Big Spirit Lake Area Insights

Big Spirit Lake, Small Town Feel

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.

charlie@leadcitydemo.com While growing up, Charlie loved coming to the lake with his family fishing and going to Arnolds Park on the boat for some Godfathers Pizza and ice cream. After graduating from Washington High School in Cherokee, Iowa, he went to Southwest Minnesota State University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Charlie has become familiar with the area while working and eventually becoming a manager at The Gardens and living in Arnolds Park. He now looks forward to helping people achieve their goals in this wonderful area. Charlie spends his free time being on the lake as well as the golf course and watching his favorite college and pro teams play. (Real Estate Agent)

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Spirit Lake Spillway

Big Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake Spillway

Looking for some entertainment with the kids on a nice summer weekend, come check out the Spillway. The Spillway connects Big Spirit Lake to East Lake Okoboji allowing overflow water to move from Big Spirit Lake to the chain of lakes. This helps keep water levels under control on Big Spirit.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may see hundreds, if not thousands of fish, mostly carp swimming upstream, it’s a neat site to see.

While you are here, you can launch your boat for a day on the lake, or you can visit Orleans Beach next door. Or you can grab lunch at the Spillway Drive In.

matt@leadcitydemo.com I have called this area home for my entire life, I grew up and went to school in Spirit Lake and moved back to Okoboji after college. I am a 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in finance. Before starting at RE/MAX, I worked at a local bank in several different areas of banking, this experience has become helpful to my real estate clients.

In 2006 I joined RE/MAX, essentially joining the family business with my parents and sister who taught me the business. I am the only remaining Lippon team member actively selling real estate. In 2014 I obtained my brokers license and I am licensed in Iowa and Minnesota. I received Hall of Fame status from RE/MAX for my production over the years.

I am married with three daughters. Outside of work I like to spend time with my kids and also enjoy golfing, fishing, hunting and following my favorite sports teams. (Real Estate Agent)

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RE/MAX Lakes Realty

Big Spirit Lake

My 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.

liz@leadcitydemo.com I have always considered the Iowa Great Lakes area my second home as I have been a life long summer resident of West Lake Okoboji. I know the Lakes area well and look forward to sharing my passion for the Lakes with others. (Real Estate Agent)

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Local Expert Updates

Charlie Lewis

Cell: 712.229.9809

Matt Rogers

Cell: 712.330.0604

Liz Anders

Cell: 712.330.1386

Community Updates

Elinor Bedell State Park

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.

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The Barefoot Bar

Okoboji

Arguably the most iconic spot in all of the lakes area, Barefoot Bar is the one place you must visit when you're here for the summer. They have the best blended drinks, as well as every other cocktail you can think of, served in their signature cups. Its the perfect place on the lake to sit back and relax with friends, while enjoying the view, and all of the palm trees. Barefoot Bar also has a menu, to enjoy some food while you're soaking in the sun. Its even the perfect place for kids, with a full swing set, and even a slide that goes right into the lake!