Top 10 Okoboji Resorts: Crescent Beach Resort

If you haven’t heard of Crescent Beach Resort, it’s a sure bet that the Okoboji locals have. It has rested here on the western shores of West Lake Okoboji since 1914, when the vision was an “American Venice.” Back then, it was a hunting lodge. Today, it’s a complete Iowa Great Lakes family vacation.

Ninety-five years is long enough to establish some solid Okoboji lodging, and you’ll find it at Crescent Beach’s Thunderbird Lodge. This is a collection of Parkside and Lakefront rooms, plus stunning two-room and two-room lofted suites that carry just a hint of the resort’s long history along with plenty of modern comfort. The latest additions at Crescent Beach are the Flying Cloud Condo and the Little Sioux House, which combines home-style comfort with the aura of a lakefront cottage. Yet the real attraction is the way you’ll feel on the expansive sand beach, with the lodge behind you and West Lake Okoboji in front of you and knowing that people have been enjoying this same relaxed, family-friendly Iowa vacation for decades.

Things to Know

Fun facts

Crescent Beach Resort was born of the vision of J.A. Beck and H.E. Mills, who dredged the canals around the lodge site in the early 1900's. The development of the canals created a safe harbor and one of the original Okoboji vacation spots.

Highlights

The Little Sioux House adds to the classic aura of Crescent Beach Resort, recreating the original Okoboji lakefront cottage lodging. This four-bedroom cottage has two levels and modern amenities including a flat screen TV and DVD player, phone, central air and private deck.

Getting there

From Des Moines, Iowa, follow Interstate 35 North to Highway 20. Take Highway 20 West to Fort Dodge. Follow Highway 169 North to Algona, then take Highway 18 West to Spencer. Follow Highway 71 North to Milford. Take Highway 86 West approximately three miles. Watch for the huge Crescent Beach sign on the left. Turn right at the sign onto Edgewood Drive. Proceed about 1,000 yards to Crescent Beach Resort on your right.