Summer Activities While You’re in Okoboji

Summer is right around the corner with Memorial Day weekend approaching, and you can bet that people are already getting their summer plans together. If you’re not familiar with Okoboji, it is a popular tourist hotspot located in northwest Iowa. This article will help be your guide for the fun activities you can do this summer!

Arnolds Park Amusement Park. They have a variety of fun things to do all in one spot!

• The Preservation Plaza (Greenspace), they have free summer concerts every Saturday night, starting in June. Check out their list of concerts this summer by clicking here.
• The Roof Garden; another place for concerts at the Park. Purchase tickets to see artists such as American Idol winner Maddie Poppe, country singer Chris Lane, and so many other amazing artists!
• Take a ride on The Queen II. This magnificent beauty takes you around the lake while also giving you history about Okoboji! Tickets are available to purchase for a day pass or season membership.
• If you have the kids with you, they will have loads of fun on the rides! “There is a ride for everyone at Arnolds Park Amusement Park!” Check out ALL of their rides here!
• Food/drinks
• Don’t forget shopping! 

If you’re not up to spending your day by the water, that is no problem! You can always check out the downtown area!

• Captains Getaway; Downtown bar with concerts! They also have a rooftop lounge and VIP balcony.
• The Throwing Post: “Think darts, but with axes.” Opened in summer of 2019, this new attraction is a great way to have some fun with the family or even a work event!

Ever been locked in a room for an hour and tried to find your way out? Okoboji’s newest escape room, Riddle Me That is the perfect opportunity for you to test your quick thinking and puzzle solving skills! This will help bring the family closer as you try to work together to escape before the time runs out. Maximum of 8 people per hour!

Boating

It’s called The Great Lakes for a reason! With six lakes; West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake, Big Spirit, Upper Gar, Lower Gar, and Minnewashta Lake; spend your summer on a boat, jet ski, or a Maui Mat! If you do not have any of those, the list below are great resources where you could rent those items.

• Make A Wake Watersports; “We have a Watersport Shop on property with rentals of Jet skis, Speed Boats, Pontoons, Paddle Boats, Kayaks, and many accessories. Rentals are hourly (1-50 hours).  Ask about our 8+ hour Boat/Jet Ski Package and our 4 Hour Kayak/Paddle Boat Package!!  Deposit is required on all rentals.  You may contact MAKE A WAKE WATERSPORTS at 712-337-3223 ext 238 or email [email protected] for prices and availability.”
• Boat Okoboji Rentals by Mau Marine 
• Okoboji Boat Works
• Extreme Watersports

There are hundreds of other activities you can do in the area as well, but I don’t want to spoil all the fun! Summer is approaching fast, so gather your favorite people and take a vacation in Okoboji, Iowa! The fun begins as soon as you arrive.