Lakeside living in Okoboji means shoreline access and quick connections
Cradled by two large lakes, Okoboji is where the original settlements were in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Those early settlements expanded and transformed into modern cities after the Okoboji bridge connected the channel between East and West Okoboji Lakes. "Now, there are a bunch of different communities in what's collectively called the Okoboji area," says Michael Meyers, longtime resident and Okoboji's city administrator. "While there is a lot of tourism and commercial activities in other communities like Arnolds Park, we are more residentially focused." The city's expansive shoreline is lined with large houses and condo complexes, and locals enjoy easy access to the water via private docks, public beaches and multipurpose marinas. The region's main thoroughfare cuts through the city, making surrounding communities and attractions a quick drive away.
The area has generational lake houses and seasonal residents
Okoboji focuses on lakeside living, as most single-family homes are along the water. "A lot of the lake homes are folks' second, third or fourth home, and we have families who have had property here for generations," Meyers says. "We do have full-time residents, but a good majority of our homeowners live here seasonally." Architecture is largely custom, from sleek contemporary styles to wood cabin homes. Prices start at $1.6 million and cap around $5 million. Inland homes are typically split-level, ranch-style or new traditional designs. Prices range between $300,000 and $750,000. Modern condos cost around $200,000 to $385,000, but luxury complexes with private marinas can cost up to $850,000.
Okoboji’s lakes and parks offer summer recreation and low flooding
People spend summers boating and swimming on West Okoboji and East Okoboji Lakes. About 10 public beach access points are along the city's shoreline. People can also visit Pikes Point State Park and Clare Wilson State Park to swim, boat and fish. Kenue Park preserves the region's natural features, like acres of oak savanna, native wildlife habitats and glacial landforms. It's also home to Dickinson County Nature Center, which has interactive exhibits. Speier Park has a playground, tennis courts and a pickleball facility. East Lake Park's playground looks like a mini Queen II, a vintage cruise boat that gives tours in the neighboring city of Arnolds Park. Brooks Golf's public course takes up a large section of the city. Visitors can play on the practice facilities, attend tournaments or grab a bite at Bud's Pub.
Although the city borders two lakes, flooding from the lakes isn't a common issue. "Our lakes were carved out by glaciers, so there are a lot of high banks," Meyers says. "It's more streams and low-lying areas that have drainage issues during heavy rain."
Students attend Okoboji and Spirit Lake school districts
Most students attend schools in the Okoboji Community School District, but some kids living in the north attend Spirit Lake Community School District. Students start at Okoboji Elementary School, which has a B-plus rating on Niche and is building a new school that should be completed in 2026. Students then attend Okoboji Middle School, which has a B-plus, followed by Okoboji High School, which has a B-minus.
Restaurants along the highway with attractions that include live music
Highway 71 is the city's commercial corridor. Fareway Meat and Grocery sells fresh produce, while several boat dealers support the community's recreational needs. Outrigger Restaurant & Lounge serves fresh-caught walleye, and Okoboji Store pairs waterfront views with pub classics. A few other waterfront options are off 178th Street. Parks Marina is a multifunctional space offering boat rentals, cruise packages and event venues. People play cornhole while enjoying laid-back fare on the outdoor patio at Snappers & Parks Boat Club. Nearby, The Barefoot Bar is known for its creative cocktails, colorful merchandise and weekend concerts.
For entertainment, Cinemagic Great Lakes 7 screens the latest movies. Pearson Lakes Art Center offers diverse galleries, live shows and classes. Next door, Okoboji Summer Theatre hosts classic plays and musicals performed by Stephens College undergraduates. Okoboji is also just a few miles from more restaurants, shops and attractions in Spirit Lake and Arnolds Park.
The community has a municipal airport and access to Highway 71
The community has no public transportation, but people can bike along the Great Lakes Spine Trail to reach neighboring cities. Most residents drive along Highway 71 to travel throughout the region. A municipal airport is available, primarily serving private planes and the occasional air ambulance. "The airport preexists many of these homes, so it's typically not something we hear any concerns about," Meyers says. "It's kind of charming to watch them fly over the community and touch down." The closest commercial option is Sioux Falls Regional Airport, which is 99 miles, or roughly 90 minutes, west. Lakes Regional Healthcare is less than 4 miles away.
