Hole N’ the Wall Lodge

My last post was about Habitué Coffeehouse in Le Mars, Iowa, however, right before arriving in Le Mars that afternoon, I had an appointment with Debbie in the morning to take a tour of Hole N’ the Wall Lodge in Akron, Iowa.

My fiancé drives for FedEx, and delivers to the Lodge every so often, and has told me it’s “Like a log cabin on steroids”. So, I looked it up, and could not believe such a beautiful structure sat basically in the middle of nowhere.

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I’ve mentioned before that I’m planning our wedding, and we already have chosen our venue. Still, that hasn’t stopped me from gathering ideas for future events, or even future weddings I may want to help plan. Therefore, the more places I visit and take note of, the more knowledge I’ll have of Siouxland when someone asks for locations to accommodate large parties.

Seeing is believing

Driving up the gravel road, the anticipation was beyond exciting. I was about to witness what I’ve only seen in rustic travel guides and home & gardening magazines.

I parked my car, and ran in. It has been a ridiculously rainy Spring, and today was no exception. I could not snag a picture of the outside due to the storm, so I found one on their website (www.holeinthewalllodge.com).

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As I walked in, off to the right was the bar, and straight ahead was the main gathering room where tables and chairs are usually arranged for events, such as weddings. Debbie said they had just finished hosting a family reunion, so all the tables had dirty linens on them, and all the beds had not been made yet. I will add photos from the Lodge’s website of various bedrooms and suites later on. Debbie also mentioned the week before they hosted a scrapbooking retreat, and starting in October they will be booked all hunting season with outdoor events and recreational parties.

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The Main Lodge

Right above the main gathering room is an ostentatious chandelier. I had to get it from several different angles, but pictures do not do it justice.

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Past the gathering room is a sunken sitting area with a huge sectional leather couch. Peering down from the opposing wall are two horse heads. Wow! This has to be the first time I’ve ever seen horse heads mounted. Fitted with bit collars, I’m not sure if these were real, but I’m assuming they are. What a statement piece!

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Looming directly over the couches on the adjacent brick wall perched on a floating shelf is a fox. Whether the interior designers left the remaining four shelves empty to satisfy their feng shui, or are planning to expand, I feel like Jack looking up at the beanstalk. What an awe-inspiring support column.

Second floor of main lodge

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As you come upon the landing on the second level there is beautiful Native American art on display. Another chandelier hangs above, but not as magnificent as the one in the main entrance. Also, up on the second level are bedrooms, with high top tables and bar stools right outside each suite and overlooking the common area.

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By the way I thought this lynx was real, and that I was about to have my face scratched off. Onward to the West Wing!

the west wing

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Debbie told me this is where smaller parties not needing access to the bar or additional amenities stay. More of a private setting, this feels rather like a home than a hotel. Bedrooms here have a similar layout as the Main Lodge suites, yet possess more subtle details with less extravagance.

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basement-level game room

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Making our way back to the Main Lodge, the game room in the basement should be on my fiancé’s dream board. He’s always said he eventually wants a basement furnished with a pool table, and he would develop so many ideas from this layout. Along with, not just one, but two pool tables, this game room features ping pong and foosball tables, dart boards, and my personal favorite, air hockey. Additionally, along the back wall is a wet bar and a fireplace with ample seating.

log cabin on steroids

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Finishing off my tour, I was still visually overwhelmed by this immense wooden structure. From the main floor deck windows, I saw lunch tables and plenty of outdoor seating. I had to make my way out, even in the rain, just to snag this picturesque and charming scene of the giant wood porch swing. This thing is massive, and I can’t imagine how much it must weigh.

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Overall, this is a stunning structure. Scenic and masculine, with hiking trails and plenty of Ringneck Pheasants to hunt for those who seek outdoor excursions. Yet rustic and romantic for weddings and even scrapbooking parties. Boasting fifteen rooms and twenty-two beds between the Main Lodge and West Wing, the Hole N’ the Wall Lodge is versatile enough to be your backdrop for any occasion.

don’t forget the tee pees!

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I was not able to go out to the tee pees since it was miserably raining, however, it is one of the first things you see when driving up. Families gather around the fire pit to make s’mores and build bon fires.

Bring your sleeping bag if you want to camp out here since there are no cozy beds or indoor pleasantries.

But wait there’s more

Beyond the patio and wrap-around decks, there are numerous outdoor activities, including volleyball, basketball, soccer, archery and horseshoes. All supplies and equipment needed for these recreational sports are included with your stay!

Visit their website (www.holeinthewalllodge.com) to learn more about their accommodations, and what to expect when you book your next party.

14396 Diamond Avenue Akron, Iowa 51001
Email: info@holenthewalllodge.com
Phone: 712 568 1010