Am looking for someplace in Iowa for a weekend reunion with college buddies and their families. Although we could return to our alma mater (UNI), not sure if there is a lot to do there. We need some place that singles, couples with no kids, and families (kids ranging between a few months and 5 years) can enjoy. Are planning on sometime spring or summer of 2005. Group size will be around 20-25. Have thought about the Amana Colonies or Lake Okoboji. Any thoughts on those places, or any other suggestions?
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Dubuque has a new hotel/resort with an indoor water park. I think it is called Grand Harbor Resort. It is near a gambling boat, river boat museum and the 4th street elevator. There are also shops on Bluff St. Galena is about 20 minutes away and is a quaint area with shopping and restaurants. The Amana Colonies are nice if you like gift shops, wood working, etc.
I think Lake Okoboji would have plenty of activities to make it fun for everyone.
You can go to the beach, swim, lots of interesting shops and many great restaurants nearby. Have a great time!
Okoboji would be a blast - another possibility might be Clear Lake. Depends on what you're looking for lodging-wise - cottages, condos, resort or RV park. I think Amana might be too quiet; have you looked at Adventurland in Des Moines?
If you choose Dubuque, you could take a day trip to Anamosa, which is about a 45-minute drive south on Hwy 151. From the Amanas, it's about an hour. Anamosa has the National Motorcycle Museum (very cool collection of bikes, esp. Harleys) as well as a new winery/Italian eatery and many quaint shops.
Anamosa is Grant Wood Country, too, as he lived and painted in the area for years. Several good restaurants are in town, and a state park is right there, too. The town pool is nice for the kiddies--beach entry, big water slide, and separate baby pool. Well worth a day...
Have a great reunion next year!
I would have to slightly disagree with the folks who recommend Lake Okoboji. Spent 3 days there last summer and was disappointed. Unless you have a boat, there honestly isn't much else to do. While there are a few interesting shops, they close at 5pm on weekdays, even in the summer. There is a small amusement park, and that can easily be done in an afternoon. As of now the Amana Colonies are under some construction. Old sidwalks and streets are being replaced. This all started last summer and don't know if it will be done by 2005. I can say, however, that the current construction hasn't slowed down the tourism any - still lots of people enjoying themselves there.
Iowa girl, What about:
The Cart Ranch [go carts and bumper boats]
Okoboji Summer Theatre
Boji Bay Water Park
Miniature Golf in several locations
Frequent Concerts in the Parks
Bicycle Trails and Walking Trails
Fishing, Swimming and Beach Time
Maritime Museum [free too!]
The Queen Boat Rides
Also, there are many, many jet ski and boat rental places around the lake.
If you need any other suggestions for fun things to do with your family, let me know! The area has a lot to offer!
Laurie [also an Iowa girl}