Arnolds Park
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Arnolds Park is in the center of the Iowa Great Lakes resort region. It is home to a historic amusement park, also called Arnolds Park, which features Legend, An ACE Coaster Landmark. Legend, which carried its first riders in 1927, is believed to be the 13th oldest wooden roller coaster in the U.S. In 2012 the amusement park was selected as one of the fifteen best in the Midwest region by Midwest Living magazine.
Other major landmarks of the city include the Central Emporium shopping mall, the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum and the Iowa Rock'N'Roll Hall of Fame.
Located in Arnolds Park is the Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin Museum, the site of the 1857 "Spirit Lake Massacre", a violent conflict between European settlers and Native Americans. Next to the cabin is Pillsbury Point State Park.
Area Insights
Ruthven Meat Locker
Spirit LakeRuthven Meat Locker is a local family owned business. Ruthven Locker at the Lakes is their 2nd retail store (with the original Meat Processing plant being a staple in the small town of Ruthven, Iowa). They are a full service meat shop providing their customers with excellent high quality cuts of beef & pork. Also provided are smoked meat snacks which they make right on site in Ruthven. Sure to please even the pickiest of palates! Ruthven Meat Locker prides themselves on promoting other local small businesses by selling them in our Spirit Lake store. You find everything from fine wood pieces to local honey, microgreens, baked goods, and delicious cheesecake. The Butcher’s Wife is always available to answer your questions and take special orders. Come on in and you’ll soon see that the rumors are true!
South Shore Estates
Lower Gar LakeSouth Shore Estates is the newest lakeshore development on Lower Gar. Here you have access to West Lake, East Lake, Minnewashta, and Upper Gar.
EAST Algona
AlphaReal Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lakes Agent Insight Description of East Lake Rush Lake in the Lake Section of the Area Category.
Sawmill Bridge-Park
Arnolds ParkSawmill Park/Bridge
Located at 314 Rohr Street in Arnolds Park sits a great family park, with newer playground equipment, a basketball hoop and a shelter area.
Also located here is the Sawmill Bridge which separates Upper Gar Lake and Lake Minnewashta.
Don’t share this secret too far, but this is a good location to catch a fish or two at certain times of the year.
The Last Touch / Benjamin Moore Paint Store
Spirit LakeIf you're looking for great interior or exterior paint check out The Last Touch Benjamin Moore Paint Store at 2230 33rd Street, Suite 1, in Spirit Lake. They have a great selection of authentic colors and have been ranked highest in interior paint by JD Power and Associates for several years running. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and always ready to help whether it's with a free estimate or a color consultation. They also offer cleaning services for new construction, remodels, top-down or general cleaning plus janitorial services. You can reach them at 712-336-4475 or visit their website at www.lasttouchllc.com. When you're ready for your next project give The Last Touch a try! You won't be disappointed!
The Outrigger
OkobojiOne 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!
True Value
MilfordTrue Value-downtown Milford
916 Okoboji Ave
Milford, IA 51351
Very convenient location, especially if you live South of the bridge and need something to fix something at your house? Whether it is electrical, hardware or plumbing, chances are good you can find it here. Also offer key cutting.
SUNNYVILLE BAKERY
Arnolds ParkReal Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in SunnyvilleAgent Insight on the Sunnyville Bakery in Sunnyville City
Okoboji Middle School
Arnolds ParkOkoboji 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
Kiwanis Park
Spirit LakeKiwanis Park
1100 23rd St
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Close to the schools, Fareway Grocery and the bike trails, Kiwanis park offers a Shelter house, access to the bike trail system, good playground equipment, especially for younger kids, grills, park benches, picnic tables and has handicap-accessible restroomsKiwanis Park
1100 23rd St
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Close to the schools, Fareway Grocery and the bike trails, Kiwanis park offers a Shelter house, access to the bike trail system, good playground equipment, especially for younger kids, grills, park benches, picnic tables and has handicap-accessible restrooms
Bomgaars Building Center
Spirit LakeBomgaars
2201 Hwy 71
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Bomgaars offers a great selection and a convenient location in Spirit Lake. Open at 7 am Monday through Saturday and 10 am on Sunday.
Bomgaars is great for pretty much any of your home improvement projects.
TALLGRASS VILLAGE
Spirit Lake4150 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.
Arnold's Bark-ery
Arnolds ParkThis new business to the lakes area is sure to be a hit! Arnold's Bark-ery makes healthy, fresh made snacks for all of the lucky dogs in the surrounding Okoboji area. They also provide natural, and holistic pet foods in their shop. A fun place to bring your dog to shop, as well as a place to get them groomed. What a fun addition to the area!
Kozy Heat
Arnolds ParkThe Kozy Heat Fireplaces Gallery is a fireplace dealership located just off of Highway 71 in Arnolds Park, IA. The gallery is an authorized dealer of the following items: gas fireplaces, wood fireplaces, electric fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces, pellet grills, gas grills, smokers, charcoal grills, and ceramic grills. The Kozy Heat Gallery also offers all the tools, amenities, and gear you could possibly dream of to outfit your patio or grilling station to make your house the best hangout spot in the neighborhood. Most importantly, the Kozy Heat Gallery's mission is to assist in outfitting your home or business with the best fireplaces, grills, or accessories out there for each and every customer. With a high standard for customer satisfaction, the superb staff are always excited to accommodate your every need.
WEST Algona
AlgonaReal Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lakes Agent Insight Description of West Lake Rush Lake in the Lake Section of the Area Category
Main Street Bar & Grill
TerrilMain Street Bar and Grill is a longstanding bar/pub/lounge that also has a great selection of food. Wednesday nights they offer a wonderful steak menu. Great cocktails and great food in small-town Terril, Iowa.
The Studio Yoga & Barre
Spirit LakeCome 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.
St. Albin's Episcopal Church
Spirit LakeSt 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)
St. Patrick's Day!
EmmetsburgCheck 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!
Cutting Edge Lawn Service
Spirit LakeCutting 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.
The Three Sons
MilfordFounded in 1960, the Three Sons has been a staple of Milford, IA retail. From Herman and Emil Richter, owners, was born the University of Okoboji, a ficticious university that calls the entire Iowa Great Lakes the campus of the U of O. Part of the experience of shopping the three sons, if walking the old battered floors, and taking a trip upstairs for half price, plus a buck. Brands you would expect in Milford Iowa are abundant, such as Patagonia, Oakley, Under Armour, Tommy Bahama, and more. There are currently 2 other stores; one at the amusement park, and another near the Regal Beagle called the bridge store. No self-respecting visitor to Okoboji leaves without visiting one of their stores.
WEST Algona
AlgonaReal Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lakes Agent Insight Description of West Lake Rush Lake in the Lake Section of the Area Category
Minervas Restaurant & Bar
OkobojiMinervas 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!
Quality Ice Fishing
Lake MinnewashtaThe 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.
Kurio Kastle
Spirit LakeThis 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.
RE/MAX Lakes Realty
Big Spirit LakeMy local expertise, experience in other markets, combined with the power and influence of RE/MAX, enables me to help achieve all your objectives in your home purchase or sale. Call me, Lynn Thompson to discuss today's Real Estate opportunities.
Bombazi Salon
Arnolds ParkBombazi, 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.
Saint Mary's Catholic Church
Spirit LakeSaint 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.
El Parian Mexican Grill
Spirit LakeStop in El Parian for some of the best Mexican cuisine and margaritas. On Wednesdays lime margaritas are only $.99! El Parian offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food for lunch and dinner. You will not leave hungry by any means!
Spirit Lake United Methodist Church
Spirit LakeSpirit 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)
Midwest Modern Furniture
Spirit LakeTalk about a fun place to shop--this is one of the best! The owners and staff (including Britt, the furniture dog) are so personable and welcoming that you'll find yourself hanging out in their store because it's so much like home (or what you'd like your home to be)! They have great furniture, rugs, lighting to fit any budget. They also sell vintage pieces which don't last long in the store! And plants, yes, they even have plants! Plan to spend some time when you come here because there's so much to see! Located at 3520 Hwy 71 South, Spirit Lake or go to midwestmodernfurniture.com.
The Family Diner
Spirit LakeThe 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.
Sanford Home Medical Equipment
Spirit LakeLet 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.
Solma's Punkin Patch
SanbornSolsma's Punkin Patch began in 1999 as a way to make a little money for the Solsma kids' college education and it has continue to grow and evolve. Fireworks sales from June 1 to July 8 and in December. Pumpkin sales from Labor Day to Halloween. Fall produce of all kinds, country store, corn maze (weather permitting). Ruby Red Popcorn and Drug Free Beef available year around. Call or stop by the the store in the off season. Located 4 miles east of Sanborn, Iowa on Hwy 18. www.solsma.com 712-729-3174
Miracle Truss Buildings
Spirit LakeMiracle Truss Buildings may be new to area but the company name has been around for decades. This company provides do-it-yourself building kits with clear-span web steel trusses that are made right here in the USA. It is also veteran owned. You can customize kits for garages, homes, shops, RV and marine, commercial, agricultural, cabins, hangars--anything you can imagine! Call 800-208-1969 for an appointment at their design center located at 1703 Hill Ave in Spirit Lake, or visit their website at miracletruss.com to read all about them. The knowledgeable staff is ready to help you with your next project. Free quotes, too!
Pioneer Parents
MilfordPioneer Parents is the governing board that serves the staff and families at Okoboji Elementary School. They are a registered PTA group with three main fundraising events: Fall Fun Night, Movie Night and Spring Fun Night. Fundraising dollars are used to fund staff requests and support the school.
Dancers Unlimited
Spirit LakeDancers Unlimited
3209 Zenith Ave
Spirit Lake
Dancer's Unlimited is a dance studio located in Spirit Lake, Iowa, teaching children ages 3-18. They offer all-in-one classes (tap, jazz, ballet/pointe), hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre classes.
Silver Lake Campgrounds
Lake ParkLake 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.
Okoboji Store
OkobojiBringing back the old Okoboji general store from 1884, the Okoboji Store has made a huge name for itself since it opened in 2015. The Okoboji Store is nearly always busy, thanks to their amazing food and drinks. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, during the summer and fall. The restaurant also hosts some of the areas best live musicians, which is always a great time. But, the best part of the Okoboji Store is of course, the view of the lake. Its beautiful location is sure to keep anyone coming back for more.
Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry
Spirit LakeWe understand the importance of good dental hygiene and oral care and are committed to providing you the best care in a fun, pleasant environment. Using the latest technology, our experienced staff works together as a team to give you exceptional quality treatment from the time you walk in for your initial visit.
Codit Tree Care
Spirit LakeCODIT is a licensed, insured and internationally certified arboriculture tree care business, which specializes in hard to access areas.
WEST Algona
AlgonaReal Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lakes Agent Insight Description of West Lake Rush Lake in the Lake Section of the Area Category
Mill Creek Restaurant & Lounge
MilfordMill Creek is located on the NE corner of Okoboji Ave (Hwy 71) and 9th Street in Milford. Dine in or carry out. There's something for everybody--daily and nightly specials, too! The staff is friendly and the atmosphere relaxing. Great burgers, sandwiches, pizza and appetizers. A couple of my faves are the Fried Pickle Chips and the Kentucky Bourbon Sandwich. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 11 AM - 11 PM (grill open til 10 PM) and Sunday from 5 PM - 9 PM. Have a party in the events room with family and friends. Games for the kids, too!
Pirate Jack's Bar
Arnolds ParkBest little gem on the lake. Located on West Lake you will be able to sit and enjoy a nice cold beverage, a wonderful staff, and one of the best views in town. They have a wonderful selection of drinks you can choose from. Make sure to try one of their margaritas, it is the best on the lake in my opinion! Whether you want to enjoy the fireworks on the 4th of July, or just any sunset in the summer, Pirate Jack's is the place to be.
Little Swan Lake Winery Bed and Breakfast
EsthervilleLittle 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!
Riddle Me That
Arnolds ParkRiddle 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!
Wyman's Spudnuts
OkobojiSPUDNUTS!!! The newest tradition in the Lakes Area. Amazing donuts (called Spudnuts), coffee and a fun place to take a break from your day. These are made from potato flour which is where the name comes from. You can choose from glazed donuts, chocolate or maple frosting, donut holes(my kids' favs), cinnamon twists, cinnamon balls OR even maple frosting with bacon.
Find them at 1104 S Hwy 71 in Okoboji, across the street from Tweeters.
"Turn-Over" Thermocline
West Lake OkobojiReferred to locally as the lake turning over the thermocline is a feature of lakes with deep water. The water on the top of the lake changes temperature much more variably during the year. On West Lake, it can reach as much as 75 degrees in July while the water below, greater than 35 or 40 feet deep is relatively stable around 45 degrees. In the fall and early winter, the top strata of the lake will cool to below 45 degrees, and then because it becomes denser, it will "sink" below the lower strata, thus, displacing it and making the lake "turn-over". In the deepest part of West Lake (near the 136ft mark), no light is availble, and hence little life is known whether fish or plant. Typically questions are raised as to why the surface water gets dirty for a short period of time in the fall, this this is the standard answer.
Newell Orthodontics PC
Spirit LakeDr. 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.
Kuchel Homes
OkobojiKuchel Homes is dedicated to building your dream home in your dream community. Kuchel Homes cuts no corners when it comes to building your home....from the planning, design, finishes and more we leave no stone unturned. Designed to Perform, Built to Last.
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Studio 1328
Spirit LakeLooking 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
Lisa's Bakery
Spirit LakeNew 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.
Pioneer Parents
MilfordPioneer Parents is the governing board that serves the staff and families at Okoboji Elementary School. They are a registered PTA group with three main fundraising events: Fall Fun Night, Movie Night and Spring Fun Night. Fundraising dollars are used to fund staff requests and support the school.
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