head inside? You can still get your exercise with a workout in the Fitness Center with both cardio and strength training equipment.

King's Pointe - A Waterpark Resort, Storm Lake

About the Resort — King’s Pointe makes a splash with amazing accommodations that include spacious suites and cottages. The Regatta Restaurant cooks up hearty faire and offers spectacular views of the lake. There’s also plenty of room for groups to retreat here, with 2,750 square feet of meeting space.

Winter Activities — There’s lots of outdoor fun in Storm Lake including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and more. Explore nearby attractions such as the Heritage Tree Museum, Harker House, the Witter Gallery, and Lake Avenue and Main Street shops and boutiques. Head indoors to the King’s Pointe Waterpark with slides, lazy river, snack shack and patio tables.

Grand Harbor Resort, Dubuque

About the Resort — Located in scenic Dubuque, the resort offers 193 guest rooms and suites, many with picturesque views of either historic downtown, the city bluffs, or the magnificent Mississippi River. All that outdoor activity is sure to boost appetites, and Tony Roma’s Restaurant is there to satisfy them. Meetings here are inspiring in the Grand River Center with spaces like the all-glass River Room with its stunning views.

Winter Activities — Because of its convenient location, the Resort is close to many of the area’s attractions such as The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Eagle Point Park, Crystal Lake Cave, and the Stone Cliff Winery to name a few. Or, you can splash around in the resort’s waterpark with its slides, waterfalls, lazy river, and arcade.

Ramada by Wyndham Tropics Resort & Conference Center, Des Moines

About the Resort — Ramada by Wyndham Tropics Resort & Conference Center welcomes guests to its four-season resort in beautiful Des Moines. Unique lodging options range from stylish guest rooms to spacious suites. Meetings are always motivating when held in the conference center with 10,000 square feet of flexible function space. Enjoy a casual meal in a festive atmosphere at the Resort’s Castaways Bar and Grill or relax with a cocktail in the Tiki bar.

Winter Activities — Winters at the resort are something to be experienced. Spend the day indoors at the fabulous 18,000 square foot waterpark featuring slides, a pirate ship play center and arcade. Or head out to Brenton Skating Plaza for an icy good time, browse the shops at Jordan Creek Town Center, explore what’s happening at the Science Center of Iowa, or go tubing at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.