Communities

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 US 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 opportunities and services that cater to tourism. For more information contact Ron Walker, City Administrator, at (712) 332-2341.

Okoboji is bordered by West Lake Okoboji on one side, East Lake Okoboji on the other side and the county 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, US 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. Contact Dennis Daly at (712) 332-2550 for information or visit:  opens in a new windowokobojicity.com

West Okoboji, not only the name of one of the area’s beautiful lakes, but a great town. While West Okoboji is primarily a residential community, a commercial area lies along old US Hwy 71 in an area known as Maywood. Many West Okoboji residents and visitors soak up the sun or show off their water ski and wake board skills at Terrace Park, one of the area’s most popular public beaches.

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 quaint Olde Towne 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 as the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’.

You will also find a 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. For more information on Spirit Lake, stop at the Mainsail Office located 1/2 block west of the courthouse on US Highways 71 & 9, or call (712) 336-4978.

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.

For more information on merchant services or relocation, write the Milford Commercial Club at PO Box 214, Milford, IA 51351, call (712) 338-2781, or visit their website at opens in a new windowwww.milfordcommercialclub.com.

Spencer is only 15 minutes away on US Highways 71 and 18. Take in museums, theaters, sports, shopping and dining. Each September, Spencer is home to the World’s Greatest County Fair! The Spencer area offers hunting, canoeing, fishing, the “Miracle” playground and miles of bike trails. The progressive attitude of the community is obvious with its continued industrial expansion and Mainstreet Program. A recent addition, the Clay County Regional Events Center offers a wide variety of activities from concerts to conventions. For more information, contact the Spencer Chamber of Commerce at (712) 262-5680.

Located in the Des Moines River Valley, Estherville occupies an attractive, inviting area in Northwest Iowa.  Scenic landscapes and natural wonders abound in Estherville’s state park and many wildlife areas.  Enjoy a peaceful relaxing environment, while still experiencing the excitement of the Iowa Great Lakes, only a 15 minute drive away.

The city is privileged to offer excellent educational opportunities, healthcare facilities, neighborhoods, entertainment and recreational options.  Whether you are relocating to take advantage of quality of life or for a business opportunity, Estherville welcomes you. For specific relocation of business development information, contact the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-362-3541 or visit opens in a new windowwww.estherville.org.

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: a 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 walleye fishing or recreational boating.

For additional information, visit the community website at opens in a new windowwww.lakeparkia.com. For specific relocation or business development information, call 800-846-6002.