Your plans may have included sunshine and blue skies, but a little rain doesn’t have to put a damper on your getaway. Okoboji offers plenty of exciting indoor activities to help you make the most of your visit, no matter the weather. From hands-on art classes and live theater performances to making a splash at an indoor waterpark, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore a few of our favorite ways to spend a rainy day in Okoboji!
Explore Okoboji Museums
Discover the rich history of the Iowa Great Lakes by exploring one of our 13 regional museums! Whether you’re fascinated by classic cars, maritime history, local heritage, or rock and roll, there’s a museum waiting to be explored. It’s the perfect way to stay dry while learning more about the people, places, and stories that shaped the area.
Step inside the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum and discover how boating has played a vital role in the region’s history. Explore beautifully restored wooden boats, historic photographs, interactive exhibits, and artifacts that showcase the evolution of life on the lakes. It’s a must-visit destination for history buffs, boating enthusiasts, and families alike!
Find Nature Indoors
Planning to explore the area’s wildlife and nature, but the rain got in the way? Head to the Dickinson County Nature Center for an indoor adventure the whole family can enjoy. Explore interactive exhibits, discover native wildlife, and learn about the lakes, prairies, and wetlands that make the Iowa Great Lakes region unique. With hands-on displays and educational experiences for all ages, it’s the perfect rainy-day destination.
Make a Splash
Still looking for a body of water to jump into without braving the rain? Head to Bridges Bay resort and enjoy their indoor waterpark! Featuring two exciting water slides, a lazy river, basketball hoops, and a dedicated kids’ play area, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to splash, play, and make the most your stay – rain or shine.
Bonus: Keep the fun going at the arcade located inside Bridges Bay Resort, where kids (and kids at heart!) can enjoy a variety of games after drying off.
Learn Some History
Step inside the Okoboji Classic Cars museum and take a trip back in time! Explore a collection of beautifully restored classic cars surrounded by vintage storefronts and displays that bring the past to life. From automotive history to the details around every corner, there’s plenty to see as you make your way through the museum. When the rain rolls in, it’s a great place to spend a few hours discovering a different side of Okoboji.
Explore Local Art
During a rainy forecast, discover your creative side at Pearson Lakes Art Center. Browse rotating art exhibits or take part in one of their many classes, including open clay studios, floral design, cooking classes, wine pairings, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong artist or simply looking to try something new, it’s a relaxing way to spend a few hours while waiting for the rain to pass.
Kids Activities
Let the kids burn off some energy at Diggin’ Boji in Arnolds Park! This indoor play place gives kids plenty of room to dig, build and explore, with a giant sandbox featuring remote-controlled dump trucks and backhoes, kinetic sand stations, interactive games and more. Located inside Old School Mercantile, it’s an easy place to spend part of the day when the weather keeps everyone indoors. Rain, snow or cold temperatures outside, the kids can still get out and play at Diggin’ Boji.
Catch A Movie
Catch a movie at Great Lakes Cinema 7 and turn a rainy day into a trip to the big screen! With multiple theaters showing new releases throughout the year, it’s an easy way to slow down and enjoy a few hours indoors during your Okoboji getaway. Grab some popcorn and your favorite movie snacks, pick a showtime, and settle in for an afternoon or evening at the movies. It’s a great option for families, couples, or anyone looking for something to do while the rain rolls through the Iowa Great Lakes.
Shop Around Okoboji
A rainy day is the perfect excuse to do a little shopping around the Iowa Great Lakes! Spend the afternoon browsing local boutiques, clothing stores, home décor, gifts and plenty of Okoboji gear to take home from your trip. With shops scattered throughout Arnolds Park, Okoboji, Spirit Lake and the surrounding area, you can stay out of the rain while discovering local favorites along the way. It’s also a great chance to find a little something that reminds you of your time in Okoboji.
Eat & Drink
Rain on the lake means you have a little more time to spend around the table. Head out for breakfast, linger over lunch, grab a drink in the afternoon or make a night of it with dinner around the Iowa Great Lakes. Okoboji has everything from coffee shops and laid-back lake spots to breweries, bars and restaurants worth settling into for a while. Order another round, try somewhere new and let the weather outside decide how long you stay.