The heat of summer will be here before you know it, and there’s a collection of some of the best lakes in Iowa that you truly need to check out! From quiet fishing retreats to lively waterfront towns, these waterways draw visitors from all across the state. The best lakes in Iowa offer boating, paddleboarding, great swimming, beaches, scenic hiking trails, and sunset cruises. If you want all of this and more, East and West Lake Okoboji is the perfect vacation destination.
The history of lakes in Iowa runs deep, especially in the northwest corner, where the Iowa Great Lakes have attracted visitors for more than a century. In the late 1800s, rail lines brought families from across the Midwest to spend summers along the water. Wooden hotels and cottages lined the shore, and steamboats carried guests across Lake Okoboji for sunny day outings. Over time, the Okoboji area grew into one of Iowa’s most established attractions, known for its deep-blue water, ideal boating conditions, plentiful boat rentals, and lively nightlife.
Before you start filling your itinerary with all of the best things to do in Okoboji, you’ll want to choose a place to stay, and one of the best hotels in Okoboji is set back from the lakeshore. The innkeepers know the area well and can guide you toward the best spots on East and West Lake Okoboji, whether you want a scenic bike ride, a sunset cruise, or dinner reservations by the water. After a full day exploring lakes in Iowa, you return to a quiet retreat where comfort and service come first. Book your lodging today!
Lakes in Iowa: Explore the Okoboji Area
The best part of vacationing at the best lakes in Iowa is all the easily accessible activities. As a guest at our Boutique Hotel in Okoboji, you’ll be in an excellent location to head out and explore. Start your morning refreshed, and then fill your itinerary with as much (or as little) as you wish!
If you’re joining us in the warmer seasons, hitting the water is by far one of the most popular things to do in Okoboji. If you want to captain your own boat, you’ll find rentals at Oaks Hill Marina or the Parks Marina. There is boat trailer parking at our hotel. Kabele’s Trading Post can outfit you with all the fishing gear you need to fish these lakes in Iowa, which all have a healthy ecosystem with walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge.
Take a walk on the Dickinson County Trails that stretch through Kenue Park and out toward local attractions around town, or rent bikes from The Okoboji Cyclist and explore winding paths around town. If you brought your own bike, we have plenty of storage on-site. The West Lake Trail along West Lake Okoboji connects Gull Point State Park, Lakeside Lab, Emerson Bay Recreation Area, and Garlock Slough.
If you want to take a break from the sunshine, visit the Pearson Lakes Art Center for a gallery show or performance, or the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum to learn more about this region’s history. Check out the Iowa Classic Car Museum to look at vintage wheels in this unique showroom. During the peak of the summer season, the Okoboji Summer Theater is always a hit with locals and visitors, where you can watch eager acting students put on high-caliber performances.
Along the shores of our collection of lakes in Iowa, you will find a mix of antique stores and local boutiques worth exploring. Browse shops focused on souvenirs, or find larger antique malls filled with unexpected finds. Specialty stores offer beachwear, home decor, garden pieces, and curated resale items, giving you plenty of reasons to spend an afternoon shopping in Okoboji.
If you want an activity with a bit of friendly competition, try golfing at Brooks Golf Club or Okoboji View Golf Course. If you’re a golfer, consider booking our Tee for Two package available to guests of our hotel. The Oakwood Inn is within five miles of four golf courses, giving you easy access to some of the best golfing around the Iowa Great Lakes region.
When it’s time for lunch and dinner, there are some fantastic restaurants in Okoboji, and the lakes in Iowa make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic meal. Open year-round, Toast on Hill is a great place for a diner-style lunch. During the summer season, Prime Boji and Maxwell’s, both on West Lake Okoboji, and Yesterdays in downtown Arnolds Park, are the best choices for a memorable meal on the water.
Hotels in Okoboji: A Hosted Stay at The Oakwood Inn
Lodging is an important part of any vacation, and if you’re heading to the Great Lakes region in Iowa for a romantic retreat or a friend’s trip, our property is one of the best adults-only Hotels in Okoboji. While this area is popular for families, when you choose The Oakwood Inn, you can slip away to a grown-up retreat with a long list of amenities for quiet evenings and mornings in your suite, with only other like-minded guests relaxing as well!
Our property is always a beautiful place to make your home base in the spring and summer, with manicured gardens, ancient trees, and water features. The outdoor fire area is a popular spot for a nightcap and conversation. For those who want to explore the best things to do in Okoboji nearby, our hotel is only a quick drive to these popular lakes in Iowa. And steps from our front door, the Dickinson County Trail system is ideal for hikers or cyclists who like to head out on foot or by bike.
Each morning, we treat our guests to a delectable breakfast. Multiple courses, hot coffee, and friendly service are always on the menu. Many of the recipes, including Bridget’s quiche, have won local competitions, so expect to be impressed by your options. You’ll quickly see why guests return time and again for a peaceful retreat. Book your lodging today!
