Special Spaces — 10 Unusual Iowa Venues Visitors Love

Booking an unusual venue for your corporate meeting or gathering will bring new life to the occasion, energize your attendees, and make for a memorable event they’ll talk about long after it’s over. To keep your board room from turning into a bored room, start by looking at booking any of these 10 unusual Iowa venues your visitors will love:

Geneva Golf & Country Club, Muscatine

Not only does the Geneva Golf & Country Club boast a gorgeous 18-hole golf course, its clubhouse is renowned for hosting sophisticated gatherings along with fine dining. The West Lounge is equipped with a spacious patio, while the main lounge offers views of the course, a welcoming fireplace in the winter, and adjoining patio for gatherings in warmer months.  

The Historic Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake

This historic landmark is the place where rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper” performed their last concert before their tragic airplane crash. This unique space is dazzling with hardwood floors, ocean-front murals, and booths straight out of the early days of rock and roll. With 30,000 square feet, the Surf can accommodate up to 2100 visitors.

Ameristar Casino Hotel, Council Bluffs

Escape to this Casino Resort that offers slot and video machines, table games, and live poker tables. Meeting facilities are spacious and flexible, entertainment is first-rate, and guest accommodations include 160 luxury rooms, many with panoramic views of the Missouri River, 32 whirlpool King Spa suites, and 8 Octagon luxury suites. Dining from fine to casual is available on-site.

The Black Horse Inn, Sherrill

Invite your group to revel in the history of this 150-year-old inn while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Mississippi River Bluffs. Four luxury suites are stylishly decorated in period décor. A full gourmet ala carte breakfast is included.

Fireside Winery, Marengo

With gathering spaces for groups and areas for intimate occasions, Fireside Winery is a special place to host your next event. The temperature-controlled Cellar and Barrel Room is ideal for 75-100 guests. The outside patio area features a wood-burning fireplace, three fire rings, and a private patio that can seat more than 50. The Pavilion is a covered tent-like structure that can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Sioux City Convention Center, Sioux City

Featuring 54,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the Convention Center is conveniently located just seven miles from Sioux Gateway Airport in the heart of historic downtown. Guests love the spectacular greenhouse-like atrium. Shopping, restaurants, and local attractions are just steps away.

Hole n’ the Wall Lodge, Akron

One of the area’s most unique venues, the rustic, charming main lodge is a state-of-the-art, full-service event center. Both the main lodge and the west wing welcome guests to luxurious guest suites. Fully-loaded gaming room, comfortable meeting spaces, dining room, commercial kitchen, cocktail bar, and Native American Tee Pees offer a place to enjoy a fire.

Buck Run Lodge, Anita

Invite guests to enjoy time at two different lodges while making use of one event center. Buck Run Lodge offers four bedrooms, a fully-appointed kitchen, grill and firepit access. Antler Hill contains five bedrooms, full kitchen, 3.5 bathrooms, and a great room for entertaining. The Event Center provides 24’ x 40’ of hosting space.

Figge Art Museum, Davenport

Host your event at the Figge, a gleaming glass building that overlooks the Mississippi River. Multiple event and meeting spaces can accommodate up to 400 guests. The Wintergarden, Patio, and Lobby make for lovely gathering places as well.

Adventureland Resort, Altoona

Bright and colorful, Adventureland Resort invites guests to relax in one of their 185 guest rooms, including poolside rooms and suites. Featuring three large pools, a swim up bar, two hot tubs, adventure zone arcade, toddler play area, and a host of local dining and casual eateries nearby.