The Iowa Great Lakes region is perhaps one of the country’s most underrated vacation destinations, made up of seven deep, blue lakes and stunning shorelines. At the heart of it all is our charming tourist town, Okoboji, surrounded by both East Lake and West Lake Okoboji. While there are plenty of hotels in Okoboji to choose from for your lodging, none compare to the personalized service, luxurious amenities, and relaxing atmosphere of The Oakwood Inn, a bed-and-breakfast style getaway.
There are quite a few factors that make our Inn one of the best hotels in Okoboji. For starters, we’re adults-only, and not many lodging properties in the area adhere to that policy. However, we feel this is a haven for couples and solo travelers craving absolute peace and quiet for their precious vacation time. Most other hotels in Okoboji are for all ages, so there is no shortage if you are traveling with kids.
Another element that sets our space apart is that all of our guest rooms are pet-friendly, so there’s no need to pay for dog boarding; just bring your furry family members along! (There is a small pet fee, so feel free to contact us in advance.) The mornings are especially restful at our Inn, as breakfast is included in your lodging, so allow us to put the coffee on, cook some delicious meals, and do all the cleaning afterward! It’s the best way to start each day in Okoboji. Book your room today!
Things to Do Near One of the Best Hotels in Okoboji
Another important reason The Oakwood Inn is one of the best hotels in Okoboji is its central location. While we’re not on a lake, that has its advantages, and we’re only a few minutes from the popular lakeside attractions. This means you can retreat to the serenity of our garden grounds after a long day at Arnold’s Park, boating on the lake, or exploring cultural activities.
Here are just a handful of our favorite things to do in Okoboji as we move closer to spring:
- Explore the Dickinson County Nature Center: This park and nature center, just steps from the front door of our inn, features interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and educational programs that highlight the area’s rich biodiversity. Many guests enjoy exploring on foot!
- Hike or Bike the Dickinson County Trail System: You can reach these trails just minutes from our property! More than 60 miles of scenic trails wind through prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Visit the Pearson Lakes Art Center: For more than 60 years, this local gathering space has offered diverse art exhibitions, live performances, and engaging workshops to guests and residents alike. As the weather warms up, you’ll want to stroll the outdoor sculpture trail, which is especially beautiful as the spring flowers bloom.
- Tour the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum: Located within the iconic Arnold’s Park Amusement Park, this history and maritime museum is a treat! Learn about the region’s naval history through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
- Stroll Through Kenue Park: Observe rehabilitated trumpeter swans, explore mowed trails, and play a round of disc golf at the championship course.
- Play a Round at Brooks Golf Course: Tee off at one of the best golf courses in Okoboji; Brooks Golf Course offers well-maintained greens and picturesque views on this expansive 27-hole layout.
- Sample Local Brews at West O Beer: There are some fantastic breweries in Iowa, and one of the best things to do in Okoboji is grab a tasty beer and lunch! West O is a renowned craft brewery to taste a variety of beers made from the clear, naturally soft spring-fed waters of West Lake Okoboji.
- Visit the Okoboji Classic Car Museum: This car museum features a collection of meticulously restored classic cars, and visitors can learn about automotive history. If you’re a collector, many of the vintage cars are for sale on the showroom floor.
Book Your Next Getaway at One of the Best Hotels in Okoboji
The Oakwood Inn is one of the best hotels in Okoboji for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and relaxation. Tucked away on a picturesque two-acre estate with beautiful old-growth hardwood trees, our boutique inn has 11 meticulously designed guest rooms. Each features modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and private bathrooms. Many rooms are enhanced with cozy fireplaces and indulgent two-person whirlpool tubs, providing an ideal setting for romantic getaways.
Each morning, guests are treated to a sumptuous three-course gourmet breakfast crafted from scratch using vintage family recipes. Served in a sunlit dining room with cathedral ceilings, the breakfast experience is delightful and memorable. Our boutique hotel offers many inviting, relaxing spaces, including expansive verandas, patios, and “The Den”—a communal area with comfortable seating, a large-screen TV, and a pool table.
Conveniently located less than five minutes from the area’s best attractions, our B&B serves as an excellent base for exploring the attractions of the Okoboji region. Guests can enjoy various activities, including visits to local museums, nature centers, performing arts venues, and tours of nearby vineyards and craft breweries. After a day of adventure, returning to the comfort and hospitality of our property will be rejuvenating and memorable, solidifying our reputation as one of the finest hotels in Okoboji. Come find out for yourself and book your room today!