Honey Creek Resort · Rathbun Lake
Something good is always happening.
Seasonal celebrations, family activities and a few good reasons to stay out past sunset. Explore what’s coming up at Honey Creek.
Upcoming at
Honey Creek
Some events are open to everyone, while others are reserved for overnight guests. Use the filters below to find what fits your visit.
Pitchers, Pinot & Pumpkin Painting
Event details
Sip your favorite drink and paint a locally sourced pumpkin. Paint and pumpkins are provided, with wine and beer specials available throughout the evening.
In partnership with Papo’s Pumpkin Patch in Centerville. Nonalcoholic drinks will be available.
Honey Creek Trunk or Treat
Event details
Bring the whole family—or a group of friends—for Honey Creek’s first Trunk or Treat. Teen trick-or-treaters are welcome, too.
Businesses and groups can host a trunk at no cost. Email kaylee@honeycreekresort.com to claim one of 50 spaces.
Honey Creek Fall Family Fest
See the lineup
An easygoing fall night with jewelry making, s’mores, costume photos, karaoke, puffball making and spooky stories.
Costumes and fall attire are welcome. Dress for the weather and bring bug spray.
Curses, Criminals, Costumes & Cocktails
Event details
An adults-only costume party with music, a 9 p.m. costume contest and specialty cocktails inspired by Iowa criminals, legends and curses.
First-, second- and third-place costumes win prizes. Bring a photo ID and your best costume. Nonalcoholic options are available upon request.
Wild Turkey Trail Trot
Event details
Take on a relaxed two-mile trail run through Honey Creek, then finish with apple cider. The route is dog friendly; all dogs must remain leashed.
Runners under 12 must be accompanied by an adult or coach. Off-pavement-capable strollers only. Bring a water bottle and wear trail-ready shoes.
October recreation schedule
Crafts, games, outdoor recreation and weekend programming for resort guests and the local community. Activities are free unless otherwise noted.
Monday
Open Recreation Hours
3–6:30 p.m. · Main Lobby
Different craft projects, board games, adult and children’s
coloring stations and pop-up activities. Fishing equipment,
life jackets and kayak checkout are available upon request.
Resort guests.
Tuesday
Open Recreation Hours
3–6:30 p.m. · Main Lobby
Different craft projects, board games, adult and children’s
coloring stations and pop-up activities. Fishing equipment,
life jackets and kayak checkout are available upon request.
Resort guests.
Wednesday
Open Recreation Hours
3–6:30 p.m. · Main Lobby
Different craft projects, board games, adult and children’s
coloring stations and pop-up activities. Fishing equipment,
life jackets and kayak checkout are available upon request.
Resort guests.
Thursday
Open Recreation Hours
3–6:30 p.m. · Main Lobby
Different craft projects, board games, adult and children’s
coloring stations and pop-up activities. Fishing equipment,
life jackets and kayak checkout are available upon request.
Resort guests.
Friday
Open Recreation Hours
3–6:30 p.m. · Main Lobby
Crafts, board games, coloring stations and pop-up activities.
Equipment checkout is available upon request. Resort guests.
Lakeview Line Dancing
Lakeview Point
Learn the basics of popular line dances with a sunset lake
view. Ages 6+. Open to the public.
Patio Music
Harbor 72 Rear Patio
Enjoy music from your seat or the dance floor, with requests
welcome. Open to the public; adults only after 10 p.m.
H72 After Dark
10 p.m.–close · Harbor 72
Music and dancing continue inside the bar every Friday night.
Ages 18+. Open to the public.
Saturday
Brunch & Bingo
Rathbun Roast
Grab breakfast from the café and join a few rounds of bingo.
Ages 6+; limited to 40 participants. Resort guests.
Paper Pumpkin Painting
Main Lobby
Create fall-themed painted pumpkin wall art to take home.
Ages 5+; limited to 25 participants. Resort guests.
Photo Frame Creation
Main Lobby
Make a picture frame and snap a vacation photo to take home.
Ages 6+; limited to 25 participants. Resort guests.
Patio Paint & Sip
3 p.m. · Harbor 72 Patio
An adults-only painting hour featuring fall-themed projects.
Limited to 20 participants. Resort guests.
Campfire Cookout
Beach Cabin Fire Ring
Learn how to make a campfire dessert, then enjoy it hot from
the fire. All ages; limited to 30 participants. Resort guests.
Outdoor Movie Night
7 p.m. · Great Lawn Upper Terrace
Settle into a patio chair for a family-friendly movie under
the sky, weather permitting. Resort guests.
Family Glow Karaoke
8–10 p.m. · Harbor 72 Patio
All ages are welcome to sing. Open to the public.
Grown-Up Glow Karaoke
10 p.m.–close · Harbor 72
Glow Karaoke continues inside the main bar. Ages 18+. Open to
the public.
Sunday
Critter Comfort Story Hour
Grand Fireplace · Main Lobby
Enjoy a story and meet one of Honey Creek’s resident turtles,
tortoises, frogs or spiders. All ages. Resort guests.
S'mores Quesadilla Cookout
A campfire cookout will be held outside the Nature Center at Honey Creek Resort from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at the campfire grill. The Nature Center is located on the east side of our main parking lot. Guests will gather around the fire to make S’mores Quesadillas cooked over the flames. This is a casual outdoor program where guests can enjoy a warm dessert and relax by the campfire. All ages are welcome. Supplies available while they last.
All Ages, under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, resort staff will do all food prep
For resort guests only!
Float Village
Come enjoy our newest lakeside amenity! The Honey Creek Float Village is a great way to get the whole group out in the water for a few hours of fun. These large inflatable hammocks allow you to enjoy the sunshine while resting in Rathbun Lake!
Hammocks are provided for resort guests only on a first come first serve basis
All ages, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Bring sunscreen and wear comfortable swimwear
Savannah Trail Guided Hike
Savannah Trail Guided Hike will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Guests will meet outside the Nature Center 10 minutes early before heading out on a guided 4.6-mile hike along the Savanna Trail. Closed-toe shoes and bug spray are recommended.
8+, all guests under 8 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older
Resort Guests Only | Up to 15 Guests
Sunscreen and Bug Spray are strongly encouraged!
Kiddie Fishing Clinic
Come learn the basics of fishing at our Saturday Kiddie Clinic located at the Marina! Learn the basics of selecting bait, baiting your own hook, and casting your reel with Miss. Ellie, while Miss. Izzy teaches you all about the types of fish Rathbun Lake is home to!
2+, kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Resort Guests Only | No More Than 8 Participants
Bring a fishing pole if you have your own, small fisherman's library available for those who need a fishing pole
Karaoke Night
Sing your heart out at weekly karaoke at Harbor 72 Bar's beautiful lakeview patio! Whether you belt Broadway, Oldies, or Top 40 this event is sure to bring a smile to your face and a cheer from the crowd.
All ages, guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
No Max | Open to the public!
Open Fishing Instruction
Join us at the marina to learn the basics of selecting bait, baiting your own hook, and casting your reel with Ellie, our private fishing instructor. Come with your questions ready, and be prepared to elevate your fishing experience. Instruction is adapted to meet the needs and age of the inquiring student.
All ages of students welcome, under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
8 participants at a time, open house style instruction | For Resort Guests only!
Bring a fishing pole if you have your own, the small fisherman's library available!
Crafts and Games Hours
Join us in the Lobby from 3-5:30 Monday through Thursday for an afternoon of crafts, games, and fun!
All Ages Welcome | Resort Guests Only | No Max
Open Fishing Instruction
Join us at the marina to learn the basics of selecting bait, baiting your own hook, and casting your reel with Ellie, our private fishing instructor. Come with your questions ready, and be prepared to elevate your fishing experience. Instruction is adapted to meet the needs and age of the inquiring student.
All ages of students welcome, under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
8 participants at a time, open house style instruction | For Resort Guests only!
Bring a fishing pole if you have your own, the small fisherman's library available!
Crafts and Games Hours
Join us in the Lobby from 3-5:30 Monday through Thursday for an afternoon of crafts, games, and fun!
All Ages Welcome | Resort Guests Only | No Max
Trivia Tuesday
Join us every Tuesday night at Harbor 72 Bar to test your knowledge and enjoy a great night out with friends!
Teams can consist of up to 6 people, but individuals may play.
5+, all guests under 14 must be accompanied by an adult!
Open to the public, no max!
Crafts and Games Hours
Join us in the Lobby from 3-5:30 Monday through Thursday for an afternoon of crafts, games, and fun!
All Ages Welcome | Resort Guests Only | No Max
Bingo Night
Join us on Monday evenings in Harbor 72 for a fun night of bingo, good drinks, and great food! There is no buy in and plenty of prizes. We’ll play three rounds of six cards!
All Ages, participants under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Public and resort guests welcome to attend.
Event held in the Harbor 72 bar.
Crafts and Games Hours
Join us in the Lobby from 3-5:30 Monday through Thursday for an afternoon of crafts, games, and fun!
All Ages Welcome | Resort Guests Only | No Max
Recycled Craft
Join us in the Honey Creek Lobby for our recycled craft series this summer! Today’s craft with be sun ornaments, made out of recycled cardboard. These are beautiful hung on any wall, in the window, or off a backpack.
4+, all guests under 8 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older
No Max | Resort Guests Only
Savannah Trail Guided Hike
Savanna Trail Guided Hike will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Guests will meet outside the Nature Center 10 minutes early before heading out on a guided 4.6-mile hike along the Savanna Trail. Closed-toe shoes and bug spray are recommended.
8+, all guests under 8 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older
Resort Guests Only | Up to 15 Guests
Sunscreen and Bug Spray are strongly encouraged!
Critter Comfort Story Hour
Join us at 10:00am at the Grand Fireplace, located in our lobby, to enjoy a story, a craft, and meet one of our real live critter creature friends here at the resort. We are most often joined by T-Lo the frog, Gerard the Jumping Spider, and our many turtle and tortoise friends.
All ages, 2-10y recommended
No max | Resort guests only!
Cartoons and Coloring Books
Enjoy throwback cartoons and coloring sheets in the lobby while the grown ups handle packing up for check out!
Age Range: 2+ | No More than 20 Participants | Resort Guests Only
Sunset Stretch
Guests will meet at the Great Lawn 10 minutes before class. This beginner-friendly stretch class is approximately 45 minutes long and is a relaxing way to end the evening outdoors.
6+, all guests under 10 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older
No max | Resort guests only!
Athletic wear, sunscreen and bug spray are strongly encouraged!
Glow Karaoke
From 7 PM - 10 PM, guests are invited to join us at Harbor 72 Outdoor Patio for a night of singing and glow in the dark karaoke. Glow sticks will be provided for this event.
Location: Harbor 72 Outdoor Patio
Age Range: No Age Limit
Total Participants: No Maximum
This event is free and open to the public.
What to Bring: Bug spray
What to Wear: Your favorite neon or red white and blue clothes.
Unplugged Hike
Turn in your phone to your hiking guide, and enjoy a quick 2 mile loop completely unplugged from technology! We will depart from the Honey Creek Resort Lobby.
All ages, kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Resort Guests Only | No More than 15 Participants
Dress comfortably in athletic wear and closed toed shoes. Bug spray and sunscreen are highly encouraged!
Slip and Slide
Come enjoy our 40ft long slip and slide, located on the water park lawn, for a few hours of fun in the sun!
5+, under 10 must be accompanied by an adult
No Max, Waiting Time May Vary | Resort Guests Only
Swimwear, Sunscreen, and Bug Spray are strongly encouraged!
Kiddie Fishing Clinic
Come learn the basics of fishing at our Saturday Kiddie Clinic! Learn the basics of selecting bait, baiting your own hook, and casting your reel with Miss. Ellie, while Miss. Izzy teaches you all about the types of fish Rathbun Lake is home to!
For resort guests 2+, kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Located at the Honey Creek Resort Marina!
Bird Watching/Identification
Bird Watching & Identification will be held at 12:00 p.m. on the Nature Platform. Participants will meet in the lobby beforehand. Guests will use a provided guide to identify different birds and learn more about the wildlife around Honey Creek.
10+, all guests under 10 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older
Resort guests only, no more than 8 guests
Bring your sunscreen & bug spray!
Paint Drumming
Event runs from 12 PM - 2 PM on Saturday, September 5th. There will be buckets, drumsticks and paint provided. Guests will beat on the bucket with drumsticks while paint flys on them and in the air. Be prepared to get messy!
Location: At the beach on the southeast side of the resort.
Age Range: All ages (kids will need an adult with them)
Total Participants: No maximum. Only 10 participants at a time.
This event is free & for Resort Guests Only!
What to Wear: Bring a pair of old clothes you can get paint on, bonus points for a white t-shirt so you can keep a memory from the event. Also bring a second set of clothes incase you want to change after.
What to Bring: Old clothes you can get paint on, bonus points for a white t-shirt.
Friendship Bracelet Making
This drop in craft is sure to bring a smile to young guests faces while bringing back the nostalgia of summer camp for the adults. Learn how to make friendship bracelets of all sorts of patterns during this Saturday afternoon with our recreation team in the Honey Creek Lobby!
5+, all ages welcome!
No max, resort guests only!
Critter Comfort Story Hour
Join us at 11:00am at the Grand Fireplace, located in our lobby, to enjoy a story, a craft, and meet one of our real live critter creature friends here at the resort. We are most often joined by T-Lo the frog, Gerard the Jumping Spider, and our many turtle and tortoise friends.
All ages, 2-10y recommended
No max | Resort guests only!
Float Village
Come enjoy our newest lakeside amenity! The Honey Creek Float Village is a great way to get the whole group out in the water for a few hours of fun. These large inflatable hammocks allow you to enjoy the sunshine while resting in Rathbun Lake!
Hammocks are provided for resort guests only on a first come first serve basis
All ages, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Bring sunscreen and wear comfortable swimwear
Family Lantern Release
On Friday night at 9 PM we will be releasing lanterns on the beach on the southeast side of the resort. This event is going to be marketed towards families as we only have a limited number of lanterns and want the families to release one lantern together. Lanterns will be distributed from the beach cabin.
Location: Resort Swimming Beach on the southeast side of the resort. Follow the path on the lower terrace of the great lawn.
Age Range: All ages but specifically families.
Total Participants: No maximum number but it will be first come first serve until we run out of lanterns.
Cost: This event is free & for Resort Guests Only
What to Bring: Guests should bring themselves and their family members and maybe bug spray.
What to Wear: Casual clothing and shoes that they can get sandy.
S'mores Quesadilla Cookout
A campfire cookout will be held outside the Nature Center at Honey Creek Resort from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at the campfire grill. The Nature Center is located on the east side of our main parking lot. Guests will gather around the fire to make S’mores Quesadillas cooked over the flames. This is a casual outdoor program where guests can enjoy a warm dessert and relax by the campfire. All ages are welcome. Supplies available while they last.
All Ages, under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, resort staff will do all food prep
For resort guests only!
Legos in the Lobby
Join us for a COMPETITIVE Lego building event.
Start building at 6pm with judging at 8pm.
All entries MUST be self designed and built on site. NO external kits. Legos will be provided and you can take you creation home!
DIVISIONS:
Under 12 Solo
Under 12 Parent-Child
Under 18 Duo
Over 18 Solo or Team
Age Range: 4+
Max Participants: 50
Open to the Public | Supplies Provided