$1,340,300Average Value$388Average Price per Sq Ft37Homes 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
Katie Slater,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Okoboji, IA sell after 151 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Okoboji, IA over the last 12 months is $359,900, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Get right in the heart of Okoboji with this top floor condo! 2 bed, 2 bath, with private back deck and open front deck with a view of East Lake Okoboji. This unit is very affordable to get into the Iowa Great Lakes, or make it a second getaway! Built in 2004 Brandonwood condos are excellent units. Private outdoor pool for residents in the middle of the complex. Walking distance to a couple of
Experience East Lake Okoboji living in this updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath walkout condo ideally located just steps from The Okoboji Store, Mau Marine, and all the conveniences of the lakes area. Whether you're looking for a year round residence or weekend getaway, this move in ready property offers the location and updates buyers are searching for. Recent improvements completed in 2025 include
Boat slip. Ground-level. In the heart of Okoboji. Walk to The Okoboji Store, Arnold’s Park, and Saturday night fireworks — all from your 2 bed, 2 bath East Lake condo with private garage, boat space, and endless Summer fun. Your East Lake Okoboji Escape Starts Here Mornings on the dock. Afternoons on the water. Evenings walking to the Park for dinner, concerts and sunsets. This ground-level condo
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 includes an attached guesthouse and the property features an expansive 108' of lakeshore. Not only is there 108' of lot width, the neighbors are another 30 feet away in each direction, providing the upmost privacy and seclusion, a rare feat
Where can you find over 750 foot of lakeshore in the Iowa Great Lakes AND over 18 acres of land? Right here on the southwest side of Center Lake. Property has been cleaned up and is ready for you to fulfill your dreams! Zoned lakeshore residential and agriculture, the opportunities are endless. Well and septic plus access to Rural water and sanitary sewer. Home on property is being sold as-is.
Welcome to 1201 Lakeshore Drive, a newly constructed lakefront retreat on the shores of iconic West Lake Okoboji. This is not simply a lake home purchase. This is a lifestyle purchase. It's sunrise reflections across the water, sunset cruises with friends, and weekends spent enjoying everything that makes Okoboji one of the Midwest's premier lake destinations. It's the opportunity to create
Finally, Okoboji lake living that fits YOUR budget. Welcome to 71 Shores, Okoboji’s most exciting development! This remarkable project offers beautifully designed units, with prices starting at just $219,000. The entire property is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, both inside and out. Residents will enjoy a brand-new pool and convenient access to East Okoboji Lake, all within a central
Jeff NelsonUnited Real Estate Solutions
$243,000
1 Bed
1.5 Baths
850 Sq Ft
LAKE ACCESS!! Welcome to 71 Shores, Okoboji’s newest and most exciting development! This remarkable project offers beautifully designed 1 and 2-bedroomunits, featuring a choice of modern or beachy finishes, with prices starting at just $249,000. The entire property is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, both inside and out. Residents will enjoy a brand-new pool and convenient access to
Let your worries drift away in this luxurious East Lake Okoboji property. Spanning over 6,400 sq. ft., the predominantly new build seamlessly connects home and lake. Stunning blue hues are on full display with glass-wrapped living spaces and two monumental entertaining decks. The thoughtfully curated home features soaring ceilings, a custom kitchen, multiple fireplaces, a screened porch and a
Mickey HarringtonOkoboji Realty
$237,000
1 Bed
1.5 Baths
847 Sq Ft
LAKE ACCESS!! Welcome to 71 Shores, Okoboji’s newest and most exciting development! This remarkable project offers beautifully designed 1 and 2-bedroomunits, featuring a choice of modern or beachy finishes, with prices starting at just $249,000. The entire property is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, both inside and out. Residents will enjoy a brand-new pool and convenient access to
Brad SandersonEXIT Realty Midwest
$249,000
1 Bed
1.5 Baths
675 Sq Ft
LAKE ACCESS!! Welcome to 71 Shores, Okoboji’s newest and most exciting development! This remarkable project offers beautifully designed 1 and 2-bedroomunits, featuring a choice of modern or beachy finishes, with prices starting at just $249,000. The entire property is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, both inside and out. Residents will enjoy a brand-new pool and convenient access to
Welcome to 71 Shores. This unit provides a unique opportunity for a buyer to purchase and complete the interior on their own time and expense. Property is a part of the 71 Shores community and will share in all amenities of the project including lake access!
For over 50 years, the iconic red house on Smith's Bay has been a familiar landmark on West Lake Okoboji. Now completely reimagined, this 4BR, 2BA waterfront home perfectly blends midcentury nostalgia with modern lake living. The thoughtful renovation preserves the character that made this home special while updating virtually every detail for today's lifestyle. Sold newly furnished — including
Bridget JohnsonNextHome at the Lakes
$246,000
1 Bed
1.5 Baths
846 Sq Ft
LAKE ACCESS!! Welcome to 71 Shores, Okoboji’s newest and most exciting development! This remarkable project offers beautifully designed 1 and 2-bedroomunits, featuring a choice of modern or beachy finishes, with prices starting at just $249,000. The entire property is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, both inside and out. Residents will enjoy a brand-new pool and convenient access to
Nestled in Nature and in the heart of it all! This home overlooks the nature area behind Speier Park. From the living room and bedrooms, all you see is nature! Both bedrooms are also en suite with private bathrooms and large closets. It is just a quick walk to Speier Park, the Okoboji Airport, and most importantly the shores of beautiful blue West Lake Okoboji! Many shops and restaurants are also
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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