Honey Creek Resort: A Greener Way to Stay

Delaware North Parks and Resort’s most recently acquired property, Honey Creek Resort State Park, is an oasis for both relaxation and recreation. Just off of Rathbun Lake in south central Iowa, the resort is the perfect escape from the bustling urban life in Des Moines, nestled in dense deciduous forests and rolling green hills.

Whether guests are looking for a rustic camping experience, or crave a luxurious resort getaway, Honey Creek has a place for everyone. With lodging room sizes ranging from Queen to Presidential Suites, to cozy rental cottages, and an RV park set on the lakeshore, any guest’s group size and needs can be met at Honey Creek. On campus, guests can find a plethora of entertainment and recreational opportunities, including: a beach area, an indoor water park, a playground, an activities pavilion, boat rentals, a golf course, nature trails, and so much more. While appealing to the outdoor-adventure enthusiasts, Honey Creek does not forgo the amenities of a first-rate resort experience, offering full spa services, elaborate dining experiences, and plenty of on-campus live music events.

Honey Creek is not just dedicated to providing a high-quality resort experience to guests, but also bears a commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation. Honey Creek provides guests “A Greener Way to Stay” through various operational and educational environmental programs. Through its devotion to green hospitality and its expansive sustainability programs, Honey Creek is sure to provide a unique vacation experience.

In terms of facility operations, Honey Creek boasts thorough sustainability practices, and consistently utilizes programs that encourage associates and guests to use less and waste less. Highlights of these programs include:

• Collection of runoff water for on-site irrigation
• Active campus-wide recycling program (and newly developed compost program)
• Wind turbine to provide electricity
• Solar panels to provide heated water for lodge and five cottages
• LEED Environmental Certification in main Lodge
• Audubon Certified golf course
• Growth of low-maintenance native plants campus-wide
• Newly created “Chef’s Garden” to grow herbs, fruits, and vegetables
• Net-Zero Activity Center Building
• Extensive employee GreenPath training

The Net-Zero Activities Building: the perfect base camp for all outdoor activities on campus

The proud chefs of Lakeshore Grille stand over their garden filled with plenty of herbs, including: thyme, rosemary, basil, mint, oregano, cilantro, parsley, chives, lavender, hops, rosemary, tarragon, and dill. Fruits and vegetables can also be found in the garden, including peppers, onions, tomatoes, melons, potatoes, carrots, eggplant, green beans, cucumbers, corn, and peas.  

What makes Honey Creek’s sustainability programs especially noteworthy is that it not only utilizes behind-the-scenes environmental practices, but also provides extensive educational and recreational opportunities for guests to participate in. The resort has on-site naturalists and activities staff ready to lead guests in various programs to learn about and enjoy Iowa’s natural landscape, making Honey Creek the perfect place to develop a new outdoor hobby. Programs include:

• Bird watching, stargazing, geocaching, outdoor cooking, and adventure hikes
• Swim lessons, culinary lessons, and arts and crafts utilizing natural objects (flower pressing, water colors, etc.)
• Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up-paddleboarding, and fishing in Rathbun Lake
• Habitat and ecosystems educational programs

Rathbun Lake is ideal for both relaxation and thrilling recreational opportunities 

During a getaway at Honey Creek, guests are not only encouraged to relax and recreate, but also challenge themselves to develop “greener” habits, including participating in resort waste and linen recycling programs, and testing themselves in the “Five Minute Shower Challenge.” Guests will not just be inspired by the beauty of the natural landscape surrounding Honey Creek, but also by the sustainability efforts the entire campus staff adheres to. If you are looking to reconnect with nature, develop new ideas for a greener lifestyle, or simply enjoy a relaxing vacation— look no further than Honey Creek Resort.