Moravia, Iowa, is a small rural town in the southeastern part of the state. While the town itself is fairly sleepy, it's home to a popular resort on Rathbun Lake, run by the Department of Natural Resources. Honey Creek State Park Resort sits adjacent to Honey Creek State Park, which together offer a plethora of recreation, lodging and amenities to satisfy a variety of different desires.
Honey Creek Resort offers ample accommodations, and they're all done in style. The resort's lodge offers king, double queen or various suite-style hotel rooms, all with flat-screen televisions and modern decor. Guests can also choose from a number of cottages with anywhere from one to four bedrooms, full kitchens and private baths. Another option is to stay in the resort's small RV campground, featuring paved parking, picnic tables and electrical hookups. Unlike the hotel and cottages, pets are allowed at the campground. Next door in Honey Creek State Park you will find more than 100 campsites for RVs and tents, as well as rustic cabins for rent.
With its location on Rathbun Lake, the Honey Creek State Park Resort is a hopping place to be during the summer months. On top of swimming, boating and fishing, visitors can also take advantage of bike and watercraft rentals. You also can take a short hike near the resort by following the Savannah Ridge Trail, ride a bike along the paved trail that parallels Resort Drive, or hit the links at the resort's golf course. Seven miles down the road, Honey Creek State Park offers more fishing, swimming and boating opportunities, as well as a fish cleaning station near the boat ramp. In winter ice fishing becomes the name of the game.
While much of the fun of visiting the area around Moravia and Rathbun Lake involves playing outside, there's also some indoor fun to give you pause from all the action. Check out the hotel's spa services including traditional Swedish massage, or go for something different and try a hot stone treatment.
Kids will enjoy the resort's Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park, featuring a several slides, a toddler splash pool, play pirate ship and an arcade. The resort also plans various activities throughout each day, including tutorials in subjects such as fly tying, sand art and antler art.
Dining choices within the Honey Creek State Park Resort are somewhat limited, but are quite upscale. The Lakeshore Restaurant serves up dinner entrees including gooseberry roasted salmon, catfish sliders and pesto-crusted walleye, with desserts such as chocolate creme brulee and bananas Foster. It serves breakfast and lunch as well. If you're looking for more than just one restaurant choice for your vacation, visit nearby Moravia or Albia.
