Orleans and Big Spirit Lake have a focus on tourism and recreation
Orleans is the northernmost city in the Iowa Great Lakes region of Dickinson County. Filled with summer homes and long stretches of greenery, it surrounds the southern tip of Big Spirit Lake, Iowa’s largest natural body of water. With a focus on tourism, Orleans merges seamlessly into other nearby cities, creating a hub of beaches, parks and attractions that stretches from Milford to the Minnesota border. “You can drive from one town to another without realizing you’ve changed municipalities,” says Kiley Zankowski, Tourism Director for Okoboji. “It all blends together that much.”
The Iowa Great Lakes turn a little city of 500 into a thriving destination
With just over 500 residents and a mile of land, Orleans might have a rural atmosphere if not for tourism. In 2024, Dickinson County had over 1 million visitors, compared to its total population of around 18,000. “Our population very much increases and decreases through the year depending on what events are happening,” says Zankowski. “Most jobs are aimed specifically at tourism.” As a result, festivals and natural beauty are central to daily activities. “We’re grateful for our tourists,” Zankowski says. “So many of our local amenities wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Tiny houses are used as vacation homes
Nearly all homes in Orleans are a tenth of a mile or less from Big Spirit Lake, if not directly waterfront. One-bedroom tiny houses frequently serve as vacation homes priced in the mid- to high $100,000s. Traditional, Colonial and ranch-style homes range between the low $400,000s and the mid-$800,000s, depending on size, amenities and proximity to the beach. Modern luxury homes are the largest in the area and frequently have large lots and private docks. These houses are priced from $1 million to $2 million.
The city has dozens of docks, parks and examples of natural beauty
The centerpiece of Orleans is Big Spirit Lake, the largest of the Iowa Great Lakes. Boat and ice fishing are popular, and a state-run hatchery keeps the lake stocked with walleye, largemouth bass and several other game fish species. There are over a dozen beaches and recreation areas along the shore, often with docks, secluded lagoons and boat ramps. Isthmus Park has a bike track and a seasonal ice skating rink. The Hales Slough Wildlife Management Area is the home of dozens of avian species, making it a destination for birders and other nature lovers.
Visitors come to Arnolds Park for roller coasters and live bands
Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park is a lakeside performance venue about 8 miles south. It’s the site of regular annual events, including touring musicians and movie nights. Arnolds Park itself has a number of thrill rides, including a roller coaster and bumper boats. The Okoboji Blue Water Festival supports public awareness of regional water issues with a free day of music, speakers and family activities.
Javi's Grill and The Spillway serve no-fuss diner food
Locals and vacationers frequently visit Kabele’s Trading Post. This family owned business has sold bait, tackle and other fishing supplies since 1968. Other retail options and grocery stores like Hy-Vee are on Highway 71 in Spirit Lake, about 2 miles away. The Spillway Drive-In is a classic diner, serving burgers, hot dogs and soft-serve ice cream during the summer months. Javi’s Grill has a greasy spoon breakfast experience with omelets and stacks of pancakes.
Spirit Lake High School frequently ranks high for football and basketball
Students can begin at Spirit Lake Elementary School, which has an A-minus grade from Niche. From there, they’ll attend Spirit Lake Middle School before enrolling at Spirit Lake High School, both of which have a B-plus. The high school is well known for its athletics department, frequently earning high ranks for its football and basketball teams.
Locals have straightforward routes to Milford and Spencer
Highway 71 is the nearest freeway, with straightforward routes to Milford and Spencer, 13 and 26 miles away, respectively. Okoboji is 7 miles south, and Sioux Falls is about an hour-and-a-half drive west.
