Find a variety of fun things to do in and around Northwood, Iowa

Situated just off I-35 and adjacent to Diamond Jo Casino, the Country Inn & Suites, Northwood provides easy access to the area’s top things to do. When you’ve had your fill of gaming and live entertainment at the casino, you can pack a picnic lunch and head to outdoor destinations like Kuennen’s Quarry or Myre-Big Island State Park—both within 20 minutes of the hotel. For even more fun, pack your clubs and play a round of 18 at Rice Lake Golf & Country Club, located less than 20 minutes away, or angle for northern pike, yellow perch, and catfish in Albert Lea Lake. To learn more about area highlights, visit Top of Iowa, a popular welcome center within walking distance of your room or suite.

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Bee Hive Ballroom

6.67 mi / 10.73 km from the hotel
Built in 1896 and used as a department store, this beautiful venue hosts a range of events such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. 

Myre-Big Island State Park

13.3 mi / 21.4 km from the hotel
Catch a glimpse of songbirds, waterfowl, deer, and even an eagle in this beautiful state park along Albert Lea Lake. The park offers biking, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. Take a picnic lunch to enjoy a full day outdoors.

Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village

14.7 mi / 23.66 km from the hotel
Stop by this museum to view 40 exhibits offering a window into Freeborn history. You can enjoy memorabilia from famous former residents, Marion Ross and Eddie Cochran, and tour reconstructed historical buildings showcasing life in the late 1800s.

Diamond Jo Casino

0.05 mi / 0.08 km from the hotel
You could strike it lucky at Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood. Enjoy table games such as craps, blackjack, and Texas Hold’em as well as over 800 slot machines.

Green Lea Golf Course

15.27 mi / 24.58 km from the hotel
With well-manicured fairways and picturesque views, Green Lea’s par 72, 18-hole course has attracted golfers since 1949. When you’re ready to dig into lunch or dinner, try Jerry’s Bar & Grill on site.

Kuennen's Quarry

7.72 mi / 12.42 km from the hotel
Go for a swim or fish in the beautiful lakes that are part of this old limestone quarry. It once provided the rocks used to build I-90 and now boasts a park area complete with picnic shelters.

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

14.07 mi / 22.64 km from the hotel
Home to the Albert Lea Community Theatre, the performing arts center hosts stage plays, meetings, seminars, and other events throughout the year.

Northbridge Mall

16.22 mi / 26.1 km from the hotel
Unleash your inner shopper while you spend the afternoon browsing through the stores at this mall located in Albert Lea, MN.

Ochee Yahola County Park

4.96 mi / 7.99 km from the hotel
This wooded park offers plenty of space for hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and bowhunting.

Pelican Breeze II

13.53 mi / 21.77 km from the hotel
You can bring your own food and drinks for a cruise on Albert Lea Lake in a 55-foot pontoon that features a paddle wheel. Pelican Breeze II also offers narrated history tour options.

Top of Iowa

0.14 mi / 0.23 km from the hotel
Your 24-hour resource for all things Iowa, this welcome center offers brochures about area activities and attractions, plus a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs made right here in the state.

Wedgewood Cove Golf Club

13.13 mi / 21.14 km from the hotel
Tee up on this beautifully landscaped 18-hole course spread out over 245 acres. You can savor a classy but casual meal on site.