With the holidays in the rearview, it’s the perfect time of year to start planning your next vacation! Iowa getaways offer more variety than many couples expect, and the Iowa Great Lakes Region, including the crown jewel, Okoboji, is often overlooked. Depending on the time of year, you can spend your mornings on the water in Okoboji, your afternoons exploring local shops and galleries, and your evenings enjoying live music or an elegant lakeside meal. The region in Iowa is perfect for travelers who want to slip away without long travel days.
For couples in nearby cities, Iowa getaways in Okoboji offer a clear reason to get in the car and head north. From Sioux Falls, SD, the drive is less than 1.5 hours, making it easy to leave and arrive at the lake the same afternoon. Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, and Omaha, Nebraska, sit about 3-3.5 hours away, an easy road trip, especially when you’re with your favorite person! Cedar Rapids is also located about 3 hours away and offers another easy drive for couples looking to swap daily routines for shoreline walks and lake views.
For romantic getaways in Iowa, Okoboji feels close enough to reach without hassle and far enough to feel like a true escape. First, you’ll need to decide where to stay, and at The Oakwood Inn, you’ll be in a quiet, adults-only boutique hotel where every detail is designed for couples. Guest rooms feel private and cozy, breakfasts are made from scratch each morning, and the best things to do in Okoboji are all nearby. Though, as a guest at our boutique hotel, you might keep finding reasons to stay in! Check our availability and plan your next getaway today.
The Best Things to do in Okoboji: Iowa Getaways for Couples
Iowa getaways in Okoboji are ideal for couples who enjoy a variety of activities during their trip, with a balanced itinerary of indoor and outdoor adventures. The Iowa Great Lakes might be the main draw, but this area offers much more than time on the water. You can fill a weekend with outdoor activities, local food, and easy entertainment, all within a short drive. Okoboji feels active during the day and relaxed at night, which makes it a strong choice for romantic Iowa getaways that balance fun and comfort.
Here are our favorite things to do in Okoboji on your next visit:
- If you’re planning your Iowa getaways in the warmer months, you’ll likely start your trip with time on the water. Rent a boat, book a pontoon cruise, or kayak along the shoreline. The lakes are central to the Okoboji experience, and being out on the deep blue water is as peaceful as it gets. Early mornings are calm and quiet, while in the afternoons, the lakes are packed with energy and fantastic people watching.
- Walk or bike the Dickinson County trails together. These paths wind near the lakes and through wooded areas, offering an easy way to spend an hour or two outdoors. The trails work well for casual walks and give you a chance to talk without distractions. You can reach the trails just steps away from the front door of our boutique hotel in Okoboji.
- Spend part of an afternoon exploring the nostalgic glow of Arnold’s Park Amusement Park. Ride the historic roller coaster, play classic games, or grab an ice cream and walk the boardwalk. It adds a lighthearted stop to your itinerary.
- Plan a romantic meal at one of the waterfront restaurants in Okoboji. Dining by the lake is one of the most popular Iowa attractions in Okoboji for a reason. Sunset dinners are especially popular, as the sky lights up with golden and pink hues over the dark waters. Our favorite waterfront stops for year-round dining are The Outrigger or The Waterfront on East Lake Okoboji. During the summer season, head to Prime Boji and Maxwell’s, both on West Lake Okoboji.
- Visit local shops and galleries around the lakes. Small boutiques, gift stores, and art spaces give you a break from outdoor activities and help you find something unique to take home. These spots also give you a sense of the local community beyond the main attractions.
- Catch live music in the evening on your Iowa getaways. Okoboji is known for its music scene during the warmer months, with outdoor venues and smaller bars offering regular shows. We always recommend The Okoboji Store and Preservation Plaza at Arnold’s Park. For year-round music, check out the line-up at Captain’s Getaway.
- Take a short drive to nearby towns for a change of scenery. Spirit Lake and Milford offer additional dining options, antique stores, and quiet streets for walking. Or head to Round Lake Vineyards, just over the border in Minnesota, which is perfect for quick weekend getaways in Iowa.
- Set aside time to relax at our property! Romantic getaways in Iowa often feel best when you have downtime. Whether it is sitting on the porch, reading, or talking over a glass of wine, downtime helps the trip feel personal. In the summer, the back patio is a fantastic place for happy hour by the fire pit and meeting other like-minded couples who also enjoy quiet Iowa getaways at The Oakwood Inn.
Romantic Getaways in Iowa at our Boutique Hotel in Okoboji
Staying at The Oakwood Inn will be a highlight of your romantic getaway in Iowa from the moment you arrive. The feeling at our boutique hotel is relaxed and warm with quiet common spaces, comfortable B&B guest rooms, and details that encourage you to settle in. Mornings begin with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a scratch-made breakfast. There’s no reason to rush out the door; everything you want to do in Okoboji is close by.
Since we’re set back from the lake, you’ll never encounter crowds. Evenings at The Oakwood Inn are just as cozy as the mornings. After dinner or live music, you return to a space designed for couples who value privacy and ease. You might sit on the porch, talk about the day, or plan what comes next while the sun sets over our garden grounds. If you’d like to travel with your dogs, we offer pet-friendly lodging, just a bonus for your romantic getaways in Iowa.
The Innkeepers at The Oakwood Inn are on hand to offer concierge services, so please reach out before or during your stay for assistance with reservations or adding the best things to do in Okoboji to your agenda. For romantic getaways in Iowa, our Inn offers a stay that feels personal, making your time in Okoboji feel easy. Book your Iowa getaways today!
