$569,400Average Value$263Average Price per Sq Ft42Homes For Sale
Year-round water activities bring buyers to Spirit Lake
Located in the northwest corner of Iowa, Spirit Lake offers a year-round vacation lifestyle. Spirit Lake is just one of several communities that make up the broader Iowa Great Lakes region. Summer is the busy season, bringing vacationers and seasonal residents, but the fun lasts throughout the winter. Whether it's outdoor activity, taking in a live performance or enjoying a meal at a locally owned restaurant, homeowners can always find something to do in the area. "Most people come to live in the area because of the lakes and all the activities that go on throughout the year," says Aaron Jones, the broker and owner of Re/Max Lakes Realty, with 14 years of experience. "It gets kind of quiet in the winter, but we do have a lot of activities. We get two feet of ice, so we have ice fishing, snowmobiling, side-by-sides and all kinds of stuff."
The Berkley Bedell State Pier is one of many lakefront destinations in Spirit Lake.
Locals and visitors alike can walk or boat across most of Spirit Lake.
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Lakefront and city homes in northwestern Iowa
Buyers can find a broad mix of housing styles throughout Spirit Lake. Many waterfront homes are newly constructed contemporary properties with flat roofs and sharp edges. Others include New Traditional and Craftsman-style houses. Lakefront properties frequently have private docks for boat storage, fishing or enjoying the view. Buyers can find Craftsmans, bungalows and ranch-style homes on suburban streets near the city's downtown. Tall, leafy trees and sidewalks fill the front yards, adding a quaint neighborhood feel to the area. The median sales price is around $450,000, and homes are typically more expensive on the water.
Newer Spirit Lake neighborhoods highlight modern designs and thoughtful curb appeal.
Established Spirit Lake neighborhoods offer a mix of historic charm and mature tree-lined streets.
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Swimming, fishing and boating in the Iowa Great Lakes
Water activity is a way of life in Spirit Lake, with several spots for outdoor fun around the community. Residents can swim on the beach at Pikes Point State Park or cast a line at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area on West Okojobi Lake. Templar State Recreation Area has a boat ramp in a protected lagoon on Big Spirit Lake, making it a convenient spot to launch a boat, even during rough weather. Several other state parks and recreation areas around the lakes offer swimming, fishing, hiking and boating. Memorial Park has 1,500 feet of shoreline, including a beach and two docks. Residents can also enjoy the playground, splash pad and horseshoe pits.
Most people come to Spirit Lake for fun on the water, whether boating or swimming.
Highway 71 runs through Okoboji, up to Spirit Lake and down through Arnolds Park and Milford.
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Community spirit is high at annual events
Thousands of people flock to the region every winter for the University of Okoboji Winter Games. The university is not real, but is an idea created by residents to celebrate the community spirit and camaraderie of the region. The Winter Games have been held each January since 1981 and include several events, such as a polar plunge, chili cook-off, flag football tournament and softball tournament on the frozen lakes. There is also live music and fireworks to close out the festivities on Saturday night. Year-round attractions in the area include Arnolds Park Amusement Park, which has roller coasters, carnival rides and games. The Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum displays the community's boating history, while Pearson Lakes Art Center hosts performances throughout the year.
Locally owned restaurants offer casual and fine dining options
Waterfront restaurants throughout the lakes region offer several choices for a meal with a view. "I would say Maxwell's is probably a local favorite, and that's a seasonal restaurant on the lake," Jones says. "Other popular restaurants and bars are The Ritz and Okoboji Store." Maxwell's Beach Cafe is an award-winning fine dining restaurant in Arnold's Park known for its locally sourced products. Within Spirit Lake, Burger & Company is known for its creative burgers and patio seating. Shops in downtown Spirit Lake include a consignment store, boutiques and a bike shop. Groceries are available at Hy-Vee, while other home goods can be found at Walmart.
Local spots like Sportsman’s Pub contribute to Spirit Lake’s small-town dining and nightlife scene.
Casual restaurants in Spirit Lake provide comfortable spaces for friends and families to gather.
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Highly rated schools in Spirit Lake
Students might attend Spirit Lake Elementary School, which earns an A-minus from Niche, and Spirit Lake Middle School, rated a B-plus. Spirit Lake High School also earns a B-plus and offers several career and technical education programs. Students can study industries like agriculture, business and health sciences. Students can take dual credit courses in biology and Spanish through Iowa Lakes Community College.
Spirit Lake Elementary School serves students in grades K through 5.
Spirit Lake Middle School reflects the community’s investment in strong, modern learning environments.
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Highways offer commutes around the Midwest
U.S. Route 71 is the main highway through the community, leading north into Minnesota and south through Iowa. Iowa Highway 86 and Interstate 90 offer a 101-mile drive west to Sioux Falls, typically taking a little over 90 minutes. The closest hospital is Lakes Regional Healthcare, located in Spirit Lake.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Logan Cox
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Spirit Lake, IA sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Spirit Lake, IA over the last 12 months is $422,000, up 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully designed duplex on East Lake offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. This spacious home features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, including a desirable main-level master suite for added convenience. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful layout with laundry on both levels, making everyday living easy and efficient. Warm, modern finishes flow throughout
Enjoy lakefront living on East Lake without the high lakefront taxes! This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect combination of water views, space, and privacy—just in time for summer at the Iowa Great Lakes. Inside, you’ll find two large living areas, giving everyone room to relax, entertain, or unwind after a day on the water. The layout provides flexibility for hosting guests, creating a
Rare opportunity to secure a complete East Lake Okoboji setup. Offered in conjunction with the lakefront home across the road at 24340 182nd St., Spirit Lake, the two properties together present an ownership opportunity not often seen in the Iowa Great Lakes area. Built in 2020, this thoughtfully designed property blends comfortable living quarters with an expansive garage and workshop space, a
100 Feet. Yes, 2 lots wide. One of the most incredible building lots on West Lake Okoboji. Views for days with brand new stone steps, new boat house, new lakeshore trolley, and an incredible 276 feet of depth where you can immerse yourself in imagination and design to build your dream home for generations to come. Rare opportunity is an understatement. Enjoy spectacular views of Arnolds Park
This quality home checks a LOT of boxes at Lake Okoboji. Perched atop of 2.44 acres, the views of East Lake and the sunsets are absolutely amazing. You need to see them to believe them...WOW! You can walk right down the hill, and it's a hop, skip, and a jump to your boat hoist with your deeded lake access. The home itself? What a stunner! Brick all around, triple pane windows, lite-form
Unbeatable location at the corner of Hwy 9 and Hwy 86. Current owners have already taken care of much of the legwork as this corner has already been permitted for a convenience store and gas station. Turning Lane off of Hwy 86 is already approved. Plat and layout available. High traffic and high visibility. This is a major traffic hub in and out of the Iowa Great Lakes. Traffic study also
The living is easy at the Landings. Sit back and enjoy the lake life in this free-standing home just steps from beautiful blue West Lake Okoboji. The best part? The HOA takes care of all of the work for you! There is even an Association beach, hoist space, pool and clubhouse. Whether looking for a vacation getaway or a permanent residence, this home fits the bill! Your new favorite place will be
Tucked away in the woods, this 3-bedroom, 3-bath home in East Oaks Estates offers the perfect blend of privacy and nature. Surrounded by mature trees and set alongside a scenic ravine, you’ll enjoy frequent visits from wildlife—deer, fox, and more—right from your own backyard. Inside, the open-concept layout seamlessly connects the dining area, kitchen, and living room, creating a warm and
Imagine the Life...Especially when you step into a new lifestyle where peace, serenity and playfulness live. Newly remodeled 4,440 sq. ft property offers an open sun filled design and spectacular Lake views. Beautifully positioned on this 10,000 square-foot exceptional lot which offers, ample parking and amazing Sunsets. The modern home features an open living concept with a great room complete
The ultimate in Condominium Privacy is yours-- here; This 2,400 sq. ft. PENTHOUSE unit at Overlook Heights shares approx. 297 feet of West Okoboji Shoreline (and 2.7 acres of land space) with only 7 other units. Two buildings of 4 units each, this southernmost top floor unit has been extremely lightly used by this original owner. Plus, the complex has had an almost total facelift...brand new
Land is not included in the cabin sale and must be purchased separately from a separate landowner at the same time as the cabin. Current land lease is not transferable, and a new lease will not be offered. Sweet 2-bedroom cottage with loft, a sun-filled open kitchen and living area, and views overlooking the sand beach on Big Spirit. Full of classic cabin charm, this inviting lakeside retreat
Welcome to this beautifully designed duplex on East Lake offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. This spacious home features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, including a desirable main-level master suite for added convenience. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful layout with laundry on both levels, making everyday living easy and efficient. Warm, modern finishes flow throughout
Amazing opportunity—a gorgeous two-story home in Stevens Cove on Big Spirit Lake, with a private sand beach! This well-constructed 3+ bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home features high ceilings, large windows, in-floor heat, and an oversized attached garage. It also includes a bonus room above the garage that could easily be used as a fourth bedroom or versatile flex space. This is a premier location on
Single-Level Home on a Spacious Corner Lot in Orleans! Enjoy the ease of single-level living with no steps inside or out in this cozy home, perfectly situated on a large corner lot just a couple of blocks from Big Spirit Lake and East Lake Okoboji. Take advantage of nearby bike/walking trails, offering plenty of outdoor fun right at your doorstep. This property needs a little TLC, making it ideal
This 3-bedroom, 1.5-story home has 982 sq ft and solid potential for the right buyer. Two bedrooms are located on the main floor, with a third upstairs. The home includes an unfinished basement & a compact kitchen featuring a vintage cast-iron sink, likely original to the 1920 era. This property needs significant updates but offers good bones & a great opportunity to build equity. Conveniently
Welcome to The Shores in Spirit Lake, Iowa.Discover modern living designed to keep pace with your lifestyle. The Shores offers a range of thoughtfully designed studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with spacious three-bedroom townhome layouts—perfect for everything from simple living to room to grow.Enjoy everyday conveniences like garages, onsite management, and
3 Bedroom 2 bath rental in Spirit Lake, One-year lease required and one pet under 35 pound limit. Laundry in unit. Email for application-alixmillerrealty@gmail.com
Welcome home to Tallgrass Village in Spirit Lake/Okoboji, IA area! With Studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments along with 2, 3,and 4 bedroom townhomes, you're sure to find the perfect layout that fits your needs. Our apartments feature stunning kitchens with rich cabinetry, a breakfast bar, and sleek black appliances, as well as spacious bedrooms with large closets and built-in shelving for your
Experience the Ultimate Lakeside Retreat at West Lake Okoboji. Welcome to your dream vacation home, boasting a breathtaking view of the stunning West Lake Okoboji. This brand new remodel offers luxurious accommodations with all the amenities you need for a perfect getaway. Property Highlights: - 4 bedrooms: Spacious and comfortable, ensuring a restful stay for all guests. - 2 1/2 Baths: Modern
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