Summer
Camps, Classes, and Lessons “OH MY”
Kid’s Own Vacation! Whether you are a weekly Okoboji visitor, here for just a few days, or a local looking to keep the kids busy this summer, there is a camp, class or lesson to appeal to all kids! (Added bonus, it keeps them off electronics!) While the kids are having a blast learning something Read More »
Read MoreYear-Round Sports
Winter, spring, summer or fall, if you’re a sports fan, you’re sure to find a sporting event to participate in or watch in Okoboji. From bike rides to ice fishing, to tennis tournaments to winter games, many of the area’s long-standing events have evolved over time and grown with more participants, said Kiley Zankowski, director Read More »
Read MoreOkoboji Family Reunion
Okoboji has, is, and will always be THE destination for a fabulous family reunion! With some organization and a little planning ahead you can plan a family reunion with something for everyone. Families have been enjoying Okoboji for years and with some help, tricks, and tips your family can as well. Stay There are a Read More »
Read MoreClassic West Lake Loop
This classic West Lake Okoboji loop ride will take you just over 18 miles around beautiful West Lake Okoboji. You can start at many points around the lake. This ride started at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji which has plenty of parking and is great launching point. You can head north or south from Read More »
Read MoreBehind the Scenes: Fun in Okoboji Video
The latest Vacation Okoboji video will have you dreaming of your next summer vacation in Okoboji, Iowa. Go behind the scenes to learn more about each of the Okoboji attractions that need to be on your to-do list! Lakeside Dining! Okoboji offers a wide variety of lakeside dining options including The Okoboji Store Bar Read More »
Read MoreBehind the Scenes: Family Fun in Okoboji Video
The latest Vacation Okoboji video will have you dreaming of your next summer family vacation to Okoboji. Go behind the scenes to learn more about each of the Okoboji attractions that need to be on your families to-do list! Tubing! With over 15,000 acres of lakes in Iowa’s Great Lakes region, there is plenty of Read More »
Read MoreOkoboji itineraries
Okoboji Family Vacation
Okoboji is nestled in the northwest corner of Iowa along the Minnesota border. The chain of lakes were formed by a glacier thousands of years ago, and now welcome generations of families to the crisp clean water and beaches! We are excited to welcome your family to create life-long memories in Okoboji (and get a Read More »
Read MoreOkoboji Fireworks
Watching fireworks over the lake with your family is a tradition in Okoboji! The Iowa Great Lakes Area offers you weekly options for watching fireworks throughout the summer! #OkobojiFireworks
Read MoreFurry Friends Welcome in Okoboji!
Want to bring your furry best friend on vacation to Okoboji with you, but you don’t know what places are pet-friendly? We’re here to help! Whether you’re looking for lodging or dining options, we’ll find options that will give you and your pet(s) the best Okoboji experience! Pet-friendly Lodging Looking for a place to Read More »
Read More10 Lakeside Dining Patios
What is more enjoyable and relaxing than enjoying an amazing dinner lakeside? Yep, not much! So here is a list of 10 Okoboji lakeside patio dining hotspots! 1. The Okoboji Store With three levels of outside seating, a comfy couch mezzanine level and playground for kids The Okoboji Store is your ultimate lakeside dining destination. Read More »
Read MoreOkoboji – Just Beach it
Grab your towel and sunglasses and come explore Okoboji Beaches! Arnolds Park City Beach Arnolds Park City Beach is right in the middle of all the excitement. Just next to the bridge on Highway 71, you can walk or drive to the available parking lot after enjoying lunch at The Ritz. It is a Read More »
Read MoreOkoboji Summer Dining Guide
Enjoy this comprehensive Lakes Area Dining Guide for all things tasty in Okoboji from Memorial Day until Labor Day! Arnolds Perk Coffeehouse Arnolds Perk is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am – 1:30 pm. Start your day the Perky Way with fresh coffee, pastries or the Power Breakfast Sandwich made with fresh baked Read More »
Read MoreTop 12 Okoboji Kids Activities
#1. Arnolds Park Amusement Park No vacation to Okoboji is complete without a day at Arnolds Park Amusement Park ! From the roller coaster to the log ride, you are bound to see smiles, hear laughter, and let out a couple screams! With many kid friendly rides, it is also a great place for all Read More »
Read MoreYear Round Adventures in Okoboji
Join us throughout the year as we experience a few of the adventures that make Okoboji so special! Okoboji Gold Disc Golf Course! Read more about disc golfing in Okoboji … Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area! Read more about Kettleson Hogsback… Iowa Great Lake Maritime Museum! Read more about the Maritime Museum … Cocktail Tasting! Read Read More »
Read MoreGuest Post: Musky Fishing Tips & Tricks
The Iowa Great Lakes Area is excited to welcome Musky Fishermen to our community August 29-30, 2021 for the PMTT Qualifying Tournament! Our friends at Oak Hill Outdoor have put together some tips & tricks to help you find success and win the $20,000 first prize in this tournament!!! HUNTING THE LATE-SUMMER MUSKY ON THE Read More »
Read MoreOkoboji Fireworks
Fireworks in Okoboji, Iowa have become a special tradition that families look forward to throughout the summer. Fireworks can be seen over West Lake Okoboji each Saturday night through Labor Day Weekend. As a result, many families plan to spend their Saturday nights watching the skies light up with color. Fireworks typically follow the free Read More »
Read MorePatio Dining and Drinks
When summer finally comes we all want to be outside as much as possible! Here are 17, YES 17, great patios for outside dining or drinks! 1. Tavern at the Park Tavern At The Park is a Modern Gastropub featuring unique food and bar menus, indoor and outdoor seating. You may even find live music Read More »
Read MoreOkoboji GUYS Weekend
Sometimes getting away as a family or a couple is impossible because of the “who will take the children dilemma”, or maybe you just need to relax with your people and invest in friendship, or celebrate a life event, or maybe you are retired and are looking for a guys or girls getaway! Whatever your Read More »
Read MoreLive Music in Okoboji!
Okoboji LIVE! The live music scene in Okoboji has never been better! Okoboji offers a vast array of live music venues with an atmosphere and musical style to fit everyone! Throughout the summer you can find live music 7 days a week! For the most up-to date schedule check the EVENTS CALENDAR often. Grab your Read More »
Read MoreRainy Day in Okoboji: WHAT TO DO
The weather may not always be bright and sunny, but no worries! We have the perfect plan for an unexpected rainy day to keep you busy while having fun exploring Okoboji! Museums The personality of Okoboji has been shaped by its significant history. Our local museums can help take you on a trip through time Read More »
Read MoreOkoboji Girls Weekend
Sometimes getting away as a family or a couple is impossible because of the “who will take the children dilemma”, or maybe you just need to relax with your people and invest in friendship, or celebrate a life event, or maybe you are retired and are looking for a guys or girls getaway! Whatever your Read More »
Read MoreA Weekend in Okoboji- What to Do
You have a weekend in Okoboji… What will you do to fill your time? Scroll to have your weekend timeline already planned out for you! ARRIVE FRIDAY NIGHT You just reached your dream destination of Okoboji to have arrived at one of our beautiful lodges and resorts! After you drop of your bags, get Read More »
Read MoreTop 10 Things to do Outside in Okoboji
Being outside and active is a great way to stay mentally and physically healthy during this unprecedented time! Here are ten suggestions of how to do that in Okoboji this summer! 1. Bike, Walk or Run Paved Trails With over 40 miles of miles of dedicated paved trails and an additional 50+ miles of signed Read More »
Read MoreBest Activities for Teens in Okoboji
Explore these teen friendly activities with you, your friends, and or family for any weekend or weekday in Okoboji! Arnold’s Park Beach Sand Volleyball Right on the beach, Arnold’s Park offers 5 sand volleyball courts that host league games and friendly competition! Grab everyone you can find to fill up the teams and courts! Read More »
Read MoreBike Okoboji
With miles of new trail and fresh asphalt overlays on existing tails, there has NEVER been a better time to bike in Okoboji! The Iowa Great Lakes has 60 plus miles of dedicated paved trails and bike friendly streets which equals numerous routes and rides for all ages and ability levels. The “spine” of the Read More »
Read MoreSunsets & Chardonnay: “Adulting” in Okoboji
Suset Whether you are empty nesting, a couple looking to get away for a long weekend, or a group of friends there is so much to do sans kids in Okoboji you may want to book a whole week! Okoboji Commons Hotel STAY As far as accommodations there are many fabulous choices. Check out the Read More »
Read MoreKid-friendly Okoboji Vacation Guide
If you’re looking for a family-friendly summer vacation, this will be your last stop. Not just for this year’s vacation planning, but for every year after. Okoboji offers something for the entire family Monday – Sunday. And we mean it! (Who doesn’t love lake life?) And next year when you’re making the drive, we guarantee Read More »
Read MoreBudget Friendly Okoboji Vacation
We often get asked about free, discounted, or budget friendly itineraries for an Okoboji family vacation. This post will give you a whole week’s worth of ideas that will NOT break the bank and allow you to come back to Okoboji soon. Sunday Arrive and get checked into your home away from home for the Read More »
Read MoreTop Activities for Kids and Families in Okoboji
Okoboji is home to a numerous amount of family friendly activities that everyone will enjoy! Make it a goal to visit the following exciting Okoboji activities around the area! Click places you are interested in to visit their website for more information! Mini-Golf! Pirate’s Cove, Ranch 66, and Treasure Village – You can find easy entertainment in spending Read More »
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