When you’re looking for a fun and memorable summer or early fall getaway, few places compare to the beauty and charm of the Iowa Great Lakes. From sparkling glacier-carved waters to a lively, nostalgic atmosphere, this area offers a one-of-a-kind escape. You’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Okoboji, from boating and beaches to live music and local dining. Many visitors come to slow down and soak in the relaxed vibe of this famed resort town in Iowa, surrounded by scenic lakes and warm hospitality.
Boating is one of the most popular things to do in Okoboji, offering a perfect way to experience the beauty of the Iowa Great Lakes. With several lakes connected by waterways, you can spend the day cruising, fishing, or just enjoying the refreshing breeze on the water. Public docks, rental options, and marinas make it easy for anyone to get out and explore.
As a guest at our boutique hotel, you’ll be perfectly positioned to experience all the best things to do in Okoboji. We’re near the most popular attractions, while also offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Whether you want to spend your days exploring the lake or unwinding on our peaceful property, our Okoboji hotel in Iowa gives you the best of both worlds. Start your mornings with a freshly prepared gourmet breakfast, then head out to enjoy the day. Return to beautifully appointed guest rooms, modern amenities, and the warm welcome of our attentive team. Start planning and book your room today!
Top Things to do in Okoboji This Summer & Fall in Iowa
For many, summer and early fall trips to Lake Okoboji have been a part of their family traditions for generations. For others, vacations to Okoboji mean a chance to slow down and reconnect with their partners for a few romantic days away from home. Whatever brings you to the Iowa Great Lakes, know there are plenty of fun things to do in Okoboji.
It’s probably no surprise that getting out on the water is one of the top things to do in Okoboji. That’s certainly not all there is to do here, though. There’s something for everyone in Okoboji, including excellent restaurants, shops, wineries, and breweries, as well as plenty of parks and trails for hiking and biking, exciting museums and attractions, and much more.
Here’s a list of ten of our favorite things to do in Okoboji. This is just the beginning of what awaits you this summer and early fall in the Iowa Great Lakes.
- Although there are plenty of lakes to choose from, West Lake Okoboji is the most popular. It’s one of the world’s only three blue water lakes, thanks to its impressive 136-foot depth. Whether you’re into fishing, sailing, or prefer something more laid-back like kayaking, it’s easy to see why spending time on the water is one of the best things to do in Okoboji. Boat Rentals are available from Parks Marina and Oak Hill Marina.
- You can also take a guided tour of West Lake Okojobi with The Queen II. It’s a great way to learn about this lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. They offer four sailings a day from Arnold’s Park, including a sunset cruise at 7:00 PM, and each cruise lasts 90 minutes.
- Another great way to spend a summer afternoon in Okoboji is biking. Thanks to an extensive network of trails and rural scenic country roads, biking has quickly become one of the most popular things to do in Okoboji. An easy ride for our guests is on the Kenue Park Trail of the Dickinson County Trail system. You can rent bikes from The Okoboji Cyclist.
- A bit of childhood nostalgia awaits at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. It’s long been rated as one of the best things to do in Okoboji, and it’s easy to see why! You don’t have to go to the fun park to enjoy the nostalgia, though. Alternatively, take a trip to the Arnolds Park Funhouse Museum to see some of the old rides and take a turn down the giant slide again.
- Tee off for a round or two of golf! Four golf courses are near our Okoboji, Iowa hotel, including Brooks Golf Club, Emerald Hills Golf Course & Country Club, Okoboji View Golf Course, and Indian Hills Golf Club.
- Take in a performance at the Okoboji Summer Theatre. It’s one of the longest-running summer theatre programs in the country and has been a top-rated activity in Okoboji for the last 60 years. (Season runs through mid-August).
- Go wine tasting! There are a couple of wineries in the area, but our favorite is Round Lake Vineyard, which is located next to a quiet and beautiful lake straddling the Iowa and Minnesota state line. Another option is Little Swan Lake Vineyard. If you’d rather sip on a cold pint of craft beer, head to West O Beer or the Okoboji Brewing Company.
- Spend an afternoon shopping in the small towns and antique stores in the Iowa Great Lakes area. We have a few favorite stops listed on our website and are happy to provide you with a printed map during your visit.
- Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Okoboji Classic Car Museum, which has a showroom filled with a broad range of classic cars, a restoration shop, and a range of classic cars you can take a ride in or buy to take home with you. You may also want to visit the Indian Motorcycle Factory & Visitor Center, where current and historic Indian motorcycles, vintage artifacts, and memorabilia are on display.
- Art lovers, don’t miss a trip to the Pearson Lakes Art Center. It’s one of the top-rated art museums in Iowa, offering six galleries to peruse and a performing arts center.
Stay at the Best Okoboji, Iowa Hotel
With so many exciting things to do in Okoboji this summer and fall, you’ll want to stay somewhere that makes your getaway even more special. Our top-rated Okoboji hotel offers just that. We’re proud to provide 13 modern guest rooms, each designed for comfort and relaxation. You’ll enjoy amenities like fireplaces, spacious verandas or patios, Comphy linens, and Aveda toiletries. Some rooms even feature whirlpool tubs for an added touch of indulgence.
Guests love our beautiful garden property that surrounds our Okoboji hotel. Stroll through gardens filled with native plants, including our 50-year-old Rugosa Roses, which we use to make rose hip jelly. You might spot deer, wild turkeys, turtles, and other wildlife while you unwind in this peaceful setting. It’s the perfect balance to the lively energy of the Iowa Great Lakes and all the fun things to do in Okoboji nearby.
Each morning, you’ll wake up to the irresistible aroma of our made-from-scratch gourmet breakfast. Served in our sunlit dining room, this is more than just a meal; it’s a highlight of your stay. We use fresh, seasonal ingredients and happily accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. From start to finish, your time here is designed to be relaxing, memorable, and a perfect complement to your summer or fall adventures. Book your stay at our Okoboji hotel today and discover why guests return year after year. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging today!