Waterfront living in Wahpeton, Iowa
Wahpeton, a small city of less than 500 people, is part of the Iowa Great Lakes region in Dickinson County, northwestern Iowa. Home along the western shores of West Okoboji Lake, the community appeals to seasonal vacationers who seek an active lifestyle and waterfront living. Water recreation is a central theme at Wahpeton, and people spend much of their pastimes at bayside beaches, yacht clubs, marinas and waterfront parks. Residents go to nearby cities such as Okoboji and Spirit Lake for dining and shopping, and the area is served by the Okoboji Community School District. “Wahpeton is very unique. We’ve got lots of trees and canals,” says Carrie Funk, who is the city administrator at Wahpeton. “This is a very seasonal community, and many people have their vacation homes here. Some residents will come here for a few weeks in the summer and enjoy the lakes. The more long-term residents live farther inland, and a good portion are retirees. Sometimes they also go off to warmer places in the winter.”
Historic properties and lakefront homes in Wahpeton
Shaded by towering leafy trees, homes in Wahpeton are either tucked in the woods or on the shores of West Okoboji Lake. The median home price is approximately $1.3 million, which is more than triple the national median. Single-family inland beach cottages and ranch-styles are typically between $430,000 and $600,000. Lakefront properties start around $700,000, with remodeled or custom-built homes right on the water can go for $1.7 to $3.5 million. “There are some even older homes that have historical certifications,” Funk adds. “And a bare lot on the lake would go over $1 million.”
Water recreation at West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji Lake offers many opportunities for water activities, such as boating, paddling, water skiing and swimming. The Okoboji Yacht Club conducts weekly boat races in the summer, and people can get sailing lessons at its non-profit sailing school. Overlooking the lake, Gull Point State Park and Emerson Bay State Recreation Area are popular campsites for visitors, featuring lodge areas, beaches and boat ramps. Gull Point State Park also has nature trails that allow for cross-country skiing in winter. The city is also home to several religious summer camps, including Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp, Camp Okoboji and The Lakeshore Center at Okoboji.
Shopping and dining options in nearby cities
For daily essentials, Dollar General and Krafty's Meat Market are less than 5 miles away. Hy-Vee and Walmart are less than 10 miles east in Spirit Lake. Restaurants, bars and cafes are along Route 71, many of which are about 5 miles away. Taco House is a casual Mexican eatery in Milford, and overlooking East Okoboji Lake, Okoboji Store offers waterfront dining with classic pub fare.
Hospital and highway access in Wahpeton
Iowa Highway 86 passes through the community, and U.S. Route 71 is east of the area. Sioux Falls Regional Airport is about 90 miles away via Iowa Highway 9, and Des Moines is 200 miles south. Lakes Regional Healthcare is less than 10 miles away in Spirit Lake.
Okoboji Community School District serves the community
Okoboji Community School District has an overall B grade from Niche and has a student-teacher ratio of 13-to-1. Okoboji Elementary School and Okoboji Middle School both get a B-plus rating, and Okoboji High School has a B-minus. The local high school offers courses in computer science, financial literacy and engineering, as well as a range of extracurricular activities and sports.
Events in Dickinson County
From June to August, Lakeside Lab organizes a weekly series of interactive learning sessions and activities for local families and children. Okoboji Yacht Club also has many socials in the summer, including different-themed beach parties and food-tasting events. “We are all pretty close together, so residents often go to other cities in Dickinson County for events and entertainment,” Funk says. The annual Dickinson County Fair is held in Spirit Lake, and the Okoboji Blue Water Festival takes place at Arnold’s Park, both of which have live entertainment and family activities.
