Moravia, IA

Honey Creek Resort, which opened in September 2008, is the first destination lodge built and operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Located in south central Iowa, about 90 minutes from Des Moines, Honey Creek Lodge is the only property with waterfront access to 11,000-acre Rathbun Lake, the second largest lake in Iowa and a jewel of the state park system. The lake is popular for sailing, skiing, fishing and canoeing, and the resort has 50 boat slips, along with rental boats for family use.

The rustic north woods decor that carries throughout the lodge is most pronounced in the three-story lobby and its 60-foot-tall natural stone fireplace and ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the lake and beachfront. The spacious and well-shaded patio is a great place to relax, to enjoy a meal or simply reconnect with the family after a fun day of activities around the area.

Prior to building Honey Creek Resort, the Department of Natural Resources conducted a five-year study on the wildlife habitat and patterns of the area in order to design a resort that accommodated the needs of nature's residents as well as human guests. Two DNR naturalists on staff offer daily programs in the lobby as well as guided walks and talks throughout the property. The education center, designed by the Solar Decathlon Team from the University of Iowa's School of Engineering, provides hands on opportunities for families to learn about the plant life, animals and natural environment of south central Iowa.

The resort and its 105 guest rooms in the lodge and 28 geothermal cabins were designed with numerous environmentally sensitive amenities, such as motion sensors to turn the lights off in the room when the kids fail to do so.

More than 10 miles of hiking trails throughout the resort property provide opportunities to watch for birds, identify plant life or simply inhale the freshest air in the country. Two viewing stands are perfect for watching for wildlife, such as bobcat, deer and wild turkey.

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