Big Spirit Lake

 Big Spirit Lake

Come relax, ski, and fish on Big Spirit Lake.  Though not connected to the chain of lakes, Big Spirit provides all the activities you would desire, but without all of the hustle and bustle and traffic.  A sign of how popular Big Spirit Lake is to live, is the fact that even though the lake is the largest in the Iowa Great Lakes at over 5600 acres, properties simply do not come on the market as often as some of the othe rlakes.  Big Spirit Lake is also the largest natural lake in the state. The lake itself offers 16 miles of shoreline with an average depth of 17 feet. Real Estate on Big Spirit Lake is always dynamic and caters to your pocketbook from a small lake retreat, a large year round home or a low maintenance condo.  Summer and winter fishing are always popular in Anglers bay, and Big Spirit provides some of the nicest approaches to the lake anywhere in the county.   Land prices on Big Spirit will range from about $6000-$10000 per running lake foot depending on location, depth of lot, and approach to the lake.  Big Spirit is also a shallower lake with max depth of only 24 feet and average depth of 17 feet.

The following is from Wikipedia:

Big Spirit Lake is a natural body of water, approximately 5,684 acres (2,300 ha) in area, in Dickinson County in northwest Iowa in the United States. It is part of the chain of lakes known as the Iowa Great Lakes, the northern shore of the lake straddles the border with Minnesota. It is the largest natural lake in Iowa. The Dakotah Indian name for the lake was Minnewaukon. Early French traders named it Lac D' Esprit after the Indian legends of an evil spirit who dwelled in the lake.

Its maximum depth is 24 feet (7.3 m), and the mean depth is 17 feet (5 m). The drainage area of the lake is approximately 22 square miles (57 km²). It has a drainage area of approximately 75 mi² (194 km²), most of which is in Minnesota.

Geology

Geologically, the lake, like its neighbors, is a glacial pothole, a remnant of the most recent ice age approximately 13,000 years ago.

Recreation

The lake is a popular fishing destination in the region. It contains over 40 species of fish, 13 of which are typically caught. Fishing for walleye and yellow perch is typically done by boat or through the ice. Fishing for bullhead is common from the shore during the spring. A state-operated fish hatchery also provides significant populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie, crappie, and bluegill.

The Iowa all-time big fish records for freshwater drum and muskellunge were set from catches in the lake.

Area Insights

Gary's On The River

Gary's On The River in Spencer

Gary's is newly owned by Rabab, and sure to keep your taste buds coming back for more. The menu still features classic American comfort food, as well as some of Rabab's Mediterranean favorites. This comfortable, yet classy restaurant is perfect for date night, or family night. Gary's features their ever popular "pizza night" on Thursdays and Fridays, which is always amazing, and their "pasta night" on Wednesdays, which is sure to keep you full all night!

Los Lagos

Los Lagos in Spirit Lake

Calling all Mexican food lovers! Los Lagos has a wide variety of authentic Mexican food to choose from. Come in and sit down in the large, open dining room with a full-service bar. They offer happy hour drink and food specials that are sure to please!

Sunshine Foods

Sunshine Foods in Milford

Sunshine Foods, located on Highway 71, is Milford's only full service supermarket offering Fresh Produce - Butcher Fresh Meats - Deli - Kitchen

Union Memorial Church- United Methodist

Union Memorial Church- United Methodist in Milford

Union Memorial Church- United Methodist
805 Okoboji Ave
Milford, IA 51351

Services
Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Quality Ice Fishing

Quality Ice Fishing in Lake Minnewashta

The ice is in and its time to mark some fish! Drag the sled right down the ramp off of Dam Road in Arnolds Park and you are catching fish in minutes. On Minnewashta, no spot is a bad spot. Surrounded by a number of beautiful lake homes, the scene is perfect for drilling some holes and jigging your way to a fresh meal. Gills, perch, crappie and walleye will keep you busy in your fish shack. If have not fished on Lake Minnewashta, now is the time.

St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day! in Emmetsburg

Check out Emmetsburg for your St. Patrick's Day celebration! You may just be surprised what a great location this is for some fun. It was even featured among the 10 most surprising places to celebrate St. Patty's!. See for yourself below!

Wahpeton BAKERY

Real estate and mls homes for sale in Wahpeton agent insight on the Wahpeton bakery in Wahpeton city

Ferguson's

Ferguson's in Spirit Lake

Ferguson's is arguable the most popular place to buy flowers, trees and more in the lakes area. They're a family owned business, providing flowers, trees, plants, supplies, and furniture. They also have a small gift shop inside, as well as a floral shop, with freshly cut flowers. They have amazing customer service, and are there to help with all questions regarding planting and gardening. Ferguson's seems to go above and beyond, offering to bring anything you buy from them to your front door!

Forbes Meat

Forbes Meat in Spirit Lake

Forbes Meat
2508 Enterprise Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

If you want to grill out tonight, this is the place. Forbes Meats offers amazing steak, pork chops, roasts and other cuts, as well as fresh and smoked sausage products.

Oh, and don’t forget to try the beef jerky, it is amazing.
Easy to find, next door to Renew and across the highway from Lakes Regional Hospital.

The Family Diner

The Family Diner in Spirit Lake

The Family Diner is Spirit Lake, IA is a local favorite! They offer up a large portion for small money, but whether you come early or late you may be in for a wait. With homemade bread and the largest sausage patty you have seen, The Family Diner is consistently delicious. They are open only for breakfast and lunch and closed two days a week. In my former career at Stylecraft, the family diner was definately a favorite when our friends would visit from North Carolina. They were always inpressed with the bread and rolls and corn beef hash.

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse in Milford

The Clubhouse
2501 Boji Bend Dr
Milford, IA 51351

The Clubhouse is a smaller, comfortable restaurant with great food and a good atmosphere and even better food. There is a full bar, TV’s for the games, access to the pool area and inside and outside seating.

Bridges Bay Resort

Bridges Bay Resort in Arnolds Park

Choose from a variety of luxurious condominiums and hotel-style guest rooms. Bridges Bay Resort features the area's only indoor waterpark 'Boji Splash, featuring the Cantina which serves a variety of delicious food and beverages. Bring the boat in the summer and enjoy being right on the water or get away for the weekend in the winter months and let the kids enjoy the indoor waterpark!

Light Of The Lakes Friends Church

Light Of The Lakes Friends Church in Arnolds Park

Light of the Lakes Friends Church
10 Hwy 71 N
Arnolds Park, IA 51331

Services
Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Little Swan Lake Winery Bed And Breakfast

Little Swan Lake Winery Bed And Breakfast in Estherville

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 the owners herd which roams nearby. The vineyard consists of two acres of northern cold hardy grapes. The gift shop features clothing and wine related items. Little Swan Lake is dedicated to producing the finest and most enjoyable wines and invite you to spend an hour or an afternoon with them. The bed and breakfast is a renovated grain elevator and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty that is Little Swan Lake! They have weekly live music, check their website for the schedule!

Silver Lake Campgrounds

Silver Lake Campgrounds in Lake Park

Lake Park has a couple choices to choose from when deciding to camp on Silver Lake. Both campground are on the lake and offer daily, weekly, monthly or even seasonal rates. The one "in town" is a great spot located near the public pool, ball fields, the city park, public fishing dock, and the dam that flows out of Silver Lake. The camping season runs from April 15 to October 15 each year. Click the link to find more information as well as their camping rates.

Old Soul Charm Photography

Old Soul Charm Photography in Spirit Lake

Old Soul Charm Photography has done a beautiful job taking timeless images of families, newborns, weddings, engagements and more. The owner, Heidi, is down to earth, and very personable, surely to put you at ease when you're getting your photos taken. She's amazing with kids, and manages to capture their personalities, even if they're not cooperating. She has a creative eye, and it really shows in her photography.

SPORTSMANS DRIVE 3

Build your new house on a nice and quiet Milford lot.

The Outrigger

The Outrigger in Okoboji

One of the area's best! The Outrigger serves fine food with an elegant, charming atmosphere. The menu has a variety of food options, but the Outrigger is well-known for their steak and seafood. Weekend specials are offered as well as prime rib on Friday and Saturday nights. A great neighborhood bar and restaurant!

Lisa's Bakery

Lisa's Bakery in Spirit Lake

New to Spirit Lake is Lisa's Bakery. We have heard wonderful reviews of her caramel and cinnamon rolls and has a variety of other bakery goods. Set up for convenience, Lisa’s Bakery also offers a variety of take and bake meals for the busy working family or a nice break for the stay at home mom who wants a healthy satisfying meal for her family without having to be in the kitchen for hours. This place is all about convenience with a new fun twist on getting home cooked meals from Lisa's table to yours.

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow in Okoboji

Barn Swallow in Okoboji is a unique little gift shop, that is a must go to when visiting the area. With so many things to buy, its hard to even see everything in just one visit! Barn Swallow offers handmade jewelry, home decor, paintings, baby gifts, children's gifts, cards, purses, clothing, books, and so much more! The women that run this awesome little shop also take in stray cats to be adopted! These little kittens are sure to give you a smile while you see them running through the gift shop. We never fail to find something perfect for a gift at Barn Swallow, and for our own home!

The Okoboji Museum

Looking for a unique experience, here is one for you. If you are interested in coins and different paper money, come to The Okoboji Museum

Carpet One

Carpet One in Spirit Lake

The beautiful Carpet One showroom in Spirit Lake features a huge selection of all the latest flooring, window coverings and more. They have certified flooring pros can get your project rolling with a free, no-obligation pre-measure - just call (712) 336-5559 today or visit their website at www.carpetoneiowa.com

West Boutique

West Boutique in Okoboji

West Boutique located at Okoboji Boat Works Marina carries all of the latest fashions for women of all ages and sizes.
Available brands: Free People, Anama, Velvet Heart, KUT Denim, Articles of Society, Grace in LA, Lush, Willow & Clay, Pink Martini, Pixie Mood, and more!

South Shore Estates

South Shore Estates in Lower Gar Lake

South Shore Estates is the newest lakeshore development on Lower Gar. Here you have access to West Lake, East Lake, Minnewashta, and Upper Gar.

Wilder Thymes Natural Foods

Wilder Thymes Natural Foods in Spirit Lake

Looking for a pace to get organic, and natural foods? Wilder Thymes is your go-to place! As the only shop in the lakes area to offer such things, this quaint little shop is definitely a place to check out. They offer organic, and local foods, from snacks, spices, cooking ingredients, gluten free, dairy products, and more! Wilder Thymes also has an array of natural cleaning products, and personal care items that are hard to come by. Not only can you buy groceries here, but they also have a deli! Pizzas, wraps, braked goods, soups, and sandwiches are just some of the yummy things you can buy at Wilder Thymes!

Lake Park Public Pool

Lake Park Public Pool in Lake Park

Lake Park is one of the few cities around the Iowa Great Lakes that has an outdoor public swimming pool. It offers some great rates for annual memberships. 2016 family membership was $100 and an individual membership was only $65. They also offer swimming lessons, starting as early as infants and toddlers. Specific evenings also offer classes for adults. The pool's normal hours of operation in the summer are 1PM to 8PM.

The Lost Gypsy Boutique

The Lost Gypsy Boutique in Arnolds Park

Look What’s new In Arnolds Park:
The Lost Gypsy Boutique offers fun and nicely priced apparel that will be perfect for your Okoboji wardrobe! Hats, shoes, purses, and unique fashions in the latest colors will have everyone asking “where did you get that!”. Located just east of Table 316 in the former Dragon Palace restaurant. CHECK IT OUT!

Newell Orthodontics PC

Newell Orthodontics PC in Spirit Lake

Dr. Newell and his staff work as a team to provide our patients with the highest quality orthodontic treatment in a professional and caring atmosphere. Our clinics provide orthodontic treatment for children and adults ranging from limited tooth movement with retainers, full treatment with fixed appliances, cleft lip and palate, and complex orthognathic surgical cases. We also work with your family dentist as well as numerous other dental specialists to coordinate your orthodontic care.

Cherish Center:

Cherish Center: in Milford

A local non-profit with the mission of Transforming Lives, Strengthening Families and Enhancing our Community. Offering Parenting Classes, Professional Counseling, Maternity Home for young women facing unplanned pregnancies and support for moms on infant loss. 712-338-3333

Rebe

Rebe in Okoboji

Re*be is one of Iowa's finest varicose vein centers dedicated to addressing the health and cosmetic concerns of men and women using the latest and most-advanced medical treatments for various body conditions.
Re*be surgeons are highly experienced with specialized training in vein diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ronald Kolegraff M.D., A.C.P., A.S.G.S. is a Board Certified General Surgeon and Board Certified Phlebologist.
The clinic provides friendly service in a patient-centered environment to ensure an experience that exceeds your expectations of personal care.
Rebe provides complimentary cosmetic consultation or complimentary vein screening.

The Market Scratch Kitchen

The Market Scratch Kitchen in Arnolds Park

New to Okoboji is The Market Scratch Kitchen. They proudly offer salads, sandwiches and grab 'n go options made with fresh ingredients and prepared daily. Ask about the 'Vacation Mom' meals featuring nutritious and nourishing take-and-bake dishes ready to serve you and your Okoboji vacation family. The community is excited for a healthy food option choice in our area!

Bombazi Salon

Bombazi Salon in Arnolds Park

Bombazi, by definition, means of the highest quality. Bombazi Salon is located in Arnolds Park, IA along the broadway strip. They offer hair care, pedicures, manicures, and waxing. All of our services are available for weddings and other parties. Tammy and her staff will take great care of you! Click below to view their webpage.

Dixon Family Chiropractic

Dixon Family Chiropractic in Spirit Lake

Dixon Family Chiropractic is a clinic located on Hwy 9, east of Walmart, next to Pizza Ranch and has convenient hours.....open 6 days a week at 7:30 am, evenings and Saturdays. Formerly in the convenient health care building south of the 4 way stop in Spirit Lake, Wade and Adalee offer a friendly staff and professional services.

Remington's

Remington's in Spirit Lake

Remington's in Okoboji has great appetizers, salads, sandwiches, steak and much more. Remington's also has daily lunch and dinner specials. Happy Hour Mon - Fri 4pm - 6pm with free popcorn. Saturday is "Game Day" 11am - 4pm with drink and appetizer specials. Lunch and dinner reservations are taken, along with large group reservations with seating up to 150 people. Remington's offers a semi-private dining room that seats 50 people.

Tom's Plumbing & Heating

Tom's Plumbing & Heating in Arnolds Park

Located in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes Area, Tom's Plumbing and Heating has been offering you local Plumbing/ HVAC services for MANY years.

Call Tom's Plumbing for your Plumbing / HVAC needs, whether you are doing new construction, a current homeowner needing service, a business owner or whatever your needs may be.

The Ritzer family has owned and operated Tom's Plumbing for MANY years and provide great experience and knowledge of the industry.

Located at

172 Hwy 71 N

Arnolds Park, IA 51331

or call them at 712-332-2426

TALLGRASS VILLAGE

TALLGRASS VILLAGE in Spirit Lake

4150 Sunner Dr
Spirit Lake, IA

Looking for a rental, here are some options. Located next door the YMCA in Spirit Lake, IA, right on the bike trail system.

Tallgrass offers a variety of different rental options including: Lofts (1 to 3 Bedroom & Efficiency style) and Townhomes (3 and 4 bedroom). Other features- Laundry, 9 foot ceilings, handicap units, On-site manager and more.

Okoboji Elementary School

Okoboji Elementary School in Milford

Welcome to Okoboji Elementary School, where we are blessed to serve over 470 students in preschool through 4th grade. We are continuously Pioneering Pathways for Every Student as we strive to make learning engaging and relevant for each and every student. We take pride in the academic instruction that our students receive and in the fact that our students consistently demonstrate high competencies in reading, math, and science, but also that they develop the critical thinking, communication, and problem- solving skills they will need to be successful beyond their years at OES. We are committed to making sure our students’ needs are met, whether it be basic needs, social/emotional needs, or academic needs.

We would love for you to arrange a visit to Okoboji Elementary School to experience the positive culture of the building and to see first-hand the compassion and commitment of our staff. We are confident that you will see it as a place where your child will thrive.

Yours in Education,

Justin Bouse
Okoboji Elementary School Principal

Memorial Park Milford

Memorial Park Milford in Milford

Memorial Park Milford
Located on the Northern side of Milford, Memorial Park offers not only playground equipment for the kids but several softball/baseball fields. The fields not only house Little league/School baseball and softball games but also a very popular Slow Pitch Softball league on Sundays during the summer months.

Calvary United Methodist Church Of Arnolds Park

Calvary United Methodist Church Of Arnolds Park in Arnolds Park

Calvary United Methodist Church of Arnolds Park
679 W Okoboji Dr
Arnolds Park, IA 51331

Services
Saturday at 6 p.m.
Sunday at 9 a.m.
Summer- Memorial Day to Labor Day at 7:30 a.m. boat up/drive up service. At the bridge between East and West Okoboji Lakes.

Starbucks

Starbucks in Spirit Lake

Starbucks is located in the HY-VEE grocery store in Spirit Lake. The employees at this location are amazing. They will always provide you with great service. Even if you are not a coffee fan make sure to stop in and try one of their freshly baked muffins or cake pops!

Dry Dock

Dry Dock in Restaurants of the Iowa Great Lakes

The Dry Dock, connected to Four Season's Resort offers a simplified menu, but consistent delicious food. One of the few restaurants on West Lake Okoboji, the Dry Dock offers up legendary breakfasts, great lunches and dinners, and the local favorite Friday Night Fish Fry. Sit inside or out after arriving by foot, car, or boat.

Creative Spirits

Creative Spirits in Spirit Lake

Creative Spirits is the only one of its kind in the Okoboji area, and a blast at that! You bring your own beer or wine, and paint a beautiful masterpiece with step by step instructions from one of the great instructors! They offer public classes, and private classes. Which means its the perfect night out with girlfriends, for a birthday party, or a fun family event. They have an extensive list of various paintings to choose from, so your masterpiece will look great with any home decor! Definitely something to check out!

Family, Fishing, Fun

Family, Fishing, Fun in Lake Minnewashta

If you are looking for a place to catch a bunch of fish in a short period of time, the dock in Minnewashta right off of Sawmill Park in Arnolds Park is the place. Fish with a worm or throw a crank bait, you can't go wrong. This spot located in the center of the lakes area allows you to bring your children to play on the nice equipment, or have a family gathering at the recently remodeled shelter. These waters are well known for perch, bluegill, pike, crappie, walleye, yellows, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. With two different places to launch a boat, Minnewashta is a great place for some family fun.

The Sports Page Bar & Grill

The Sports Page Bar & Grill in Spencer

Sports Page is a fan favorite restaurant in Spencer, Iowa. With their never ending menu, with classic American food, its sure to please everyone that visits! With TV's everywhere you look, you won't miss any of the action, whether it be football, baseball, basketball, or any of the other major sports, Sports Page has you covered! This family friendly restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Melanders

Melanders in Milford

Melanders-downtown Milford
922 Okoboji Ave
Milford, IA 51351

New and used kitchen appliances, great selection, wide variety of the top brands. Local, helpful service.

Sunset Travel Agency

Sunset Travel Agency in Milford

Start planning now for all of your fall and winter getaways. We are specialists in all inclusives, cruises, family reunions, honeymoons and destination weddings. In specific areas we are specialists in Mexico, Disney, cruises and hotels. You can have confidence is Sunset Travel Agency with over 35 years of experience in the travel industry.

Boulders Inn

Boulders Inn and Suites promises to make your Okoboji vacation comfortable and relaxing. This new hotel just south of Emerald Hills golf course between Milford and Arnolds Park offers 40 rooms with suites to meet your individual needs. One of the best things about Boulders Inn is that it is within walking distance of the Taco House. For some of you, I know that can be a big deal!

Great Lakes Cinema 7

Great Lakes Cinema 7 in Spirit Lake

If you're in the mood for a movie, this is the place to go! They've recently updated all of their seating, so its comfier than ever to enjoy a movie here! They offer daily snack and drink specials, as well as free showings from time to time. Their screens are all digital projection, to ensure the clearest movies possible.

 

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Greg Sheeler


Cell: 712.330.1573

Janie Eick


Cell: 712.339.0574

Matt Lippon


Cell: 712.330.0604

Liz Sandy


Cell: 712.330.1386

Alex Parker


Cell: 998.765.4312

Aaron Jones


Cell: 712.336.4967

Brooke Jones


Cell: 641.420.2172

Tracy Evans


Cell: 712.330.2748

Big Spirit Lake Homes For Sale

$739,999

Status: Active
24641 McClelland McClelland Drive, Spirit Lake, IA 51360

  250414

 3

 1

  1,236


Listed by : NEXTHOME AT THE LAKES, KATIE SLATER (712.336.9999)
Open House New Listing

$729,000

Status: Active
13367 253rd 253rd Avenue, Orleans, IA 51360

  250345

 1

 3

  1,471


Listed by : INGVALL REAL ESTATE TEAM, MARY LYNN INGVALL (712.336.1121)

$575,000

Status: Active
25991 105th 105th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360

  231058

 4

 2

  1,218


Listed by : EXP REALTY LLC, KARI FECHTER (833.835.5566)
Price Decreased

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