Most people driving through the rolling cornfields of Washington County, Iowa, aren't exactly expecting a Vegas-style oasis to rise out of the horizon. It feels a bit surreal. You’re passing barns and tractors, and then suddenly, there it is—Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. It’s big. It’s flashy. And honestly, it’s one of those rare Midwestern spots that actually manages to balance "fancy" with "approachable" without feeling like it’s trying too hard.
But is it actually worth the drive?
If you’re coming from Iowa City, it’s a quick twenty-minute hop. If you’re coming from Des Moines or Chicago, it’s a trek. I’ve seen people lose their shirts at the craps tables and others spend four hours just nursing a coffee and watching the light show at the show lounge. There’s a specific rhythm to this place. It isn't just about gambling; it's about that weird, specific intersection of high-end golf, live entertainment, and the hope that a slot machine is about to change your life.
The Blue Top Ridge Factor
Let’s talk about the golf first, because if you ignore Blue Top Ridge, you’re missing half the point of the property. Designed by Rees Jones—the guy they call the "Open Doctor" because of his work on U.S. Open courses—this isn't some flat, boring municipal course. It’s a beast. It stretches over 7,400 yards from the back tees. That is a lot of grass.
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The layout is interesting because it’s basically three different landscapes mashed into one. You have these open, links-style holes that feel like you’re in Scotland (minus the ocean), followed by some wooded areas, and then the dramatic finish along the river. The 16th hole is usually what people talk about at the bar afterward. It’s a par five with a massive drop-off, and if the wind is coming off the Iowa River, your ball is basically a kite.
- Pro Tip: Don’t be a hero. Play the tees that match your actual skill level. The tall fescue grass is hungry, and it will eat your golf balls.
- The practice facility is legit. They have a GPS-enabled range which is kind of overkill but also incredibly fun if you’re a data nerd.
Inside the Casino Floor
The heart of the beast. The Riverside Casino and Golf Resort gaming floor is about 50,000 square feet. It’s loud. It smells like excitement and faint hints of secondary smoke, though the ventilation system is actually surprisingly decent compared to some of the older riverboat-style casinos.
They have over 700 slot machines. It’s a mix of those old-school mechanical reels that go "clack-clack-clack" and the new, giant 4K screens that look like spaceships. But the table games are where the real energy is. You’ve got Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and some of the more niche stuff like Mississippi Stud.
The poker room is a bit of a local legend. It’s not the biggest room in the world, but the games are consistent. If you show up on a Friday night, expect a waitlist. The players here range from "guy who just learned what a flush is" to "grumpy local who has been playing the same seat since 2006." It’s a fun dynamic, mostly because the dealers are actually friendly. They won't make you feel like an idiot if you forget to post your blind.
High Stakes and Small Wins
There is a high-limit area, but let’s be real: most people are here for the $10 or $15 minimums. During the week, you can sometimes find cheaper tables, but on concert nights? Forget about it. The energy shifts when there’s a show. The "Show Lounge" sits right in the middle of the action, and they often have free live music. You can literally sit at a slot machine, play pennies, and watch a professional cover band belt out Journey hits. It’s peak Iowa entertainment.
Where to Sleep (And What to Skip)
The hotel is a Four-Diamond rated spot. Does it feel like a Four-Diamond hotel in Manhattan? No. But for rural Iowa, it’s basically the Ritz. The rooms are spacious. The beds are dangerously comfortable—the kind where you plan to go back down to the casino at 10:00 PM but end up waking up at 8:00 AM still wearing your shoes.
- The Pool Situation: They have an indoor/outdoor pool. In the winter, swimming outside while the steam rises into the freezing Iowa air is a vibe. It’s probably the best feature of the hotel side.
- The Spa: If you aren't a golfer or a gambler, the Bloom Cook Spa is your sanctuary. It’s quiet. It’s clean. They do a decent deep-tissue massage that’s almost necessary after sitting in a desk chair—or a casino chair—all day.
- The View: Ask for a room facing the golf course. The parking lot view is... well, it’s a parking lot. The golf course view at sunrise is actually pretty stunning.
The Food Hierarchy
You’re going to get hungry. You have options, but they aren't all created equal.
Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood is the "fancy" one. It’s named after the grandmother of the owner, Dan Kehl. This is where you go if you won big or if you’re trying to apologize for losing the mortgage money (don't do that). The steaks are prime, the wine list is surprisingly deep, and it’s the only place in the resort where people actually dress up.
Then there’s the 22 & Vine. It’s the classic casino cafe. Breakfast here is a staple. It’s reliable. It’s greasy in the way you want it to be.
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- The Buffet: It’s gone. Or rather, it changed. Post-2020, the traditional "all you can eat till you regret it" buffet culture shifted. They still do special brunch events and themed nights, but don't expect the 2019-style endless mountain of crab legs every single night.
- The Draft: Sports Bar & Grill: This is the spot for a burger and a beer. Lots of TVs. Good place to park it during March Madness or a Hawkeyes game.
The Reality of the "Destination" Label
We need to be honest: Riverside Casino and Golf Resort is a destination, but it’s a regional one. You aren't flying in from London for this. However, it fills a massive void in the Midwest travel market. It provides a level of polished hospitality that you usually have to go to a major city to find.
One thing people get wrong is thinking it’s just for "old people." While the bus tours definitely bring in the retired crowd during the day, the nights are surprisingly young. Between the golf tournaments and the big-name concerts at the Event Center (think REO Speedwagon, comedians, or mid-tier country stars), the demographic is all over the place.
The resort is owned by Elite Casino Resorts, a company that actually knows the Iowa market. They also run properties in Larchwood and Clinton. Because they’re local-ish, the service feels less corporate. You get the sense that the staff actually wants to be there, which is a rare find in the hospitality industry lately.
Logistics and Small Details
Parking is free. That might sound like a small thing, but if you’re used to Vegas or Chicago prices, it’s a blessing. They have a massive surface lot and a garage.
If you are a frequent visitor, the "Resort Club" card is mandatory. Just get it. Even if you don't gamble much, it tracks your spend at the restaurants and the pro shop. The comps add up. You might end up with a free night's stay just because you bought a few rounds of drinks and played a little video poker.
Accessibility Note: The entire facility is very wheelchair-friendly. Everything is on one main level, and the hallways are wide. It’s clearly designed for ease of movement.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that doesn't involve a TSA line, yeah, it is.
It’s not perfect. The "resort" fee can be annoying if you don't use the amenities. The casino can get crowded and loud on Saturday nights. Sometimes the service at the sports bar is slow when the Hawkeyes are playing. But overall, it’s a well-oiled machine.
You go there for the golf, you stay for the atmosphere, and you leave (hopefully) with a little more than you came with. Or, at the very least, a good story about a 16th-hole birdie and a decent steak dinner.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book Golf Early: If you want a morning tee time on a weekend, you need to call weeks in advance. Blue Top Ridge fills up fast.
- Check the Concert Calendar: Before you book your room, see who is playing at the Event Center. It can drastically change the price of the rooms and the crowd level.
- Download the App: They have a mobile app that shows your point balance and current promotions. It’s easier than standing in line at the kiosk.
- Mid-Week Stealth Trip: If you want the spa or the golf course to yourself, go on a Tuesday. The rates are lower, and the vibe is much more relaxed.
- Hydrate: It’s a casino. It’s easy to lose track of time and hydration when the bells are ringing. Take a break, hit the outdoor pool, and breathe some Iowa air.
The resort represents a specific kind of Midwestern luxury—it’s high-quality without being pretentious. Whether you're there to hunt for a jackpot or just to escape the world for 48 hours, it delivers exactly what it promises. No more, no less. It’s a solid bet.