$581,903Average Value$276Average Price per Sq Ft58Homes 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
Aaron Jones,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Spirit Lake, IA sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Spirit Lake, IA over the last 12 months is $432,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath twin home features an open, airy layout with 20 foot ceilings and large windows that flood the home with natural light. All finishes are high end, from faucets and light fixtures to countertops, doors, and flooring. The kitchen has quartz countertops with a waterfall edge, pristine white cabinetry, and GE Café appliances. Bathrooms have quartz counters, and the master
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
Experience the best of East Lake Okoboji living in this beautifully updated, one-owner home that has never before been listed. This 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offers over 4,300 square feet of finished space and 100 feet of lakeshore. Thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining, the home features multiple gathering areas, expansive lake views, and a seamless
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
Tons to offer on this Big Spirit Lake home. You will appreciate the super large lot (roughly 250 feet deep with 50 feet of lakeshore). The garage is a generous 24x36 and the lakeside boat house provides an upper patio sitting on concrete block walls. Siding and shingles recently replaced as well. There is also a hot tub and sauna downstairs. Enjoy the great fishing and easy going lifestyle that
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
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.
Own a piece of Big Spirit Lake History! This 1900 built structure was originally a dance hall on Crandall's Beach (north end of Big Spirit) and moved to its present Stevens Cove location circa 1910, pulled over the ice on an oxen driven sled. (make sure to look for the initials of dance hall revelers carved into the solid beams of the living room) This remodeled year round home has been in the
Some lake homes are built to impress. Others are built to be remembered. Set along 60 feet of owned beachfront on the iconic North Shore of Big Spirit Lake, this timeless cabin captures everything generations have loved about Okoboji lake life. A rare zero-entry approach to the water, meticulously maintained grounds, an original wood sauna, and a newer multi-section dock create the kind of
Masterfully reimagined, this Manhattan Beach beauty blends sophisticated comfort with lakeside tranquility. The newly opened interior showcases a high-end kitchen and an elegant wood-burning fireplace, while the spacious sunroom and covered patio invite summer dreaming in panoramic lake views. Hosting is stress-free with four bedrooms, including two primary suites, four tiled-shower bathrooms, a
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!
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! This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers comfortable living in a sought-after location. The attached 2-car garage adds everyday convenience and extra storage. The spacious fenced backyard is perfect for pets or outdoor entertaining. Enjoy immediate lake access right from your neighborhood. With a great location, plenty of space, and a brand-new roof installed in 2025, this is
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,
This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath twin home features an open, airy layout with 20 foot ceilings and large windows that flood the home with natural light. All finishes are high end, from faucets and light fixtures to countertops, doors, and flooring. The kitchen has quartz countertops with a waterfall edge, pristine white cabinetry, and GE Café appliances. Bathrooms have quartz counters, and the master
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
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
Two bedroom, two bathroom house available immediately in Spirit Lake, IA. Absolutely NO PETS and NO SMOKING! A one-year lease is required: rent is $1000.00 a month plus utilities a security security deposit of $1000.00 is required!
$500 off the first months rent! 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
1 bed 1 bath rental available- one pet 35 pounds or under accepted. Utilities included are trash, lawn care, and water. Email alixmillerrealty@gmail.com for application
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
3 bed 2 bath rental available in Spirit Lake, one pet 35 pounds or under accepted, utilities include trash, water, and lawn care. Email for application alixmillerRealty@gmail.com
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