Big Spirit Lake
![[CommunityTitle], [CommunityType] Community](https://leadcity-solution.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/vwr51329/community/large/big-spirit-lake.jpg "[CommunityTitle], [CommunityType] Community")
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
Sunshine Foods
MilfordSunshine Foods, located on Highway 71, is Milford's only full service supermarket offering Fresh Produce - Butcher Fresh Meats - Deli - Kitchen
EAST Algona
AlgonaReal Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lakes Agent Insight Description of East Lake Rush Lake in the Lake Section of the Area Category.
Mother Nature's Restaurant
EsthervilleMother Nature's is an American Restaurant Style bar/restaurant/lounge. Mother Nature's has been a local Estherville bar and grill since 1978. Stop in for the best burgers and steaks in town!
Okoboji Expedition Co.
OkobojiOkoboji 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.
Allure & Co.
Spirit LakeAllure & Co. is a great one stop shop with many businesses all in one building! Home decor, rugs, furniture, lighting, a yoga studio, photographer, hair salon, massage and a coffee shop all under one roof! They offer so many great brands to provide some great shopping in the lakes area. The staff is very friendly which makes it a fun place to shop.
Barn Swallow
OkobojiBarn 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!
Bridges Bay Resort
Arnolds ParkChoose 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!
Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Arnolds ParkHaving lived in Okoboji all my life, there are a wealth of memories of Arnolds Park. I, like many of the locals, miss the nostalgia of the old Roof Garden, the fun house, the water slide and much, much more. With time comes change, and the amusement park continues to reinvent itself. Currently with over 20 rides to choose from, the family is sure to have a good time. The main attraction, The Legend Roller Coaster, is the 7th oldest coaster in the United States and apparently the 13th oldest in the world. Reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, the roller coaster has undergone substantial renovations in the last year. In front of the amusement park on West Lake is the Queen II excursion boat, and Pirate Jacks Bar. The sunsets here are unparalleled. If you have a chance to visit, make sure to check out the tipsy house, the three sons, and all of the shops. Just to the east is the green space, which provides great entertainment and in 2013 OAR came to play, which is a pretty big name for Okoboji.
West Boutique
OkobojiWest 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!
Okoboji View Golf Course
Spirit LakeOkoboji View is a public 18-hole golf course with membership availability. It is a beautiful golf course with an emphasis on nature and offers many challenges with fast greens, beautiful water features, tree lined fairways and rolling hills.
The newly remodeled restaurant and bar - renamed Pub19 Bar & Grill in 2015 - is full service and you can enjoy drinks and dining on the large new deck overlooking the golf course.
Whether you need a golf lesson or a professional club-fitting, or if you need to schedule your corporate golf outing, wedding rehearsal dinner/reception or class reunion, or just want to enjoy playing at one of the best courses in Northwest Iowa - Okoboji View Golf Course, a family run facility, is for you.
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.
Wild Child
Spirit LakeWild 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.
The Hair Team
Spirit LakeLooking 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.
Okoboji Commons
OkobojiCheck out Okoboji's newest urban metro hotel, the Okoboji Commons. Featuring 71 guest rooms, a meeting room that can hold up to 125 people. Conveniently located next to the bike trail, Brooks Golf Course, Okoboji Summer Theatre, and many Okoboji attractions. The hotel grounds are immaculate featuring gas fire pits, a gazebo, a large deck overlooking East Lake, a sand beach with hammocks, fire pits and a new dock to tie up your boat. Check out Okoboji Commons next time you are vacationing in Okoboji, you will not be disappointed!
Spirit Lake Silver & Gold
Spirit LakeAs 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.
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!
SUNNYVILLE
AlgonaInfo on SunnyVille and then insights in the City of Sunnyville category. Here provide insights on all things Sunnyville. Allow agents to Score points for their online profile by encouraging them to add content here which in turns adds content to the website.
Ries Eyecare
MilfordRies Eyecare
2213 Okoboji Ave
Milford, IA 51351
Another eyecare option in the Iowa Great Lakes area is conveniently located in Milford on Hwy 71 next door to Ingwersen Chiropractic and Healthy Living Program Center.
Services provided:
Exams- Comprehensive, Contact Lens, Medical for Glaucoma, etc, Foreign Body Removal, Red Eye and Emergencies and Post- operative Care
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
Hill Avenue Dental
Spirit LakeYour family deserves advanced dental care provided in a warm, friendly environment. Hill Avenue Dental excels in giving people of all ages beautiful smiles and healthy teeth. Your comfort is the highest priority of Dr. Dotson and Dr. Hartzell and their skilled dental care team.
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!
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.
Boji Toes
Arnolds ParkIf you're visiting the lakes area, and want to be pampered, Boji Toes gives the best pedicures in town! Also offering manicures, from traditional to shellac, as well as waxing, they really take pampering to the next level. I also know that they love to get male clients, and will even offer them a beer! Talk about great service!
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.
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 Gardens
Arnolds ParkGreat 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!
Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe
OkobojiCome to Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe and enjoy the relaxing laid back island atmosphere that you can only find along the waters of Turtle Bay. Open to the public for lunch and dinner, Snappers menu is unique to Okoboji which offers quality food and service that is sure to please visiting patrons.
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.
Omaha Beach
West Lake OkobojiOmaha Beach is on the north end of Echo Bay, extending out into Omaha Point. Known for its secluded private access from Lakeshore Drive, Omaha Beach properties are some of the most sought after on West Lake, easily fetching over $15000 per linear foot of lakeshore.
Okoboji Boat Works
West Lake OkobojiOkoboji 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.
Arnolds's Bark-ery and Grooming
Arnolds ParkArnold'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!
Bridges Bay Resort
East Lake OkobojiBridges Bay Resort is built on the land purchased a few years prior which used to be owned by the Nielsen family of Arnolds Park. This huge complex consists of a hotel, 3 condo buildings (a 4th is under construction), and over 100 vacation cabins. A popular part of the resort is the indoor waterpark that cabin and condo owners have access to, but also, so does the public for a fee. Braccos is a fantastic summertime restaurant and bar which is frequented by boat, by car, and by foot, especially from the owners of the condos and cabins. All of the units at Bridges Bay have an opportunity for a boat hoist, and it is an extremely popular destination for out of towners looking for a vacation spot in Okoboji. Because Bridges Bay is not within the city limits, many owners utilize property management companies to help them rent their units by the day, week, and month. I've personally sold and shown many condo and cabin units and would be delighted to help.
Shade of the Tree Counseling Services
Spirit LakeSubstance Abuse Services Based on the 12 Step Model.
Employing the Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care.
Person-Centered Therapy
State Licensed
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!
Speier Park of Okoboji
OkobojiSpeier Park of Okoboji
Located at the corner of Lakeshore Drive and Sanborn Ave in Okoboji and across the road from the airport, this is a very family friendly park with lots to offer.
Tennis courts and a basketball court are available. Also, one can use the very nice and newer shelter to entertain a family outing. The kids will have plenty to do at the play ground as well, with slides, swings, tether ball, monkey bars and more. Also, pets are allowed if kept on a leash.
Also, the kids can enjoy watching airplanes land and take off with the Spirit Lake Municipal Airport runway directly across the street.
Open til 10:30 p.m.
Boji Tattoo & Piercing
Arnolds ParkBoji Tattoo is a very welcoming tattoo place in the Lakes Area. Offering very competitive pricing for tattoos and piercings, Boji Tattoo is a great place for your next piece of ink. You can rest assured that Boji Tattoo is a sterile, clean environment. Their needles are a one time use, and all tools are sterilized after each customer. They have extensive tattoo ideas in their shop, as well as body jewelry to buy.
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.
Ferguson's
Spirit LakeFerguson'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!
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.
Big Acai Bowls
OkobojiWelcome 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.
The Waterfront
Arnolds ParkThis 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!
OYBA
MilfordOkoboji Youth Basketball Association (OYBA)
The Okoboji School system and basketball program is really blessed to have such a great nucleus of coaches and a system in place designed to really build the children through team work and skill building. OYBA has put together a board and a mission that is really great for the kids and is designed to develop the kids to prepare them for High School Basketball.
Each winter, OYBA puts out teams ranging from 3rd grade up to 8th grade, both girls teams and boys teams.
I am one of the coaches for the 5th grade girls team, we have 24 kids out for basketball, for such a small class, those numbers are amazing.
We put together 3 traveling teams and each of our teams is signed up for 5 tournaments this winter season, the kids love it.
Whether you are new to town or have been here for a long time, if you have kids going to the Okoboji School system and want to play some ball, check out the website, call one of the board members or give me a call and I'll point you in the right direction.
Walleye Weekend
East Lake OkobojiIts 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/
Prairie Chick
Okoboji2327 170th St
Okoboji, IA 51355
Prairie Chick is a great place to go for your morning coffee, for breakfast, lunch or just a spot to get away and read a newspaper. The atmosphere is great, There are numerous rooms and seating areas, including a fireplace where you are most likely going to find a local or two reading a newspaper waiting for someone to start up a good conversation with.
Very family friendly as well. In door and out door seating and a garden in the back where they grow alot of the ingredients used in their food.
They offer great coffee, scones, quiches, oatmeal, as well as other pastries. For lunch they also offer sandwiches/soup.
Their menu often changes from day to day, so stop in often and taste a little of everything.
Kenue Park
OkobojiKenue Park
2251 170th St
Okoboji, IA 51355
Located next door to the Dickinson County Nature Center, Kenue Park offers 40 acres of entertainment including picnic areas, hiking trails and a 18 hole disc golf course.
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
Dining
OkobojiMinerva'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!
The Okoboji Tile Shop
Arnolds ParkThe Okoboji Tile Shop
Ben Zenor, a local tile installer established The Okoboji Tile Store in 2012. Ben has been doing tile work for years. He is experienced with new construction, remodel and has done work on custom showers, backsplashes and floors.
The Okoboji Tile Shop also sells tiles, as well as cabinets, countertops and bamboo wood flooring.
Ace Hardware
Spirit Lake3401 Berquist Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Local hardware store in Spirit Lake owned by Gary & Peggy Fick & Cynthia Fick. The selection and the service are excellent at Ace Hardware, if you have a need they are quick at helping you find it. You can find Ace HW by going on Hwy 71 South from Walmart, it is located on the East side of the road at the 3rd stop light.
Open at 7:30 am Monday through Saturday and 10 am on Sunday.
Ace Hardware has more than 4,600 stores in 50 states and 70 countries. Each store is independently owned.
Light of the Lakes Friends Church
Arnolds ParkLight of the Lakes Friends Church
10 Hwy 71 N
Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Services
Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
GET IN TOUCH
Local Expert Updates
Community Updates
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.
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.
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
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
The newsletter is sent periodically and will update you on the latest real estate news and offers.
