Cedar Valley Lodge

We rented the lodge a few weeks ago for the weekend and had a family reunion with my 4 grown sons and their wives (& dog). The first thing that struck me was the tranquility; quietness, solitude. A huge change from the noise of our city lives and neighborhoods. I literally could not hear a thing man-made, only nature's orchestra. Immediately my stress level dropped.

My wife and I are both "clean freaks." But we were put at ease the minute we walked into the cabin; very, very clean (and spacious). There was a lot of room for all my family to spread out and enjoy themselves. With 3 (mowed) acres to relish, we played basketball, played cornhole, campfire, large (clean) indoor jacuzzi, pool table, grilled burgers & brats on the deck bbq grille. We took hikes into the main attraction; the majestic Yellow River Forest. It was only a stones throw away (next gravel road south; about a quarter mile at most). By far, the most beautiful place in all of Iowa. Saw over a dozen trout in the stream. Next time, I'm bring my fishing pole.

But on a spiritual level, I especially loved the large dining room table that allowed me to sit at one end and bask in the bliss and glory of having all my family together at one time, at one table, breaking bread together for an entire 3-day weekend! Words cannot begin to describe the fulfillment I gained.

I would highly recommend renting this cabin to anyone. Everyone in my family wants to spend a weekend there again next year. If a clean freak like me can enjoy Cedar Valley Lodge, then anyone can. And being on the east edge of the incredible Yellow River Forest, in a cabin on a bluff... you will not be disappointed.

Be prepared to make your own beds and strip them before you leave. Carpet needs to be cleaned or replaced. We had a good time while we were there, despite all this. The price us rwadonable. There is room for a large group .

My only issue was lack of satellite channels - no sporting events could be watched at night and temperatures varied by room

This place needs gutted and a lot of TLC. Both "lodges" that we rented were mouse infested. We saw mice every day scurrying about the place. The carpets are stained and extremely outdated. There is carpet in the bathroom on the main floor (germs much?) The pool table was unusable due to being in ill-repair. The air conditioning did not work properly, so the place became a sauna in the middle of the afternoon. The prices are lodge prices for a hunting cabin. Unfortunately, I will never go back here.