Iowa Great Lakes Guidebook
Activities & Locations
There's so much to see and do at the Dickinson County Nature Center for all ages. Better yet, it’s all free! Check out the live animals, indoor beehive, kids space area and all-new interactive exhibits in Pollinator Paradise. Head outside for the Nature playscape, disc-golf, trails and the Westport Schoolhouse.
Dickinson County Nature Center
22785 Nature Center RdThere's so much to see and do at the Dickinson County Nature Center for all ages. Better yet, it’s all free! Check out the live animals, indoor beehive, kids space area and all-new interactive exhibits in Pollinator Paradise. Head outside for the Nature playscape, disc-golf, trails and the Westport Schoolhouse.
If you are looking for a great friends or family destination to cool off, splash and pay, the Splash Pad is the place to be. Memorial Park, overlooking East Lake, has 2 shelters, playground equipment, picnic tables and the centerpiece Splash Pad! Bring your lunch and enjoy a day at the park.
Memorial Park
300 Lake StIf you are looking for a great friends or family destination to cool off, splash and pay, the Splash Pad is the place to be. Memorial Park, overlooking East Lake, has 2 shelters, playground equipment, picnic tables and the centerpiece Splash Pad! Bring your lunch and enjoy a day at the park.
Every summer for more than 60 years audiences look forward to students and faculty from Stephens College, joined by professional guest artists, returning to manage, produce and star in the Okoboji Summer Theatre’s nine productions. This talented ensemble also produces several shows for children at the adjacent Boji Bantam Children’s Theatre.
Okoboji Summer Theatre
2001 US-71Every summer for more than 60 years audiences look forward to students and faculty from Stephens College, joined by professional guest artists, returning to manage, produce and star in the Okoboji Summer Theatre’s nine productions. This talented ensemble also produces several shows for children at the adjacent Boji Bantam Children’s Theatre.
Make memories on more than 30 rides and attractions, including the famous wooden “Legend” Roller Coaster. There are rides for every size child, young and old, and games to challenge your skills! Free parking, free admission to Arnolds Park Amusement Park, just pay to ride the rides. The Park and Raceway are open daily at 10 a.m. in the summer.
39 locals recommend
Arnolds Park Amusement Park
37 Lake StMake memories on more than 30 rides and attractions, including the famous wooden “Legend” Roller Coaster. There are rides for every size child, young and old, and games to challenge your skills! Free parking, free admission to Arnolds Park Amusement Park, just pay to ride the rides. The Park and Raceway are open daily at 10 a.m. in the summer.
Each summer, Historic Arnolds Park hosts a FREE concert series at Preservation Plaza. Enjoy live music followed by a fireworks display every Saturday evening!
Preservation Plaza
Each summer, Historic Arnolds Park hosts a FREE concert series at Preservation Plaza. Enjoy live music followed by a fireworks display every Saturday evening!
Bring the family and make a splash any time of the year at Boji Splah waterpark – the only one in the area! The outdoor waterpark (all new pools and slides in 2020) will WOW you! Jet down the tube slide or float along the lazy river. When hunger strikes grab a snack, lunch, frozen treat or drink at the Pickled Parrot Cantina. Have fun all day long at Boji Splash!
6 locals recommend
Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark
630 Linden DrBring the family and make a splash any time of the year at Boji Splah waterpark – the only one in the area! The outdoor waterpark (all new pools and slides in 2020) will WOW you! Jet down the tube slide or float along the lazy river. When hunger strikes grab a snack, lunch, frozen treat or drink at the Pickled Parrot Cantina. Have fun all day long at Boji Splash!
Kurio Kastle is an awesome place for a family fun outing. They provide the pottery, glaze, tools, and ideas all you have to do is be ready to have creative fun. Just walk in and get started. No appointment necessary. Call ahead for groups of 6 or more. Come, paint, let your inner artist out!
Kurio Kastle: Pottery Painting Palace
709 16th StKurio Kastle is an awesome place for a family fun outing. They provide the pottery, glaze, tools, and ideas all you have to do is be ready to have creative fun. Just walk in and get started. No appointment necessary. Call ahead for groups of 6 or more. Come, paint, let your inner artist out!
Bouncelandia is the most unique and exciting inflatable attraction in the Midwest. They have the Worlds Largest Bounce House covering over 13,000 square feet and towering over 32 feet above the ground including a 1000 ft long obstacle course! Open May - October, weather permitting. Check their Facebook page for weather and hour announcements.
Bouncelandia
2501 Boji Bend DrBouncelandia is the most unique and exciting inflatable attraction in the Midwest. They have the Worlds Largest Bounce House covering over 13,000 square feet and towering over 32 feet above the ground including a 1000 ft long obstacle course! Open May - October, weather permitting. Check their Facebook page for weather and hour announcements.
Okoboji’s premier recreational axe throwing bar. Come swing some axes! They are a family owned and operated business, nestled in with some other local favorites between West Lake Okoboji and Highway 71. Come throw some axes and grab a beer while you’re there! Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome based on availability.
The Throwing Post
29 Allen AvenueOkoboji’s premier recreational axe throwing bar. Come swing some axes! They are a family owned and operated business, nestled in with some other local favorites between West Lake Okoboji and Highway 71. Come throw some axes and grab a beer while you’re there! Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome based on availability.
One of Okoboji’s most popular public swimming areas is Terrace Park Beach. Picnics and swimming at the Beach has lingered in the memories of many of West Okoboji residents and returning visitors! New Restrooms in 2019!
6 locals recommend
Terrace Beach Park
Okoboji BoulevardOne of Okoboji’s most popular public swimming areas is Terrace Park Beach. Picnics and swimming at the Beach has lingered in the memories of many of West Okoboji residents and returning visitors! New Restrooms in 2019!
Brews & Beverages
West O Beer, home of the award-winning CocO Stout, is found in a boatload of locations in bottles and on tap. Now, experience West O up close and personal.
Grab some friends and drop in, straight from the lake, to enjoy some pints in a laid-back atmosphere. See their state-of-the-art microbrewery, where the beer is as fresh as it gets.
Stock up on our popular merch for the folks back home, and be sure to grab some 6-packs and growlers for later.
They aren’t joking when they say ‘Brewed Right Here in West Okoboji’ because they ARE local craft beer. Conveniently located a half mile South of the Taco House on Terrace Park Blvd, just off Hwy 71. Cheers!
With indoor seating and an outdoor patio, families and pups are welcome! They even have unique events like trivia nights and live music.
West O Beer
503 Terrace Park BlvdWest O Beer, home of the award-winning CocO Stout, is found in a boatload of locations in bottles and on tap. Now, experience West O up close and personal.
Grab some friends and drop in, straight from the lake, to enjoy some pints in a laid-back atmosphere. See their state-of-the-art microbrewery, where the beer is as fresh as it gets.
Stock up on our popular merch for the folks back home, and be sure to grab some 6-packs and growlers for later.
They aren’t joking when they say ‘Brewed Right Here in West Okoboji’ because they ARE local craft beer. Conveniently located a half mile South of the Taco House on Terrace Park Blvd, just off Hwy 71. Cheers!
With indoor seating and an outdoor patio, families and pups are welcome! They even have unique events like trivia nights and live music.
This is a hip speakeasy that elevates cocktails with a fresh, unique shake. Trendy urban digs, with a large outdoor patio and live music. Chef driven inspired small plates. Perfect spot to book out for gatherings and events.
This is a great spot to enjoy unique and delicious beverages in a smaller setting. Check out their schedule to see if they have live music during your stay as well!
The Common Tasting Room
1302 U. S. Highway 71This is a hip speakeasy that elevates cocktails with a fresh, unique shake. Trendy urban digs, with a large outdoor patio and live music. Chef driven inspired small plates. Perfect spot to book out for gatherings and events.
This is a great spot to enjoy unique and delicious beverages in a smaller setting. Check out their schedule to see if they have live music during your stay as well!
The Barefoot Bar located at Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji is one of the region’s most popular family destinations. You can arrive by water or land with plenty of parking as well as docking for your boat. Featuring a full bar, great beach-fare food, pizza, and monthly Full Moon Parties.
Expect a casual atmosphere with most items prepared fresh on the grill. The Barefoot Bar offers the most free live entertainment anywhere in the region. Don’t miss out on their famous “Full Moon Parties” to see and experience some of the Midwest’s biggest-name bands.
The Barefoot Bar offers activities for children – a giant playground, the region’s largest sandbox to play and build in, and even a water slide. Shopping is a real event at the Barefoot Bar with clothing, and souvenirs all with the famous Barefoot logo.
Open Spring through Fall. Visit www.parksmarina.com for hours and dates. Call 712-332-7303 for more information.
22 locals recommend
The Barefoot Bar at Okoboji
24457 Stake Out RdThe Barefoot Bar located at Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji is one of the region’s most popular family destinations. You can arrive by water or land with plenty of parking as well as docking for your boat. Featuring a full bar, great beach-fare food, pizza, and monthly Full Moon Parties.
Expect a casual atmosphere with most items prepared fresh on the grill. The Barefoot Bar offers the most free live entertainment anywhere in the region. Don’t miss out on their famous “Full Moon Parties” to see and experience some of the Midwest’s biggest-name bands.
The Barefoot Bar offers activities for children – a giant playground, the region’s largest sandbox to play and build in, and even a water slide. Shopping is a real event at the Barefoot Bar with clothing, and souvenirs all with the famous Barefoot logo.
Open Spring through Fall. Visit www.parksmarina.com for hours and dates. Call 712-332-7303 for more information.
Entertainment venue located in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes Area. Stage with dance floor & overlooking mezzanine level. Rooftop bar THE NEXT LEVEL with view of West Okoboji Lake open seasonally. Bar available on all four levels of complex.
11 locals recommend
Captain's Getaway
107 W Broadway StEntertainment venue located in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes Area. Stage with dance floor & overlooking mezzanine level. Rooftop bar THE NEXT LEVEL with view of West Okoboji Lake open seasonally. Bar available on all four levels of complex.
Food scene
Nautical Okoboji is open every day at 11:00am. They have a full menu and food specials! They have a variety of craft beers, domestic beers including their own Nauti Lite, cocktails, Nauti Juice and much more. They have live music, darts, and more!
9 locals recommend
Nautical Bar and Grill
95 W Broadway StNautical Okoboji is open every day at 11:00am. They have a full menu and food specials! They have a variety of craft beers, domestic beers including their own Nauti Lite, cocktails, Nauti Juice and much more. They have live music, darts, and more!
Bracco World Cafe & Island Bar is a Lake Okoboji hot spot with a unique menu including an extensive drink list featuring island favorites. The casual upscale atmosphere offers a veranda patio area, large bar, and beach bar area which features live music every weekend. Overlooking East Lake Okoboji. Come by boat or car! Has some of the best fish tacos and sunset views in the area!
8 locals recommend
Bracco
317 240th AveBracco World Cafe & Island Bar is a Lake Okoboji hot spot with a unique menu including an extensive drink list featuring island favorites. The casual upscale atmosphere offers a veranda patio area, large bar, and beach bar area which features live music every weekend. Overlooking East Lake Okoboji. Come by boat or car! Has some of the best fish tacos and sunset views in the area!
This brand new coffee shop located in Queen's Court in front of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This is a refined, relaxed environment for guests to dine-in or carry-out. Come and enjoy a full menu of coffee, fresh-baked bagels, bakery goods, hand-dipped ice cream, grab-and-go lunch options and artisanal desserts.
TOPOG Coffeehouse
Lake StreetThis brand new coffee shop located in Queen's Court in front of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This is a refined, relaxed environment for guests to dine-in or carry-out. Come and enjoy a full menu of coffee, fresh-baked bagels, bakery goods, hand-dipped ice cream, grab-and-go lunch options and artisanal desserts.
The Ritz is a lakeside bar & grill. Since 1989 patrons have been enjoying their famous “fishbowls”, live music & homemade cuisine along the beautiful shores of East Lake Okoboji.
18 locals recommend
The Ritz
394 U.S. Hwy 71 SThe Ritz is a lakeside bar & grill. Since 1989 patrons have been enjoying their famous “fishbowls”, live music & homemade cuisine along the beautiful shores of East Lake Okoboji.
The food is prepared from scratch at Burger & Company. They create unique and delicious burgers, hot dogs, old-fashioned milkshakes, and homemade huge cookies. Their menu also includes vegetarian options, gluten-free buns, and homemade sauces. You will NOT go home hungry!
6 locals recommend
Burger & Company - Spirit Lake, IA
1603 Hill AvenueThe food is prepared from scratch at Burger & Company. They create unique and delicious burgers, hot dogs, old-fashioned milkshakes, and homemade huge cookies. Their menu also includes vegetarian options, gluten-free buns, and homemade sauces. You will NOT go home hungry!
Portside Pizza Pub is a part of the Nautical Family, and is the new kid on the block in downtown Arnolds Park. Serving delicious pizza with all natural and homemade ingredients, with a full line-up of domestic and craft beers. Enjoy the fun atmosphere and amazing views from one of their three levels facing Broadway Street and West Lake Okoboji. By night Portside Pizza Pub becomes one of the top bar spots in downtown Arnolds Park. Enjoy music and dancing in a fun atmosphere.
Portside Pizza Pub
91 West Broadway StreetPortside Pizza Pub is a part of the Nautical Family, and is the new kid on the block in downtown Arnolds Park. Serving delicious pizza with all natural and homemade ingredients, with a full line-up of domestic and craft beers. Enjoy the fun atmosphere and amazing views from one of their three levels facing Broadway Street and West Lake Okoboji. By night Portside Pizza Pub becomes one of the top bar spots in downtown Arnolds Park. Enjoy music and dancing in a fun atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a night out with friends, you’ll love sitting outside on the large deck outlooking where East meets West. The Store features an intriguing food and drink menu, extensive live music line-up, and is very family friendly. Come by car or boat; valet boat service is available! A park area is available for families to enjoy!
21 locals recommend
Okoboji Store
1404 US-71Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a night out with friends, you’ll love sitting outside on the large deck outlooking where East meets West. The Store features an intriguing food and drink menu, extensive live music line-up, and is very family friendly. Come by car or boat; valet boat service is available! A park area is available for families to enjoy!