Crisp winter days out in the woods, cozy nights curled up by the fire with a hot drink and a blanket, and quality time together as the moonlight glistens on snow—this is just the beginning of your romantic getaways in Iowa when you choose one of the best Lake Okoboji Hotels. The Oakwood Inn is an adults-only, pet-friendly lodging option where couples can truly relax together and explore all of the best things to do in Okoboji each winter.
Our Inn is especially festive during the holiday season, with decorations and sparkling lights at every turn. With our attentive service, beautiful breakfasts, and fantastic add-on packages, you’ll feel even more transported by our classic Christmas atmosphere. With more than 300 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and a 4.9-star ranking from Google reviews, we’ve hosted many happy guests over the years—many of whom join us time and again.
Winter in Okoboji is also a time filled with wonderful things to do—from snowshoeing on the Dickinson County Trail system (just steps from our front door) and exploring the frozen lakes to the famed Winter Games Festival each year in January, there are so many fun activities to add to your romantic getaway. This is if you feel like leaving the luxury of one of the best Lake Okoboji Hotels! Book your lodging today.
Winter Getaways Start at One of the Best Lake Okoboji Hotels
During the holidays, the first thing you’ll notice as you arrive at one of the best Lake Okoboji Hotels is our love for decorations! We always host a beautiful Thanksgiving at the Inn for our family, and after dinner, in order for dessert to be served, they have to help us unpack the holiday bins first!
Of course, then the Inn is spectacularly festive for our guests throughout December and into the New Year. You can also expect deliscous seasonal treats and preparations on your winter getaway to The Oakwood Inn. Our award-winning recipes are always crowd-pleasing and the best way to start your day.
The luxurious king and queen guest rooms are another key reason we are one of the best Lake Okoboji Hotels. With only 11 spacious rooms, there’s never any worry about crowds or unwanted noise. Each room offers a cozy fireplace, perfect for snuggling up together on cooler evenings. Many rooms also feature whirlpool tubs, adding a touch of lavishness to your stay. And while we don’t allow children, all of our rooms are pet-friendly for a small fee!
The combination of these thoughtful amenities creates an intimate and relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for couples seeking quality time together. You can also take advantage of our shared den, which has a big-screen TV, pool table, gaming area, and beer and wine available for purchase.
Up the Wow Factor:
The Romance Package at our charming Okoboji Hotel offers the perfect way to enhance your getaway with thoughtful touches designed to create an unforgettable experience. Priced at $150, this add-on package includes everything you need for a cozy and intimate escape. Thoughtfully curated for couples, this package transforms your stay into an extra special celebration of love and relaxation.
We’ll add a fresh burst of beauty and fragrance to your stay with a seasonal floral bouquet, as well as a bottle of white or red wine (non-alcoholic sparkling cider available), ideal for a relaxing toast to your time together. The package also includes a platter of meats, cheeses, and crackers, perfect for a romantic snack, and luxurious scented bath salts to elevate your evening with a soothing, spa-like experience in our jetted tubs for two.
Most Romantic Things to Do in Okoboji This Winter
For those of us who prefer to stay bundled up inside by the fire with our favorite movie on and a glass of wine, The Oakwood Inn will be a fantastic homebase for you. However, if you’re the type of couple who yearns for outdoor adventure and experiences on your romantic getaways, Okoboji will not disappoint; it’s often referred to as Iowa’s best-kept secret. We’ll be awaiting your return to warm up and sink into relaxation in the evening.
Here are the best things to do in Okoboji for couples this winter:
- Snowshoeing on the Dickinson Trail System: As a guest of the Inn, you’ll have easy access to the well-maintained Dickinson Trail System, which is made up of nearly 100 miles of trails crisscrossing the region. Much of these trails are groomed in the winter for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and
- The University of Okoboji Winter Games: While summer is the more popular time to visit Okoboji, Winter Games Weekend is a close second, where thousands of people flock to our ice-covered lakes for our annual festive events, including broom ball, a chili cook-off, sports tournaments, keg tosses, fireworks, and the traditional “burning of the greens” bonfire.
- Holiday Shopping in Okoboji: There is a wonderful selection of local boutiques and antique stores to check out on a winter escape. If you still have people on your holiday shopping list, you’ll be able to wrap it up during your stay. We also offer gift certificates for lodging at The Oakwood Inn, and there’s really nothing better than that gift for a getaway to one of the best Lake Okoboji hotels.
- Ice Skating at Okoboji Boat Works: With over 15,000 acres of ice each winter to glide across, ice skating is a fantastic pastime! The Fish House at Okoboji Boat Works clears a rink and has skate rentals in all sizes. There is also an indoor skating rink, Lakes Ice Arena if you prefer a more traditional place to lace up.
- Elegant Dining Options in Okoboji: While many restaurants in the Okoboji area have seasonal hours, during the winter, there are still some lovely options for romantic dinners for two. We recommend the Waterfront Grille or Prime Boji for an elegant date night with views of the lake.
Okoboji, Iowa, really is one of the best-kept secrets! The area transforms into a picturesque retreat during the winter, making it an ideal destination for couples. The stunning landscapes of snow-covered lakes and quiet trails set a romantic stage for a peaceful getaway. Couples can enjoy cozy evenings by the fire, savoring the charm of The Oakwood Inn with our inviting ambiance and luxurious amenities. Book your room today!
