Milford is a small community and the gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes
Milford is the southernmost city of the Okoboji area, home to the Iowa Great Lakes. "They call us to the gateway to the lakes. That's kind of our theme," says LeAnn Reinsbach, Milford's city administrator and clerk. Highway 71 bisects this small community, creating a direct route to nearby lake access points, resorts and entertainment hubs. Locals stay close to the action while enjoying residential streets and home prices that appeal more to full-time living than seasonal visitors. "Everybody knows everybody," Reinsbach says. "It's a really friendly town." The city supports its small businesses and farmers, maintains its parks and stays connected to events in neighboring cities. The community is also home to the Okoboji Community School District, which serves the entire Iowa Great Lakes region.
Homes range from historic to modern, and prices are just as diverse
Most homes are near Highway 71 and the borders of West Okoboji and Arnolds Park. Some date back to 1900, while others are from the 1990s and early 2000s. Styles can range from bungalows and ranches to American Foursquares and condos. Duplexes and manufactured homes are common, but several new traditional and contemporary single-family homes have been built within the past 15 years. Prices range widely between $120,000 and $875,000, but the city's median price is $316,000. Reinsbach says the city is creating more housing options, including about 80 mobile homes along Highway 86.
Million-dollar bond funds new Okoboji Elementary School
Students attend Okoboji Community Schools, which are inside the city. First is Okoboji Elementary School, which has a B-plus rating from Niche. The school district received a $69 million bond to build a new elementary school, as enrollment has significantly exceeded the original elementary school's capacity. Reinsbach says the district expects to break ground in fall 2025 and complete the project by August 2026. Students then attend Okoboji Middle School, which has a B-plus, followed by Okoboji High School, which has a B-minus.
Various local businesses and restaurants along Highway 71
The community has several businesses, most of which are along Highway 71. Perkins American Food Co.'s diner is a favorite for breakfast and baked goods, while Mill Creek Restaurant and Lounge serves laid-back American fare, beer and bourbon. Oak Hill Outdoor lets locals enjoy its full bar while shopping for boats and other watercraft. Sunshine Foods is the go-to grocery store. People relax on plush recliners while watching the latest flicks at Milford Pioneer Theater. During harvest season, Little Sioux Orchard opens so people can pick apples, buy fresh pies and collect colorful flower bouquets. The community is also near Arnolds Park, which has even more shops, restaurants and entertainment options.
Highway 71 and State Route 86 connect Milford to the region
The community has no public transportation, but people can bike to popular resort areas like Arnolds Park via the Great Lakes Spine Trail. However, most residents drive and use Highway 71 to get around the Iowa Great Lakes Region. State Route 86 is also an option, curving along the west side of West Okoboji Lake instead of the east side like Highway 71. Milford Family Care is the city's medical clinic, but the closest hospital is 7 miles away in Spirit Lake. The nearest commercial airport is Sioux Falls Regional Airport, which is 103 miles from Milford, or less than a 2-hour drive.
People play, hike and bike in the city’s traditional parks and wildlife areas
Milford has several traditional parks. Florence Park has a playground and a reservable park shelter, while Calkins Park has a disc golf course. Sports teams play on Memorial Park's ball fields, sand volleyball pit, tennis courts and basketball courts. Millstone Park's large sculptures share the city's history as a former milling hub. Milford Creek and the Little Sioux River pass through various wildlife areas and farms surrounding the city. Horseshoe Bend Wildlife Area is a local favorite for hiking, camping and winter sledding. For a day on the lake, people can visit public beaches in West Okoboji or Arnolds Park. Preservation Plaza is a hotspot for outdoor events, and Arnolds Park Amusement Park has everything from roller coasters to boat tours.
RAGBRAI brings thousands to Milford for overnight stay
The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is one of the community's biggest events in 2025. Up to 30,000 cyclists will pass through Milford as they bike from the west side of the state to the east. "This year is the first time Milford is an overnight town for RAGBRAI, and we're the first overnight town on the route," Reinsbach says. Host cities prepare designated camping spots and live entertainment for riders to keep attendees' bodies rested and spirits high. Summer brings Pioneer Days, a multi-day celebration with a varied festival schedule. Holiday Fantasy features a Christmas bazaar, a parade and a free movie at Milford Pioneer Theater.
