$1,201,463Average Value$388Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
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.
Most homes in Okoboji are built right up to the water, with private docks offering access.
Okoboji features all the marinas and service shops to keep the city's boats humming.
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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.
Beautiful lakefront homes line the shorelines of Okoboji.
Inland, familiar styles like ranches fill out Okoboji.
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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."
Speier Park is a popular Okoboji destination for pickleball.
Much of inland Okoboji is dedicated to the Brooks golf course.
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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.
Okoboji students begin their educations at Okoboji Elementary School.
Okoboji students continue their educations at Okoboji Middle School.
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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.
Outrigger restaurant and lounge is a popular dinner destination in Okoboji.
Okoboji residents can grab their daily groceries at the local Fareway.
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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.
Highway 71 runs through Okoboji, up to Sprit Lake, and down through Arnolds Park and Milford.
Okoboji features the smallest of air strips, fit for small private flights.
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Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Aaron Jones,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Okoboji, IA sell after 145 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Okoboji, IA over the last 12 months is $434,000, down 40% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to lakeside luxury living in the heart of Okoboji! This beautifully renovated 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and serene waterfront charm. Nestled directly on the shores of East Lake Okoboji, this spacious retreat features an open-concept layout ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. You may hear LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION all the time
Sitting upon perhaps the highest perch of West Lake Okoboji, the breathtaking views to the north and south of the lake are second to none. This gorgeous home and attached guesthouse features an expansive 108' of lakeshore, providing the upmost privacy and seclusion from both edges of the property, which is a hard to come by around the lake. The lakeside space includes a professionally installed
Welcome to the Lake! Chalstrom Beach Plantation is a beautiful area offering abundant amenities, spacious grounds, and fun for all. Step inside this lovely 2 bed/ 2 bath condo with upper loft that features newer kitchen, carpet and bathrooms. Ready to have fun? Jump in the boat for your Okoboji cruise, grab the pole and fish off the dock, or just relax and hangout around the pool.
Welcome to lakeside luxury living in the heart of Okoboji! This beautifully renovated 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and serene waterfront charm. Nestled directly on the shores of East Lake Okoboji, this spacious retreat features an open-concept layout ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. You may hear LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION all the time
Sitting upon perhaps the highest perch of West Lake Okoboji, the breathtaking views to the north and south of the lake are second to none. This gorgeous home and attached guesthouse features an expansive 108' of lakeshore, providing the upmost privacy and seclusion from both edges of the property, which is a hard to come by around the lake. The lakeside space includes a professionally installed
Welcome to the Lake! Chalstrom Beach Plantation is a beautiful area offering abundant amenities, spacious grounds, and fun for all. Step inside this lovely 2 bed/ 2 bath condo with upper loft that features newer kitchen, carpet and bathrooms. Ready to have fun? Jump in the boat for your Okoboji cruise, grab the pole and fish off the dock, or just relax and hangout around the pool.
Property Id: 1988926Southbreeze Furnished Cabin: located behind Barnswallow and the lakes area bike trail. Get anywhere by boat. Across the water from Bridges Bay and less than 2 minutes to the bridge to West Lake by boat. Enjoy a good sleep in the queen bed. Full sized kitchen. Accessible beach, docks and fire pits.Important info: 2 designated parking spots and a boat hoist for
YEAR-ROUND RENTAL AVAILABLE AUGUST 1, 2025. Home has had extensive updates with modern finishes. 3 bedrooms + 2 nonconforming. Fireplace, large kitchen island, upgraded appliances. Large family room/bar area in lower level. 2-car attached garage. Backyard oasis with lots of shade trees and deck. One block from West Lake Okoboji. Lake access through Echo Bay Association. Rent $3500/month + all
Fully Furnished Winter Rental – All Utilities IncludedThis beautifully furnished home is available for a short-term lease during the winter months. We are seeking tenants for a 6 to 7-month lease, with a required end date in May, as the property operates as an Airbnb during the summer.All utilities are included, up to $300/month, making this an ideal hassle-free rental option for
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