Okoboji

Best pizza in town with an amazing view! Dock the boat and stop in the Ritz for a pizza and cold beverages. They offer live bands in the summer and during winter games! The Ritz offers a breakfast buffet and an amazing bloody mary bar on Sundays! Make sure to stop in when you are in town.

The Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association is a state-wide nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of rock 'n' roll and the history of music in the state of Iowa. The museum opened in 2003. The museum allows visitors to discover the history of music within the state of Iowa. They also have the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. All the inductees for the year are announced in January. Over labor day weekend in Arnolds Park there is a celebration with a ceremony introducing the inductees and also a concert.

Spudnutz is great

Arrowwood Resort, next to beautiful Brooks Golf Course is one of Okoboji's most well-known hotel/resort. Featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, numerous convention/meeting rooms, and a restaurant, companies and individuals flock to Arrowwood for their consistency of great stays.

Arguably the most iconic spot in all of the lakes area, Barefoot Bar is the one place you must visit when you're here for the summer. They have the best blended drinks, as well as every other cocktail you can think of, served in their signature cups. Its the perfect place on the lake to sit back and relax with friends, while enjoying the view, and all of the palm trees. Barefoot Bar also has a menu, to enjoy some food while you're soaking in the sun. Its even the perfect place for kids, with a full swing set, and even a slide that goes right into the lake!

This place is one of the most fun businesses in the lakes area for kids, or adults who are creative, and likes to paint! Kurio Kastle is a pottery painting "palace," for anyone and everyone! You pick from an extensive array of pottery to paint, from cute animals, to mugs, and dishware. You can then stencil or draw on them, then paint it! Your masterpiece is then glazed, and put in the kiln to fire. After that, you pick it up, and take it home to enjoy! Its even a perfect place for birthday parties.

Remington's in Okoboji has great appetizers, salads, sandwiches, steak and much more. Remington's also has daily lunch and dinner specials. Happy Hour Mon - Fri 4pm - 6pm with free popcorn. Saturday is "Game Day" 11am - 4pm with drink and appetizer specials. Lunch and dinner reservations are taken, along with large group reservations with seating up to 150 people. Remington's offers a semi-private dining room that seats 50 people.

Boji Tattoo is a very welcoming tattoo place in the Lakes Area. Offering very competitive pricing for tattoos and piercings, Boji Tattoo is a great place for your next piece of ink. You can rest assured that Boji Tattoo is a sterile, clean environment. Their needles are a one time use, and all tools are sterilized after each customer. They have extensive tattoo ideas in their shop, as well as body jewelry to buy.

Jimmy John's slices our all-natural meats and fresh veggies in-house every day. Our fresh-baked bread is made right here where you can see it, and our house-made tuna salad is fresh every day. The flavor of a ripe tomato, crisp shredded lettuce, combined with fresh-baked bread, fresh-sliced meat and real Hellmann's mayo - that's when the magic happens. Made with love every single day since 1983. That's Jimmy Fresh!

The Lake Park United Methodist Church will be hosting a community meal on Christmas day 2016. They will be serving ham and turkey, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a dinner roll along with pumpkin or apple pie from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the church free of charge. Don't spend Christmas alone, join everyone at the church for food and fellowship!

Reservations are appreciated, but not required. To RSVP, call or text Cari Wallace at 712-330-6103, Mel Zevenbergen at 712-832-3306 or Marie Matthiesen at 712-240-0939.

If you're looking for great interior or exterior paint check out The Last Touch Benjamin Moore Paint Store at 2230 33rd Street, Suite 1, in Spirit Lake. They have a great selection of authentic colors and have been ranked highest in interior paint by JD Power and Associates for several years running. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and always ready to help whether it's with a free estimate or a color consultation. They also offer cleaning services for new construction, remodels, top-down or general cleaning plus janitorial services. You can reach them at 712-336-4475 or visit their website at www.lasttouchllc.com. When you're ready for your next project give The Last Touch a try! You won't be disappointed!

Where muscles burn, skin sweats and community happens!
The District is a boutique fitness studio offering classes including indoor cycling, TRX® and more. The District strives to create community while encouraging and motivating all levels of fitness. Whether you're looking to PR your next race or just coming to workout with your friend, consider The District in your daily routine.

I hear this one all the time from prospects looking to list their house. "Well, agent xyz told us that if we listed with her, she'd have it sold in a week." This would fall into the category of "If it sounds too good to be true, the probably is." The majority of agents are not going to make this claim, but rather will give you an honest market analysis, inform you as to how weak or strong the market is, especially the market in which your home resides, and present the objective facts. A good agent will then lay out an effective marketing plan, where the majority of the focus should be on "online marketing". Be careful to not get caught up in empty promises, reduced commissions, and being talked in to lowering your price below market value (unless you must have a quick sale). The key to choosing a good listing agent is to objectively determine who is going to provide you the best opportunity to sell your home. Will your listing agent also aggressively work to find buyers, or will they just list your home and wait for another agent to do the work.

The Hutt may be a newer restaurant in the Lakes area, but they bring a big presence with them. A former owner of the Dry Dock, is the new owner of The Hutt. She has made this restaurant a great attraction to locals and tourists, being open year round. Having traditional american food means The Hutt is appealing to all! Don't miss out on their tasty breakfast during the summer, and their bloody mary's!

The beautiful Carpet One showroom in Spirit Lake features a huge selection of all the latest flooring, window coverings and more. They have certified flooring pros can get your project rolling with a free, no-obligation pre-measure - just call (712) 336-5559 today or visit their website at www.carpetoneiowa.com

This Bar/Restaurant has an amazing selection of beers on tap and bottled to suit any beer drinkers needs. Nautical serves lunch & dinner and be sure to try the wings, which are made with homemade sauces and cooked to a crisp perfection. A great atmosphere in the heart of Arnolds Park.

A home town favorite! The Taco House is a hidden gem in the Great Lakes area. If your looking for delicious Mexican food give this a try. Taco House is not open during the winter months but you are able to put in a freezer order before they close to satisfy your craving on those cold days. Whatever you decide to order don't forget the Taco House hot sauce, you won't be disappointed.

Arrowood is a year-round conference center and hotel with over 100 guest rooms, whirlpool suites and a "Great Room" for hosting group events and hospitality suites. Formerly known as Village East, the resort offers an outdoor pool, deck, playground, volleyball and croquet courts and a heated indoor pool area. Hotel goers can also enjoy an on-site salon, Minervas Bar and Eatery and lit parking. Located on Brooks National Golf Course, Arrowwood Resort offers some of the finest lodging around. Years ago, Brooks Golf Course clubhouse was actually housed on the rear side of Arrowood, but since then, the course has been converted to 27 holes with a a new separate clubhouse. Also, the Racquet Club was a part of the facility, offering workout facilities, racquet ball, and tennis. However, with the addition of the YMCA, the racquet club was unsustainable and converted into retail.

Mother Nature's is an American Restaurant Style bar/restaurant/lounge. Mother Nature's has been a local Estherville bar and grill since 1978. Stop in for the best burgers and steaks in town!

Okoboji View is a public 18-hole golf course with membership availability. It is a beautiful golf course with an emphasis on nature and offers many challenges with fast greens, beautiful water features, tree lined fairways and rolling hills.
The newly remodeled restaurant and bar - renamed Pub19 Bar & Grill in 2015 - is full service and you can enjoy drinks and dining on the large new deck overlooking the golf course.
Whether you need a golf lesson or a professional club-fitting, or if you need to schedule your corporate golf outing, wedding rehearsal dinner/reception or class reunion, or just want to enjoy playing at one of the best courses in Northwest Iowa - Okoboji View Golf Course, a family run facility, is for you.

Okoboji Boat Works is home to "The Fish Shack" and "The Inconvenience Store". Formerly a marina of thriving boat sales since 1890, OBW now offers up many different rentals, a 24 hour gas dock, excursion boats, and more. I remember the days as a child of fishing for crappie and blue gill here and along the docks of Smith's Bay. Though the scenery has changed, the outstanding fishing has not.

Ruthven Meat Locker is a local family owned business. Ruthven Locker at the Lakes is their 2nd retail store (with the original Meat Processing plant being a staple in the small town of Ruthven, Iowa). They are a full service meat shop providing their customers with excellent high quality cuts of beef & pork. Also provided are smoked meat snacks which they make right on site in Ruthven. Sure to please even the pickiest of palates! Ruthven Meat Locker prides themselves on promoting other local small businesses by selling them in our Spirit Lake store. You find everything from fine wood pieces to local honey, microgreens, baked goods, and delicious cheesecake. The Butcher’s Wife is always available to answer your questions and take special orders. Come on in and you’ll soon see that the rumors are true!

A place for all ages, the Dickinson County Nature Center is a place that provides learning about nature, animals, and the environment. With many events for the community throughout the year, locals and tourists alike are sure to enjoy a fun time here. The ever popular Bee and Butterfly festival is a blast for kids, and kids at heart. We've enjoyed releasing a monarch butterfly, learning about different insects, and hearing about how bees make honey. They also provide classes for toddlers and kids to learn more about animals and nature. We always have fun checking out the animals they have at the Nature Center, and learning more each time we go.

Founded in 1960, the Three Sons has been a staple of Milford, IA retail. From Herman and Emil Richter, owners, was born the University of Okoboji, a ficticious university that calls the entire Iowa Great Lakes the campus of the U of O. Part of the experience of shopping the three sons, if walking the old battered floors, and taking a trip upstairs for half price, plus a buck. Brands you would expect in Milford Iowa are abundant, such as Patagonia, Oakley, Under Armour, Tommy Bahama, and more. There are currently 2 other stores; one at the amusement park, and another near the Regal Beagle called the bridge store. No self-respecting visitor to Okoboji leaves without visiting one of their stores.

Serving fresh deli sandwiches, grilled paninis, salads, sweet treats, specialty coffee and much more! Feel free to dine in and enjoy the atmosphere this unique deli provides, or order and take out. Ordering online is also an option for take-out and they also do corporate box lunches. Serving gluten free as well! You will definitely want to check out Deli on the Ave!

This quaint coffee shop in downtown Milford, IA is the talk of the town. You must stop in for a hot or cold drink and enjoy the atmosphere of this eclectic cafe. Locals and visitors alike enjoy meeting at this town favorite.

Sunshine Foods, located on Highway 71, is Milford's only full service supermarket offering Fresh Produce - Butcher Fresh Meats - Deli - Kitchen

Best little gem on the lake. Located on West Lake you will be able to sit and enjoy a nice cold beverage, a wonderful staff, and one of the best views in town. They have a wonderful selection of drinks you can choose from. Make sure to try one of their margaritas, it is the best on the lake in my opinion! Whether you want to enjoy the fireworks on the 4th of July, or just any sunset in the summer, Pirate Jack's is the place to be.

The Style Loft Boutique, located downtown Estherville, has all the latest trends in apparel. They offer a wide variety of clothing brands and also have the seasons must-haves in shoes and jewelry as well. Check out The Style Loft, you won't be disappointed!

The ice is in and its time to mark some fish! Drag the sled right down the ramp off of Dam Road in Arnolds Park and you are catching fish in minutes. On Minnewashta, no spot is a bad spot. Surrounded by a number of beautiful lake homes, the scene is perfect for drilling some holes and jigging your way to a fresh meal. Gills, perch, crappie and walleye will keep you busy in your fish shack. If have not fished on Lake Minnewashta, now is the time.

16 cent beers, need I say more? Make sure you're here at exactly 3:16 pm, and you'll get your fill of 16 cent beers for a whole hour! Then, they go up $1 every hour after that. Table 316 also has great steak, and appetizer deals at 3:16 pm as well. We bring all of our friends here to have a good time, and grab beers before going out on the lake for the rest of the afternoon.

The Pioneer Theatre is one of the area's best-kept secrets. As the owners point out on their website, The Pioneer Theatre is an "historic downtown movie theater with modern recliner seating and family-friendly prices." Checkout the website at milfordpoineertheatre.com for movies and showtimes. You may also buy your tickets and reserve your seats online! Located in Downtown Milford, Iowa--just another great reason to come to Milford!

This new coffee shop is located in the Allure & Co. downtown Spirit Lake. They offer amazing coffee, smoothies and homemade baked goods. This is a great addition to the community!

Have a bunch of cans piling up needing to be recycled? Look no further than the Campus Redemption Center in Milford, Iowa. Some may remember the old location as “Campus Video.” The owner Tom, has quite the set up and will pay $.04 for Iowa deposit containers that come in any bag whether sorted or un-sorted; these will be counted while you wait and there is a 500 limit per day. You’ll be paid $.05 for Iowa deposit containers IF pre-sorted and counted in clear redemption bags. Bags and boxes can be purchased inside. They do not accept glass of any kind. So the next time you’re thinking about tossing out those used cans, think recycling; think Campus Redemption Center at 1904 Okoboji Ave., Milford, Iowa. Hours are Monday - Thursday 12pm -5pm, Fridays CLOSED, and Saturdays 10:30am - 2:30pm.

Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality.
1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???)
2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used?
3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans?
4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet?
5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus.

There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.

The Family Diner is Spirit Lake, IA is a local favorite! They offer up a large portion for small money, but whether you come early or late you may be in for a wait. With homemade bread and the largest sausage patty you have seen, The Family Diner is consistently delicious. They are open only for breakfast and lunch and closed two days a week. In my former career at Stylecraft, the family diner was definately a favorite when our friends would visit from North Carolina. They were always inpressed with the bread and rolls and corn beef hash.

Enjoy an Unparalleled Golf Experience at Brooks Golf featuring 27 holes and immaculate bent grass fairways and greens!
Nestled among the Iowa Great Lakes is Brooks Golf. Originally constructed as an 18 hole layout by Val Brooks in 1932, the course attracted many famous players such Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, and Babe Didrikson Zaharias for exhibition matches and hosted the Iowa Open. In more recent times, Brooks has hosted the Iowa PGA Section Championship and the Barb Thomas Pro-Am.
Always known for its beauty and excellent course conditions, Brooks has matured into an excellent parkland layout for Midwest vacationers. In 1995, Brooks began an expansion to 27 holes, thus beginning one of the most aggressive improvement projects for golf in Northwest Iowa. Brooks Golf blends masterful design with superb playing conditions featuring bent grass fairways and greens. We welcome you to play and enjoy your stay in Okoboji.

Established in 2005, renovated in 2016, Pub19 Bar & Grill is your premier destination for great food and drink, and a superb dining experience. With an expansive menu and beautiful facilities, we’re certain you’ll enjoy your meal and your time spent with us. Indoor and outdoor seating is available!

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Animal House of Okoboji, themed after the movie, is a young men's and women's clothing store, offering surf brands, and trendy clothes perfect for summer! They have a never ending array of shoes and flip flops, as well as swim suits, for your summers in Okoboji. Its located in the Central Emporium, so don't miss out while you're here visiting the lake.

The harbor is a man made inlet located on the north end of West Lake. A board walk surrounds the harbor and this is one of the most tranquil parts of the lake. Homeowners in the harbor have a more affordable way to have access to West Lake, and still get to enjoy the clean waters West Lake has to offer. Homes in the Harbor typically range from about $350k to as much as $700k.

Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park is the spot for the best live music entertainment in Okoboji. Highlighting the talent rolling through the lakes is the Nashlo Series of talented up and coming performers along with artists we have all heard of. Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park is the spot to be in Okoboji for the best live music!

Whether you need a new roof or roofing repairs, the team at Harvey’s Five Star Roofing can finish the job quickly & for an honest rate that works in your budget. Fully licensed, bonded and insured - Plus an unbeatable lifetime warranty!

The Three Sons is your go to University of Okoboji shop!! They offer everything you need for the family from name brand items to your local Okoboji gear. The Three Sons has been a family owned and operated business since the summer of 1960. You will feel like family while you are shopping here. If you are on the boat in the summer don't forget you can also shop their inventory on the Arnolds Park Boardwalk! University of Okoboji gear is one of our favorite ways to represent Lake Okoboji on a vacation!

Old Soul Charm Photography has done a beautiful job taking timeless images of families, newborns, weddings, engagements and more. The owner, Heidi, is down to earth, and very personable, surely to put you at ease when you're getting your photos taken. She's amazing with kids, and manages to capture their personalities, even if they're not cooperating. She has a creative eye, and it really shows in her photography.

Mill Creek is located on the NE corner of Okoboji Ave (Hwy 71) and 9th Street in Milford. Dine in or carry out. There's something for everybody--daily and nightly specials, too! The staff is friendly and the atmosphere relaxing. Great burgers, sandwiches, pizza and appetizers. A couple of my faves are the Fried Pickle Chips and the Kentucky Bourbon Sandwich. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 11 AM - 11 PM (grill open til 10 PM) and Sunday from 5 PM - 9 PM. Have a party in the events room with family and friends. Games for the kids, too!

Okoboji Brewing Company is proudly locally owned and brewed. They brew high quality craft beer, from IPA's, Stouts, Ales, Porters, and more. They have an extensive beer menu in their taproom, which is a comfortable spot to enjoy a brew, watch TV, and get food delivered from your favorite spot in the area. You can sometimes find a local food truck parked outside, to pair with your favorite Okoboji Brewing company craft beer.

Okoboji Expedition Co is a bicycle and outdoor sports store in Okoboji, Iowa. We are located on the eastern shore of West Okoboji Lake in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The Okoboji Expedition Company carries bicycles, kayaks, cycling apparel, cross country skis, and snowshoes along with all the needed accessories for all of the above. We also specialize in custom bike fittings and offer winter spinning classes.
We offer bicycle products from Specialized, Cervelo, Co-motion and Alchemy. We also stock Oru kayaks and paddle boards from SOL, Tubbs snowshoes, Atomic cross country skis and outdoor clothing from Mavic, Pearl Izumi and Louis Garneau. Stop in and see us… you’ll be glad you did.

Salon M Spa is an Aveda concept salon in Spencer. Located in the Southpark Mall, this upscale salon is sure to exceed your expectations. Salon M Spa's services include hair cuts, colors, highlights, updo's, and even extensions. They also offer waxing, manicures, pedicures, and spray tanning. As an Aveda salon, their mission is to be environmental leaders, by creating environmentally friendly products, and be environmentally conscious in the beauty world. Another cool thing about this salon, is that they are 99.9% paperless, which means you'll be handed an iPad, instead of a book or magazine. You can even bring your own ear buds to watch Netflix while you're getting your services done.

Cutting Edge Lawn Service has been proudly serving the Iowa Great Lakes Area for many years. They take pride in their impeccable customer service, and maintain strong relationships with customers, just ask your neighbors! To them, your lawn is theirs, and they want to keep it looking its absolute best. Cutting Edge's rates are competitive on all of their services, and top notch service as well. They are fully trained lawn care specialists that give 100% every time.
Their services include: Lawn Mowing, Lawn Aeration,Trimming,Spring & Fall Clean Up, De-thatching, Hedge Trimming, Raking, Weed Control, Gutter Clean Out, Landscaping, and Power Washing.