Rathbun Lake Recreation

With 11,000 acres of gorgeous water and 150 miles of shoreline, it’s Iowa’s second largest lake. Bring your own watercraft and use our marina with a boat launch, fishing pier and 40 boat slips.

Included in every overnight stay at Honey Creek is the use of:

• Stand up paddle boards (SUP)
• Kayaks
• Fishing equipment (license not included; can be purchased separately at the hotel gift shop)
• Beach volleyball 
• Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park
• Bicycles, including helmets
• Access to daily resort activities
• Naturalist programs, including field pack rentals for geocaching, bird watching, and more
• Among other fun activities! 

Or, choose from a variety of seasonal watercraft rental including:

• Jet skis
• Ski boats
• Pontoons

All activities are first come, first serve, while supplies last.

Watercraft Rentals

Whether you want to cruise, paddle, ski, or fish, you can find the perfect watercraft for enjoying Rathbun Lake. Many Honey Creek Resort guests opt for the pontoon boat that fits a dozen passengers comfortably - you get to be the skipper! Set out on the water, relax, and take in the scenic surroundings. 

Rentals are available seasonally, and will be weather-dependent. All marina operations are now closed for the season. We look forward to re-opening in spring 2019! Please check back at a later date for more information on 2019 watercraft rentals.

Watercraft rentals include:

• Jet skis (fits 3 people)
• Ski boats (fits 8 people)
• Pontoons (fits 10, 12, or 14 people)

About Rathbun Lake

Rathbun Lake is a flood protection lake managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps has a Visitors Center that provides information about Rathbun Lake's natural resources. For more information, visit their website or call 641-647-2464.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages both Honey Creek Resort and the original 850-acre Honey Creek State Park. Honey Creek State Park offers camping, cabins, heated shower facilities, trails, and boat ramp. For more information, visit their website.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources also operates the Rathbun Fish Hatchery, which raises primarily channel catfish and walleye to stock them in other Iowa lakes. Visitors are welcome year-round. For more information, visit their website or call 641-647-2406.

To get the most updated Rathbun Lake conditions and fishing reports, visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.