Situated on 1,100 acres of wooded bluff and native prairie in the heart of Iowa 's spectacular Des Moines River Valley , the Iowa 4–H Center offers a variety of conference, lodging, and program facilities to meet the needs of any group! The 4-H Center consists of five independent villages, a cottage, a central dining/meeting lodge, swimming pool, recreational grounds and eleven miles of hiking trails. All villages except Maple are open year-round. All lodges feature modern full service bathrooms with hot water and showers. Each village has its own outdoor campfire ring, inspiration point, and indoor fireplace. In total, the Iowa 4-H Center can house up to 388 people during the summer season and 294 during the winter season.
Each of our villages (main lodge and cabin groups) is unique in their size, set-up, and cost. For a 2-page overview of all the Iowa 4-H Center's facilities, click on our Facility Rates form. For more details on each specific village with photos, fees, and building descriptions, please click on the links below.
Rental packages are available for weddings and/or receptions. Rentals must use Minnie's catering if serving food other than cake & punch. The main dining hall in Linden Lodge is a great location for banquets and receptions. For a typical wedding with a head table, cake table, gift table, buffet area, and dance floor Linden can seat 160 people. By taking down tables before the dance, closer to 200 or 220 people can be accommodated. Click on our Wedding Package Information form for package details.
Camp Programs:
We have many activities available at the Iowa 4-H Center - from sport areas such as volley ball that groups can use on their own at no charge, to high ropes and climbing tower programs that require scheduled camp staff to lead the program for a fee. Some programs, such as low rope team challenge, can be done year-round. Other program areas, such as creek walking or swimming in our Jr. Olympic size pool, are only offered during the summer. For a detailed price list of all our available programs, please see the link at the top of this page.
Meal Rates:
The following prices are for summer meals May 20 to August 15.
For non-summer prices, call 515-795-3338 to talk to our kitchen staff.
Breakfast: $4.75 per person, Lunch: $6.00 per person, Dinner: $8.00 per person
4–H Club Discount:
BBQ Shelter or Pinecone Campfire Circle rental at no charge
FREE day use of available camp lodges
$3.00 per person overnight lodging rate for youth & adults
1 adult lodging free for every 8 youth members spending the night
Other Rental Items:
We have projector screens, easels, TV/VCRs, and overhead projectors available for use. LCD projector, bed linens, bags of ice, fax service, 2-way radios, photocopies, and flip chart paper are available for an additional fee.
Additional Terms & Information:
- In the event of bad weather, a group may reschedule within six months of the cancelled date without having to forfeit their deposit.
- We offer a 10% lodging discount for service project of at least 2 hours of work (depending on weather restrictions and availability of projects). Must be prearranged with 4–H Center staff.
- For more details, see our Group Leader Information
- 4-H Club Coupon
If you have further questions, would like to schedule your next retreat, or just want to check on availability, please call 515-795-3338 or email 4hcentermail@iastate.edu.