This post made my night. Hearing C4M say "sucks balls" is priceless!
Yes, the wedding and the reception are at Honey Creek. We're still trying to find a place nearby to spend the night after the reception, since the rates at Honey Creek are pretty crazy for us to stay one night and leave very early the next morning. Any recommendations? I would hate to drive back to Des Moines, but also don't want to stay anywhere near or on northern Missouri.
Gee, don't go all the way back to Des Moines. That would be silly. How far do you want to drive after the wedding? If you are avoiding Missouri, guessing you will either go up to US 34 or down to Iowa 2 to go over to I-35. There are plenty of acceptable options in Osceola if you go to 34 that would be better than doubling up to Des Moines. Americinn, Super 8, the Casino there. If you want to go up to 34 and don't want to drive that far, I've heard a mixed bag on the Indian Hills Inn in Albia, both love and hate. You could also go less out of your way than Des Moines but head east and have a ton of options in Ottumwa.
If it were me, I would go down to highway 2. US 34 probably the better road, but I like scenic and less populated Highway 2. There are close options in Centerville. Yeah, it's kind of a badass town anymore but lots of money has been poured into the town at various times. Not sure what the cost is, but have heard good things about The Continental and Maple Street Inn & Cottage. Or you could just stay at the Super 8. If you went farther on Highway 2 route, have heard good things about the Inn of the Six Toed Cat in Allerton. It's a B & B.
Close to Honey Creek Resort but less expensive, have heard good things about the Grey Goose Inn. I think it is sort of between the Honey Creek Resort and the Honey Creek State Park. Also a B &B. You could cut through Melrose and up to 34 when you leave, or backtrack to Highway 5. Not sure with the lake there if there is a better way to get to highway 2 than going back to Highway 5. They have good burgers at Feehans in Melrose.
Keep in mind, I have stayed at none of these places but going word of mouth.