The University of Okoboji Winter Games is an annual event held during the last weekend of January. This multi-day festival includes various activities, such as broomball, flag football, a chili cook-off, a polar plunge, fireworks, and the Burning of the Greens (a giant bonfire with Christmas trees). This yearly tradition, and all that comes along with it, is a lively winter celebration that attracts people of all ages and interests to the Iowa Great Lakes area.
One of the most popular Winter Games events is the Boji Kite Festival, featuring colorful and giant kites flying over the frozen waters of West Lake Okoboji. This festival invites visitors to enjoy an impressive kite display while embracing the scenic winter atmosphere. Spectators are welcome to walk onto the ice and see the kites up close and personal. Kites are also visible from across the Iowa Great Lakes.
One of the most popular places to stay during the wintertime is our cozy hotel in Okoboji! The Oakwood Inn is a charming, elegantly designed boutique hotel that is the perfect place to retreat and warm up in the evenings after enjoying a festive festival, snowshoeing on the nearby trails, or touring the fantastic museums in the area. Okoboji may be known as a summer destination, but for those who know, it’s also a lovely place to visit in the cooler seasons. Book your lodging today!
Your Guide to the University of Okoboji Winter Games
The University of Okoboji is a long-time fictional university started by three local brothers in the 1970s. They owned a clothier in Okoboji, and the merchandise caught on. You’ll likely see locals wearing shirts with U of O or bumper stickers around town. Fast-forward to more than 50 years later, and the University of Okoboji is an institution.
The first year of the University of Okoboji Winter Games was in 1981 and began as a small broomball tournament on the frozen waters at the Fish Hatchery. Today, thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy the long list of tournaments, activities, West-O Beer, fantastic food options, live entertainment, and unique events.
Here’s your guide to the upcoming Winter Games and what to expect:
- The Winter Games are always held on the last weekend of January. Events kick off on Thursday evening and continue through Sunday afternoon. This year, the event occurs from January 23rd to the 26th, 2025. Here’s a full schedule of events.
- The Boji Kite Festival takes place throughout the weekend, weather permitting. For a special viewing, head to Arnolds Park Amusement Park in the evening for the Night Kite sailings! It is amazing to see this sea of colorful kites light up the night sky.
- If you’re a sports enthusiast, the Winter Games features a long list of fun and unusual sports tournaments! Broomball was the original focus, a game similar to hockey but played with shoes instead of skates and a ball instead of a puck. You’ll also encounter flag footfall, ice softball, a 5k run, axe throwing, pickleball, and so much more.
- Food and drink are big parts of the University of Okoboji Winter Games. West-O Beer is the official drink of the games and has long sponsored the event. For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, hot chocolate will be flowing. One of the most popular traditions is the chili cook-off, where competitors enter their best recipe, hoping to take home gold. There’s a great selection of food trucks, too.
- This festival is always rocking with live music options! This year, a fantastic selection of bands and performers are ready to start the party. These musicians will play all over town, including at Arnolds Park, the Pearson Lakes Art Center, The Okoboji Store, and the Captain’s Getaway.
Get Cozy at our Adults-Only Okoboji Hotel in Iowa
Whether you’re coming into town for the University of Okoboji Winter Games or just looking for a cozy, cold-weather getaway, The Oakwood Inn is one of the best hotels in Iowa for your stay! As a dedicated adults-only resort, our space is perfect for special celebrations, anniversaries, and romantic getaways. You’ll feel comfortable in your beautifully appointed room, pampered by our welcoming hospitality, and nourished with a gourmet homemade breakfast.
As a small, locally owned property, our hotel in Okoboji offers a completely different experience than larger properties. With only eleven rooms and suites, we can easily attend to our guests on a personal level, and our attention to detail is unmatched. Guest rooms are pristine and equipped with all the needed amenities for a restful stay. We offer a concierge service to help in any way we can to make sure your trip is seamless and enjoyable.
You’ll start each morning of your stay with a complimentary multi-course breakfast, with items like our award-winning granola, baked treats, and homemade quiche. Other amenities that make your stay stand out, include our EV chargers (the fastest in the Iowa Great Lakes Area), our shared Den space with a pool table and big flat-screen TV, and we’re fully pet-friendly. We can’t wait to host you this winter; book your room at our hotel in Okoboji today!
