You would think the town of Mills Lake would sit on the shores of Mills Lake, but such is not the case for this quaint northern Iowa town. Located near Rice Lake, the town was named for the gristmill that once operated in the area. Rice Lake offers boating, fishing and swimming as well as golf at the Rice Lake Golf and Country Club. Lake Mills has limited accommodations, with additional hotels found in the communities of Albert Lea, 24 miles north, or Forest Lake, 16 miles to the south.
Lake Mills Motel has 10 units, each decorated with a unique wildlife theme. Located nine miles west of I-35 on Highway 69, the motel has seven standard rooms and three deluxe units featuring a refrigerator, a microwave and a sitting room. The motel provides a complimentary continental breakfast. Pets are allowed with a deposit that is fully refundable at checkout. There is no pool at the motel, but the local community aquatic center is less than a mile away. There is no on-site restaurant but a Subway is nearby and Don's Motor Mart Restaurant is within walking distance.
Located 17 miles east of Lake Mills, Country Inn and Suites is near the I-35 in Northwood, Iowa. The hotel has double queen rooms, a standard king room or a spacious suite rooms with a sofa bed and a private bedroom. The hotel has a limited number of Whirlpool suites. Other amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool and a fitness center. The hotel is adjacent to the Woodfire Grill, which is part of the Diamond Jo Casino. The casino also houses the Kitchen Buffet. Both eateries are within walking distance of the hotel.
The Lodge Resort is located in Forest City, 15 miles from Lake Mills. This country-style accommodation features standard single queen rooms as well as two-room suites. Located in a rural setting, the lodge offers almost 50 miles of hiking and bike trails nearby. The area is an ideal location for cross-country skiing, and golfing discounts are available for guests playing at the nearby Bear Creek golf course. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, the Riverview Grill and Lounge, serving a free continental breakfast. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Close the Winnebago Factory, the Super 8 in Forest City is just a few blocks from Woldorf College and 17 miles from Lake Mills. A popular chain, the rooms at the Super 8 are either single kings or double queens. Larger accommodations include a three-double-bed suite, which is perfect for families. The hotel offers AAA and AARP discounts. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided daily. Additional dining can be found within walking distance at the A&W Restaurant, Godfathers Pizza and Hardees.
Located across the Minnesota border, the Super 8 in Albert Lea, situated near I-90 and Highway 35, is 24 miles from the town of Mills Lake. The hotel offers rate discounts to AAA and AARP members. The hotel allows pets for a nominal fee. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily and there is plenty of dining available, from fast food to family restaurants within walking distance. A few of the eateries include China Buffet, Taco Johns, Trumbles Family Restaurant (with an American menu), and Casa Zamora, serving Mexican fare.
