$661,813Average Value$441Average Price per Sq Ft60Homes For Sale
Seasonal tourism to Arnolds Park’s lakes and attractions drives the economy
Arnolds Park, known as the City of Five Lakes, has always been a vacation destination. People have flocked to its beaches, resorts and lakes since the 19th century, and it anchors Iowa's Great Lakes as the home of the region’s chamber of commerce and tourism center. Commercial and entertainment centers surround the city’s recreational hubs, which burst with life in the summertime. Although the community has full-time residents, tourism is its focus as it maintains the area’s economy. “We’re becoming more and more seasonal all the time,” says Linda Nase, longtime resident and Arnolds Park’s city clerk. “A lot of the houses are being purchased for Airbnbs and Vrbos. It’s the nature of the beast up here.”
Arnolds Park features several resorts with private piers or beaches.
Summertime in Arnolds Park means the historic amusement park of the same name is alway busy.
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Diverse recreation and entertainment along five major lakes
The city’s five lakes are West Okoboji, East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Minnewashta and Lower Gar. Public beaches and resort areas line West and East Okoboji Lakes. The community’s entertainment district also borders West Okoboji Lake, where, at Preservation Plaza, people enjoy concerts, attend events and ride The Queen II, a vintage-looking tour boat. Roller coasters at Arnolds Park Amusement Park whirl past the waterfront, and the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum showcases boating relics. The Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association Hall documents the state’s extensive music history in the same building. Next to East Okoboji Lake, Bridges Bay Resort has a water park. Wildlife management recreation areas surround the city’s three smaller lakes. People launch boats and kayaks from public ramps or bike across the water via the Great Lakes Spine Trail. Other popular attractions include Oak Hill Marina and Emerald Hills Golf Club.
Although lakes surround the city, flooding is not typical. “I’ve noticed that when storms come toward us, they hit the lake, then divide and go around,” Nase says.
The Queen II offers boat tours of Arnolds Park and nearby Okoboji.
Preservation Plaza features live music all summer with Live at the Lake.
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Seasonal and year-round commercial options along the highway
Arnolds Park is home to many bars, shops and restaurants. Most commercial options follow Highway 71. Restaurants like The Ritz and The Lake View Deck offer specialty drinks and waterfront views from outdoor patios. The Koffee Kup is a laid-back breakfast diner, while Miles Inn Okoboji is known for its draft beer and burgers. Some establishments are only open seasonally, like The Frozen Parrot, which sells colorful mounds of gelato and customizable ice cream bars. People browse overstuffed crates at Red Truck Records or test their skills with an axe at The Throwing Post. Captain’s Getaway hosts Nashville country music nights and dancing throughout the summer. Central Emporium holds several businesses, from clothing to candy shops to a lakeside restaurant. Sunshine Foods and Fareway Meat and Grocery are less than 3 miles away.
The Ritz, like many restaurants in Arnolds Park, features live music all summer long.
The Central Emporium in Arnolds Park is a popular destination for shopping and dining.
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Lakeside subdivisions have diverse styles, prices and HOA fees
Subdivisions cluster around the shorelines of the area’s five lakes. Homeowners associations oversee most subdivisions, which typically have bungalows, ranch-style houses, American Foursquares and custom homes. Mid-size yards and wide driveways stretch out in front of houses, while private docks jut onto the water behind lakeside homes. Condominium complexes, duplexes and cabin-style resort properties are also common. Prices range from $285,000 to $2.7 million, but the community’s median price is $603,000. Some manufactured homes sell for $130,000 and under, and Bridges Bay Resort cabins have roughly $400 to $600 in monthly HOA fees.
Lake houses in every shape and size line the shores of Arnolds Park, most with private docks.
Inland, Arnolds Park features classic housing styles like bungalows with nautical themes.
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Major events organized by the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce
The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce orchestrates most major events. On Independence Day, fireworks light up the sky over West Lake Okoboji while rock bands play at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Emerald Hills Golf Course hosts the annual Great Okoboji Lakes Finale Golf Tournament in August. In September, people visit Preservation Plaza to celebrate Oktoberfest. Attendees browse outdoor vendors before watching themed competitions, like keg tosses and traditional Hammerschlagen. Walleye Weekend is an especially anticipated tradition. Ten tagged walleye are released into the lakes, and anglers race against the clock to catch one worth thousands of dollars.
Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park features live music and concerts all summer long.
Visitors to Arnolds Park can enjoy a round of golf at Emerald Hills.
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Quick access to neighboring cities via Highway 71
The community has no public transportation, so residents depend on cars. Highway 71 is the city’s main artery. It passes most of the area’s attractions, allowing quick access, and crosses over the lakes into neighboring cities. It also directly connects to Lakes Regional Healthcare, 4 miles north. Arnolds Park is 104 miles, or under 2 hours, from Sioux Falls Regional Airport, the closest commercial airport.
Highway 71 runs through Arnolds Park, as well as the rest of the cities that make up the area.
Locals and visitors alike can walk or boat across most of Arnolds Park.
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Arnolds Park students attend schools in Milford
Students attend Okoboji Community Schools in the neighboring city of Milford. First is Okoboji Elementary School, which has a B-plus from Niche. Due to increased enrollment, the district is building a new elementary school. Next is Okoboji Middle School, which has a B-plus. Okoboji High School has a B-minus score and hosts an annual Adulting Day. Local businesses and community organizations come to help seniors learn real-world skills, from budgeting to self-defense and basic automobile maintenance.
Arnolds Park's young students begin their educations at Okoboji Elementary School.
Arnolds Park students continue their educations at Okoboji Middle School.
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Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Charles Kennedy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Hoover,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Arnolds Park, IA sell after 119 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Arnolds Park, IA over the last 12 months is $540,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Prime location in the heart of Arnolds Park—close to boat ramps, popular restaurants, and Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This 6 bed, 3 bath home offers exceptional space and flexibility with kitchens and laundry on both levels and a separate lower-level entrance—ideal for multi-generational living or income potential. 2-car garage and easy access to all the Okoboji area has to offer.
Experience luxury living in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom condo on East Lake Okoboji, located in the Stillwater Building at Bridges Bay Resort. Completed in 2022 and sold fully furnished, this condo features beautiful finishes throughout and is filled with natural light from two walls of windows. Enjoy lake views from your private deck or relax on the 4th-floor rooftop deck, the only
Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath lower level condo offering convenient walkout access directly from your deck to the lawn, making it easy to enjoy yard games, the dock, and your boat without going through the building. The concrete ceiling construction helps minimize noise from above for added comfort. This spotless condo has never been rented and is move in ready just in time for an Okoboji summer.
Attention investors!! For the 1st time ever, Summerlake Hotel/Condos at Bridges Bay are for sale. Each unit consists of 3 separate rooms, and are considered a 3-room lockout unit. Excellent income potential!! Currently the onsite property management company is responsible for all of the bookings, maintenance, cleaning, etc. However, if you wish to purchase a unit for your own personal use, you
This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Bridges Bay cabin offers a rare setting with an open field behind the home and views of East Lake Okoboji, something you don’t often find with these cabins. The spacious layout features a large primary suite with private bath and its own deck, creating a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Recent updates include brand new carpet throughout, an
Enjoy resort living at its best in this 2-bedroom, 2-bath Bridges Bay cabin perfectly positioned on the pond with peaceful water views right from your living space. Vaulted ceilings with extra windows in the vault flood the cabin with natural light, creating an open, airy feel you don’t usually get in these units. Step outside and you’re just moments from everything Bridges Bay is known for:
Attention investors!! For the 1st time ever, Summerlake Hotel/Condos at Bridges Bay are for sale. Each unit consists of 3 separate rooms, and are considered a 3-room lockout unit. Excellent income potential!! Currently the onsite property management company is responsible for all of the bookings, maintenance, cleaning, etc. However, if you wish to purchase a unit for your own personal use, you
Attention Investors!! Completely passive income. Own a piece of Bridges Bay with this 3 room lockout unit that is 1st floor easy access. These hotel style units do not come up very often! The main central unit hosts the kitchen, dining, and living area along with a king suite. Connected on each side are 2 basic hotel style rooms with 2 queen beds in each. The "Trestle" building is directly
Gorgeous Lake views!! Beautiful 3rd floor LAKEFRONT condo in the Brooklyn Bridge building at Bridges Bay. Enjoy sunsets, sunrises, and fireworks while relaxing on your deck. This 3 bed, 2 bath unit comes with all the amenities that Bridges Bay has to offer such as the indoor and outdoor water park, 2 restaurants, fitness center, hoist space (this unit is GUARANTEED a hoist spot), and so much
A rare CORNER unit available with this gorgeous 4 bed, 3 bath condo in the newer Bayside building at Bridges Bay. Corner units mean you only have 1 side neighbor and extra windows and light into the condo. This 3rd floor unit overlooks the pool and comes with underground heated parking, storage, and breathtaking views of East Lake Okoboji. The Bayside building is close to the bridge for easy
Turnkey, income-producing cabin at Bridges Bay Resort with over $40,000 in confirmed bookings for the year already. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath plus loft cabin offers more than 1,600 sq ft, giving you the space, layout, and amenities today’s renters are looking for. Sold fully furnished, this property is ready to go from day one—no setup, no downtime. The open-concept main living area flows seamlessly
Attention investors!! For the 1st time ever, Boat Cottages at Bridges Bay are for sale. Currently the onsite property management company is responsible for all of the bookings, maintenance, cleaning, etc. However, if you wish to purchase a unit for your own personal use, you may. The unit will come fully furnished, turnkey so you or your renters can start enjoying Bridges Bay immediately. The
Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath 2nd floor condo at Bridges Bay. This condo comes fully furnished AND has its own garage. Take peace in the fact that condos are guaranteed hoist spots; cabins are not. Take advantage of all Bridges Bay amenities such as the indoor and outdoor water park, and outdoor pools (including one right next to this building), fitness center, arcade, on-site restaurants, access to
Come experience your own slice of the Okoboji Life... From the exceptional location to the private outdoor patio overlooking the golf course, this property is perfect for those seeking an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, all within walking distance to shopping, the Amusement Park, Farmers Market in the Park, and a variety of dining options. Thoughtfully designed, this three-story townhome offers
Prime location in the heart of Arnolds Park—close to boat ramps, popular restaurants, and Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This 6 bed, 3 bath home offers exceptional space and flexibility with kitchens and laundry on both levels and a separate lower-level entrance—ideal for multi-generational living or income potential. 2-car garage and easy access to all the Okoboji area has to offer.
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