Summer in Iowa is the perfect time to move meetings beyond four walls and into the great outdoors. From scenic river cruises and championship golf to motorsports, live entertainment and outdoor adventures, Iowa offers memorable settings for team-building events, client appreciation gatherings and corporate celebrations.
Whether you're organizing a company picnic, incentive trip or executive retreat, these outdoor destinations provide fresh experiences that bring people together.
Take your event to the water with one of Iowa's unique cruise experiences. Charter the historic Queen II at Arnolds Park for a relaxing outing on West Okoboji Lake, or enjoy a private excursion aboard the Celebration Belle, one of the Midwest's largest excursion riverboats cruising the Mississippi River. These scenic cruises offer customizable options for networking events, dinners and private group celebrations with unforgettable waterfront views.
Iowa's award-winning golf courses create the perfect setting for friendly competition and relationship building.
Challenge your team at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, consistently recognized as one of the state's premier public courses, or plan a golf getaway at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, where championship golf, gaming, dining and overnight accommodations combine for an all-in-one corporate retreat.
Other standout destinations include The Harvester Club, Blue Top Ridge at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, and Spirit Hollow Golf Course, offering exceptional facilities for tournaments, client outings and executive networking.
Looking for something beyond the golf course? Iowa offers exciting venues that keep groups entertained all summer long.
Feel the thrill of NASCAR at Iowa Speedway, now home to major national racing events and offering premium hospitality suites, group packages and unforgettable VIP experiences.
At Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, groups can enjoy live horse racing, outdoor seating, private event spaces and casino entertainment all in one destination.
Sports fans can catch the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park in downtown Des Moines, where suites, picnic areas and hospitality spaces make for relaxed and memorable corporate outings. For music lovers, the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park has become one of the region's premier outdoor concert venues, hosting major performances and community events in a beautiful park setting.
From lakeside resorts in the Iowa Great Lakes region to wineries, breweries and scenic state parks, Iowa offers countless opportunities for outdoor networking and team experiences. Paddle adventures, biking trails, zip lines and waterfront dining provide unique ways to reward employees and strengthen team connections while enjoying the state's natural beauty.
Whether you're cruising the Mississippi River, golfing championship fairways, enjoying an outdoor concert or cheering from the grandstands at Iowa Speedway, Iowa's outdoor venues provide memorable experiences for every type of corporate gathering.
Looking for even more outdoor inspiration? From waterfront venues and golf resorts to amphitheaters, raceways, wineries, parks and outdoor attractions, the meetingpages Outdoor Venues Directory features a comprehensive collection of Iowa's best open-air event spaces. Explore the directory to find the perfect setting for your next corporate meeting, team-building event, client appreciation gathering or company celebration—and make the most of Iowa's outdoor season.
Creator of digital platform meetingpages complete event planning directory and resource delivering leads and national, regional and local exposure for event venues, suppliers and destinations in MN, WI, IA & CO markets. In her free time, this 19 year industry veteran enjoys dance, group fitness, and training her young golden retriever dog in competition obedience and confirmation.
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