Get out and Enjoy the Snow!
There are so many winter activities in Okoboji – making the Iowa Great Lakes a year round destination! Join us to explore hundreds of miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking and observing winter birds! You’ll also find indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks, or bundle up and head to the beach to build snowcastles! And don’t forget about the fun of the catch while ice fishing!
Outdoor Winter Adventures
Snowmobiling Fun
The Dickinson County Snowhawks groom hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails across the county, connecting to nearby areas and even into Minnesota! These well-maintained trails welcome riders of all skill levels. Load up your sled and explore scenic winter landscapes!
Snowshoe Through Kenue Park
Borrow snowshoes from the Dickinson County Nature Center and trek across 70 peaceful acres of Kenue Park in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes. It’s a serene way to enjoy the snow and spot winter birds.
Cross-Country Skiing
Strap on your skis and glide across the groomed trails at Brooks Golf Club in Okoboji or head to the scenic Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area. These trails offer peaceful views and invigorating exercise.
Tubing Thrills
When conditions allow, Horseshoe Bend Tubing Hill opens on winter weekends! Admission includes a tube and access to the hill—and don’t worry, there’s a tow rope to get you back to the top for more runs. When open and operating tubing at Horseshoe Bend Tubing Hill is one of the top winter activities in Okoboji!
Ice Fishing
No list of winter activities in Okoboji is complete without ice fishing! Visit a local bait shop for tips, bait, and safety advice. For a more guided experience, hire a local fishing guide who’ll take care of the gear and help you make the most of your time on the ice.
Stop by an area bait shop before you head out on the ice for an afternoon of fishing. They’ll offer great tips, sell you any bait and supplies you need, and give helpful advice of locations to avoid to stay safe.
If you’d like more guidance, it’s well worth the money to hire a fishing guide to take you out for a few hours. Your guide will have all the supplies you need and make sure you have a day to remember! You can even fish from the Fish House at Okoboji Boat Works in Smith’s Bay.
Ice Skating
Lakes Ice Arena
In the winter when the lake freezes over, the Iowa Great Lakes become one giant ice skating rink! If you’re not quite ready for that challenge, head over to the Lakes Ice Arena for open skate nights! The Lakes Ice Arena is a great destination for indoor ice skating. The indoor arena is filled with local hockey teams most weekdays, but everyone can get on the ice during open skate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Skate rentals are available.
You’re also welcome to visit any of Okoboji’s beaches to build a snow castle!
Warm Up Indoors
Want to escape the cold? There are plenty of indoor winter activities in Okoboji for the whole family to enjoy! From exploring local museums to splashing in the water park – you’re sure to be entertained! Grab your family and try something new!
Local Museums
When you’re ready to warm up, head inside to one of Okoboji’s many museums. The personality of Okoboji has been shaped by its significant history, and our local museums can help take you on a trip through time in learning about how this place came to be! Take the time out of your day to plan a route to all of our museums. With 13 area museums you’re sure to be entertained!
Click here to learn more information about where to find all of the great museums Okoboji has to offer! These indoor experiences are a perfect complement to all the exciting winter activities in Okoboji, offering fun and education for all ages.
Bridges Bay Indoor Waterpark
The only indoor waterpark in the area, Bridges Bay, is a great way to spend a weekend day in the winter! This indoor waterpark is a must-visit during your winter getaway. It’s one of the most popular winter activities in Okoboji for families who want a break from the cold without missing out on the fun! You can float along the lazy river, jet down the tube or body slide, hop across the lily pads or sail the high seas on a pirate ship.
Don’t forget to visit the arcade! With a large variety of games you’re sure to have a fulfilled afternoon of competition! After a day of fun, head to Waterfront Grille & Event Center for some amazing flat bread pizza.
Dickinson County Nature Center
You will be amazed at the Dickinson County Nature Center! The kids will be able to spend hours exploring the glacial trail and other habitats in addition to the many other hands-on exhibits. You will all be wowed by the Pollinator Paradise with the human sized honey comb the kids can climb and crawl through, a food truck, follow the path of pollination and so much more! The best part is it is all FREE!
Creative & Cultural Experiences
Pearson Lakes Art Center
The Pearson Lakes Art Center is home to a beautiful performing arts center, exquisite artist’s works, outdoor gallery, art smart gallery, and so much more. It is the perfect place for exploring the creative minds of local artists and artists outside the lakes area. Bring the kids while you walk through the galleries as they play in the art smart gallery!
Kurio Kastle
Downtown Spirit Lake is home to Kurio Kastle – a paint-your-own pottery studio for artists of all ages. No appointment needed – just walk in and join the fun! They provide the pottery, glaze, tools, and ideas, all you have to do is be ready to have creative fun!
Indoor Recreation for Kids (and Adults!)
Bedell Family YMCA
Rock climbing, basketball, swimming, and even childcare if parents need a break.
Juniper Lanes Bowling Alley
Recently renovated with pizza, drinks, and cosmic bowling.
Great Lakes Cinema 7 & Milford Pioneer Theater
Relax with buttery popcorn and new releases in comfy recliner seating!
Cozy Library Visits
On snowy days, stop by the public libraries in Spirit Lake, Arnolds Park, or Milford. These welcoming spaces offer story times, events, and plenty of great reads for all ages.
Escape the Cold With a Mystery
Riddle Me That is a thrilling escape room experience in Okoboji! Bring a group of friends or family and work together to solve clues and beat the clock. No photos—no spoilers!
Winter Shopping Sprees
From one-of-a-kind boutiques to Okoboji-themed gifts, shop your way through the Iowa Great Lakes. Plan your itinerary to visit our area’s varsity of stores found both downtown and at the Great Lakes Mall. Click here to explore all of the retail opportunities in the Iowa Great Lakes.
Plan Your Winter Getaway
We hope your family will join us for a fun-filled winter vacation packed with winter activities in Okoboji. Whether you’re zipping down the Horseshoe Bend Tubing Hill, ice skating on West Lake, or exploring indoor spots like the nature center or art galleries, there’s something for everyone.
Winter activities in Okoboji blend outdoor excitement with cozy indoor fun, making it the ideal family destination this season. So bundle up, book your stay (with a hotel that has an indoor pool!), and come see why winter activities in Okoboji are unforgettable.