Sponsored Content
The Iowa Great Lakes near Okoboji offer more than a scenic backdrop. Formed by glaciers thousands of years ago and today fed by natural springs, these eight lakes span 12,000 acres and offer memorable experiences all along the shoreline. Here are five ways to experience the crystal-clear waters both by boat and on land.
The most accessible boating experience can be found aboard the Queen II, a double-decker steamboat that offers narrated cruises around West Lake Okoboji. The 60-minute tour shares fascinating stories about the lake’s history and geology, which visitors can enjoy from the open-air upper deck and enclosed lower deck.
Parks Marina also offers a variety of cruises to fit your travel style – from family-friendly dock cruisers and sunset excursions to high-energy barge parties. For thrill seekers, consider participating in the Okoboji Sailing Center’s classes.
Take to the waters at your own leisure with boat rental opportunities throughout the area. These locations offer everything from pontoons, speed boats and jet skis to kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards:
Nothing beats dinner with a view. These lakeside restaurants boast the best sights and even better flavors.
For an elevated dining experience, grab a table at the Waterfront Grille. Its menu offers some of the best steak, seafood and pasta dishes around. For a more casual experience, head next door to Bracco, a summertime restaurant that merges tropical-themed cocktails with classic menu items like burgers, tacos, flatbread pizzas and more. Both locations are situated on the shores of East Lake Okoboji and offer stunning patio spaces where you can enjoy the views.
On West Lake Okoboji, Prime Boji specializes in high-quality steaks, seafood and views, plus locally sourced ingredients. This is a popular spot for the locals, so be sure to reserve your table ahead of time.
Offering stunning views of both East and West Lake Okoboji, The Okoboji Store is another popular stop for boaters, bikers and general visitors alike. The diverse menu features New American cuisine that pairs perfectly with the large outdoor deck and live music for a relaxing warm-weather evening.
Known as one of the area’s premier dining establishments, Maxwell’s Beach Café boasts exciting dishes and local flavors on the shores of West Okoboji Lake. The menu includes everything from locally sourced beef and pork products, classic cosmopolitan dishes and fresh seafood that’s flown in daily. Enjoy your meal on the covered or open patios for amazing lake views.
Find more lakeside dining:
Extend your lake getaway with a stay at one of the Okoboji area’s luxurious lakeside hotels and resorts.
Fillenwarth Beach Resort features a variety of accommodations, from cozy cottages to spacious apartments, all located just steps from the waters of West Lake Okoboji. During your stay, you can enjoy complimentary themed cruises, water skiing, sailing, paddle boats, canoes, beaches, pools and more.
An exciting destination year-round, Bridges Bay Resort merges the best of lake life with tropical fun. Beat the heat at the indoor Boji Splash Waterpark, which features thrilling slides, a lazy river and pirate ship play area. Or head outdoors to relax in the pool with a swim-up bar, water volleyball and racing slides. Brave visitors can also strap into the SkyRyder Zipline, which sails over 110 feet high for spectacular views of Lake Okoboji.
For a cozy retreat, book a cabin at Pick’s Lakeshore Resort. The six cabins can accommodate four to 12 guests and each includes a kitchenette with a stove, AC, charcoal grill and free Wi-Fi. The resort also has a private dock with ample space to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, yoga and fishing on the waters of West Lake Okoboji.
Just down the shoreline, Crescent Beach Family Resort offers a variety of lakefront suites, some accommodating up to 14 guests. Complimentary amenities include a private sand beach, fishing docks, water toys, an island playground with mini golf, paddle boats, paddle board, canoes and kayaks plus continental breakfast and an outdoor patio.
Here are more exciting lakeside lodging opportunities:
Soak up the scenery in a more natural setting at one of the area’s 13 parks and 10 beaches.
Crandall’s Beach is located on the western shore of Big Spirit Lake near Okoboji, just north of Marble Beach State Recreation Area.This isolated swimming area offers a perfect escape and can be accessed from a roadside gravel parking lot on Highway 276.
Head to Emerson Bay State Recreation Area to enjoy a sand beach and experience a bird’s-eye view of the lake from the 28-foot-tall observation tower at Lighthouse Point. The area also includes a picnic shelter, playground and open grassy areas perfect for families and groups to enjoy.
Just a touch further north on the shoreline, Gull Point State Park features a scenic beach that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing alongside picnic shelters and a playground, all surrounded by lush greenery.
Nestled on the northeast shore of West Lake Okoboji near Spirit Lake, Pikes Point State Park is home to one of the area’s most popular swim beaches.
Another popular swimming area, Terrace Park Beach in Milford boasts a long, fenced-in shoreline, clean sand and clear waters. Recent renovations have added a scenic boardwalk and improved beach access, making it a more enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Get off the beaten path with these unique opportunities throughout the area.
Change it up and discover adventures beneath the waters with Boji Divers. This full-service dive shop introduces beginner and skilled scuba divers to the wonders of Iowa’s deepest natural lakes. Book a private charter for a personalized experience, which can include anything from a leisurely trip blending casual diving and snorkeling to an action-packed series of expert dives.
For yoga enthusiasts, join The Studio (located in Spirit Lake) for classes that take place on stand-up paddleboards. Pay attention to their Facebook page for weekly schedule updates and pop-up classes.
There’s also plenty of unique fun on land. Set off on the Iowa Great Lakes Trail for over 40 miles of scenic pedaling. Or step back in time with a nostalgic visit to Arnolds Park Amusement Park, located on the shores of West Lake Okoboji. It features over 30 rides and attractions, including the wooden Legend Roller Coaster, which has been thrilling riders since 1930 and is recognized as one of the oldest operating wooden coasters in the country.
The area also boasts a variety of events throughout the summer. Catch lakeside music concerts at Preservation Plaza, The Okoboji Store and Mullets Okoboji. Watch a movie beneath the stars via the Movies by the Lakes series. Or spend Saturday morning perusing local goods at the Farmers Market in the Park.
