vacation okoboji

Population: 1,171

In Arnolds Park, the City of Five Lakes, the emphasis is on entertaining and accommodating area visitors.  Experience the oldest amusement park west of the Mississippi, a premier golf course, a full-service marina and rentals of boats, personal watercraft, wakeboards, scooters and bicycles.  A diverse variety of restaurants, lounges and nightlife abound, including the Roof Garden.  Numerous shops are clustered in several venues and are scattered up and down Highway 71.  Visitors have a wide range of accommodation types to choose from, including resorts, a time-share and public and private campgrounds.

Arnolds Park changes with the seasons.  In the winter, there is a casual, informal atmosphere, and in the summer, the town is full of activity.  The eclectic people who live here believe it's the best of both worlds.  The five lakes that surround Arnolds Park limit the size of the town's center making it easy to walk to local shops, restaurants and attractions.  The progressive government of Arnolds Park supports new housing oportunities and services that cater to tourism.

Population: 1,023

Lake Park, where you can enjoy a vacation or a lifetime, is just 10 minutes west of the Iowa Great Lakes.  Progressive industries and businesses have found locating in Lake Park to be very successful.  Community pride and support has resulted in a new, $7 million school/athletic complex.  Lake Park abounds with recreational opportunities, including: 9-hole golf course, campgrounds in city and state parks, a public swimming pool, little league and soccer programs, as well as Silver Lake--a great lake for fishing or recreational boating.

 Population: 420

West Okoboji, not only the name of one of the area's beautiful lakes, but a town.  While West Okoboji is primarily a residential community, a commercial area lies along old Highway 71 in what is known as Maywood.  Many West Okoboji residents and visitors soak up the sun or show off their water ski and wakeboard skills at Terrace Park, one of the area's most popular public beaches.  A stable government leads this peaceful community through carefully considered business and residential development opportunities.

Dickinson County Population: 16,376

Dickinson County, known as a growing, progressive area in Iowa, offers a wonderful place to live and work.  Home to 26 home-grown and international industries, a variety of great jobs are available.  Housing opportunities are available to fit an array of budgets and preferences for rural, town and waterfront locations.  There are four quality school systems -- Harris-Lake Park, Okoboji, Spirit Lake and Terril-Graettinger Community Schools -- that help generate a substantial amount of hometown pride.

People travel to Dickinson County not only for vacation, but also from a 100-mile radius to take advantage of the county's fine dining, shopping, golf and attractions, as well as its diversity of job opportunities.  There are more people here in the summer months than other times of the year, but many locals will tell you how much they love the quiet beauty of the off-season.  And some savvy visitors are just beginning to appreciate the area's natural beauty year-round.  Many vacationers have ended their status as 'area visitors,' decided not to fight Okoboji fever any longer and simply moved here! 

Population: 2,486

For any business or family wanting to experience the benefits of small-town caring at the Iowa Great Lakes, contact the Milford Commercial Club.  They are ready to help you with relocation into Milford where residents enjoy a high quality educational system, a government that is friendly to businesses and citizens, reasonable utilities, solid infrastructure and pleasant merchants. 

 Population: 820

Okoboji is bordered by West Lake Okoboji on one side, East Lake Okoboji on the other side and the country toward the north.  Residents feel the presence of the lakes at almost every home site in Okoboji, whether they are located on the miles of lakeshore frontage or in the wooded lots nearby.  Although Okoboji is primarily a residential town, you will be delighted with the shops and restaurants, primarily located along the main corridor of the Lakes Area, Highway 71.  The community is home to a championship golf course, a par 3 golf course, the Pearson Lakes Art Center, two marinas and six lodging properties.  The city of Okoboji cares about maintaining the quiet beauty of Okoboji and offers comprehensive city services to residents.

 Population: 4,368

Spirit Lake is a great stop for shopping, groceries, car care, realtors, banks and all the services you would expect to find in Dickinson County's largest city.  Locally owned and operated clothing stores, gift shops, pubs, eateries and a comedy club dot the main street in uptown Spirit Lake.  To the west, you'll find industries that make fun happen, such as Polaris Industries and Pure Fishing.  With the influence of these businesses and the excellent fishing in the city's lakes, locals consider Spirit Lake the 'Fishing Capital of the World.'  You will also find a fishing factory outlet, clean, reasonably priced accommodations and a wide selection of restaurants serving this county seat.  Whether coming to Spirit Lake for a visit or a move, one can be certain to love the hospitality of everyone they meet.

 Population: 461

The town of Wahpeton lies on the west side of West Lake Okoboji along Highway 86.  Gull Point State Park and the canal system make Wahpeton a nature lover's dream.  Primarily a residential community, it is also home to a restaurant, lakeside resorts, Lakeside Laboratory, the Okoboji Yacht Club, two campgrounds and three church camps.  The city government focuses on maintaining the high quality of life enjoyed by both year-round and seasonal residents.