Berkley Bedell State Pier in Arnolds Park, Iowa
The most asked question every spring in Okoboji is, “So what is new this year?” There is so much to talk about this year! So let’s jump right in!
New This Season
Attractions & Events
The Dickinson County Trail system continues to expanded in the Iowa Great Lakes Area. The trail running parallel to Highway 86 has been expanded to now cross Highway 9 and connect to the Tatanka Ska Trace Rail Trail that will soon run all the way east to Lake Park. Trail has also been extended east of Lake Park to allow riders to enjoy the scenic views of prairies and wetlands. The Dickinson County Trails continue to expand and improve to allow for a great biking experience in the Iowa Great Lakes Area.
Curious about our trail system? Much of it can be viewed on Google Street View! Take a virtual bike ride today!
Not planning to bring your own bike? You can rent a bike from Boj-E-Bike Rentals in Arnolds Park, or The Okoboji Cyclist in Milford. Both are conveniently located along the trail system.
The Loft at West O is the area’s one-of-a-kind industrial speakeasy event & rental space located above West O Brewery. Accommodating a group of 60 seated or 70 standing, the Loft is a form-fit space for your wedding rehearsal dinner, birthday party, corporate event, presentation, or celebration!
Terrace Park Beach has undergone the first phase of a major renovations to add a boardwalk, additional parking, and aesthetic amenities to make your beach day more enjoyable!
Queen II Excursion Boat has undergone major renovations this winter including a new handicap accessible restroom, new engines and bow thrusters, upgraded air-conditioning, a fresh paint job, and more! These renovations will provide you with an even better experience while enjoying a tour of West Lake Okoboji. Check ArnoldsPark.com for the full cruise schedule.
Kid’s Yoga Camps will now be offered each month at Yoga Okoboji! They will also offer a week long class this summer! Another new way Yoga Okoboji is striving to be inclusive to the community is to offer a sliding scale class for chair yoga and for Saturday Vinyasa – both at 9 am. When signing up people can pay as little as $5 or as much as $30. Yoga is beneficial for all ages!
Lodging & Events
Lake Okoboji Resort and Conference Center in Okoboji has new ownership! Formerly, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, the new Lake Okoboji Resort and Conference is a perfect destination for groups, conventions, weddings, family reunions, and more! With 100 guest rooms, 30,000 sq. feet of flexible event space, full-service catering, and beautiful outdoor spaces overlooking Brooks Golf Course, your group will love their time in Okoboji!
Okoboji Lodge in Spirit Lake has new ownership! Formerly, Northland Inn, the newly updated Okoboji Lodge is a perfect destination for family reunions and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a comfortable stay in a convenient location.
Crescent Beach Family Resort is going to refurbish their rocket ship playground equipment in time for the upcoming summer season!
Shopping
Old School Mercantile is the newest shopping center in the heart of Arnolds Park! It is located in the former Okoboji Middle School at the corner of Broadway St. and Hwy 71 in Arnolds Park. You can shop for antiques, art, and much more in the individual shops. Additional retail space is available if you’re looking at starting a business in Arnolds Park!
Dining
Boss’ Pizzeria & Sports Bar recently opened in Lake Okoboji Resort and Conference (formerly Arrowwood Resort). Serving a great variety of pizzas, wings, and sports bar favorites, Boss’ has quickly become a local hotspot to catch and game and catch up with friends! They also deliver late (3 am) to the lakes area!
At The Frozen Parrot you can enjoy a handcrafted gourmet popsicles in delicious, unique flavors like Blue Raspberry Jolly Rancher, Very Berry Cheesecake, Oreo Cookies & Cream, Pistachio Almond and more! Pop in for a one-of-a-kind popsicle experience! Dip! Top! Drizzle! Enjoy!
Spice and Lemon Cafe recently opened in downtown Spirit Lake on Hill Avenue in Allure & Co.! Offering Fresh Coffee, scratch made baked goods, paninis, salads and more! Stop by for a caffeine boost, breakfast break, or light lunch!
Did You Miss It? New Last Season
Attractions
The new Arnolds Park Concert Deck and Concession Stand at Preservation Plaza was completed in 2023 and features new restrooms, additional concession options, a VIP seating area for Live at the Lakes concerts, and a great location to enjoy an appetizer and drink while watching the sunset multiple nights each week throughout the summer! This space has been a great enhancement to the new state-of-the-art stage added in 2022.
The Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji recently updated their sign and repaved the parking lot. They have also added a gazebo and bench seating near the Maser Monarch Lodge to create a beautiful space amongst nature for programs and events. There are always changes and additions taking place at the Nature Center!
Juniper Lanes Pub & Grill, formerly known as Corner Lanes, is now under new ownership! They are your one stop destination for a fun night out with family and friends. There is a full service bar and kitchen. Juniper Lanes Pub & Grill will also host birthday parties and group outings. For a unique night of bowling, there is cosmic bowling on Friday and Saturday nights. They are planning to remodel the bowling alley, so keep an eye out!
Dining
Drake’s at the Lakes has expanded! Located inside Oak Hill Outdoor, see live music, enjoy comfortable, lounge seating, and find easy parking at Drake’s! Full food menu and seasonal and lunch menu specials, too! Yearly cook-offs, bands, and events and lots of space for your gatherings. Stop in and grab an ice-cold beer or drink!
The Hi-Lo Club has been offering food at its finest since 1946, yet recently underwent a change in ownership and complete renovations! Located just north of the Iowa Great Lakes Area, you’ll love the stakes, house-made pasta, unique sharables, and can’t-miss desserts! They also have an extensive cocktail menu! Contact the Hi-Lo Club for all of your catering needs as well!
Nektar, previously located in the trailer by Antiques of Okoboji, has moved inside of Antiques of Okoboji with a renovation. They offer fresh-pressed juices, expresso drinks, fruit smoothies, and other bites to eat. They are also featuring Nektar at Night Thursday-Sunday 4-11 pm!
Okoboji Dough Company in Arnolds Park did a complete renovation on the inside of their building. This renovation features new seating areas, updated bar and countertops along with a new style. Swing by to try their newly updated menu!
Toast on Hill is a new breakfast and brunch restaurant they opened in Downtown Spirit Lake. They feature the Bloody Mary bar on the weekends along side a variety of specials each week.
West O Brick Oven Pizza & Wings can be found at West O Beer, a family-friendly, award winning microbrewery and pizzeria. Try the delicious Neapolitan-Style brick oven pizzas, 100% made-from-scratch daily with the freshest ingredients, and try the newest additional to their menu, wings!
There are so many GREAT new things to do, see, eat and drink in Okoboji as well as all your familiar favorites that you may want to plan several Okoboji getaways’s this summer!
As always if you have any questions or need other recommendations please call us at 1-712-332-2209. We would love to help you plan your getaway to Okoboji!
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