Things to do in Okoboji
Okoboji has been a tradition for generations. If you’ve never made the trip, you’ll find plenty of fun on the Iowa Great Lakes.
Boat, water ski, fish and truly unplug at this resort area, which also offers 60+ miles of trails, theaters, museums and an amusement park that’s more than a century old.
Below are tips on where to visit, dine and play.
Amusement Park
From iconic favorites like The Legend Roller Coaster and Ferris Wheel, to modern attractions like the Log Flume and Water Wars, Historic Arnolds Park offers exciting rides for all ages.
Raceway
Unleash your need for speed at the Arnolds Park Raceway. With three exciting tracks, there’s a race and a pace for everyone.
The Queen II
The Queen II Excursion Boat is the only attraction of its kind in Okoboji. An Okoboji summer is not complete without a ride on this majestic boat. Her Majesty accommodates up to 200 guests and offers of a guided tour of West Lake Okoboji’s beautiful bays and beaches…and homes!
Maritime Museum
View rare artifacts and immerse yourself in the lore of the Iowa Great Lakes. See a rare collection of antique wooden boats and view a boat pulled from the depths of West Okoboji. Browse the new reproduction of the “Okoboji Store” or peruse retro ride parts, signs and other souvenirs left from Historic Arnolds Park’s earlier days. Whether young or old, an Okoboji native or a first-time visitor, the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum is an integral part of your Historic Arnolds Park experience. Did we mention that the original Fun House Slide is open within the museum?
Preservation Plaza, Pavilion and Roof Garden
Back in the day, big bands and old-time rock n’ roll ruled the stage at the fabled Roof Garden. While the sound has changed, the spirit remains the same. Each summer, Historic Arnolds Park hosts a FREE concert series at Preservation Plaza and the NEW Roof Garden & Pavilion are shining jewels in this Okoboji crown!
This year-round emporium of art is located in Downtown Spirit Lake. One-of-a-kind pieces, including Okoboji collectables. Conveniently located off of Hill Avenue across from the Spirit Lake Post office.
No shirt, no shoes, NO PROBLEM is the mantra of this on-the-water East Okoboji destination known for live music, community activities, children’s playground and special events.
The Bedell Family Y is a year-round fitness and community center open to people of all ages for a fit body, mind and soul.
Family theatre through the Okoboji Summer Theatre. These are fun multi-generational live productions for your Okoboji vacation!
Brooks Golf offers 27 holes with 3 distinct 9 hole layouts. Enjoy smooth greens and bent-grass tees & fairways. Their clubhouse consists of a pro-shop and Pub open daily.
Focused on providing campers with a truly Okoboji experience, this fun-filled summer camp offers both overnight and day camps for youth. The facility is also available for company retreats.
Each September the “World’s Greatest County Fair” opens to thousands of visitors. Live entertainment daily, grandstand shows, hundreds of exhibitors, livestock shows, food vendors and a midway. Located just south of the Okoboji area!
Artfully prepared small plates, fine wine, beer and craft cocktails are served with a big city vibe. Live music enhances this chic Okoboji experience.
Year-round family fun in Spirit Lake. Corner Lanes has a great menu and family-friendly atmosphere. Ideal for rainy Okoboji days!
FREE family fun at this year-round Okoboji destination for environmental learning, fun and celebration. New Pollinator Paradise, summer day camp activities and the Bee & Butterfly Festival to wrap up each Okoboji summer!
Our county boasts an extensive trails system offering residents and visitors a safe opportunity to bike, skate, run and cross-country ski.
This Arnolds Park 18-hole course welcomes amateurs, novices and professionals. Situated a few blocks from the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Emerald Hills boasts a pro shop, lessons and a multi-purpose room for celebrations.
Along the boardwalk in Arnolds Park, rent wave runners, speed boats, fly boards and go parasailing.
This majestic wooded State Park is ideal for a day of hiking and exploration. Located in Estherville, this proves a wonderful backdrop for family reunions, weddings and other celebrations.
An ideal activity for rainy or ultra-hot Okoboji days!
This Okoboji museum, which opened in 1978, is purposed with the acquisition, preservation and display of the notes, related artifacts and pertinent reference materials relating to the National Bank Note issuance era.
Indian Hills Golf Club, a daily fee course, is located at the Iowa Great Lakes. Indian Hills is a gorgeous 9-hole golf course that is nestled among gently rolling hills and guides you around their own Bass Lake.
Lakeside Lab is owned by the state of Iowa and operated through the Board of Regents. Its mission is twofold: 1) to provide science classes and research opportunities for university students, and 2) to offer Outreach Programs and provide services through the state universities.
Lakeside’s 147-acre campus is located on scenic West Okoboji Lake, on Little Miller’s Bay. The bay and adjacent natural areas are used as outdoor classrooms for Lakeside’s university courses and Outreach Programs. The campus is open year round, and visitors are welcome to visit during daylight hours.
The Iowa Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame Museum provides visitors with an in-depth look at Iowa’s rockin’ roots through informative exhibits and artifacts from bands, musicians, and radio personalities. The exhibits tell dozens of stories of the colorful personalities and pulsating rock and roll music that shaped Iowa’s musical history.
Simple. Easy. Fun. Paint your own pottery at this family friendly business nestled in Downtown Spirit Lake. No need for an appointment, stop by and pick out your pottery, select your colors and begin creating. Kurio Kastle is ideal for parties, team building experiences and when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
Okoboji’s only pick-your-own apple orchard, Little Sioux provides a fun family fall outing. Corn maze, homemade products, infinite photo opportunities and more.
Little Swan Lake Winery is a family owned and operated business located 1-1/2 miles north of the small town of Superior in Northwest Iowa. The tasting room, a remodeled 1920’s barn, features 35 different wines all produced on-site, a selection of gourmet cheeses, and buffalo meat from their own herd roaming nearby.
Right on West Lake Okoboji in the Village West complex is your headquarters for competitive ply priced rentals of jet skis, speed boats, pontoons, paddle boats, kayaks and much more!
In addition to boat sales, rentals of both boats and watercraft are available to allow you to enjoy the blue waters of Okoboji.
A stone’s throw away from the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, this marina sells and rents both boats and watercraft. Oak Hill also offers lessons to ensure your time on the water is both safe and pleasurable.
Along the shores of gorgeous West Lake Okoboji, OBW is a Smith’s Bay icon. Enjoy the beach, rent boats/watercraft, stop by their “Inconvenience Store”, enjoy a public or private cruise, shop for apparel at West Boutique and more.
Locally brewed craft beer in Spirit Lake. Enjoy flights and pints, and while food is not served in this relaxed environment, OBC encourages you to have your favorite foods delivered. Live entertainment and food trucks are also featured at Okoboji Brewing Company.
The ultimate experience for automobile enthusiasts, gear heads, art collectors and families looking for a truly unique Okoboji experience. OCC is also home to many events, including fundraisers and weddings. Okoboji Classic Cars is open year-round and boasts an elaborate mural of both historic Arnolds Park and Spencer, Ia.
Visitors can tour the plant where their cherished Indian Motorcycle was proudly manufactured. Open year-round, the Polaris plant also has gift items and demo rides (weather permitting). Cycles can be purchased a mile south of the plant, as well as Okoboji Indian attire and accessories. This experience will make you rev your engines!
Founded in 1932, the Okoboji Yacht Club has helped teach youth vital sailing skills. In addition to being a sailing school, the OYC hosts regattas and summer events to help celebrate the majestic blue waters we call home.
For over 60 years the students of Stephens College in Missouri trek north to entertain thousands through their summer productions. Expect comedy, mystery, musicals and more each season. Truly an Iowa Great Lakes tradition!
Okoboji View Golf Course was built and opened for play in 1962. This 18-hole course has gone through a major overhaul since 2005, which includes Pub 19 – known for its pizza, as well as incorporating a watershed that has added to its beauty and benefiting the water quality flowing into West Lake Okoboji.
Known as the “Marina District”, Parks Marina sells and rents both boats and watercraft. Home to the Barefoot Bar, nightlife and community events. Gift shop, children’s playground and boat slip make it a fun family destination by car or boat.
Open year round, PLAC is conveniently located in Okoboji along Highway 71. In addition to gallery exhibits, the Lakes Art Center also boasts live performances, speakers, celebrations, educational opportunities for all ages and a creative outlet for everyone.
An iconic building along Highway 71 in Milford, this theatre boasts new comfort recliner seating and family-friendly pricing.
Families find true adventure as they putt their way through the world of 18th century pirates. Located next to the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, no Okoboji vacation is complete without saying “Arghh” at least once on this 18-hole mini-golf course.
Experience a thrilling experience where you solve riddles/puzzles and discover clues in order to escape a room. Solve the mystery puzzle with your friends/family before the time runs out.
Over 19,000 vines produce the grapes for this Southern Minnesota vineyard, just a short drive from Okoboji. In addition to the winery, Round Lake also has a bistro with cuisine the entire family will enjoy.
122 252nd St., Orleans, IA 51360
This hatchery plays a vital role in keeping bodies of water teeming with fish throughout the state. Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge are among the fish hatched and reared at this facility on the south end of Big Spirit Lake. A fantastic opportunity for all ages to learn about conservation in the Iowa Great Lakes.
The Spirit Lake Splash pad is located on the 10 acres of Memorial Park, which was renovated in 2012. This park also boasts 2 shelters, a walking path and bike trail. The park has 1,500 feet of shoreline of East Lake Okoboji, pedestrian underpass, horseshoe court, playground equipment, 2 handicap-accessible piers, 2 fishing/boat docks, park benches, picnic tables, grills, and accessible restrooms. Make a SPLASH on a sweltering Okoboji day!
A blast from the past, Superior 71 Drive-In is a short drive from the Okoboji area. With two screens, enjoy the latest blockbuster double features from the comfort of your own vehicle. Open spring to early fall each season. A concession stand contains all of your must-have snacks!
Axe throwing has been traced back to the stone ages, and has been recognized as a safe and fun activity for adults of all ages. Never thrown an axe before? Our axe coaches will guide you through safety and throwing technique and set you up for some friendly competition with your friends. Enjoy a craft beer during your session, and order in some food of your choice from one of our preferred restaurants. Check this activity off of your bucket list during your Okoboji vacation. Open year-round.
This Okoboji attraction boasts a mini golf course as well as the ever-popular flea markets on Memorial Day/4th of July/Labor Day Weekends. Opens late May.
Craft beer enthusiasts make West O a stop during their stay in Okoboji. With water being an integral ingredient in this locally brewed product, West O gives back to lakes area environmental organizations to protect the blue waters thousands flock to each and every year.