When people think of a classic beach vacation, I’m willing to be that Iowa rarely crosses their mind. 😅 Having been born in California and grown up on the gulf coast of Florida, the first time my husband took me home to go on his family’s annual “beach” vacation, I was definitely skeptical. A beach in the middle of corn fields? The idea did not compute!
But if you live in the Midwest and crave a sun-soaked beach getaway, you can get exactly that at Lake Okoboji for a much smaller budget than if you were heading somewhere more southern.
Lake Okoboji
Part of a chain of glacial lakes carved out by the Wisconsin Glacier over 14,000 years ago, the Iowa Great Lakes are a major regional treasure. No wonder locals flock here in the summer! Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in the state, and it connects to five others, including East Lake and West Lake Okoboji. West Lake is the central focus, known for its deep, clear blue water.
Fun Fact: it plunges down to 136 feet (!!!) making it the deepest natural lake in all of Iowa!
If you are looking for a summer destination that blends old-school lake nostalgia, massive family reunions, and classic amusement park fun, this hidden pocket of the Midwest is a non-negotiable stop.
Neighborhood Layout & Where to Stay: Finding Your Basecamp
The towns surrounding the lakes each carry their own distinct personality, making it easy to tailor your trip to whatever vibe you are looking for. We personally can speak to the vibes in Village West and Milford.
The Lakeside Retreat: Village West Resort
For decades, my mother-in-law’s family has been convening at a lakeside resort on West Lake Okoboji called Village West. Every year, she and her sisters gather their children and grandchildren to spend a week together at the lake. The property has a long history, starting back in 1948 when Hobart Ross bought 68 acres of farmland to build a family getaway called “Vacation Village”. It opened in 1949 with simple cabins, a grocery store, and a dance hall.
Today, the property retains much of its old-school charm. To be completely honest, it is an older property that could use some TLC and renovation; it certainly isn’t the most modern resort on the lake. However, the slightly run down nature is a boon: not only is it more affordable than other lake resorts, but it also doesn’t get the heavy, chaotic traffic it used to, which makes it a helpful layout for letting kids run around safely and to snag a shaded spot on the small beach.
Our most recent visit to Lake Okoboji involved over 50 people, including my son, his six first cousins, and thirteen second cousins! Without a rigid schedule to follow, it was the perfect environment to give our son some autonomy. We let him walk to and from the room completely on his own or go to the games room with his cousins. He only got lost on the property once with a similar aged cousin, but they eventually found their way back to us and weren’t bothered. In fact, it had been an adventure for them!
The Alt Tourist Hub: Arnolds Park
Confusingly, Arnolds Park is actually the name of the physical town surrounding the waterfront, even though everyone immediately assumes you mean the amusement park itself. If you want to stay exactly where the lakeside action is but dont want to stay at a resort, basing yourself in the town of Arnolds Park places you within walking distance of the boardwalk, public beaches, and local restaurants. You can find plenty of options here, ranging from classic properties like The Inn Hotel to massive resort hubs like Bridges Bay Resort, which features its own indoor waterpark and vacation cabin rentals. Because this area is a major summer hub, the town is also packed with private vacation homes and lakeside condos available for rent if you are traveling with a larger family group.
The Local Haven: Milford
Just south of the lakes sits Milford, a super cute little community. Milford is definitely a local-first town that sits happily outside the main tourist bubble, making it a great place to escape the lakeside crowds.
Driving and Boating Logistics: Getting Around Okoboji
You will need a car to navigate the roads tracing the shorelines of the various lakes! We usually just rent a car from the airport for ease and simplicity.
- Parking and Crowds: Peak summer weekends get busy around the central lake area, especially near Arnolds Park. If you stay at a resort like Village West, beach space can be limited. Do like my in-laws and snag a spot on the sand early in the morning before the prime lakeside real estate fills up!
- Boating Etiquette: If you plan on renting a boat or getting out on the water, be alert!! A common complaint around the lakes is that a lot of boaters are not particularly respectful of others and tend to drive entirely too fast (or while intoxicated). Keep your wits about you when navigating the water lanes. Follow all of the boating rules and stay safe!
What are the Best Things to Do in Okoboji with Kids?
Arnolds Park Amusement Park
A short 15-minute drive from Village West on the south side of the lake sits the iconic Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This place is a living piece of history, starting back in the late 1800s when Wesley Arnold opened a 60-foot water toboggan slide that shot riders directly into the lake! (Can you imagine the safety liability today?! LOL) In the 1990s, the park was almost torn down for condos, but the local community rallied together and raised millions of dollars to save it.
As a theme park junkie who grew up going to world class theme parks in central Florida, I had low expectations for Arnolds Park. But I have to admit that I had never gone to a classic amusement park before. (There is a HUGE difference between a traditional amusement park and a theme park, and as long as you set your expectations for the experience at hand, both can offer thrills and amazing memories.) Walking into Arnolds Park amusement park feels like time traveling to a simpler time, before Walt Disney set the entertainment world afire with his immersive concept for family fun. Plus, its a helluva lot cheaper than a day at a theme park but the kids will still have a blast!
- For the Big Kids & Adults: Justin and I rode The Legend, which is one of the oldest operating wooden roller coasters in the United States, built back in 1930. It packs a mightier punch than you’d expect, and the views of the lake right before the drop are tough to beat!
- For the Little Kids: Kids can ride most of the rides at Arnolds Park. Our kid was too short for The Legend, but he was brave on the junior rides. He fell in love with the Kiddie Coaster (which he rode five times in a row, lol), the Scrambler, Jumpin’ Star, and the classic Tipsy House, which is an old-school optical illusion funhouse that everyone goes in and loves. (If you have vertigo or any sort of balance issues, maybe skip this. It is a VERY trippy experience.) He even liked the Mad Mouse coaster, though as a coaster fan, I personally dislike that jerky, wild-mouse style of coaster!
The Ultimate Parent Insider Tip: Admission to Arnolds Park is completely FREE! It is an old-fashioned park structure where you only pay to ride the rides. We didn’t realize this initially and bought unlimited ride wristbands for the adults, thinking it was the only way to get through the gates. If you just want to walk around, supervise the kids, and soak up the retro boardwalk atmosphere, skip the adult wristbands and just buy ride tickets for the kids!
Shopping at the Central Emporium
For a rainy day backup plan or just a break from the afternoon sun, head over to the Central Emporium right on the waterfront along Lakeshore Drive. It’s an old-school multi-level arcade packed with local shopping, boutiques, and lakeside dining options. (It reminds me a lot of the Nashville Arcade downtown.)
While you are exploring the shops, making a stop at the Sugar Shack is an absolute non-negotiable requirement. It is a nostalgic paradise loaded with classic candies, sweet treats, and everything you need to satisfy a post-lake sugar craving.
A Quiet Work Haven: The Milford Library
If you, like me, sometimes have to turn a vacation into a workcation and need a quiet work space while traveling, follow my lead and head to Milford! Village West does not have reliable Wi-Fi, so I escaped to the nearby public library in Milford for a midday work calls.
I’m a major library nerd, and the Milford Library quickly charmed me with its smart use of a smaller space. It features a colorful, welcoming interactive kids’ section, quiet tables tucked out of the way for remote work, and a cozy reading area complete with a faux fireplace and a coffee maker. Why don’t all libraries have coffee and comfy chairs!?!
The Food & Drink Scene
Like our trips to Sioux Falls, a massive family vacation means a lot of grilling, group meals, and eating at the resort. But when you want to head out on the town for a bite, skip the highway chains and stick to these local spots:
- The Barefoot Bar: Located at Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji, this family-friendly tiki bar sits right on the water under a canopy of palm trees. You can pull right up by boat or car to enjoy cold drinks, a massive sandbox playground for the kids, and live music on the outdoor deck.
- The Hutt Bar & Grill: Located in Arnolds Park, this is a staple for any Okoboji itinerary. Open year-round, it serves breakfast on the weekends, plus lunches and dinners. They’re famous for having the best Bloody Mary at the lake (not my jam but others say it’s great), and the staff treats you like an old friend the second you walk in. You will not leave hungry. 🙂
- The Okoboji Store Bar & Kitchen: This is a classic waterfront spot nestled right in the heart of the lakes. You can arrive by land or pull right up by boat to sit on their massive deck like we did! It features New American food, affordable cocktails, a playground area for the kids, a bait shop, and live music right on the water. It is a full lake experience rather than just a meal, so plan to stay a while!
- The Ritz: A beloved lakeside staple on East Lake Okoboji that has been a community favorite since 1989. This waterfront spot sounds fancier than it is, so don’t worry about showing up in your lake clothes! The Ritz is known for its giant “fishbowl” specialty cocktails, live music, and affordable steak dinners. Most people gravitate straight to the outdoor patio when the weather is nice to soak up the views, and they also host a Sunday breakfast brunch. (We aren’t early risers or brunch people, so I can’t vouch for flavors.)
- The Nutty Bar Stand: Can you go to Arnolds Park without eating a Nutty Bar? It might be against the law! :-p Located right across the street from Arnolds Park, this walk-up stand is a regional rite of passage. You can’t leave the area without grabbing one of their iconic, chocolate-dipped, nut-covered ice cream bars!
What to Skip
- Buying Ride Wristbands for the Whole Family: Learn from our mistake! Don’t blindly buy unlimited ride passes for the adults who are just there to hold the bags, push the strollers, and take photos. Save your cash for lakeside snacks and only ticket the kids who are actively hitting the coaster lines.
Tell me: What are your favorite things to do at Lake Okoboji??
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