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East Lake Okoboji

 ----------East Lake Okoboji, area Community

Vacation in Okoboji on beautiful East Okoboji Lake.   East Lake Okoboji begins on the north end in Spirit Lake, IA, mere feet from Big Spirit Lake.  Visitors often ask the question why Big Spirit is not part of the chain of lakes.  The reason is that because of how the lakes were formed, Big Spirit actually sits higher than East Lake, and thus if there were a "canal" dug between Big Spirit and East Lake, Big Spirit Lake would literally drain into East Lake.  East Lake covers over 1800 acres of land, has an average depth of 10 ft with maximum depth of 22 ft, far different from West Lake Okoboji.  Land on East Lake will run about $4000-$8000 a linear foot depending on location, approach to the lake, etc.  Popular areas and attractions on East Lake include Francis Sites, Arthur Heights, East Oaks Estates, Moore Lake Development, Kelly's Beach, Loch Knolls, Pioneer Beach, Bridges Bay, The Barefoot Bar, Parks Marina, Mau Marine, The Ritz, and much, much more.  East Lake is known for having fantastic fishing and on it's southern end connects to Upper Gar, and West Lake Okoboji.

The following is from Wikipedia:

History

The towns of Spirit Lake and Okoboji, founded as European-American settlements in the nineteenth century, sit along its western shore. They became notable after the Spirit Lake Massacre of 1857, when a renegade band of Sioux attacked the frontier settlements, in part for food, because they were suffering starvation during a severe winter with heavy snows. It was the last Native American attack in Iowa against settlers.

Geology

Geologically, the lake, like its neighbors, is a glacial pothole, a remnant of the most recent ice age approximately 13,000 years ago.

The lake is shallow, with an average depth of 10 ft (3 m) and a maximum depth of 22 ft (7 m). During the summer months, it is prone to stratification and to overgrowth with algae.

Fishing

The lake is a popular fishing destination in the region, especially for bullheads.

Area Insights

First Lutheran Church- Three Cross Roads

First Lutheran Church- Three Cross Roads in Milford

First Lutheran Church
Three Cross Road- West Okoboji
1525 Three Cross Road
Milford, IA 51351

Services
Winter
Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Summer
Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday at 8:30 a.m.- OUTDOOR WORSHIP
and at 9:30 a.m.

Buyer and seller real estate app, right at your fingertips.

Buyer and seller real estate app, right at your fingertips. in The

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Every 30 seconds, a RE/MAX agent helps someone find their perfect place. Let us help you find yours.

1. Search "SellBoji" in your app store on your cell phone.
2. Download the app
3. Create a profile to access info or save searches (This is not necessary to browse the listings)
4. Enjoy all the benefits of the real estate app

Minervas Restaurant & Bar

Minervas Restaurant & Bar in Okoboji

Minervas is located in the Arrowwood Resort in Okoboji. Their menu offers a little of everything! From classic pastas and aged steaks to seafood everyone will leave satisfied. They offer a great "Pick Two" option for lunch and the atmosphere is excellent. They also do a pasta night that seems to be a staple in the community. Getting to pick your sauce and everything that goes into your pasta which is then made right in front of you is certainly a treat for the whole family!

Miller's Bay

Miller's Bay in West Lake Okoboji

Miller's Bay, on the west side of West Lake is a popular spot for boaters in the summer to just go chill out, throw an anchor, and relax. On the weekends, this bay is filled with boats tied up to each other offering families the opportunity to have the kids swim, or you might find a bunch of party animals chugging beers and enjoying the summer sun. Either way, everyone is having a great time, and so if you are out and about, just know that Millers Bay is where boaters go in the summer to be where the party is at.

Calvary United Methodist Church of Arnolds Park

Calvary United Methodist Church of Arnolds Park in Arnolds Park

Calvary United Methodist Church of Arnolds Park
679 W Okoboji Dr
Arnolds Park, IA 51331

Services
Saturday at 6 p.m.
Sunday at 9 a.m.
Summer- Memorial Day to Labor Day at 7:30 a.m. boat up/drive up service. At the bridge between East and West Okoboji Lakes.

Furniture Mart

Furniture Mart in Spirit Lake

Furniture Mart
2502 17th St
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Located just west of Walmart and next door to the Ramada Inn, The Furniture Mart offers a HUGE floor space filled with a great selection of furniture. Selections include Living Room, Dining, Bedroom and Office furniture. They also offer Mattresses, TV Stands and different Decor and Accent pieces. In home delivery available as well.

Light of the Lakes Friends Church

Light of the Lakes Friends Church in Arnolds Park

Light of the Lakes Friends Church
10 Hwy 71 N
Arnolds Park, IA 51331

Services
Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Wyman's Spudnuts

Wyman's Spudnuts in Okoboji

SPUDNUTS!!! The newest tradition in the Lakes Area. Amazing donuts (called Spudnuts), coffee and a fun place to take a break from your day. These are made from potato flour which is where the name comes from. You can choose from glazed donuts, chocolate or maple frosting, donut holes(my kids' favs), cinnamon twists, cinnamon balls OR even maple frosting with bacon.
Find them at 1104 S Hwy 71 in Okoboji, across the street from Tweeters.

SUNNYVILLE BAKERY

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in SunnyvilleAgent Insight on the Sunnyville Bakery in Sunnyville City

"The Harbor"

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.

West Boutique

West Boutique in Okoboji

West Boutique located at Okoboji Boat Works Marina carries all of the latest fashions for women of all ages and sizes.
Available brands: Free People, Anama, Velvet Heart, KUT Denim, Articles of Society, Grace in LA, Lush, Willow & Clay, Pink Martini, Pixie Mood, and more!

Big Spirit Lake, Small Town Feel

Big Spirit Lake, Small Town Feel in Big Spirit Lake

Separated from the rest of the Iowa Great Lakes, Big Spirit has a lot to offer. Big Spirit is actually located in Iowa and in Minnesota. This quiet setting offers a number of different lake views as well as access to fantastic fishing. While your are there, stop at the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery. Every year they use gillnetting to catch and release walleye, muskie and pike using each fish to help breed a new batch of fish for the year. Often times the DNR catches very large fish and put them on display in one of their many fish tanks. The DNR professionals harvest fish eggs and release them after they hatch. Stop by and see the in the Spring, you will not be disappointed.

First Presbyterian Church -Lake Park

First Presbyterian Church -Lake Park in Lake Park

First Presbyterian Church
1220 South Market St
Lake Park, IA 51347
Service - 10:30 am Sunday

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf in Arnolds Park

X marks the spot for this family fun pirate themed mini golf! Pirate's Cove is located in Arnolds Park right next to the amusement park. The kids will love this summer activity. They will be able to putt their way through caves, over bridges, and under waterfalls. Being right in the middle of all the summer action you are also walking distance everything that downtown Arnolds Park offers.

The Okoboji Tile Shop

The Okoboji Tile Shop in Arnolds Park

The Okoboji Tile Shop

Ben Zenor, a local tile installer established The Okoboji Tile Store in 2012. Ben has been doing tile work for years. He is experienced with new construction, remodel and has done work on custom showers, backsplashes and floors.

The Okoboji Tile Shop also sells tiles, as well as cabinets, countertops and bamboo wood flooring.

The District

The District in Spirit Lake

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.

Bridges Bay Resort

Bridges Bay Resort in East Lake Okoboji

Bridges Bay Resort is built on the land purchased a few years prior which used to be owned by the Nielsen family of Arnolds Park. This huge complex consists of a hotel, 3 condo buildings (a 4th is under construction), and over 100 vacation cabins. A popular part of the resort is the indoor waterpark that cabin and condo owners have access to, but also, so does the public for a fee. Braccos is a fantastic summertime restaurant and bar which is frequented by boat, by car, and by foot, especially from the owners of the condos and cabins. All of the units at Bridges Bay have an opportunity for a boat hoist, and it is an extremely popular destination for out of towners looking for a vacation spot in Okoboji. Because Bridges Bay is not within the city limits, many owners utilize property management companies to help them rent their units by the day, week, and month. I've personally sold and shown many condo and cabin units and would be delighted to help.

Sanford Home Medical Equipment

Sanford Home Medical Equipment in Spirit Lake

Let the experts at Sanford Home Medical Equipment help you find the medical equipment you need. Their services focus on your safety and comfort. Sanford is here to help you find the products and services that are the perfect fit for your health needs, physical characteristics, environment and lifestyle.

Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis PAPER DRIVE

Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis PAPER DRIVE in Spirit Lake

If you are looking for a way to get rid of paper and don't want to throw it in the garbage, the Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis Group offers a great solution. In addition to being eco-friendly you are helping this Kiwanis Group raise money to help children and the community out in other ways.

A couple time of month the local group will go out and pick up paper from your curb side, contact the group for their schedule.
OR
Just South of Faraway and just North of Kiwanis Park, is parked a semi trailer with a sign "Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis Paper Drive" At any time you can take your paper to this trailer.

Calkins Park

Calkins Park in Milford

Calkins Park
Located behind Dyno’s convenient store on the Southend of Milford, just a half block East from Hwy 71 on 225th St, then stretching North a few blocks, this park offers a 9 hole disc golf course

Beware the (I'll get your home sold in a week) agent

Beware the (I'll get your home sold in a week) agent in The

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.

Keelson Harbour

Keelson Harbour in Spirit Lake

Keelson Harbour
2810 Aurora Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Keelson Harbour offers assisting living apartments. 42 one and two bedroom assisted living apartments. Also, Keelson Harbour offers memory care suites for those seniors diagnosed with Alzheimers.

WEST Algona

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lakes Agent Insight Description of West Lake Rush Lake in the Lake Section of the Area Category

Bay View Gifts & Garden

Bay View Gifts & Garden in Spirit Lake

Bay View Gifts & Garden
3202 Hwy 71
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Bay View Gifts & Garden is another opportunity for those of you who are looking for antiques. One can find other Gifts, Outdoor Décor and Plants here as well. Take a look at the selection of Adirondack chairs as you drive by on Hwy 71. Located across the street from us at RE/MAX Lakes Realty

Kabele's Trading Post & Lodge

Kabele's Trading Post & Lodge in Spirit Lake

Kabele’s Trading Post & Lodge
504 Hill Ave
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

If you are looking for fishing supplies, come here. Great selection of tackle, bait, fishing equipment and friendly service, often very willing to give you a little advice on where the “hot spots” are.

Check out their website for fishing reports.

ALSO, Kabele’s Lodge offers Nightly and Weekly Accommodations for those of you looking to spend some good quality time fishing in the area.

Comfortec Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Comfortec Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Estherville

Comfortec has trained and licensed technicians who can handle the job whether you have no heat or a loud noise coming from your equipment. We are a Carrier, Ruud and Lennox dealer giving us an advantage when it comes to working with different types of furnaces. We carry a wide variety of parts and can service any brand of furnace or AC. When it comes to needing someone to come handle your heating or cooling issue, we get there fast and get the job done right anywhere in our service region. Additionally, we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because problems with your heating and cooling systems or plumbing rarely only occur during a normal workday.

Starbucks

Starbucks in Spirit Lake

Starbucks is located in the HY-VEE grocery store in Spirit Lake. The employees at this location are amazing. They will always provide you with great service. Even if you are not a coffee fan make sure to stop in and try one of their freshly baked muffins or cake pops!

Rebe

Rebe in Okoboji

Re*be is one of Iowa's finest varicose vein centers dedicated to addressing the health and cosmetic concerns of men and women using the latest and most-advanced medical treatments for various body conditions.
Re*be surgeons are highly experienced with specialized training in vein diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ronald Kolegraff M.D., A.C.P., A.S.G.S. is a Board Certified General Surgeon and Board Certified Phlebologist.
The clinic provides friendly service in a patient-centered environment to ensure an experience that exceeds your expectations of personal care.
Rebe provides complimentary cosmetic consultation or complimentary vein screening.

Boji Roots Salon

Boji Roots Salon in Milford

Go check out Boji Roots Salon in Milford! Sherri does an amazing job of doing exactly what you ask and is very good at giving you ideas on new trends. The salon it's self to so cute inside! She also offers a great supply of products for you to purchase so you can feel like your at the salon even at home. Sherri is very flexible and also fast! When you are very busy its great knowing you wont be sitting at the salon for hours!

Healthy Living Program Center Milford

Healthy Living Program Center Milford in Milford

Healthy Living Program Center -MILFORD
2207 US 71
Milford, IA 51351

One of the many convenient locations offered by the Bedell Family YMCA is conveniently located in Milford, on the North end of Milford on Hwy 71. Right next to Subway and just south of Perkins.

Offered at this Center are exercise equipment, free weights for ages 14 and up. Personal Training is also offered.

Hours open are
Monday - Thursday 5 am to 11 pm
Friday 5 am to 9 pm
Saturday 6 am to 9 pm
Sunday closed

Okoboji Elementary School

Okoboji Elementary School in Milford

Welcome to Okoboji Elementary School, where we are blessed to serve over 470 students in preschool through 4th grade. We are continuously Pioneering Pathways for Every Student as we strive to make learning engaging and relevant for each and every student. We take pride in the academic instruction that our students receive and in the fact that our students consistently demonstrate high competencies in reading, math, and science, but also that they develop the critical thinking, communication, and problem- solving skills they will need to be successful beyond their years at OES. We are committed to making sure our students’ needs are met, whether it be basic needs, social/emotional needs, or academic needs.

We would love for you to arrange a visit to Okoboji Elementary School to experience the positive culture of the building and to see first-hand the compassion and commitment of our staff. We are confident that you will see it as a place where your child will thrive.

Yours in Education,

Justin Bouse
Okoboji Elementary School Principal

Central Emporium

Central Emporium in Arnolds Park

The Central Emporium is the best variety of shops and attractions, all under one roof! This location features shops for swimsuits, sweatshirts, jewelry, decorations for your home and some things that are just for fun. Find sweet treats at the candy store, enjoy a lakeside lunch or cocktail at the lower level patio bar, or have dinner with an amazing view of West Lake. Make sure to stop at the Central Emporium on your next Okoboji summer vacation.

Dry Dock

Dry Dock in Restaurants of the Iowa Great Lakes

The Dry Dock, connected to Four Season's Resort offers a simplified menu, but consistent delicious food. One of the few restaurants on West Lake Okoboji, the Dry Dock offers up legendary breakfasts, great lunches and dinners, and the local favorite Friday Night Fish Fry. Sit inside or out after arriving by foot, car, or boat.

Newell Orthodontics PC

Newell Orthodontics PC in Spirit Lake

Dr. Newell and his staff work as a team to provide our patients with the highest quality orthodontic treatment in a professional and caring atmosphere. Our clinics provide orthodontic treatment for children and adults ranging from limited tooth movement with retainers, full treatment with fixed appliances, cleft lip and palate, and complex orthognathic surgical cases. We also work with your family dentist as well as numerous other dental specialists to coordinate your orthodontic care.

WEST Algona

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lakes Agent Insight Description of West Lake Rush Lake in the Lake Section of the Area Category

Melanders

Melanders in Milford

Melanders-downtown Milford
922 Okoboji Ave
Milford, IA 51351

New and used kitchen appliances, great selection, wide variety of the top brands. Local, helpful service.

Prairie Chick

Prairie Chick in Okoboji

2327 170th St
Okoboji, IA 51355
Prairie Chick is a great place to go for your morning coffee, for breakfast, lunch or just a spot to get away and read a newspaper. The atmosphere is great, There are numerous rooms and seating areas, including a fireplace where you are most likely going to find a local or two reading a newspaper waiting for someone to start up a good conversation with.

Very family friendly as well. In door and out door seating and a garden in the back where they grow alot of the ingredients used in their food.

They offer great coffee, scones, quiches, oatmeal, as well as other pastries. For lunch they also offer sandwiches/soup.

Their menu often changes from day to day, so stop in often and taste a little of everything.

Healthy Living Program Center Spirit Lake

Healthy Living Program Center Spirit Lake in Spirit Lake

Healthy Living Program Center Spirit Lake
802 Lake Street
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
One of the many convenient locations offered by the Bedell Family YMCA is conveniently located in downtown Spirit Lake on the corner of Hill Ave and Lake Street.

Offered at this Center are exercise equipment, cardio machines, free weights for ages 14 and up. Personal Training is also offered.



Hours open are

Monday - Thursday 5 am to 11 pm

Friday 5 am to 9 pm

Saturday 6 am to 9 pm

Sunday closed

Wild Child

Wild Child in Spirit Lake

Wild Child, which features stylish clothing, accessories and awesome toys for children and newborns, is all about quality clothing and toys. Wild Child is the "go to" store for people with all budgets, and offers styles that cannot be found anywhere else, and strives to offer unique apparel and toys that are fun, functional and educational.

Okoboji Boat Works

Okoboji Boat Works in West Lake Okoboji

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.

Emerald Hills

Emerald Hills in Arnolds Park

Emerald Hills Golf Course is one of the premier golf courses in the Iowa Great Lakes. Golfers throughout Okoboji will tell you that compared to the rest of the golf courses around, Emerald Hills is probably the most challenging. When I grew up as a kid, we lived just a half block from the back side of the course. We would sneak on with a couple short little clubs and balls we found walking the course and sometimes spent more time being chased by the sprinklers than trying to hit golf balls. Emerald Hills was owned by Gordy and Bette Benit many years ago and they can be credited with growing this course into the masterpiece it has become. Later purchased by Randy Rohlfsen and a few others, Emerald has flourished as one of the best courses around. If memory serves me right, Randy has been there since the early 1990's and has always had a strong conviction to help young golfers. He has taught and coached numerous high school teams, and they also put on a 5 day junior camp every year which has been a tremendous hit. I grew up on this course and can honestly say, you better be hitting the ball straight!

Ruthven Meat Locker

Ruthven Meat Locker in Spirit Lake

Ruthven Meat Locker located downtown Spirit Lake. They offer a wide variety of quality fresh and award-winning smokes retail meats along with seasoning rubs and cheeses. You cant go wrong with the "locker trash" it definitely makes the best boat snack!

Los Pueblos

Los Pueblos in Arnolds Park

Los Pueblos is a family owned business known for serving some of the best food around with a very festive atmosphere. Enjoy one of their famous margaritas while you munch on some chips and salsa. Whether you are in the mood for enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, or fish tacos, they have something the whole family can enjoy!

Bridges Bay Resort

Bridges Bay Resort in Arnolds Park

Choose from a variety of luxurious condominiums and hotel-style guest rooms. Bridges Bay Resort features the area's only indoor waterpark 'Boji Splash, featuring the Cantina which serves a variety of delicious food and beverages. Bring the boat in the summer and enjoy being right on the water or get away for the weekend in the winter months and let the kids enjoy the indoor waterpark!

Sunset Travel Agency

Sunset Travel Agency in Milford

Start planning now for all of your fall and winter getaways. We are specialists in all inclusives, cruises, family reunions, honeymoons and destination weddings. In specific areas we are specialists in Mexico, Disney, cruises and hotels. You can have confidence is Sunset Travel Agency with over 35 years of experience in the travel industry.

Matuska Taxidermy

Matuska Taxidermy in Spirit Lake

Matuska Taxidermy
3735 Hwy 71
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Another neat experience you don’t get to see every day. Stop in and check out the amazing display of work done by Tom Matuska and Matuska Taxidermy. On display you will find all kinds of animals and fish.

Also offered is the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy which is a 9 week course offered two times a year designed to get you started on a successful career in taxidermy.

Okoboji Appliance Repair

Okoboji Appliance Repair in Okoboji

Dependable & knowledgeable residential appliance repair company. Servicing most major brands of appliances in the Okoboji area. Hours are M-F 8am - 5pm. 24-hour service available.

Father Daughter Dance:

Father Daughter Dance: in Milford

An annual event hosted by the Cherish Center to promote the importance of the Father Daughter relationship. 2017 event date is Saturday February 25th from 5-10pm at the Boji Bay Funhouse and Pavilion in Milford. $35/Family. Tickets available at the door.

Ruthven Meat Locker

Ruthven Meat Locker in Ruthven

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!

EAST Algona

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lakes Agent Insight Description of East Lake Rush Lake in the Lake Section of the Area Category.

 

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