Live, play, vacation, whatever...West Lake is the reason for the season. Much history surrounds West Lake, 1 of 3 blue water lakes in the world. With a maximum depth of an astoinishing 136 feet, coverage of over 3800 acres, and average depth of 39 feet, one will rarely find a more inviting and cleaner lake. If you are lucky enough to traverse the waters in March and early April, you would likely be the only boat on the lake providing for awesome views of the lake bottom. In the Winter, you will find that the lake freezes, allowing fishermen to bring their shacks and also allowing the possbility of the University of Okoboji Winter Games. West Lake has fantastic fishing ranging from small pan fish like crappie and blue gill to large game fish such as the muskie. Land prices on West Lake were at a high in the mid 2000's prior to the economic collapse, and they have slowly crepped up to a range of $10000-$17000 a linear foot. This is fairly subjective depending on location, approach, depth of lot etc. West Lake is also known for a number of families with long and rich heritages having passed their cottage down from generation to generation. Come ski, swim, parasail, fish, or just lay an anchor. You are sure to enjoy.
The following is from Wikipedia:
West Okoboji Lake (sometimes known as West Lake Okoboji) is a natural body of water, approximately 3,847 acres (15.57 km2) 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 area was long inhabited by the Santee or Dakota Sioux. The Dakota-language name for the lake was Minnetonka, meaning "great waters".
The cities of Arnolds Park, Okoboji, West Okoboji, and Wahpeton sit on its shore. Okoboji was derived from the Dakota name for the lake, and Wahpeton was the name of one of the major historic Sioux bands in the nineteenth century. Today the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux are a federally recognized tribe.
3301 Lakeshore Drive
Okoboji, IA 51355
WEBSITE
For a little History of The Inn dating back to the 1890's CLICK HERE
The Inn at Okoboji offers so much to do and so much history. Located on 500 feet of West Okoboji Lake lakeshore, the views are amazing. The Inn is a hotel/resort, with a dining and a full service facility designed for meetings, gatherings, events and weddings.
Also, The Inn has a 9 hole executive golf course and is partnered with other local golf courses in the Iowa Great Lakes Area. They also have in door and out door pools with a hot tub, docks, and an on-site boat lift
If you are looking for a family friendly place to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July while avoiding the congestion of the Amusement Park area, this is your spot. You don't have to be a guest of the hotel, but the 500 feet of lakeshore provide ample seating for hundreds of people to have a good time. They offer live music and offer hot dogs and hamburgers, so come enjoy the day and stay for the fireworks.
Okoboji Mattress Co. is a Sleep Specialty Store located .7 miles west of the junction of 9 and 71 in Spirit Lake, IA. We are a locally owned Sleep Boutique featuring Serta and Simmons Mattresses and bases. Stop by try Malouf Z Pillows before you buy! A great selection of Serta, and Simmons Beautyrest Mattresses, Adjustable Bases, Malouf Sheets, Mattress Protectors, and Comforters, Malouf Z pillows, and more! New Sleep Lift Recliners from Mega Motion and Ultimate Power Recliner!
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!
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!
Riddle Me That is a brand new escape room in Arnolds Park. Its an awesome place to bring the family for a thrill, or the perfect team building activity for the office. The goal is to find clues, solve the mystery, and escape the room before the time runs out. Perfect for a rainy summer day, or just a day you need a little adventure in your life!
Looking for the best full service Salon in Spirit Lake, then check out The Hair Team located on Lake Street in downtown. Amber and Tammi are the best Duo in town. Looking for the best updo for your wedding party look no further. They have a very enticing wedding package with a complimentary breakfast for you and your bridesmaids to make your day as smooth as possible.
Its almost here!!! Walleye Weekend marks the beginning of another great summer here in the Okoboji Area. Anglers from all over come to try and catch the prize fish. Our local DNR tag and release specific Walleyes while they are gillnetting in the Spring. Whether you are fishing from shore or by boat, you cannot go wrong. It is a great time to get the season started and check out the local restaurants. Maybe you will catch the big one. For more information about Walleye Weekend you can go to http://okobojichamber.com/events-calendar/iowa-great-lakes-walleye-weekend/
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.
Kabele’s Trading Post & Lodge
504 Hill Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
If you are looking for fishing supplies, come here. Great selection of tackle, bait, fishing equipment and friendly service, often very willing to give you a little advice on where the “hot spots” are.
Check out their website for fishing reports.
ALSO, Kabele’s Lodge offers Nightly and Weekly Accommodations for those of you looking to spend some good quality time fishing in the area.
CODIT is a licensed, insured and internationally certified arboriculture tree care business, which specializes in hard to access areas.
Lake Life is a local magazine, that highlights some of the best businesses in the Okoboji area. They share events, news, and all things great about this little lake town. The magazine is always free to locals, while subscriptions are available to those out of the area. With 5 magazine distributions per year, never miss out on what the Okoboji area has to offer!
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.
I hear this one all the time from prospects looking to list their house. "Well, agent xyz told us that if we listed with her, she'd have it sold in a week." This would fall into the category of "If it sounds too good to be true, the probably is." The majority of agents are not going to make this claim, but rather will give you an honest market analysis, inform you as to how weak or strong the market is, especially the market in which your home resides, and present the objective facts. A good agent will then lay out an effective marketing plan, where the majority of the focus should be on "online marketing". Be careful to not get caught up in empty promises, reduced commissions, and being talked in to lowering your price below market value (unless you must have a quick sale). The key to choosing a good listing agent is to objectively determine who is going to provide you the best opportunity to sell your home. Will your listing agent also aggressively work to find buyers, or will they just list your home and wait for another agent to do the work.
Immanuel Lutheran Church
2300 27th St
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Services
Saturday at 6 p.m.
Sunday at 9 a.m.
At Winther, Stave & Co., LLP we use a team approach. You have a team of accounting professionals at your disposal, not just one person. With specialists in many different areas, we can draw on that breadth of knowledge and experience to help with services ranging from taxes, to payroll, to wealth preservation.
Harbor of Joy Lutheran Church
1204 L Ave
Milford, IA 51351
Services
Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Come to one of the two locations: Spencer or Spirit Lake @ Allure & Co. to experience a community of people seeking to live healthier lives through exercising the body and mind.
The Studio Yoga & Barre offers a variety of yoga, barre, cycling and paddle-board classes for different levels of experience.
They also offer yoga and exercise apparel, as well as oils and health supplements.
The Boonedocks is your one-stop-shop! They have it all. Full selection of beer, wine, grocery items, and of course gasoline. Located right in Arnolds Park!
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.
Spirit Lake United Methodist Church
1812 Gary Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Services
Sunday at 8:30 a.m. (Traditional)
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (Contemporary)
Lake Park United Methodist Church
1471 135th Ave
Lake Park, IA 51347
Service ----10:30 AM sunday
This condo complex is well located for convenient living and very affordable. A good blend of owners and renters enjoy a care free lifestyle in the heart of the Lakes Area. With dining, shopping, golf and the trails just out your front door, you won’t find a handier place to live. Located just off Hwy 71, next to the Cinema 7
Wild Child, which features stylish clothing, accessories and awesome toys for children and newborns, is all about quality clothing and toys. Wild Child is the "go to" store for people with all budgets, and offers styles that cannot be found anywhere else, and strives to offer unique apparel and toys that are fun, functional and educational.
Arnold's Bark-ery and Grooming is a great place to take your fur babies for their "puppy spa day!' Not only do they offer grooming services but they have a great boutique full of yummy treats and accessories. You can even order certain treats for holidays!
Healthy Living Program Center -MILFORD
2207 US 71
Milford, IA 51351
One of the many convenient locations offered by the Bedell Family YMCA is conveniently located in Milford, on the North end of Milford on Hwy 71. Right next to Subway and just south of Perkins.
Offered at this Center are exercise equipment, free weights for ages 14 and up. Personal Training is also offered.
Hours open are
Monday - Thursday 5 am to 11 pm
Friday 5 am to 9 pm
Saturday 6 am to 9 pm
Sunday closed
One of a kind Authentic Mexican Cuisine right here in West Okoboji! A local favorite and rated five stars by visitors young and old. Be sure to put this as a favorite on your list of places to not miss when you are vacationing in the Lakes area. Close to Terrace Park so if you are feeling up for a small walk you may walk from Terrace Park to the Taco House.
Yesterdays Restaurant has been an Okoboji favorite and is only opened seasonally. Yesterdays has a complete dinner menu that features nightly specials. They have a wonderful martini menu that will not disappoint. Make sure to also make reservations in the Japanese Teppanyaki Room. Watch as asian inspired meals are prepared and served by your personal chef.
A big Congrats to the Harris Lake Park football team on a fantastic historical season. The wolves dominated the competition all year long, punching their ticket to the UNI Dome for the 8 Man Football Playoffs. In the Semi-Final game the Wolves were able to continue the undefeated streak and beat Fremont Mills 35 to 21, giving them the opportunity to compete for the 8 Man Football State Championship. The Wolves battled hard against Don Bosco, Gilbertville, but unfortunately came up a little short and lost a hard fought game 21-48. Awesome Job on a GREAT season Wolves, it was very fun to see how much the community came together to support you guys. CONGRATS!
Terrace Park is located in Brown's Bay on West Lake, Okoboji. It is one of the largest public beaches on West Lake and has entertained beach goers for many years. Next to Terrace Park is Boys Town out of Omaha, Nebraska. I remember as a kid spending entire days at terrace park, either riding bicycle or taking a moped (yes a moped) down to meet with friends and playing king on the dock. In 2010, the morning after "the storm", Terrace Park was carnage. Boat were stacked on top of each other. Trees were uprooted, and hoists were tossed around. Boats and other water craft were found in Terrace Park that belonged to owners on the North end of West Lake.
Get your taste buds ready for some smashing good sandwiches! The Smack Shack offers some amazing gourmet sandwiches. Every menu item is brilliantly created by chef Jeremy Neppl. I love the smack burger myself, as well as the spicy fried chicken thigh sandwich. I really don't think you can go wrong ordering here, they even have PB&J options for the kiddos. Make sure to stop by and try the Smack Shack located next to the Okoboji Commons.
Boat House Apparel brings chic clothing to the Okoboji area, with her designs centered around life at the lake. The stylish tops, dresses, and more have witty sayings, anchors, and all things that remind us of the lake we all know and love. With a large online presence, Boat House is not only popular in Spirit Lake, but all over the country! Bringing comfort and chic to her amazing designs, the owner of Boat House, Laura, has sure made an amazing clothing line right here in the heart of Spirit Lake.
Located in the Great Lakes Mall, The Look is one of the most popular places to shop for clothes in the area. With the most stylish clothing for juniors to women, they have new styles arrive daily! This store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends, and you can always find something you're dying to have. This is my wife's favorite place to shop in the Okoboji area.
Bay View Gifts & Garden
3202 Hwy 71
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Bay View Gifts & Garden is another opportunity for those of you who are looking for antiques. One can find other Gifts, Outdoor Décor and Plants here as well. Take a look at the selection of Adirondack chairs as you drive by on Hwy 71. Located across the street from us at RE/MAX Lakes Realty
This place is one of the most fun businesses in the lakes area for kids, or adults who are creative, and likes to paint! Kurio Kastle is a pottery painting "palace," for anyone and everyone! You pick from an extensive array of pottery to paint, from cute animals, to mugs, and dishware. You can then stencil or draw on them, then paint it! Your masterpiece is then glazed, and put in the kiln to fire. After that, you pick it up, and take it home to enjoy! Its even a perfect place for birthday parties.
As the only jeweler in the lakes area, you're sure to find everything you need at this established jewelry store. With over 30 years of experience, they have an eye for creating amazing pieces of jewelry. Whether it be an ever special engagement ring, or a beautiful necklace, they have every style imaginable, that is sure to take your breath away.
I had the opportunity and privilege to work at Triggs for 4 years in my high school and college years. Jim Triggs and Mike May run one of the best family resorts in the Lakes Area. The resort has 48 condo style units that are continually updated and maintained immaculately. It truly is a family resort as most units are rented each week every year by the same families. People really begin to know each other and I had a great time getting to know all of the families better each year. We always looked forward to seeing them each year and catching up. Triggs offers boat/watercraft rentals, 4 gas docks, boat hoists for rent, an outdoor pool, a daily groomed beach, game room, and many more great amenities. If you are planning a vacation to Okoboji, I highly encourage you to call early and see if you can get a reservation at Triggs Bay Resort. You will not be disappointed.
St Alban’s Episcopal Church
23rd St & Zenith Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Services
Sunday at 10 a.m.
Tuesday at 9 a. m. (Holy Eucharist-no music)
Welcome to Big Açaí Okoboji, a local food truck offering healthy sorbet based bowls topped with granola, fruit, seeds/nuts and more. Go to their Facebook page: Big Açaí Bowls - Okoboji for their weekly locations/days/times.
Salon M Spa is an Aveda concept salon in Spencer. Located in the Southpark Mall, this upscale salon is sure to exceed your expectations. Salon M Spa's services include hair cuts, colors, highlights, updo's, and even extensions. They also offer waxing, manicures, pedicures, and spray tanning. As an Aveda salon, their mission is to be environmental leaders, by creating environmentally friendly products, and be environmentally conscious in the beauty world. Another cool thing about this salon, is that they are 99.9% paperless, which means you'll be handed an iPad, instead of a book or magazine. You can even bring your own ear buds to watch Netflix while you're getting your services done.
Sunshine Foods, located on Highway 71, is Milford's only full service supermarket offering Fresh Produce - Butcher Fresh Meats - Deli - Kitchen
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!
Jimmy John's slices our all-natural meats and fresh veggies in-house every day. Our fresh-baked bread is made right here where you can see it, and our house-made tuna salad is fresh every day. The flavor of a ripe tomato, crisp shredded lettuce, combined with fresh-baked bread, fresh-sliced meat and real Hellmann's mayo - that's when the magic happens. Made with love every single day since 1983. That's Jimmy Fresh!
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.
If you're looking for a welcoming church to be a part of, Good News is it! As a member of this church, I have first hand experience of their warm inviting nature. This growing church is full of younger families, as well as community members from every stage in life. Their contemporary nature is what really drew my family into this church. They have great music, that you can't help but sing along, and get lost within the message.
Cutting Edge Lawn Service has been proudly serving the Iowa Great Lakes Area for many years. They take pride in their impeccable customer service, and maintain strong relationships with customers, just ask your neighbors! To them, your lawn is theirs, and they want to keep it looking its absolute best. Cutting Edge's rates are competitive on all of their services, and top notch service as well. They are fully trained lawn care specialists that give 100% every time.
Their services include: Lawn Mowing, Lawn Aeration,Trimming,Spring & Fall Clean Up, De-thatching, Hedge Trimming, Raking, Weed Control, Gutter Clean Out, Landscaping, and Power Washing.
Minerva's is a fabulous dining experience, from the consistently great food to the diverse menu selections. It's a great place to dine in the lakes area year round. If you haven't been, you really should give it a try. The atmosphere is welcoming and the friendly staff is very attentive. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or meeting with friends, this is the place!
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