Hiking in Iowa is one of the most popular pastimes, and there are so many fantastic trails in Dickinson County in Okoboji. There’s a lovely collection of state parks, nature preserves, and refuges dedicated to maintaining the area’s natural beauty and protecting the wildlife that also calls this space home. Whether you’re seeking peaceful walking trails in Iowa or more adventurous routes, this region offers something for everyone. There are a handful of parks that are hidden gems with hiking trails, disc golf courses, sculpture gardens, kayaking opportunities, and more.
While it’s still the peak of summer, fall is just on the horizon, bringing beautiful hues with it. During the autumn, hiking becomes even more popular as the scenery transforms with a palette of vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, a favorite seasonal highlight among things to do in Iowa.
One of the best hikes in the area is the multi-use Iowa Great Lakes Trail, which offers a safe space for both residents and visitors to bike, walk, run, and cross-country ski in the winter. The trail winds through rural, community, and natural areas across the Iowa Great Lakes Region, including Spirit Lake, Okoboji, West Okoboji, Wahpeton, Arnolds Park, Milford, Orleans, and Lake Park. These routes are pet-friendly, so if you have your dog with you, you’ll be in luck!
If you’d like to make your getaway to Okoboji an overnight excursion or extended vacation to explore the outdoors, The Oakwood Inn is one of the best places to stay in Okoboji, especially if you’re looking for dog-friendly lodging. All the rooms at our hotel with bed and breakfast amenities welcome pets, too! Contact our Innkeepers for more information and check our availability today!
Dickinson County Nature Trails & More Great Hiking in Okoboji, Iowa
Dickinson County is full of beautiful nature areas for hiking, biking, and exploration in the summer. However, we’re coming up on one of the most beautiful seasons: the time when the leaves turn from green to gold. This adds a magical element to your hikes on the Iowa Great Lakes Trail, which really comes to life in Autumn and showcases some of the most scenic hiking in Iowa.
Here are the best places in Dickenson County for hiking in Iowa and spending time outdoors:
- The trails at Kenue Park lead hikers through restored prairies, wetlands, and oak savannas. The park’s educational displays and interpretive signs along the walking trails in Iowa enhance the hiking experience by providing insights into the local ecosystem and conservation efforts. Play disc golf, and bring your binoculars for birdwatching.
- A visit to the Dickinson County Nature Center located in Kenue Park is one of our favorite things to do in Iowa . It has a deck overlooking the prairie, pond, and Pollinator Paradise, a hands-on learning area dedicated to pollinator education. The building has two levels of exhibits, live animals, and a nature store.
- The 180-acre Horseshoe Bend preserve has some of the best hiking in Iowa along the Little Sioux River. In the winter, this park is known for having one of the best snow tubing hills.
- Elinor Bedell State Park is a small, dog-friendly, and beautiful state park sits on the shore of East Lake Okoboji. It has several miles of trails and is a popular spot for birdwatching and fishing. It’s perfect for visitors looking for scenic and peaceful walking trails in Iowa.
- At Gull Point State Park explore the western portion of this Iowa State Park on a 1.3-mile interpretative trail, which helps visitors identify diverse flora and fauna along the route. Be sure to spend some time at the stunning lakefront too, it’s a highlight among outdoor things to do in Iowa.
- The best way to enjoy the outdoors is on the nearby Dickinson County Trail System. One of our favorite walking and biking routes is The Dickinson County Trail, less than 50 feet from our hotel’s front door. This multi-use trail offers miles for visitors to explore and experience some of the most vivid fall colors duriung your hiking in Iowa adventures.
Bring Your Pet: The Most Dog Friendly Hotel in Okoboji
The Oakwood Inn is one of the best places to stay in Okoboji, especially if you’re hoping to bring your furry family member along. Our area is packed with outdoor adventures that are all the more fun with your dog—hiking in Iowa doesn’t get much better than the scenic trails right here in Dickinson County! It’s one of the most enjoyable things to do in Iowa for those who love nature and the outdoors. All guest rooms are pet-friendly at our hotel, but you would never know it, as we have meticulous cleaning practices between guests.
As one of the only adults-only and dog-friendly hotels in Okoboji, you’ll love the relaxing atmosphere without kids. Our spacious grounds are fantastic for tiring out your dog and offer a peaceful environment for those looking to enjoy some of the best walking trails in Iowa. As an added bonus, many of our guest rooms have outdoor access for quick dog walks. There is a $40 pet fee per night per pet; a few restrictions do apply; contact your innkeepers for more information.
We also offer a lovely selection of add-ons and enhancements to your stay. From curated outings and on-site treats to romantic packages and wellness perks, if you’re looking for pampering, these are the best ways to find it. We also offer a full-service concierge, so please let us know if you’d like help with reservations, transportation, or more. We can’t wait to host you and your pet in Okoboji; book your lodging today!
