Okoboji: All Things New
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
Nektar
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!
Toast on Hill
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.
New Trails
The Dickinson County Trail system recently expanded in the Iowa Great Lakes Area. The first project connected the West Okoboji Trail with Tatanka Ska Trace. This connection provides nearly 40 miles of continuous trail. The second project provided another extension from the Tatanka Ska Trace paving two miles.
Okoboji Dough Company
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!
The Dickinson County Nature Center
The Nature Center in Okoboji recently updated their sign and repaved the parking lot. Check out there programs and events for kids and families that will be offered this summer.
Preservation Plaza Concession Stand
The new concession stand at Preservation Plaza has recently been completed and features new restrooms and a VIP seating area for Live at the Lakes concerts!
The Stage
Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza this past year built. brand new stage hoping to replicate the waves of the lake along with the curves of the rollercoaster at the park. This stage will draw in bigger performers and will be able to accommodate more guests.
Boardwalk Grill
Boardwalk is located just outside the gates of Arnolds Park Amusement Park, and has a fantastic view of the State Pier and West Lake Okoboji! Specializing in Gyro's and Italian Beef, you will most definitely want to check out The Boardwalk this summer!
Lake Street
Imagine Iowa Great Lakes organization revitalized Lake Street with the completion of newly paved road, updated children's play area, new string lights, along with feature planter boxes.
EAST LAKE PARK
East Lake Park was totally transformed last summer and the marquee attraction, the "Minnie Queen" (photo above), opened with much fanfare and excitement. The Minnie Queen is a hit with the kids while the entire park is a beautiful place for a picnic and to take in beautiful East Lake Views. There is also a public dock for fishing or relaxing. Come by boat, bike, or car to East Lake Park this summer!
Boat Cottages @ Bridges Bay
The ALL NEW Boat Themed Cottages offer Bridges Bay guests the most whimsical and affordable free-standing rental option. New Boat Cottages are available beginning this summer as vacation rentals and are booked and managed separately from The Bridges Bay Resort front desk. The Boat Cottages sleep 8, have 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, full kitchen, and include 6 water park passes a day!
BOJ-E-Bikes Rentals
Sandy and Kim Norby started BOJ◦E-Bikes in Arnolds Park to enhance the lives of community members and those who visit through fun, affordable and healthy electric bike (or e-bike) rentals and sales. Explore the great area trails on an E-bike rented from Boj-e-bikes in Arnolds Park! Reservations are required in advance.
Okoboji Gas Company & Krafty's Meat Market
All new and totally remodeled, Okoboji Gas Company and Krafty's Meat Market, have taken over the property formerly occupied by Schuck's on Highway 86. Okoboji Gas Company will be a full service, gas and convenience store with a great selection of hot food, cold drinks and grocery items. Krafty's Meat Market has a great selection of fresh and frozen meats for all your grilling needs. Their brat selection, all made in-store, is amazing and unique. They also carry rubs, sauces, smoker pellets and bake their own buns right on sight.
The Okoboji Cyclist
The Okoboji Cyclist, formerly Okoboji Expedition, has changed their name and moved to a new location in downtown Milford (the former Melanders building). With a great new space The Okoboji Cyclist is your place to go for all things Cycling. Training, rentals, sales, and service, all under the same roof with fantastic coffee to pair.
Drip Okoboji
opens in a new windowDrip Okoboji, At drip okoboji we employ a staff of board certified medical professionals, so you can rest assured that someone you can trust will administer your hydration therapy treatment and it will be safe and effective.
IV hydration therapy aids in replenishing lost nutrients and electrolytes replenishing your body instantly, leaving you hydrated and revitalized. IV hydration allows for 100% absorption compared to only 50-60% absorption through oral hydration.
A typical IV hydration treatment takes 30-60 minutes.
Dining
Prime Boji is your new fine dining destination in Okoboji. On the main level of the Central Emporium and overlooking West Lake Okoboji, Prime Boji has one of the best views in the area. The menu includes Prime Steaks and Fresh Seafood.
TOPOG Coffeehouse, located in the Queen's Court shops by Arnolds Park, is excited to become "your place on the map"! "The name TOPOG comes from the word topography and pays tribute to the natural features of our area - a place on the map for locals and wayfarers alike to enjoy!" Open at 6 am daily, Topog will be serving up great coffee, bagels, sandwiches, ice cream and so much more.
Cafe Esteam opened this winter downtown Spirit Lake on Hill Avenue in Allure! Offering Fresh Coffee, scratch made baked goods, toasts, as well as real smoothies and smoothie bowls. When shopping downtown Spirit Lake Cafe Esteam is a must stop.
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!
** Helpful planning tip: If you're viewing this on your smart phone, click on any of the above blue links. Read more about it, and if you want to save it for your upcoming trip, choose to "add to my Calendar." Add it to your calendar during the dates you plan on visiting so it will be easy for you to find all the details while you're on your trip in Okoboji!