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.
There are a variety of choices when it comes to family reunion lodging in Okoboji. When planning a large group, multi generational family reunion there are many things to consider: location, on or off the lake, resort amenities, and the use of communal space on site, just to name a few. Considering different lifestyle needs is a must and the properties below all work with your unique desires.
On Lake Resort with a pool:
Bridges Bay Resort overlooks East Lake, however you can’t really swim in the lake from the resort but there is an indoor and outdoor waterpark. There are 2 Restaurants and many other amenities.
(144 Rooms on property. From traditional hotel rooms, to condos with kitchens, and stand alone cottages. There are also vacation rentals by owner on site)
Fillenwarth Beach Resort is right on beautiful West Lake Okoboji and is in the center of all the action! Lakeside swimming, boat rides, activities for the kids and a swimming pool. Fillenwarth is a full service family owned resort.
(96 Rooms on property, 38 Different types of rooms, including lakefront Chateaus, cottages, and a large house that sleeps 18)
Triggs Bay Resort on East Lake Okoboji has a great beach, pool, and boat rentals onsite. Book this one early as many of their guests return year after year.
(48 rooms with kitchens on the property)
Village West Resort is a large property on the northwest side of West Lake Okoboji. Village West has a great beach, indoor pool, and boat rental onsite.
(257 Rooms, some with kitchenette’s)
On Lake / no pool:
Crescent Beach Family Resort on West Lake Okoboji is a wonderful family resort with a great beach. They have a large lodge house that will sleep a large family with an amazing Chef’s Kitchen. There is also a private park for the kids and a Pub with light appetizers and pizza.
(29 units, with kitchenette’s and a variety of sleeping options. The Grand Lodge sleeps 14 and the Little Sioux Cottage sleeps 12)
Off Lake Hotel with pool:
Americinn Hotel has an indoor pool and an expansive continental breakfast in the morning which is included with your stay. There is also a fire-pit to gather around.
(61 Rooms, pet friendly; right next door to Arrowwood Resort)
Lake Okoboji Resort and Conference Center has both indoor and outdoor pools, and recently remolded rooms which are fresh, clean and fabulous. There are a variety of meeting rooms and is located on beautiful Brooks Golf Course.
(100 rooms; Right next door to Americinn)
Vintage Block and Suites is a very family friendly hotel with spacious rooms and many have bunk beds. They have a continental breakfast which is included with your stay, an outdoor pool and fire pits.
(54 Rooms; some with Kitchenettes)
Other Lodging:
Blue Water Bungalows: Recently remodeled and under new ownership this fabulous little property is ideal for a small family reunion or friends gathering. The are 6 beautifully updated and unique bungalow’s the sleep from 4 to 8 people. Your family can rent the whole resort if you want to! Great green space with fire-pits and just steps away from Terrace Park Beach.
Okoboji has a variety of great camps on and around the lake and many have weekend lodging or early and late season lodging which is perfect for family reunions. Consider Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, Lakeshore Center Camp, or Lutheran Lakeside Camp.
If your looking for a house or cabin on the lake of off the beaten path check out sites like: VRBO.com or AIRBNB.com.
Tips:
Book early for best results. A year in advance is not out of the question.
The last week in June and / or first couple of weeks of July will probably be your best bet to find something for very large groups.
Sunday – Thursday stays are often far less busy than over the weekends
PLAY
There is so much to see and do while you are in Okoboji and there truly is something for everyone!
For the Kids:
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 ages to let out their inner child. DISCLAIMER: big kids and kids at heart love Arnolds Park also!
Dickinson County Nature Center – Check out the live animals, indoor beehive, kids space and the all new interactive exhibits in the Pollinator Paradise. Outside you’ll find the Nature Playscape, a perfect spot for kids to be creative and use some energy! The best part…it’s all FREE! The hardest part will be getting your kids to leave!
Kurio Kastle – Kids and adults alike will enjoy painting their own piece of pottery at the Kurio Kastle in downtown Spirit Lake! Great activity for a super hot or rainy day.
Splash Pad at Memorial Park in Spirit Lake – is a great destination to cool off, splash and play. Overlooking East Lake there are two shelters, playground equipment and picnic tables. Bring your lunch and enjoy a day at Memorial park
For the Teens:
Riddle Me That Escape Room is a thrilling adventure where you solve riddles and puzzles and find clues in order to escape out of a room. Solve the mystery puzzle before the time runs out.
Coffee and those crazy sweet, blended coffee drinks are loved by teens anytime of the day and Okoboji has a variety of great coffee spots. They will especially love hanging out at Arnolds Perk and Topog during your stay in Okoboji.
Water fun abounds in Okoboji and teens can get in on the fun in serval ways. Whether you rent a personal watercraft, a stand up paddle board or kayak there are so many ways to enjoy the water. If they are feeling adventurous give parasailing a try! Fishing their thing rent a guide for the day or fish off a dock.
The Superior 71 Drive in Movie Theater is definitely a favorite of all area teens. The theater has two screens and shows 4 movies each night. Just decide which two, get some snacks, get comfortable and enjoy top first run movies the old fashioned way!
For the Adults:
Okoboji Classic Car Museum the ultimate man cave is truly an attraction everyone can appreciate! A car and art museum all in one it is a must do on your Okoboji vacation.
West O Beer is a must stop while you are in Okoboji. From their award winning beer to their amazing brick oven pizza you may find yourself there more than one time during your visit.
Rooftop drinks and dining are all the rage anywhere you go and Okoboji has same great options. Check out the Okoboji Store, Captain’s Getaway and Portside Pizza Pub for great over the top views of Okoboji!
For Everyone:
A family reunion to Okoboji would not be complete without a BEACH DAY! Okoboji has many wonderful beaches for your family to enjoy.
Boji Splash Water Park is an awesome indoor / outdoor Waterpark and Arcade at Bridges Bay and is all day fun for the whole family!
Okoboji Summer Theatre -Every summer for more than 60 years audiences look forward to students and faculty from Stephens College, joined by professional guest artists, returning to manage, produce and star in the Okoboji Summer Theatre’s nine productions. This talented ensemble also produces several shows for children at the adjacent Boji Bantam Children’s Theatre.
Shopping abounds in Okoboji. There are so many great T-shirt shops, boutiques, and so much shopping to be done in Okoboji. From the shops at Queen’s Court, The Great Lakes Mall, Central Emporium, and a variety of boutiques dotted throughout the are, there is literally something for everyone! Don’t forget the Marina’s, Parks Marina, Mau Marine, and Oak Hill Outdoor have a great selection of clothes and everything you need on the water.
Mini golf – With two great courses mini golf is fun for the whole family. Pirate’s Cove, ‘the Original Adventure Golf,’ offers an unequaled miniature golf experience! Putt your way through caves, over foot-bridges and under cascading waterfalls, all amidst a fun-filled atmosphere of natural wonders, extraordinary landscaping, and enchanting pirate lore. Treasure Village Mini Golf, with a storybook theme, is the area’s only 27-hole course with unique obstacles and Mischief Spinners. Make sure and have some ice cream!
The Queen II: As famous as the Park itself, the Queen is an Okoboji favorite. Enjoy a 1 hour narrated cruise on beautiful West Lake Okoboji.
Boat Rentals or boat cruises are another great way to get out on the water. You can rent a boat from a variety of places in Okoboji and you can be your own captain for the day or hire one when you rent the boat. If a public cruise with no worries is more your style Okoboji Boat Works has several a day.
EAT
There are so many great places to eat while your family is Okoboji. The following establishments have party rooms for your large group gathering. Just be sure to book the party room in advance and read below for other tips for eating out with a large group.
The Hutt Bar and Grill has a great screened in patio connected to the main restaurant yet fully enclosed for your group’s fun and privacy. The Hutt has something for everyone on their menu!
Tweeter’s, your neighborhood bar and grill has a great party room for your family gathering. Tweeter’s is know for great burgers, steaks, awesome appetizers, Mexican dishes and everything in between. They can also cater large group gathering off site.
Outrigger has a quaint party room for your family to gather. If you are celebrating an anniversary or other special occasion Outrigger is just the place. From chicken, sandwiches, steaks and seafood your family will love it all.
Waterfront Grille and Event Center has several rooms available for your family dinner or special celebration. From steaks, seafood and wood oven pizza you will remember your special night at Waterfront Grille overlooking East Lake Okoboji.
Tips:
Eat during off times, late morning for breakfast or mid afternoon for lunch or an early dinner.
Make reservations for large groups on weekdays and well in advance of your stay. Always make reservations for party rooms in advance.
Make it easy for the staff by having one bill or at the least sitting people who are each bill close together.
The Barefoot Bar has a lot of room for big groups to spread out and you walk up to the food shack to order food as anyone in the group gets hungry. There is also popcorn and ice cream snacks inside!