$570,448Average Value$256Average Price per Sq Ft37Homes 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?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Spirit Lake, IA sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Spirit Lake, IA over the last 12 months is $415,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
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
Welcome to your dream retreat! This exceptional property features 3,921 sq ft of luxurious living space, highlighted by vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace. With 4 bedrooms- including three master suites-and four bathrooms. The basement boasts a wet bar and a wine cellar, perfect for entertaining, along with three non-conforming bedrooms for extra guests. Step outside to discover the enchanting
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
Prime location in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes. This large, bare tract has sewer and water service available along Sunner Avenue, offering a great opportunity for future residential or commercial development.
Great Building lot in a Great Location!! This New Development is located close to the Spirit Lake Schools, YMCA, Stores and Shops and the Dickinson County Bike Trail is just steps away! Perfect location for your new Home!
Build your dream home on these two awesome lots in the East Okoboji Beach complex just a few blocks from East Lake public access and the Elinor Bedell State Park!
Completely Updated with Style and Comfort in Mind New, new, new—nearly every inch of this home has been thoughtfully refreshed and upgraded. The heart of the home is a spacious kitchen featuring brand new appliances, light-tone finishes, and an added coffee bar—perfect for your daily routine or weekend hosting. The light flooring throughout gives the space a bright, airy feel that flows
EAST LAKE ACCESS!! Charming 4 bed 2 bath home with an extra non conforming bedroom. Use the 2 car garage to shield your cars from the Iowa weather. Let the dogs run free with the spacious fenced in back yard. Immediate lake access!!! Location, space and the lake. Do not skip this opportunity. New roof added in 2025.
Great potential, 4 bedrrom home on a corner lot with a front porch. Affordable living or great investment opportunity. Will be available for viewing Nov. 20th Area is being developed in the near future. More photos coming .
Nancy Petersen McCarrollNancy Petersen Real Estate
Welcome to this 4-bed, 3-bath home located in the heart of Spirit Lake—right across the street from East Lake Okoboji! Situated on a spacious double lot, this property offers room to spread out inside and out. Enjoy morning coffee and lake views from your new front deck, or relax on the second new deck overlooking the large, fully fenced backyard. The home features several thoughtful upgrades,
A transformed Manhattan Beach beauty! With every inch touched in the renovation, this property blends sophisticated comfort with lakeside tranquility. The newly opened interior features a high-end kitchen and an elegant wood-burning fireplace, while the spacious sunroom and covered patio invite summer dreaming in panoramic lake views. Accommodating guests is stress-free with four bedrooms—two
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
Live at The Lakes – Luxury Townhome! Discover modern living in this stunning townhome featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with upscale designer finishes throughout. Enjoy a beautifully appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, stylish details, and a spacious open layout perfect for entertaining. Step outside to your private patio with pavers and take in the tranquil wildlife views.
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
For Rent – Upper-Level Duplex in Spirit Lake Home Everything is new, clean, and fresh in this 2-bedroom, fully renovated upper-level unit featuring a beautiful eat-in kitchen with open-concept layout. The new bathroom includes stacked laundry for added convenience. This single-family home has been thoughtfully converted into an up/down duplex, with the owner living below. Renter has access to a
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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