Good Sport — Iowa Golfing, Boating, and Corporate Entertainment Activities

Corporate outings don’t have to be organized around the same old run-of-the-mill activities that your crew is used to. Instead, you can shake things up this spring and organize an outing that’s interesting, entertaining, fun, and unique. This month we shine the spotlight on some of Iowa’s best places, events, and attractions to take your team.

Whatever Floats Your Boat

There’s more to a corporate cruise than just drifting along. These Iowa cruise lines specialize in giving your group the space they need to network, engage in teambuilding, and bond as a group, all in swanky surroundings and a relaxing atmosphere aboard some beautiful boats.

Queen II at Arnold’s Park:  Known as the “Flagship of the Iowa Navy,” the Queen II can accommodate up to 200 passengers. Modeled after the original Queen steamer boat, the Queen II cruises the sparkling blue waters of Lake Okoboji. 

Jon Anderson White Riverboat:  Departing from Rathbun Lake Marina, the Jon Anderson White Riverboat is a stunning replica of a classic paddle wheeler from the turn of the century, with modern amenities such as air conditioning, handicap access, and two restrooms. Sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and live entertainment make this an exceptional experience.   

While you’re in the area:  Catch Des Moines and take in incomparable dining, shopping, first-class facilities, a wonderful art scene, recreational activities, and a wide choice of accommodations.

Happy Hunting

Outdoors, the fresh air, healthy competition — all benefits gained from a team outing at a hunting or trap shooting venue. Follow up the fun with a hearty, hot meal and a place to lay your head, and you may have just hit on the perfect activity for your team outside the office.

Hole N' the Wall Lodge:  Located in the Loess Hills of Northwestern Iowa. The land here is optimally maintained to provide an ideal habitat for the Iowa pheasant populations, so visitors experience some of the best pheasant hunting in the state. Comfortable lodging is available, including the rustic Main Lodge with 10 luxurious guest suites, and the West Wing, a 3-story, 5-bedroom house that sleeps six.

Pine Ridge Retreat & Lodging:  Welcoming guests to revel in the outdoors while lodging in any of the nine available cabins on Lake Sugema. Year-round activities include hunting, fishing, golf, tennis, paddle boats, kayaking, swimming, and hiking the trails of nearby Lacey State Park.

A Matter of Course

There’s nothing like a day on the course with your crew. The sunshine, the verdant greens, the lovely landscape…and the intensity of a really good golf game. Bring your group together on a golf course and watch the healthy competition, instant camaraderie, and entertaining action take place.

Coldwater Golf Links:  Award-winning 18-hole Scottish-inspired golf course located in America’s Heartland. Beautifully maintained course close to the University and next to Jack Trice Stadium where the Cyclones play. Both indoor and outdoor dining space with views of the course.

While you’re in the area:  Think Ames, home to Iowa State University, named the best college town in Iowa. And when you visit, take in a concert at the Central Iowa Symphony, smell the roses at the Iowa Arboretum, go back in time at the Ames Historical Society, or take a break at some of the area’s finest restaurants, bistros and cafés.

Grand Falls Casino + Golf Resort:  Designed by the legendary Rees Jones, known for his championship golf courses worldwide. The 18-hole course spans 7,100 yards with panoramic views that includes a 30-foot waterfall that flows into a 12-acre lake. Luxury hotel rooms, live entertainment, relaxing spa, and gourmet dining make this a memorable experience.

Tournament Club of Iowa:  The only Arnold Palmer Signature Course in the state of Iowa, the award-winning course features 500 acres that cut through the dramatic bluffs and running ravines between Big Creek Dam and Saylorville Lake. With a full practice facility, full-scale public restaurant, and expansive meeting space, this public club offers players a private club experience.  

Fox Ridge Golf Club:  A championship course located in one of the fastest growing towns in Iowa, Fox Ridge Golf Course invites players to enjoy its 18-hole public course, 11,000 square foot club house, and 8,076 square feet of banquet space for up to 300 guests. Catering available.

Whispering Creek Golf Club:  The 18-hole course is Prairie golf at its finest with big skies, open vistas, wide fairways, and rolling fast greens. “The Barn” club house offers stunning views of the course along with casual dining in Pooch’s Pub or sit-down dining in the banquet room for up to 150 guests. The practice facility features a large driving range with seven targets, 50-yard chipping area, and a bunker area for long and short shots.  

While you’re in the area:  Visit Sioux City where area attractions include Cone Park tubing hill, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, the Hard Rock Hotel + Casino Sioux City, the Mid America Museum of Aviation + Transportation, and much more. With nearly two dozen hotels, inns, and lodges, and a wide range of both casual and fine dining, your visit to Sioux City can’t help but be memorable.  

That’s Entertainment

In Iowa, it’s easy to find an activity or event that’s pure entertainment. Planning ideas for your team are abundant in the Hawkeye State — have them catch a ballgame, go along for the ride on a roller coaster, or send them off to the races — the possibilities are endless.

Dubuque Fighting Saints at the Mystique Ice Center:  Winners of two national championships, three playoff titles, and two regular season crowns, the Saints battle it out on the ice to capacity crowds. The 66,000 square foot Mystique Ice Center is home to the team and offers 11 luxury suites and a lounge area.

While you’re in the area:  Travel Dubuque, “where Iowa started,” was named the 4th Best American Riverfront by USA Today. Known for its thriving cultural scene, and where an abundance of natural beauty abounds, visitors will want to cruise the river aboard an authentic paddle wheeler, explore historical sites, golf, bike, snowshoe and more. Stay in one of the city’s many charming bed + breakfasts, inns, cabins, or hotels and sample the menus of some of the best culinary establishments in the Midwest.

Prairie Meadows Race Track:  And they’re off, getting in on the action of live horse racing from April through October. The on-site hotel invites guests to enjoy its 168 comfy rooms, 24/7 casino with table games, poker tournaments, and slots, plus indoor saltwater pool, hot tub, fitness center, and dining at any one of its five fine restaurants.

Iowa Speedway:  Known as “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet”, the NASCAR-owned Iowa Speedway hosts a variety of racing events, including the Iowa Corn 300. Trackside camping is one of the most popular options for a stay at the Speedway, but for those less inclined to camp, nearby hotels offer lodging. The facility boasts 25 luxury suites with concessions providing a variety of food and beverage options.