You’ll find a thriving arts and culture in the Iowa Great Lakes area! Explore our community and you’ll be greeted by a wide variety of murals, painted furniture and so much more. Check them out!
Okoboji Murals and Public Art: A Self-Guided Art Tour
The Iowa Great Lakes region is bursting with color, creativity, and local pride — and you can see it all come to life through Okoboji murals and public art. Thanks to visionary initiatives like Imagine Iowa Great Lakes, visitors and residents alike are treated to vibrant murals, whimsical sculptures, and hand-painted furniture that turn everyday spaces into art experiences.
Whether you’re biking the trails or strolling through Arnolds Park, keep your eyes peeled for unexpected artistic treasures. From large-scale murals that reflect the spirit of the lakes to functional art pieces like painted benches, Okoboji murals and public art add beauty and storytelling to the landscape.
Emerald Hills Golf Club
Artist: John Neal
Okoboji Summer Theatre
Artist: Lili Payne Lennox
Spine Trail Mural
Artist: Thomas F. Agran
Painted Furniture
As part of Imagine Iowa Great Lakes‘ mission to improve and enhance the Iowa Great Lakes region, Imagine Iowa Great Lakes has commissioned local artists to paint works of art on furniture to place at gathering spots throughout the area.
Taco House
Dickinson County Museum
Artist: Kipp Davis
Iowa Rock’N Roll Museum
The Three Sons
Artist: Cherie Lee
Wahpeton City Park
Artist: Cherie Lee
Millstone Park
Artists: Dennis Reynolds and TJ Moberg This iconic public art piece for the City of Milford will serve as a gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes while telling a story of Milford’s origins as the home of several water driven mills. The piece is designed to provide multiple viewing experiences including a large scale impact as people drive by on their way to the lakes, or more intimate experiences as people walk and bike to the site to stop, explore and sit within the art piece. The shapes, shadows and details will constantly shift, change and reveal themselves as you experience it from different viewpoints.
The piece also represents a place in time that will pay homage to the past, connect to the present and reach out to the future, including four time-capsules that will be opened every 25 years. The character and quality of the art experience will also shift throughout the year as the wheel structure casts different shadow patterns according to the seasons.
The design of the main shelter-like structure of the art piece was inspired by the water wheel from the sawmill that was built in 1869 that Milford would be named after. The art piece’s structure provides shade and a place to sit while also experiencing it from within. In addition, thru digital mapping and laser projectors, imagery of Okoboji water will be cast under the water wheel structure. This playful and interactive experience might have visitors contemplating whether to dip their toe into the projected lake.
We hope visitors driving by will be intrigued enough by the art experience that they will stop and enjoy some of the details that the park and public art piece will offer to both Milford residents and visitors.
Learn more about this project here.
The Throwing Post Arnolds Park Mural
Artist: Jenna Brownlee
Arnolds Park Pinwheels
Artist: Matthew Placzek
The Pinwheels, designed by Matthew Placzek, add color, whimsical charm and light to the walkway near the Arnolds Park museums. The sculptures were installed December of 2019. Matthew creates sculptures that range in size from small pieces to large-scale sculptures that stand over 90 feet tall. No matter the size, his work is transformative, moving and unforgettable. Imagine Iowa Great Lakes is honored and excited to have his work on display in the Iowa Great Lakes as part of their beautification efforts.
Why Okoboji Murals and Public Art Matter
Public art isn’t just decoration — it enhances our connection to place. The Okoboji murals and public art initiative uplifts the community, supports regional artists, and gives locals and visitors a fresh way to explore the Iowa Great Lakes.
Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or a summer-long stay, take time to enjoy these artistic highlights. You’ll leave inspired, and maybe with a few extra photos on your phone!
Plan Your Art Walk
Want to see it all? Pick up a visitor guide at the Okoboji Welcome Center or create your own Okoboji murals and public art tour using our interactive map.
Keep Exploring
Tag us in your art discoveries using #VacationOkoboji and share your favorite murals and sculptures! From colorful surprises to meaningful landmarks, there’s art around every corner here in Okoboji.