West Okoboji's private and peaceful lakeside location
Like many communities in Iowa’s Great Lakes region, the small city of West Okoboji is all about lakefront views and shoreline access. Along the shores of West Okoboji Lake, private docks jut into the water as boats leave wake behind. Compared to some nearby areas, however, West Okoboji is a smaller, more private community with mostly residential streets. Its location on the south side of the lake gives it a bit of distance to other Okoboji communities. “It’s a quiet community and it’s not very big,” says West Okoboji resident Michael Jensen, a broker with Jensen Real Estate. “But you’ll see your neighbors out walking around.”
Lakeside homes with private docks and seasonal residents
A number of West Okoboji homes line either side of Okoboji Boulevard, which hugs the lake, giving some lots direct access to the water. Many homes are custom builds, so styles are diverse and eclectic, ranging from log cabins and contemporary styles to Spanish and Mediterranean influences. Front gardens bring splashes of color, while tall trees add spots of shade. Though there are no sidewalks, neighbors are often out walking or biking. Recent sales are limited, but the median housing price is about $975,000, and two recent sales went for $1.8 million and $3.1 million.
The Great Lakes region is popular with tourists, especially in summer. West Okoboji has its fair share of seasonal residents, but, Jensen says, most aren’t short-term renters. “They are people from the surrounding areas, and they own the homes, so they’ll be here for the whole season,” he says. “There are some year-rounders, too.”
Swimming, boating and fishing on and around West Okoboji Lake
Locals and summer visitors head out on the lake for water skiing, sailing, parasailing, even scuba diving. Terrace Beach, the city’s public beach, is just down the street from most homes off the boulevard. Nearby Emerson Bay State Recreation Area stretches 120 acres along the lakefront, with another public beach and a playground. Its trails are popular for birdwatching, and locals stop by year-round for fishing.
Season Mexican restaurants and local brews at West O Beer
While West Okoboji is largely residential, it does have some local restaurants and attractions, including Taco House, a local favorite. “It’s mostly outdoor seating and it’s not open in the winter. People get pumped up when it opens for the season — it’s just an area tradition,” Jensen says. Okoboji Classic Cars displays vintage and antique cars in showrooms designed to look like downtown strips with fake restaurant and storefronts. West O Beer is a microbrewery founded by two West Okoboji residents. “Their big thing is they use the good water from the lake to make the beer,” Jensen says, “and they do a lot of cool stuff with the local nonprofits to keep the lake clean.” People can also order a pizza with their beers. For groceries, Sunshine Foods is 2 miles away in Milford, while the Walmart and Hy-Vee are about 7 miles away in Spirit Lake.
West Okoboji students attend Okoboji's public schools
Kindergarten through fourth graders attend Okoboji Elementary School and then continue to Okoboji Middle School for fifth through eighth grade. Both schools receive B-plus ratings from Niche. B-minus-rated Okoboji High School offers concurrent enrollment classes with Iowa Lakes Community College.
Taking U.S. Route 71 to other Okoboji and Spirit Lake amenities
Okoboji Boulevard is the main strip through West Okoboji, running along the shoreline and homes lining either side of it. U.S. Route 71 links the community with the rest of the Lake Okoboji region, with downtown Spirit Lake about 8 miles away. Lakes Regional Healthcare is on the way, about 6 miles away. Sioux Falls Regional Airport is over 95 miles from West Okoboji, and it offers nonstop direct flights to cities like Denver, Las Vegas and Chicago.
A seasonal farmers market at the local amusement park
West Okoboji doesn’t have many local events. However, nearby Arnolds Park Amusement Park hosts a farmers market on summer Saturdays. Visitors can peruse fresh produce and baked goods or listen to live music. There’s also yoga on the pier.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
