Thank you for coming along with us on our two-month tour of Okoboji! My husband and I specifically chose a local destination for our one-year anniversary, and because we had so much fun, we will
Thank you for coming along with us on our two-month tour of Okoboji! My husband and I specifically chose a local destination for our one-year anniversary, and because we had so much fun, we will be returning in June. Hopefully, more activities will be available for us to enjoy next year, but for now let’s recap with a quick walk through of our three day and four-night stay in Okoboji.
Day One
After arriving at the Vintage Inn and Suites, we went for dinner at the Okoboji Store. This was a short day for us; however, we took our extra time during the evening to drive around and navigate Okoboji and Arnolds Park. Learning the layout and landscape of the area helped us game plan for the next few days we would spend here on our Summer vacation.
Day Two
Starting our long day of sightseeing off at Arnolds Park Funhouse Museum, we strolled over to the Abbie Gardner Cabin, then grabbed a snack at The Nutty Bar. Walking down to the Central Emporium, we browsed the long hallways full of local businesses, found some souvenirs at Brad’s Bungalow, ate at The Gardens bar and grill, and finally boarded a tour boat for an hour-long relaxing Siesta Cruise on West Lake Okoboji. Finishing off the night, we enjoyed a pizza at The Ritz bar and grill, then headed back to our hotel room to rest up for the next day.
Day Three
Slightly exhausted from the day prior, we wanted to take a leisurely pace and let the day come to us. With nothing particularly planned, we spontaneously decided to play a round of mini golf at the Pirates Cove Adventure Golf. Wanting to try some locally made beer, we headed out to West O Brewery where my husband bought his, now favorite, trucker hat. After relaxing for an hour with our pints of Indian pale ale and “”, we drove out to The Barefoot Bar to admire Iowa’s palm tree oasis at the “Key West in the Midwest”.
Day Four
Getting up early, we had breakfast on our minds, but first we stopped at one of the cutest gift shops we’ve ever seen, the Barn Swallow. After browsing their never-ending inventory of books and knick knacks, we worked up an appetite for O’Farrell Sister’s famous pancakes. Finally, our very last stop of our Okoboji trip was the Classic Car Museum, where my husband spotted his dream car, the Shelby Cobra.
Summer Vacation
Though we did do a lot during our stay in Okoboji, we found that there was a lot more we have planned for next year. For example, visiting the Higgins Money Museum and the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, shopping along Lakeshore Drive in Arnolds Park, and eating at the many locally owned restaurants. In addition, we will be taking advantage of the Summer sun, and relax on the many beaches along West Lake Okoboji, as well as getting our adventure on by renting a jet ski for a couple hours.
If you plan to visit Okoboji, make sure to visit these websites for ideas on where to eat, drink, play and discover the Iowa Great Lakes region. I hope this gave you a glimpse at what Iowa really looks like. Leave behind your previous assumptions that we only have corn fields and grain bins, and seek out the Midwest for your next getaway destination.
https://vacationokoboji.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vacationokoboji/
https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/lake-okoboji-family-vacation/dfv
https://www.okoboji.com/business/okoboji_tourism
