All Children & Family

Junior Chef Cooking Class | 4th – 6th Grade | Experience Italy Saturday, April 15th | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Students will experience Italy while cooking some of the country’s favorites. Homemade Pasta, Artisan Bread and Salad. They will expand their culinary skills and become knowledgeable of Italian foods and their origins. Class size limited to Read More »

Each year the Iowa Great Lakes Area kicks off walleye season with the Iowa Great Lakes Area Walleye Weekend tournament. Ten walleye are tagged and released in to the chain of Iowa Great Lakes. Starting at midnight on Saturday, May 6th you can cast your chance at catching one of these 10 tagged walleye worth $41,000! Read More »

Register online for Nature Tots: Into the Woods today! This free monthly program occurs every second Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am & 1:30 pm for children ages 2-5 and their chaperone. To register or see more information on other programs at the DC Nature Center visit www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com.

The annual Memorial Day Flea Market will be held May 27-29 on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at Treasure Village at Lake Okoboji, IA.  They will offer a wide variety of handy, decorative, delicious, wearable, or collectible items. A concessions trailer will offer a delicious menu for meals or snacks while ice cream is available from Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

ADVENTURE SAILING NO SAILING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Entering GRADES 5-9 ​ This unique program is based in exploration!  It is a fun combination of sailing and science and how discovery in both fields can work together in a STEM based program. These classes are taught in partnership with Iowa Lakeside Laboratories and the Okoboji Sailing Center. Students will Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

Come “Create” on the on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  Surround yourself with new friends and experience a variety of indoor and outdoor Art Activities.  Draw, paint and sculpt new discoveries in the water, on the dock and on sailboats.  Paint dreamy clouds, a sherbet sky and landscapes in different art styles. In this Read More »

Come “Create” on the on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  Surround yourself with new friends and experience a variety of indoor and outdoor Art Activities.  Draw, paint and sculpt new discoveries in the water, on the dock and on sailboats.  Paint dreamy clouds, a sherbet sky and landscapes in different art styles. In this Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

Come “Create” on the on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  Surround yourself with new friends and experience a variety of indoor and outdoor Art Activities.  Draw, paint and sculpt new discoveries in the water, on the dock and on sailboats.  Paint dreamy clouds, a sherbet sky and landscapes in different art styles. In this Read More »

Come “Create” on the on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  Surround yourself with new friends and experience a variety of indoor and outdoor Art Activities.  Draw, paint and sculpt new discoveries in the water, on the dock and on sailboats.  Paint dreamy clouds, a sherbet sky and landscapes in different art styles. In this Read More »

This fun class introduces very young children and families to the sport of sailing. A variety of small sailboats will be rigged on the lawn of the Okoboji Sailing Center for children to explore. Enjoy crafts, games, and face painting all geared to create interest and excitement for sailing. Coffee, juice, treats and goodies are Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

ADVENTURE SAILING NO SAILING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Entering GRADES 5-9 ​ This unique program is based in exploration!  It is a fun combination of sailing and science and how discovery in both fields can work together in a STEM based program. These classes are taught in partnership with Iowa Lakeside Laboratories and the Okoboji Sailing Center. Students will Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

Join us for a lovely evening lakeside at Pick’s Resort.

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

ADVENTURE SAILING NO SAILING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Entering GRADES 5-9 ​ This unique program is based in exploration!  It is a fun combination of sailing and science and how discovery in both fields can work together in a STEM based program. These classes are taught in partnership with Iowa Lakeside Laboratories and the Okoboji Sailing Center. Students will Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

The annual 4th of July Flea Market will be held July 1-3 on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at Treasure Village at Lake Okoboji, IA.  They will offer a wide variety of handy, decorative, delicious, wearable, or collectible items. A concessions trailer will offer a delicious menu for meals or snacks while ice cream is available Read More »

Fireworks over Big Spirit Lake began with the SLPA sponsorship in the early 1980’s. Initially, SLPA funded the entire fireworks display through the SLPA membership fees and any other donations received. In early 2013, the SLPA created the Pancake Breakfast at Mini-Wakan to help raise money for the fireworks, and this annual event becomes more Read More »

There’s something special about celebrating our Nation’s Independence Day in Okoboji, Iowa with a beautiful fireworks display over West Lake Okoboji.  Families have gathered together for this tradition in Okoboji for generations to watch the fireworks from a boat or along multiple vantage points from the shoreline, including from Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park.  They Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

This fun class introduces very young children and families to the sport of sailing. A variety of small sailboats will be rigged on the lawn of the Okoboji Sailing Center for children to explore. Enjoy crafts, games, and face painting all geared to create interest and excitement for sailing. Coffee, juice, treats and goodies are Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

ADVENTURE SAILING NO SAILING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Entering GRADES 5-9 ​ This unique program is based in exploration!  It is a fun combination of sailing and science and how discovery in both fields can work together in a STEM based program. These classes are taught in partnership with Iowa Lakeside Laboratories and the Okoboji Sailing Center. Students will Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

This fun class introduces very young children and families to the sport of sailing. A variety of small sailboats will be rigged on the lawn of the Okoboji Sailing Center for children to explore. Enjoy crafts, games, and face painting all geared to create interest and excitement for sailing. Coffee, juice, treats and goodies are Read More »

ADVENTURE SAILING NO SAILING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Entering GRADES 5-9 ​ This unique program is based in exploration!  It is a fun combination of sailing and science and how discovery in both fields can work together in a STEM based program. These classes are taught in partnership with Iowa Lakeside Laboratories and the Okoboji Sailing Center. Students will Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

Come “Create” on the on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  Surround yourself with new friends and experience a variety of indoor and outdoor Art Activities.  Draw, paint and sculpt new discoveries in the water, on the dock and on sailboats.  Paint dreamy clouds, a sherbet sky and landscapes in different art styles. In this Read More »

Come “Create” on the on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  Surround yourself with new friends and experience a variety of indoor and outdoor Art Activities.  Draw, paint and sculpt new discoveries in the water, on the dock and on sailboats.  Paint dreamy clouds, a sherbet sky and landscapes in different art styles. In this Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

Join us for a great community celebration in Milford, Ia – the gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes Area! The entire family will enjoy the parade, inflatables, music, and other entertainment.  Check back for more details and a complete schedule of events.

Come “Create” on the on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  Surround yourself with new friends and experience a variety of indoor and outdoor Art Activities.  Draw, paint and sculpt new discoveries in the water, on the dock and on sailboats.  Paint dreamy clouds, a sherbet sky and landscapes in different art styles. In this Read More »

Come “Create” on the on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.  Surround yourself with new friends and experience a variety of indoor and outdoor Art Activities.  Draw, paint and sculpt new discoveries in the water, on the dock and on sailboats.  Paint dreamy clouds, a sherbet sky and landscapes in different art styles. In this Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

View these beautiful wooden boats on the docks at Arnolds Park Amusement Park throughout the day.  They will depart the docks and cruise the lake at approximately 3 pm. (Arnolds Park)-The Classic Boat Show will be held on Saturday, KUOO’s Becky Thoreson has details: The Jerry Dyhrkopp Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of the Antique & Read More »

Saturday, the annual University of Okoboji Vettes in the Park Cruise-in in Preservation Plaza at Arnolds Park Amusement Park.  View Checking our Facebook page and website for additional updates or major changes or cancellations.

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

This fun class introduces very young children and families to the sport of sailing. A variety of small sailboats will be rigged on the lawn of the Okoboji Sailing Center for children to explore. Enjoy crafts, games, and face painting all geared to create interest and excitement for sailing. Coffee, juice, treats and goodies are Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

Since 1935, this annual late-summer gathering has served countless participants by encouraging Christian growth and global vision for people of all ages. It all started as a tent meeting and that tent meeting feel just won’t go away. Nobody wants it to. There is deep refreshing in ancient truth from contemporary Christian leaders. World-class Christian Read More »

This annual event, overlooking the beautiful West Lake Okoboji and next to Arnolds Park Amusement Park, is a juried show featuring handcrafted work of over 50 artists from throughout the Midwest. Categories include sculpture, pottery, glass, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, folk art, furniture, mixed media, and more. This is a must-see if you’re in Okoboji Read More »

Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using PRAM sailboats.  Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how to steer a sailboat with Read More »

​Ages 9-12 ​​ Your child will be introduced to sailing and boating safety; learning in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Under close supervision, students will learn sailboat parts, rigging, and wind awareness using Hartley 10 sailboats. ​ Goals Learn sailboat parts and knot tying Begin to understand how to rig a sailboat Learn how Read More »

Registration is from 9 am – noon • $20 fee • Awards are at 3 pm To have your car judged, you must have the hood up and the trunk open Dash Plaques to first 100 cars If you have a car, we have a class! Trophy to Top three places in each class! New Read More »

The annual Labor Day Flea Market will be held Sept. 3-5 on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at Treasure Village at Lake Okoboji, IA.  They will offer a wide variety of handy, decorative, delicious, wearable, or collectible items. A concessions trailer will offer a delicious menu for meals or snacks while ice cream is available from Read More »

Dickinson County Conservation’s largest event of the year celebrates pollinators with butterfly tagging, crafts, activities, entertainment and more!

Join us Saturday, September 30th for the 32nd year of University of Okoboji Oktoberfest fun brought to you by the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. This fun fall festival kicks off with a bike ride in the morning around the beautiful waters of Lake Minnewashta and West Lake Okoboji and is followed by Read More »

Join us on the ice of West Lake Okoboji while we fill the sky with color for Iowa’s iconic Winter Games festival!!  This event is free for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend (weather permitting). Lighted kites will also be flying the evening of Saturday, January 28 (weather permitting). Iowa Road Trip created great guide Read More »

Join us for this annual event on East Lake Okoboji!  Vintage snowmobiles from around the midwest gather to race down a four lane 500ft track on East Lake Okoboji in front of the The Ritz in Arnolds Park.  Racing is open and free to the general public to watch. Co-Director Chris Duncan says, they’re busy Read More »