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Area Insights

The Higgins Museum

The Higgins Museum in Okoboji

The Higgins Museum
of National Bank Notes
1507 Sanborn Ave
Okoboji, IA 51355

Looking for a unique experience, here is one for you. A museum of "National Bank Notes,” not just any museum, but one that offers the largest collection of these Bank Notes in the country. If you are interested in coins and different paper money, come check this out.

Okoboji Middle School

Okoboji Middle School in Arnolds Park

Okoboji Middle School is a place where we are Pioneering Pathways for Every Student. We focus on giving EVERY student access to a world-class education in small-town Iowa. We do this in three primary ways:

We employ staff who care deeply about the lives and learning of each student. From the classroom to the kitchen, we believe positive relationships between our staff and students form the foundation for all student learning.
We focus on preparing students with the competencies and skills needed to thrive in the world beyond our school. All teachers use a common language focused on developing the following five competencies in all our students:
Critical Thinking: The ability to incorporate key information to develop solutions to complex problems
Productivity & Accountability: Demonstrate initiative, self-direction, and personal responsibility to create quality results.
Complex Communication: Successful sharing of information with a clear message.
Collaboration: Respectfully working within a group to achieve a common goal.
Growth Mindset: The incorporation of creativity, unique thoughts, curiosity, and innovation in learning.
We focus on creating learning experiences to prepare our students to solve the problems of tomorrow. Nowhere is this more exemplified than in our Midmester Academy. Through our Midmester Academy, students spend over 120 days throughout their middle school career engaging in 24 real-world, interdisciplinary, problem-based courses. Their experiences culminate in an 8th Grade Capstone Project, where students showcase their middle school learning to a panel of peers, family, and faculty.

Please click HERE to access our Midmester Academy Handbook and Course Booklet.

We hope you will take to time to peruse the Midmester Academy Handbook Course Booklet and navigate our website to learn more about our school. Most importantly, we want you to know that if you are considering Okoboji Schools for your family, we would welcome the opportunity to give you a guided tour of our facilities, which will include a detailed exploration into the programming we offer our students. Please contact any of our school offices to set up a tour.

Yours in Education,

Ryan Cunningham
Okoboji Middle School Principal

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.

Sanford Home Medical Equipment

Sanford Home Medical Equipment in Spirit Lake

Let the experts at Sanford Home Medical Equipment help you find the medical equipment you need. Their services focus on your safety and comfort. Sanford is here to help you find the products and services that are the perfect fit for your health needs, physical characteristics, environment and lifestyle.

Arnolds's Bark-ery And Grooming

Arnolds's Bark-ery And Grooming in Arnolds Park

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!

Taco House

Taco House in Milford

A home town favorite! The Taco House is a hidden gem in the Great Lakes area. If your looking for delicious Mexican food give this a try. Taco House is not open during the winter months but you are able to put in a freezer order before they close to satisfy your craving on those cold days. Whatever you decide to order don't forget the Taco House hot sauce, you won't be disappointed.

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf in Arnolds Park

X marks the spot for this family fun pirate themed mini golf! Pirate's Cove is located in Arnolds Park right next to the amusement park. The kids will love this summer activity. They will be able to putt their way through caves, over bridges, and under waterfalls. Being right in the middle of all the summer action you are also walking distance everything that downtown Arnolds Park offers.

Consumers Lumber Company

Consumers Lumber Company in Spencer

Consumers Lumber Company is the only locally owned and operated building center in the area. They have been proudly serving the best builders and homeowners with the best materials and services since 1906.
They have locations in Spirit Lake and Spencer Iowa with a complete line of building materials and builder’s hardware. They also have full showrooms of millwork, stone, decking and cabinetry.
Dollars spent with Consumers Lumber stay in Dickinson and Clay counties. They support all the area schools and youth organizations along with several other community charities. Consumers Lumber Company is also very proud of the fact that their 15 employees have over 200 years of combined service to our company and that they all live, shop and play here.
They offer timely and accurate project bids and drawings to better serve the areas builders and homeowners. They also provide free and fast delivery to the four county area.

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

Captains Getaway

Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park

Whether you want to sit and enjoy great live music or eat a juicy steak with a lobster tail, this is a great place to spend some time. They have great ownership accompanied by a great staff. You just cannot go wrong. Located in the center of the action on Broadway Street, you are within walking distance of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. You should definitely stop in, enjoy a nice meal and listen to some great music.

Great Lakes Dental Center PC

Great Lakes Dental Center PC in Spirit Lake

From first contact at Great Lakes Dental Center, PC, we are committed to your individual attention and strive to provide personalized oral health care tailored for your unique dental needs and goals. We work hard to create the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we do what it takes to help every patient understand their symptoms and treatment options in a relaxed office setting.

Big Spirit Lake, Small Town Feel

Big Spirit Lake, Small Town Feel in Big Spirit Lake

Separated from the rest of the Iowa Great Lakes, Big Spirit has a lot to offer. Big Spirit is actually located in Iowa and in Minnesota. This quiet setting offers a number of different lake views as well as access to fantastic fishing. While your are there, stop at the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery. Every year they use gillnetting to catch and release walleye, muskie and pike using each fish to help breed a new batch of fish for the year. Often times the DNR catches very large fish and put them on display in one of their many fish tanks. The DNR professionals harvest fish eggs and release them after they hatch. Stop by and see the in the Spring, you will not be disappointed.

The Coffee Shop

This quaint coffee shop in downtown Milford, IA is the talk of the town. You must stop in for a hot or cold drink and enjoy the atmosphere of this eclectic cafe. Locals and visitors alike enjoy meeting at this town favorite.

Okoboji Community School District

Okoboji Community School District in Milford

Welcome! Okoboji Community School District is a place where we are Pioneering Pathways for Every Student. Okoboji has so much to offer all students: high academic standards, strong athletic and fine arts programs, and much more. This community should feel Proud to Be piONEers who are Outstanding and Optimistic and encourage Opportunity for ALL.

If you are new to the district, we look forward to providing your children with a challenging education from teachers who build academic competence, encourage innovation and collaboration, and teach with passion in an atmosphere where students are valued, celebrated, and challenged.

We are so thankful for the many parents involved in Pioneer Parents and other organizations that are engaged with our children’s education. It is our hope you will be an “all in” parent/guardian/community member/community leader for your child and every child in our district. It is “Team Okoboji.”

To learn more about the Okoboji Community District, please call 712-338-4757. We are committed to keeping our kids safe and giving them our very best.

Thank you for your support!

- Todd A. Abrahamson, Superintendent

Check out these You Tube videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4E8vyEcqsQ&index=1&list=PLgY3oyulYPWoBiQcIm5A-273dr2fDJRhp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXTeIuB-72c&index=2&list=PLgY3oyulYPWoBiQcIm5A-273dr2fDJRhp

West O Beer

West O Beer in Milford

If you haven't been to West O, you need to go. With their state of the art brewery, and access to some of the best water in the world, their beer is nothing short of amazing. Their tasting room has a cool, industrial feel, and perfect for tasting their many types of beers. CocO Stout has been an award winning beer for years, and definitely worth a try! West O has been voted "Best Iowa Beer" by the Des Moines Register readers in 2016.

Florence Park

Florence Park in Milford

Florence Park, Milford
Located Directly across the street from the Okoboji High School to the East, Florence Park is a wonderful getaway for the kids. There is a lot of play ground equipment, as well as a indoor/outdoor shelter area. This is also the home of many activities during the weekend of Pioneer Days and is the common meeting ground after the parade.

Okoboji Bible Conference Ministries

Okoboji Bible Conference Ministries in Arnolds Park

Okoboji Bible Conference Ministries
7 S. Highway 71
Arnolds Park, IA 51331

Every summer the Okoboji Bible Conference is held in the heart of the Lakes Area, drawing in thousands of Christians of all ages to the area. The conference has a number of speakers as well as musicians. 2017 will be the 83rd year of the Okoboji Bible Conference.

2017 schedule- July 30 - August 7, 2017

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

Minervas Restaurant & Bar

Minervas Restaurant & Bar in Okoboji

Minervas is located in the Arrowwood Resort in Okoboji. Their menu offers a little of everything! From classic pastas and aged steaks to seafood everyone will leave satisfied. They offer a great "Pick Two" option for lunch and the atmosphere is excellent. They also do a pasta night that seems to be a staple in the community. Getting to pick your sauce and everything that goes into your pasta which is then made right in front of you is certainly a treat for the whole family!

The Waterfront

The Waterfront in Arnolds Park

This place is amazing! From the views, atmosphere, service and food you can't go wrong. The biggest beer and drink selection at the lakes. On Sundays you can enjoy one of the largest bloody mary bars in the area. Their menu consists of a variety of steaks, seafood, and flatbreads. The Waterfront is a great addition to the lakes area!

Smack Shack

Smack Shack in Okoboji

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.

The Gardens

The Gardens in Arnolds Park

Great food, fantastic lake views, and amazing service. The Gardens has it all. Stop in and have a cold beverage on the deck and listen to some of the best live music in the area. Located in the Central Emporium in Arnolds Park the Gardens puts you in the middle of all the summer action. Make sure to stop in and enjoy one of the best bars in the area!

The Waterfront

The Waterfront in East Lake Okoboji

The Waterfront has been a really great addition to the Iowa Great Lakes. Located on the Bridges Bay campus, it is easy to find by car or boat. Streak, seafood, pasta, crepes, pizza and numerous delicious sides on the shores of East Lake will have you always coming back for more. Also try their Sunday brunch, it will not disappoint.

Spirit Lake Municipal Airport

Spirit Lake Municipal Airport in Okoboji

Spirit Lake Municipal Aiport

For those of you not familiar with the area, wondering what the story is behind the runway in Okoboji, here is a little information for you.

At the corner of Lakeshore Drive and Sanborn Ave in Okoboji is the Spirit Lake Muni Airport.

This airport publicly-owned and is not intended for large commercial airlines coming and going, it is for smaller, private plains to come and go. Often the runways are busiest Thursday/Friday afternoon and Sunday during the summer months bringing some of the lake home owners to and from the area to enjoy what the lakes have to offer.

Gilbert Park

Gilbert Park in Spirit Lake

Gilbert Park
601 Hill Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Located on a large piece of land, with green space for kids to play and 500 feet of East Lake Okoboji shoreline. Also available are a large shelter house, basketball court, 2 public floating docks, playground equipment park benches, picnic tables and handicap-accessible restrooms

Okoboji Brewing Company

Okoboji Brewing Company in Spirit Lake

Okoboji Brewing Company is proudly locally owned and brewed. They brew high quality craft beer, from IPA's, Stouts, Ales, Porters, and more. They have an extensive beer menu in their taproom, which is a comfortable spot to enjoy a brew, watch TV, and get food delivered from your favorite spot in the area. You can sometimes find a local food truck parked outside, to pair with your favorite Okoboji Brewing company craft beer.

Ranch Okoboji

Ranch Okoboji in Okoboji

Ranch Okoboji has something for everyone. The ever popular mini golf course in Okoboji is a fun Wizard of Oz theme. They also have Tyotee's Mining, which is a fun little adventure for kids to mine gemstones, arrowheads, and fossils! For the adults, they have a margarita bar, with tons of flavors, all made with their own secret recipe! Once you're done with whichever adventure you choose at the Ranch, don't forget to shop at their little boutique area, with home decor, outdoor decor, and their extensive collection of flags!

Okoboji Boat Works

Okoboji Boat Works in West Lake Okoboji

Okoboji Boat Works is home to "The Fish Shack" and "The Inconvenience Store". Formerly a marina of thriving boat sales since 1890, OBW now offers up many different rentals, a 24 hour gas dock, excursion boats, and more. I remember the days as a child of fishing for crappie and blue gill here and along the docks of Smith's Bay. Though the scenery has changed, the outstanding fishing has not.

The Three Sons

The Three Sons in Milford

The Three Sons is your go to University of Okoboji shop!! They offer everything you need for the family from name brand items to your local Okoboji gear. The Three Sons has been a family owned and operated business since the summer of 1960. You will feel like family while you are shopping here. If you are on the boat in the summer don't forget you can also shop their inventory on the Arnolds Park Boardwalk! University of Okoboji gear is one of our favorite ways to represent Lake Okoboji on a vacation!

The Hair Team

The Hair Team in Spirit Lake

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.

Cross Winds Church

Cross Winds Church in Spirit Lake

CrossWinds Church
2805 Erie Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Services
Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Dining

Dining in Okoboji

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!

Saint Mary's Catholic Church

Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church
1005 Hill Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Services
Saturday at 5 p.m. (confessions at 4:30 p.m.)
Sunday at 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Thursday - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 9 a.m.
Friday - 12 p.m.

The Studio Yoga & Barre

The Studio Yoga & Barre in Spencer

The Studio Yoga & Barre has two locations: Spencer or Spirit Lake @ Allure & Co. Come and experience a community of people seeking to live healthier lives through exercising the body and mind.
They offer a variety of yoga, barre, cycling and paddle-board classes for different levels of experience.
The Studio also offers yoga and exercise apparel, as well as oils and health supplements.

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.

Thee Garage Sale:

Thee Garage Sale: in Milford

An exceptional thrift store located in Milford that supports the programs and services of the Cherish Center. Great selection of furniture, decor, kitchen items, children's clothes, toys and more! Located on 22nd Street in Milford. Just 2 blocks South of Perkins.

Jimmy John's

Jimmy John's in Spirit Lake

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!

Overhead Doors

Overhead Doors in Arnolds Park

Overhead Doors
652 Okoboji Grove Road
Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Located right off of Highway 71 in Arnolds Park.
Overhead Door Sales & Services has been around since 1985 offering sales and service for commercial and residential garage doors and openers. They offer service for most makes and models of garage doors and openers.
They offer the following brands: Hormann, Haas Door, Wayne Dalton and Great Northern Door Company.
Service area includes NW Iowa and SW Minnesota.

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.

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!

The Hutt Bar & Grill

The Hutt Bar & Grill in Arnolds Park

The Hutt may be a newer restaurant in the Lakes area, but they bring a big presence with them. A former owner of the Dry Dock, is the new owner of The Hutt. She has made this restaurant a great attraction to locals and tourists, being open year round. Having traditional american food means The Hutt is appealing to all! Don't miss out on their tasty breakfast during the summer, and their bloody mary's!

Studio 1328

Studio 1328 in Spirit Lake

Looking for a photographer for your wedding or event in Okoboji? Need to update your family photos? What about branding or marketing assistance with your business? Studio 1328 offers it all! They are a mulit-faceted creative studio focused on the needs of their customers and the demands of today's market. Jen does everything from your newborn's photos to your new webpage for your business. Check out not only her studio webpage, but also her Okoboji magazine, Lake Life! http://www.lakelifeokoboji.com

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.

Elinor Bedell State Park

Elinor Bedell State Park in Spirit Lake

Elinor Bedell State Park

located on 80 acres of land this property was gifted by former U.S. Congressman Berkley Bedell and his wife Elinor. Berkley was also the original business man who began the Berkley Fishing company which started in Spirit Lake and was taken world-wide.

The park offers prairie and wetland areas to navigate, with miles of trails, a campground, playground equipment, a shelter overlooking the lake and more.

Okoboji Expedition Co.

Okoboji Expedition Co. in Okoboji

Okoboji Expedition Co is a bicycle and outdoor sports store in Okoboji, Iowa. We are located on the eastern shore of West Okoboji Lake in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The Okoboji Expedition Company carries bicycles, kayaks, cycling apparel, cross country skis, and snowshoes along with all the needed accessories for all of the above. We also specialize in custom bike fittings and offer winter spinning classes.
We offer bicycle products from Specialized, Cervelo, Co-motion and Alchemy. We also stock Oru kayaks and paddle boards from SOL, Tubbs snowshoes, Atomic cross country skis and outdoor clothing from Mavic, Pearl Izumi and Louis Garneau. Stop in and see us… you’ll be glad you did.

 

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Matt Lippon


Cell: 712.330.0604

Janie Eick


Cell: 712.339.0574

Liz Sandy


Cell: 712.330.1386

Brooke Jones


Cell: 641.420.2172

Aaron Jones


Cell: 712.336.4967

Greg Sheeler


Cell: 712.330.1573

Alex Parker


Cell: 998.765.4312

Kymm Jones


Cell: 712.320.6737

Tracy Evans


Cell: 712.330.2748

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