Getting to Okoboji: Your Travel Guide
Located in northwest Iowa, Okoboji is a popular destination offering various travel options. For those driving, it’s approximately 200 miles from Des Moines, 140 miles from Sioux City, and 90 miles from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Major highways such as U.S. Highway 71 and Iowa Highway 9 provide direct routes to the area. If you’re flying, the nearest airports are Fort Dodge Regional Airport (76 miles away) and Sioux Falls Regional Airport (approximately 81 miles away). Once you arrive, local transportation options include car rentals, taxis, and shuttle services to help you navigate the beautiful Iowa Great Lakes region.
Des Moines, IA – 200 miles
LINCOLN, NE – 230 MILES
MANKATO, MN – 100 MILES
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – 180 MILES
OMAHA, NE – 180 MILES
ROCHESTER, MN – 170 MILES
SIOUX CITY, IA – 115 MILES
SIOUX FALLS, SD – 100 MILES
Driving Directions
Reaching Okoboji is easy with several major routes leading straight to the lakes. From Des Moines, take I-35 north to Highway 20 west, then head north on Highway 71. Travelers from Lincoln can hop on Highway 77 north to Sioux City, then follow Highway 20 east and connect to Highway 71 north. From Minneapolis or Mankato, take US-169 south, merging onto Highway 60 west and then Highway 86 south into the region. Sioux Falls visitors can take I-90 east to Highway 86 south, while those in Omaha should travel north on I-29, then take Highway 20 east to Highway 71 north. Wherever you’re coming from, the route to Okoboji is a scenic drive that sets the tone for a relaxing getaway.