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HomeTop ListsTop 10 Okoboji Resorts

Top 10 Okoboji Resorts

Also known as the Iowa Great Lakes region, Okoboji is a wonderland of family fun and classic lake vacations. Centuries ago, glaciers carved out this distinctive chain; it’s only fitting that the resort owners - some of them in the late 1800s - were resourceful enough to recognize an Iowa vacation paradise when they saw one. Some of these Iowa Great Lakes resorts are convenient to well-known Midwest attractions including the Historic Arnold’s Park with amusement rides and an 80-year-old wooden roller coaster. Others are pure lakeside vacation fun that hasn’t changed for generations. Here are our Top 10 Okoboji Resorts!
1

Fillenwarth Beach

Arnolds Park, Iowa

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+1 (712) 332 - 5646
Aquatic adventures abound at Fillenwarth Beach, where the lake is just outside your door! Your family will enjoy water skiing, free boat cruises, and much more when you reserve a stay in one of their apartments,... read more

Aquatic adventures abound at Fillenwarth Beach, where the lake is just outside your door! Your family will enjoy water skiing, free boat cruises, and much more when you reserve a stay in one of their apartments, cottages, or studios, which are either lakeside or near the lake.

The water-fueled fun is never far, as the sparkling shores of West Lake Okoboji are just a stone's throw away! Explore the shores on a free boat cruise aboard a 49-foot Sun Runner. Enjoy more leisure on the lake with water skiing adventures, sailing excursions, and canoe trips. If you need some instruction, the resort offers complimentary lessons in an array of water sports. After an action-packed day, kick up your feet in your unique cabin or apartment. Watch the sunset over the shimmering waters in your lakeside cottage. Enjoy all the comforts of home with complimentary wireless internet, cable television, and a fully equipped kitchen. Prepare a family picnic on the patio or deck, which features a gas grill. Aquatic activities and unique accommodations unite at Fillenwarth Beach!

Highlights

The three beaches at Fillenwarth Beach Resort - South Beach, North Beach and Main Beach - all have docks for sunbathing, boating, and relaxing. The sunning dock at the Main Beach is the largest on Lake Okoboji.

Fun facts

One of the promises made to by A.T. Fillenwarth to his original Okoboji resort guests was that their accommodations were “air conditioned by God.” Today, all units feature modern air conditioning.

Related Onsite Offerings

Fillenwarth Beach Resort conducts an onsite, all-ages seasonal recreation program that includes daily arts and crafts, swimmercize, and much more. Tempt your taste buds with chocolate, champagne, beer, and wine tastings!

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2

Four Seasons

Arnolds Park, Iowa

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+1 (712) 332 - 2103
The Four Seasons presents a true Iowa Great Lakes region getaway, right on the water. You can tell from the moment you arrive: most of the motel units and apartments are waterfront, the docking facilities are... read more

The Four Seasons presents a true Iowa Great Lakes region getaway, right on the water. You can tell from the moment you arrive: most of the motel units and apartments are waterfront, the docking facilities are spectacular, and West Lake Okoboji is highlight of the entire Okoboji region.

Even from the way the Four Seasons is arranged, you can tell you’re in for a great West Lake Okoboji vacation. Its motel efficiencies and two-bedroom apartments - nicely decorated but not in a way that would stifle classic lakeside fun - are either right on the water or overlooking it. Each has a private deck or balcony, perfect for enjoying the breathtaking Okoboji sunsets. Directly in front of you, the resort docks spread out with the promise of fun-filled days. A few steps to the north are 300 feet of private sand beach. Directly on site you’ll find a picnic area and a fire pit, plus drinks and dining at the Dry Dock Lounge. If this isn’t a first-rate Iowa lake getaway, we don’t know what is!

Related activities

The Four Seasons located adjacent to Okoboji’s new bicycle trail system, which comes in handy in the winter for Iowa Great Lakes snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Highlights

The Dry Dock Lounge, onsite at the Four Seasons, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring terrific views - truly spectacular West Lake Okoboji dining.

Related Onsite Offerings

Immediately next door to the main motel unit and apartments at the Four Seasons Resort is its large West Lake Okoboji vacation rental home, ideal for family lake getaways.

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3

Bridges Bay Resort

Arnolds Park, Iowa

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+1 (800) 727 - 4561
Bridges Bay is the newest Okoboji resort, which by itself is a pretty nice claim to fame. However, with the variety of resort accommodations - plus the only Okoboji indoor waterpark - Bridges Bay can also stake a... read more

Bridges Bay is the newest Okoboji resort, which by itself is a pretty nice claim to fame. However, with the variety of resort accommodations - plus the only Okoboji indoor waterpark - Bridges Bay can also stake a claim as the most entertaining Iowa Great Lakes resort year round.

It’s also by far the most tropical. The ‘Boji Splash waterpark, with its thrilling tube slides, a 500-gallon dump bucket and plenty of play features for the younger set, is open all year. If that’s not enough, there’s also an outdoor swimming pool, and Bracco, featuring waterfront dining and - get this - the area’s only swim-up bar. Along with its range of hotel-style guestrooms and suites, Bridges Bay features lakeview and lakefront residential-style condominiums, with either two or three bedrooms - the largest has almost 2,000 square feet of space - and features like living rooms, laundry and gas fireplaces that you could only describe as just like home.

Dates and Times

Summer hours at ‘Boji Splash waterpark are Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Waterpark passes are included with each resort rental.

Getting there

Bridges Bay is located on the southeast shore of East Lake Okoboji. From Highway 71, turn east on Linden Drive in Arnolds Park (at Tom's Plumbing). Continue over the new Hinshaw Bridge past Triggs Resort to Bridges Bay Resort!

Related Onsite Offerings

Connected to the ‘Boji Splash waterpark, the Crazy Parrot Cantina snack bar at Bridges Bay Resort adds to the indoor fun.

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4

Crescent Beach Resort

Wahpeton, Iowa

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+1 (877) 656 - 2654
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... read more

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.

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.

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.

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View call direct
+1 (800) 727 - 4561
Here’s a resort that’s right dead-center in the heart of Okoboji, and embodies just about everything that made this an Iowa vacation hot spot. Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center has it all: the warm,... read more

Here’s a resort that’s right dead-center in the heart of Okoboji, and embodies just about everything that made this an Iowa vacation hot spot. Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center has it all: the warm, welcoming family ambience, the indoor WaterPlayland and 100 rooms of comfort and style.

Bonus: right in the Arrowwood’s back yard is Brooks National Golf Club with 27 holes of the finest greens in northwest Iowa. It’s part Okoboji golf and part pure outdoors - the practice area alone covers 40 acres, and the entire course is a certified Audubon sanctuary. Days on the course are best ended with evenings at Bud’s Pub, featuring four 37” flat screen TVs. Once you step back into the resort lobby, the Arrowwood gives you and the kids a wet welcome back - if you dare - at its all-ages WaterPlayland. Features like the water-walk, frog slide and water cannons make for hours of Okoboji family fun. And when it’s time to relax, you’ll find a well-furnished, inviting and pet-friendly guest room complete with video games and Lodgenet in-room movies.

Highlights

Steak, pasta and seafood form an award-winning menu at the onsite Minerva’s restaurant.

Related activities

Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center is convenient to the famous Historic Arnold’s Park, with 23 amusement park rides including the Legend wooden roller coaster.

Related Onsite Offerings

Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center offers 38,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space including a new 10,000 sq. ft. event hall for Iowa Great Lakes reunions, weddings, corporate events and more.

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6

Manhattan Beach Resort

Spirit Lake, Iowa

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+1 (712) 337 - 3481
No, this isn’t New York City. Far from it, in fact, in every way - and that’s the point. Manhattan Beach Resort, actually located off of Manhattan Blvd. in Spirit Lake, Iowa, is an Okoboji family resort. And if... read more

No, this isn’t New York City. Far from it, in fact, in every way - and that’s the point. Manhattan Beach Resort, actually located off of Manhattan Blvd. in Spirit Lake, Iowa, is an Okoboji family resort. And if you have any doubts, you won’t after you see the rooms and amenities.

You’ll also feel the vibe - familiar if you’re used to the family lake vacations you took as a kid. There’s nothing extremely fancy about Manhattan Beach Resort, unless you count the beautiful summer gardens and the tennis courts just across Manhattan Blvd. And that’s also part of the point. Here are hotel-style rooms with one or two bedrooms, kitchens and dining areas, just steps from the swimming beach and boat docks. A children’s playground awaits the younger ones in your family, and the entire resort rests among peaceful shade trees and Iowa lakeside splendor. It’s a year round Okoboji family vacation just waiting to happen!

Highlights

Manhattan Beach Resort offers open-pit beach grills for terrific Okoboji family or family reunion beach barbecues!

Fun facts

Manhattan Beach Resort is a year-round Okoboji getaway!

Related Onsite Offerings

The one- to four-bedroom Okoboji lake accommodations at Manhattan Beach Resort feature fully-equipped kitchens, cable TV, central air and heat and more.

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7

West Oaks Resort & Condominiums

Arnold's Park, Iowa

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+1 (712) 332 - 7711
A quandary: we’re not sure where the emphasis should be placed. West Oaks is an Okoboji resort, with West Lake Okoboji boat docks, two outdoor swimming pools and lakefront decks. Yet the condominiums go beyond any... read more

A quandary: we’re not sure where the emphasis should be placed. West Oaks is an Okoboji resort, with West Lake Okoboji boat docks, two outdoor swimming pools and lakefront decks. Yet the condominiums go beyond any standard lake accommodations. Conclusion: West Oaks is one terrific Okoboji getaway.

The two-bedroom condos at West Oaks feature full kitchens, living rooms and master bedrooms, but you can find these features at several Iowa Great Lakes resorts. The difference here is the quality of the residential furnishings and décor, and the carefully-planned interior layouts featuring gas fireplaces and breakfast bars. Choose any of a variety of available condos by the week, and you’ll find yourself almost on the shores of West Lake Okoboji. Choose a poolside condominium, and you’ll find a Jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom. West Oaks Resort and Condominiums is a lake vacation for those who appreciate the finer things at home, and don’t like to leave home too far behind.

Getting there

West Oaks Resort & Condominiums is located with Historic Arnold’s Park, just steps from famous attractions including the 80-year-old Legend wooden roller coaster.

Fun facts

Off season rates at the luxurious West Oaks Resort & Condominiums include nightly rates as low as $129!

Related Onsite Offerings

West Oaks Resort & Condominiums periodically various Okoboji vacation weeks from its inventory at reduced prices.

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8

The Inn at Okoboji

Lake Okoboji, Iowa

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+1 (877) 265 - 4386
To say that the Inn at Okoboji is just an inn would be to leave out a lot of stuff that makes this Okoboji vacation complete. For one thing, there’s a tremendous variety of accommodations. For another, you’re... read more

To say that the Inn at Okoboji is just an inn would be to leave out a lot of stuff that makes this Okoboji vacation complete. For one thing, there’s a tremendous variety of accommodations. For another, you’re not likely to find this amount of amenities at too many other Okoboji resorts.

The accommodations start at standard queen rooms for one to two people and ascend through double and patio kitchenettes, junior, King Jacuzzi and two-bedroom suites and a four-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to 20. That’s a lot even for a property that’s been in various stages of development since 1896. Along the way, even more has been added in the way of recreation, including indoor and outdoor pools, a nine-hole par 3 golf course, volleyball courts, a playground, a conference center and even an organized recreation program. An Okoboji inn? Not really. The Inn at Okoboji is more of a total vacation for business or pleasure.

Highlights

The Admiral Suite is a Jacuzzi luxury suite featuring a dedicated living space, fireplace, wet-bar and private deck overlooking West Lake Okoboji.

Fun facts

The first 24 rooms of the Inn at Okoboji were opened in 1896, at a rate of $7 to $12 per night.

Related Onsite Offerings

A business center, free high speed wireless Internet and year-round facilities for Okoboji meetings and events at the Inn at Okoboji are supported by the Yankee Clipper Pub & Grille, Stars & Stripes Café and Red, White & Brew Espresso Bar.

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9

Village West

Spirit Lake, Iowa

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+1 (712) 337 - 3223
Welcome to Village West in Okoboji, where there’s no such thing as an off-season. That’s partly because there’s so much here, including mini golf, a movie theater and an indoor/outdoor pool. It’s also... read more

Welcome to Village West in Okoboji, where there’s no such thing as an off-season. That’s partly because there’s so much here, including mini golf, a movie theater and an indoor/outdoor pool. It’s also because the staff happily arranges a seasonal Recreation Program that makes the most of it all.

We haven’t mentioned the equipment rentals, but we should. The 24-hour hotel at Village West is moments from year-round Okoboji recreation including nine golf courses, trails for biking, walking, cross country and snowmobiling and a variety of West Lake Okoboji watersports. The resort even rents boathouses if you do like a lot of people in the summer and bring your boat along. Onsite shops include a kids shop, a gift shop and a fashion shop - the whole gamut. And the variety of accommodations - including Spirit Lake hotel rooms, one-bedroom and studio suites and two- to four-bedroom townhouses - assures that you’ll have the perfect space for the perfect Iowa Great Lakes vacation.

Related activities

The nearby Okoboji View golf course is a par 70, 18-hole course with an onsite pro shop and lounge. It is just one of nine Okoboji golf courses convenient to Village West.

Getting there

Village West is located on the western shore of West Lake Okoboji on Highway 86 south of the intersection of Highways 86 and 9. It is also easily reachable by air via Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Spencer, Iowa.

Related Onsite Offerings

Village West is the home of Sunrise Cove, a weekly condominium rental program. Services include renting your unit for you if you cannot take your Okoboji condo vacation during your designated week.

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10

Pioneer Beach Resort

Spirit Lake, Iowa

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+1 (712) 336 - 3785
For when you just want to get away with the family, Pioneer Beach Resort gives you that extra feeling of escape on your Okoboji vacation. It’s all about the lake at this Spirit Lake resort, with its wide range of... read more

For when you just want to get away with the family, Pioneer Beach Resort gives you that extra feeling of escape on your Okoboji vacation. It’s all about the lake at this Spirit Lake resort, with its wide range of watercraft rentals and classic lakefront cabins on East Lake Okoboji.

It’s also about an Iowa lake vacation in the purest sense. Much of the experience here is exactly the way it was in the early 1920s when Pioneer Beach Resort began operations. Everything you need for a perfect family lake vacation is here - the laundromat, the kids’ playground, the 100-foot dock and boat hoists. But it’s also about forgetting everything else in the world. These cabins - clean, cozy, but not fancy, the way they’re supposed to be on a true lake vacation - are situated among tall lakefront trees and park-like lawns that make city life seem very far away. There’s also a great deal of focus on fishing here, including fishing benches on the dock and a full-service bait and tackle shop on site.

Highlights

Pioneer Beach Resort provides easy access to the shallow, 5,864-acre Spirit Lake, Iowa’s largest natural lake a natural haven for walleye, perch, panfish and bass.

Related activities

Take a tour of the Iowa Great Lakes aboard the Queen II, a modern vessel patterned after the area’s regal steamships of yesteryear.

Related Onsite Offerings

East Lake Okoboji watercraft rentals at Pioneer Beach Resort include ski boats, Jet Skis, canoes and pontoon, paddle and fishing boats.

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