Explore Okoboji: Best Small Towns in Iowa

The Oakwood Inn is a Select Registry Bed and Breakfast Inn located in Okoboji near Spirit Lake.

Explore Okoboji one of the best small towns in Iowa

If you’ve yet to start planning your travel calendar this year, there’s one of the most charming small towns in Iowa that should be on your list—explore Okoboji on your next weekend getaway, romantic couple’s trip, or extended vacation boating, hiking, biking, dining, and visiting museums and art centers. There’s really no shortage of fantastic adventures, whether indoors or out, to fill your days and nights on a getaway to Okoboji. 

The Iowa Great Lakes region is a unique getaway destination for many reasons. When you head out to explore Okoboji during your stay, you’ll instantly see why! This region is made up of a chain of natural glacial lakes; these beautiful bodies of water are interconnected, making our area the perfect place for boating and swimming. West Lake Okoboji is the largest and deepest of these bodies of water—known for its striking blue hue, sandy beaches, and summer recreation. 

You’ll want to secure your lodging before you start picking dates and arranging vacation times. Our boutique hotel in Okoboji, Iowa, is the perfect place to stay in the Lakes Region. Not only do we have 11 recently updated and spacious guest rooms, but we’re set back from the busy tourist areas, creating a peaceful atmosphere we all crave when getting away with our partner. As an adults-only resort, you’ll also notice the sophisticated air that comes with like-minded travelers when staying at our hotel. We can’t wait to be your homebase as you set out to explore Okoboji! Book your lodging today. 

Explore Okoboji, one of the best small towns in Iowa for a romantic getaway

Explore Okoboji on Your Next Romantic Getaway in Iowa

Whether this is your first visit to the Iowa Great Lakes Region or it’s just one of many, there’s nothing quite like waking up at our peaceful boutique hotel, enjoying a delicious and home-cooked breakfast, and then heading out to explore Okoboji—one of the best small towns in Iowa. There are so many great things to do nearby! 

Here are the top things not to miss during your stay at our hotel in Okoboji, Iowa: 

  1. Boating on West Lake Okoboji: One of the best places for boat rentals in town is Okoboji Boat Works, and you’ll love setting out on the pretty blue waters of the lake. This is hands down one of the most popular ways to explore Okoboji on your next getaway.
  2. The Pearson Lakes Art Center: You’ll find six galleries, a performing arts center, a library, and a gift shop at this local cultural hub. In the warmer months, be sure to tour the gardens peppered with outdoor sculptures. 
  3. Arnolds Park Amusement Park: Tap into the nostalgia of riding the Ferris wheel or roller coaster or playing carnival games at this local iconic landmark. There’s also a fantastic calendar of live music events throughout the year. 
  4. Okoboji Classic Car Museum: Take a step back in time at this classic car museum with hundreds of mint-condition autos parked on replicas of small-town streets. If you’re in the market to buy, this is the best place to do it in the Midwest. 
  5. Dickinson County Trail System: Steps from the front door of our boutique hotel, one of the best ways to explore Okoboji is on foot! This lovely collection of interconnected trails is the perfect way to do just that. Check the map here before you set out. The trails wind along rural, community, and nature areas in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes region
  6. Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum: Located at Arnold’s Park, this maritime museum is packed with ancient crafts, rare artifacts, and history about the Iowa Great Lakes Region. 
  7. Visit the Okoboji Store: One of the best music venues and bars in town, the Okoboji Store is where locals and visitors come together for a lively evening of drinks and dancing. 
  8. Waterfront Dining at its Best: For those looking for a quiet date night atmosphere, there are plenty of elegant waterfront dining options for flavorful meals for two. A few of our favorites include The Waterfront on East Lake Okoboji, Prime Boji, or Maxwell’s, both on West Lake Okoboji. 

Before you head out to explore Okoboji, feel free to ask your welcoming and knowledgeable Innkeepers for personalized recommendations or directions. 

Explore Okoboji near our Iowa bed and breakfast

The Best Hotel in Okoboji, Iowa, to Reconnect and Relax

More and more couples are seeking romantic getaways at smaller boutique properties—and our hotel in Okoboji, Iowa, is one of the best places to reconnect, relax, and unwind. The quiet nature of our pristine property sets the tone for the most romantic escape from our busy day-to-day lives. As one of the only luxury adults-only properties in the area, you can be guaranteed your time will be restful, and your Innkeepers will always be on hand to offer recommendations, make reservations, or fulfill special requests during your stay. 

Your luxurious guest room choice will offer a king or queen bed, a private bathroom, and a romantic fireplace. Guests will delight in the luxurious bed and Comphy linens, Aveda bath products, business-class internet, large flat-screen TVs, and much more. Eight of our 11 spacious rooms feature two-person whirlpools for those added moments of romantic indulgence. You’ll be rested and ready to explore Okoboji each day of your getaway! 

Our hotel in Okoboji, Iowa, is known for its beautiful breakfast service each morning. As a guest, you’ll be delighted by our morning meal, which changes daily and is always prepared with skill, care, and local ingredients whenever possible. It’s genuinely one of the best times of the day! Feel free to join us in our spacious, light-filled dining room, or we can deliver your meal to the comfort of your room. You can’t beat breakfast in bed! Start planning your next getaway to explore Okoboji, and book your lodging today! 

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