The Iowa Great Lakes are a real Midwestern paradise. People visit this timeless place year-after-year. This is some of the best road-tripping fun you can have in Iowa.
Okoboji Classic Cars is located at 810 Jeppeson Road, West Okoboji.
You can tour their "Man Cave" showroom Monday through Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm. The admission pass is $12 per person.
You can redeem $10 of the admission fee in the gift shop by using one pass per item.
This place is an incredible treat for anyone who loves classic cars. A 28,000-square-foot mural, painted by local artist Jack Rees, of Spencer’s Grand Avenue vintage store fronts, old Arnolds Park, and West Lake Okoboji’s amazing sunset over Smith’s Bay graces the show room.
Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Iowa Great Lakes during Iowa’s mild fall weather. You’ll love Kabele’s Trading Post, located at 504 Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake.
Explore the latest fishing products on the market at this amazing mom and pop shop. It's a fisherman's destination that you won't want to miss. Kabele's Trading Post is located right across the street from East Lake Okoboji and it's just a short drive to Big Spirit Lake and West Lake Okoboji.
Arnolds Park is right on the shores of West Lake Okoboji between Okoboji and Spirit Lake.
This amusement park has a series of free concerts, free parking. free admission, amazing restaurants, fun shopping, and free beach access. It may be a bit too cold to go for a swim in the fall, but there's plenty of fun to be had at Arnolds Park.
Arnolds Park Raceway opens every day at 10 a.m. It offers a lot of fun for ages 9 and up. You must be at least 54 inches tall to drive the Slick Track.
Get a day pass for just $20 per person and enjoy the family track, the kiddie track, and the slick track all day long.
The best way to experience Iowa’s Great Lake Region is from the water. You can rent a boat to accommodate anywhere from two to 24 people at Boat Okoboji Rentals.
It's located at Alley Street in Arnolds Park.
With a little planning ahead you could enjoy a famous Okoboji sunset from the water with a Sunset Cruise for up to 8 people.
Cruises begin at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. depending on the time of year.
The Okoboji Brewing Company is a great place to stop for a break.
Try the locally brewed options or taste a different brewery’s offerings. There’s an on-site food truck and a pizza place next door if you need a snack. There’s root beer for the kids and non-drinkers. You’ll find this fun place at 3705 Highway 71 in Spirit Lake.
For the full Okoboji dining experience be sure to stop by Dry Dock on US 71 in Arnolds Park
It's open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Frequent diners love the breakfast, Rubens, and Tenderloins. On a nice day, you can sit outside and enjoy an up-close-and-personal view of the lake.
For a unique place to stop for a drink and some good food, Rolling Oaks Barn is a fun option. The owners converted a 1919 barn into an events center and bar. The outside bar is a modified grain bin. The upstairs event space has exposed original beams and an amazing chandelier.
Rolling Oaks Barn is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 pm until 2 am and is located at 2325 41st Street Spirit Lake.
Have you spent time exploring Iowa's Great Lakes region? What are your favorite destinations?
Looking for more roadtrip ideas? Here are 10 Incredible Natural Attractions In Iowa That Everyone Should Visit.
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