Sunsets & Chardonnay: “Adulting” in Okoboji
Whether you are empty nesting, a couple looking to get away for a long weekend, or a group of friends there is so much to do sans kids in Okoboji you may want to book a whole week!
STAY
As far as accommodations there are many fabulous choices. Check out the opens in a new windowOakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast which is an adults only boutique inn and overlooks a beautiful wetland in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes! Amazing breakfast included! Other suggestions include: opens in a new windowThe Okoboji Commons Hotel is crisp sleek and has many extras; the brand new opens in a new windowInn Hotel is fabulous, trendy and in the middle of it all; opens in a new windowArrowwood Resort is on Brooks Golf Course and is the home to Minervas restaurant, or opens in a new windowVintage Block is newly remodeled, has a pool and fire pits. If you need a more budget friendly hotel the newly remodeled opens in a new windowSuper 8 in Spirit Lake is crisp, clean and fantastic. For all lodging options opens in a new windowCLICK HERE.
PLAY
Who says Okoboji is just for the kids! Adults can enjoy over 60+ miles of paved opens in a new windowbike trails; opens in a new windowgolf a different course everyday; throw axes; or hit the lake for a cruise, paddle, or kayak. Biking is increasingly becoming a primary reason people travel to Okoboji as our opens in a new windowpaved trail system continues to grow and connect even more places and destinations. With 5 plus courses to choose from, there is no shortage of lush green opens in a new windowgolf courses and each has their own challenges, landscape, and views that you will want to try a new one every day of your stay!
Sip
Whether you are looking for amazing coffee, craft beer, local wine or a tickle your taste buds island drink you can find it all in Okoboji! With so many wonderful patios you can spend all afternoon relaxing and enjoying your favorite iced drink or cocktail. You will love the view, breeze and outdoor drinks at opens in a new windowThe Barefoot Bar, opens in a new windowOkoboji Store, or opens in a new windowThe Gardens. Start your morning with great coffee, smoothie or breakfast at Topog or Arnolds Perk. Be sure to stop at opens in a new windowWest O and opens in a new windowOkoboji Brewing Company, come in the afternoon and you may be able to get a brewery tour. Hoping to find your favorite cocktail or try something new head to The Common Tasting Room for upscale drinks or if you want to hang with the locals check out opens in a new windowThe Hutt or opens in a new windowTweeter's Bar & Grill.
Savor
Okoboji has no shortage of amazing places to eat. In fact, deciding where to eat may be the hardest decision you make all day! Great sunsets can be enjoyed while dinning at the, opens in a new windowWaterfront Grille, opens in a new windowPub 19, opens in a new windowThe Gardens, or the opens in a new windowOkoboji Store. For a great sunset from the top of the Emporium, in a classy environment, check out Prime Boji. Celebrating a special occasion? Be sure to make your reservation for Minerva's, opens in a new windowThe Outrigger, or opens in a new windowYesterday's and don't skip the Key Lime Pie, no matter how full you are! If your in the mood for Mexican fare check out opens in a new windowLos Pueblos or opens in a new windowLa Barca. For casual indoor or outdoor dinning don't miss Snappers, Tweeter's, opens in a new windowThe Hutt, opens in a new windowBurger & Company or opens in a new windowSmokin' Jakes. Don't forget breakfast stops at the iconic opens in a new windowO'Farrell Sisters, or opens in a new windowThe Hutt on weekends!
Shop
From unique boutiques, Okoboji clothes, house wares, antique shops and everything in between Okoboji shopping can fill a whole day or more! You could start your day to the north at the growing and eclectic shops on Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake. Make sure you check out opens in a new windowAllure for trendy clothes, workout wear, gifts, rugs, and furniture. Next stop is The Great Lakes Mall where you can clothes shop for all ages at F opens in a new windowashion Formula, opens in a new windowThe Look, or opens in a new windowWild Child. You can also find the perfect accessories at opens in a new windowSpirit Lake Silver and Gold and if your looking to freshen up a room or your whole house opens in a new windowInteriors is your one stop home decor store. Next head south on highway 71 to opens in a new windowMary’s Home Decor and Gift shop, where you can shop for clothes, house wares or a wide variety of kitchen gadgets. From there head to opens in a new windowWest Boutique for brands like Free People, Sperry, Everly, Velvet Heart and much more. You will need the whole afternoon in Arnolds Park to shop opens in a new windowThe Central Emporium and opens in a new windowQueen's Court! opens in a new windowHomeology is filled to the brim with home decor, gift ideas, and a full line of clothing and accessories. You will most definitely want to check out Elements for fresh flowers, home decor, unique jewelry and much more! Of course, no trip to Okoboji is complete without shopping at The Three Sons in Milford, need we say more?
If antique shopping is more your style be sure to make time for Timeless Consignments, The Spirit Lake Antique Mall, and Antiques Etc.
Topside
Explore
Take a day or two to tour our local museums which will take you on a trip through time in Okoboji. Start at the opens in a new windowIowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum located in the year-round opens in a new window Iowa Welcome Center and gift shop. The friendly folks here can help point you in the direction of anything going on in Okoboji! The Maritime Museum itself houses an impressive collection of antique wooden boats, maritime history, and amusement park memorabilia including the wooden slide, barrel and sugar bowl. While here you can also swing through the opens in a new windowIowa Rock 'N Roll museum which preserves the legacy of Rock 'N Roll in Iowa, is all brand new and is super impressive. We are not exaggerating when we say you could spend ALL DAY at the opens in a new windowClark Museum in Milford. The Clark Museum features thousands of historic photos of the area as well as artifacts from restaurants, the amusement park and so much more. You will most definitely NOT want to miss the opens in a new windowOkoboji Classic Cars Museum, which showcases a rotating inventory of restored classic cars amidst a backdrop of floor to ceiling murals by artist Jack Rees. Even if you are not a classic car lover you will be WOWED by Okoboji Classic Cars! Don't forget the opens in a new windowAbbie Gardner Cabin, and the opens in a new windowDickinson County Museum.
You will also want to make time to explore the amazing and always changing art work at the opens in a new windowPearson Lakes Art Center or the wonderful information and exhibits at the opens in a new windowDickinson County Nature Center (reopening soon).
Cheers to a great time with friends during your next visit to Okoboji. Visit opens in a new windowvacationokoboji.com to learn about the great places to stay and opens in a new windowcheck current availability. You are also welcome to call the Okoboji Tourism Office at 712-332-2209 to learn more.
** Helpful Tip: Every event, attraction, restaurant, hotel, and other listing on VacationOkoboji.com has an "add to calendar" button. Click that to add the information to your calendar. It will help you plan your trip, keep your Okoboji schedule organized, and easily find contact information while you're in Okoboji!
