Welcome to Iowagreatlakes.net

Recreation...

Fishing has always been a favorite sport in this area. The Iowa Great Lakes abound with numerous species of fish from muskie to perch. A well-orchestrated stocking program is maintained by a state operated hatchery to help ensure a fine catch for every fisherman. Walleye, northerns, catfish and bass are abundant throughout most of the year. One of the most popular local thrills is the hardy sport of ice fishing, offering a totally different experience from warm weather fishing!

The Iowa Great Lakes, as well as many other lakes in Iowa, are supported by efforts at the State Fish Hatchery in Orleans, just north of Spirit Lake. The hatchery is a popular spot for those seeking to view the aquariums that showcase many of the local fish species. Self-guided tours are available throughout the hatchery facility. Each year the Iowa Department of Natural Resources welcomes between 40,000 and 60,000 visitors to the Spirit Lake Hatchery. Groups may contact the hatchery to view a narrated slide series pertaining to a wide array of hatchery duties. Tours are available throughout the year from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. In addition, when walleye spawning is in full swing (usually in early to mid April) the hatchery is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There is an abundance of public hunting areas in Dickinson County that attract hunters from miles around, even other states, who come in pursuit of the waterfowl and upland opportunities. Several local guides and guide services are also available for both hunters and fishermen.

Water sports on the Iowa Great Lakes range from sailing to scuba diving and from yacht races to water skiing. Sandy beaches invite all to spend lazy afternoons by the shore and in the swimming areas. For the more daring, wind surfing and parasailing provide more opportunity for excitement. It’s not uncommon to see a brave soul soaring over the lakes on a windy day.

Several area golf courses are available for the golfer, duffer and expert alike. Snowmobiling is a favorite winter pastime and beautiful campgrounds and parks, riding stables, go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, nature reserves, an amusement park, a collegiate summer theater, restaurants, antique shops, flea markets, art galleries and many more attractions offer diversions for most every taste.

Attractions & Events...kinson County ReSociety event

Dickinson County Recreation Trails - The spine trail is a 14-mile, hard-surfaced trail that winds through the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes. The trail rambles through wildlife areas, along the shore of East Lake Okoboji and through downtown Okoboji, truly giving trail enthusiasts a diverse experience. With popular crystal blue lakes, sandy beaches, specialty shops, golf courses, tennis courts and biking events throughout the year, the spine trail offers many interesting entertainment alternatives. Bikers can experience the 60 miles of designated bike trails that loop through the Lakes Region. There are organized bike rides held each year. The University of Okoboji Campus Classic, with 25, 50 and 100-mile rides, is held the last Saturday in June. BRASL (Bike Ride Around Spirit Lake) has 14, 35 and 65-mile rides and is scheduled on the second Saturday in July. The Oktoberfest ride, with 25 & 50 mile rides, takes place on the first Saturday in October.

University of Okoboji - a mythical institution that's been called the best-known non-existent university in the nation. The university lends its name to many local sporting and social events, including soccer, rugby, and tennis tournaments and a mid-July homecoming weekend.

Higgins Museum - located in Okoboji, the purpose of this museum is to acquire, preserve and display the notes and artifacts of the National Banks. The various types and denominations of notes issued by the National Banks are displayed here, as well as several representative notes from the States, Territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Westport Rural Schoolhouse - located at Kenue Park in Okoboji. Come in and see old style school desks, textbooks, & visual aids from a by-gone-era. The Westport school has student desks, a stove, books, pictures, teacher desk, library table, and chairs to show you, the public, how it appeared years ago. A belfry with a bell in it was built and erected as an Eagle Scout project. Another scout project was the replacement of a picket fence and planting of flowers. Many people have donated many hours to restore this great piece of our heritage.

Hogsback Ridge Wildlife Interpretive Trail - located in Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area. A terrific and impressive self-guiding interpretive trail consisting of prairie and woodlands through which you can see numerous native plants and trees and a vast array of wildlife. There are more trails to be explored here on your own, and all of the trails can be used for nature walks, hiking or skiing.

Cayler Prairie - If you wish to see a historic virgin prairie, be sure to visit Cayler Prairie State Botanical Preserve, located five miles west of West Okoboji. An example of increasingly rare virgin prairie grassland; a unique outdoor laboratory. The 160 acre prairie is a National Natural Landmark and among the finest remaining examples of Iowa’s historic landscape, ranging from dry to wet prairie and marsh.

The Iowa Great Lakes Winter Games - held each year during the last weekend in January. Annual events during the games include broomball, softball, MahJong tournament, snowmobile run, bike ride, football, and a talent show. Other events include a chili cook-off and chili feed, a kid's ice fishing contest on West Lake Okoboji, ice bowling, a 5k and 10k run, a bonfire and a fireworks display on the lake.

Iowa Great Lakes Area Great Walleye Weekend (Iowa Easter Seals) - Walleye Season Opener event. More than 1,400 anglers cast their line in last year's Great Walleye Weekend, attempting to land one of six specially tagged Walleye or one of 24 other tagged fish. The specially tagged Walleye are distributed in West and East Okoboji Lakes and Big Spirit Lake by the Department of Natural Resources. A tagged Walleye is worth $10,000 if caught by a registered contestant during the contest hours.

Dickinson County Relay for Life (American Cancer Society) - Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society.

Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum - located next to beautiful West Okoboji Lake. The Maritime Museum and excursion boat the Okoboji Queen II are located adjacent to the Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Arnolds Park, Iowa. The history of boating on the Iowa Great Lakes is the focus of the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum. Visitors can see restored boats, early photographs and many other displays illustrating local lake history.

Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum - located in Arnolds Park features tributes to and memorabilia of some of the all-time greats!

Arnolds Park Amusement Park - The oldest amusement park west of the Mississippi, it is the home to "The Legend" roller coaster, rated one of the top 10 wooden coasters in the world.

Vick's Corner World - a piece of local history, this unique one-stop shop offers fuel, camping and fishing supplies and bait, firewood, on-site campgrounds, U-Haul rentals, and the ever-famous Annual Antique Show and Flea Market. Located west of Spirit Lake at the junction of Highways 9 & 86.

Little Swan Lake Winery - taste some of the finest local wines, tour the unique ambience of the Winery, and take some home-raised buffalo meat with you! Gift items and gouda cheeses are also available. Located east of Spirit Lake, just a bit off of Highway 9.

Byers Barns - Birthday Parties, Camps, Hayrides, Horse & Pony Rides, and Boarding, "Specializing in the enjoyment of horses & horse-related activities for youth & adults." Choose from a variety of activities for an hour or a day…for yourself, your youngster(s), the family or a group! Located one mile east and one mile north of Hwy. 9 & Hwy. 71 Junction.

Bedell Family YMCA - Bedell Family YMCA not only has a state-of-the-art, handicapped accessible indoor pool, but also weight equipment, treadmills, a running track, aerobics classes, two gymnasiums for various sports, outdoor soccer fields and an outdoor ice hockey field. Located on the southern edge of Spirit Lake.

Lakes Art Center - The Pearson Lakes Art Center delivers educational programming to students of all ages through instructional classes, lectures and exhibitions; exposes community members to the numerous forms of art including, visual, music, drama, writing and film; serves as an advocate for the arts with partners in the schools and other neighboring organizations; and provides an important outlet for local and regional artists to exhibit and market their work. Located on the northern edge of Okoboji.