We did an Okoboji vacation last summer with our 3 kids. We stayed at Bridges Bay Resort. Our stay included Arnolds Park passes, Queen 2 passes, Waterpark passes, goofy golf passes. I would do it again in a second. The package saved us a ton of money. I do know that the hotel will be adding an outdoor pool this summer so there might be a little construction noise outside but the place is beautiful.
We went to Arnolds Park one afternoon. What a neat place. I am so glad that the historical group came together to save what is a local landmark. After having finally been there it really would have been a waste to let some money hungry developer get their hands on that place.
There is a great children theatre group that performs in the summers. They did Peter Pan while we were there and our kids thought it was great. The actors come out into the audience and really interact with everyone. It is in an old barn theatre which was pretty cool. This is west of town just a couple of miles but totally worth the 5-10 minute drive.
We went to supper at Parks Marina one night. The kids loved seeing the boats and getting their picture taken by the big shark. It has an island feel (well island meets Iowa) with tiki huts. There is a play area for kids so we picked a table close to that and were actually able to have adult conversation while they played.
Our hotel package included the Arnolds Park tickets and Queen 2 tickets. The Queen 2 is a 2 story boat that tours the lake. The ride was the perfect length, our then newly 3 year old wasn't bored which I had worried about.
There is a great goofy golf course in town. They have an arcade and a pretty neat play yard set up. They have these huge pedal tractors and a race course that the kids can play on free of charge after you are done golfing.
There are a couple of state Parks in that area which offer day activites for families.
We really enjoyed it. We stayed 3 nights 4 days and that was the perfect length of time. We wanted to use Arnold's park as a testing ground to see if they would even like the rides before we move on to Valleyfair or Worlds of Fun in KC this summer.
Go Flyers!!!
From growing up there, I would say, avoid any holiday wkends, it is horrid to be there during a holiday time! We would never even go down in the park and would take the "back way" to go to Milford or Spencer during that time...crazy and busy!!!
Ditto that!!! I grew up there too & it is crazy during holiday weekends, plus prices for everything become outrageous. I'm not the best person to tell you what "tourist" things to do because it all seems pretty normal to me, but I can tell you some awesome places to eat!!! There are some really great taco places (sounds strange I know, but they have incredible food!) Mrs. Lady's which is right on the highway in Arnolds Park is great for dinner one night (make sure to order a soapapilla) and the Taco House for lunch (they have incredible malts).
Shelly
www.Elegantmommy.com
Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant
I used to go to Okoboji and loved it. I plan on going this summer as well with my kids. Its fun and way better for a family than travelling to Valley Fair. Have a blast! Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God
Yum!! I miss Mrs. Lady's and their soapapillas. I grew up in that area also. Okoboji can be a lot of fun but beware it becomes very touristy in the summer.
We really enjoy Triggs Bay Resort. They have a beach with sand, one of the things you have to be careful of is that many of the resorts do not have sand, they have large rocks leading out into the water. Triggs has a nice beach with boat dock rentals, boat rentals, paddle boats an outdoor pool, an arcade and lots of other ammenities. We always choose Triggs and are never disappointed. Have fun, we love Ochabogee...as my nephew would say!!
Stephanie~Mom to Maria~Waiting for Flora
I'm going to love you forever,
I'm going to like you for always,
As long as I'm living
My baby you will be.
Thanks for all the great tips! I will check into Triggs Bay & the Boji Bay package Deals!
Not sure if you meant Boji Bay in the above post but I just wanted to let you know Boji Bay is no longer there. Perkins is now where Boji Bay used to be. The waterpark got shut down a few years back.
If you like tacos, make sure you go to the Taco House (if it is open.) I grew up around there and the best tacos are at the Taco House. Soft shells and cheese meat nachos LOVE THEM!!
Don't know if you're into camping at all, but Gull Point has a camp grounds with a beautiful beach area. It is buried back behind Wapaton, which is on Hwy 86 on the way to Milford. This happens to be on the opposite side of the lake from Arnolds Park and most of the tourist stuff, but if you're looking for relaxation and beach access I would recommend it. Plus it's only a few minutes drive around the lake to get to the exciting stuff. ~Love Mrs. Lady's and the sopapilla's~ I think it's Remington's that has the fantastic 'brick-o-onion rings' at least they did 8 years ago. Diddo on the holiday crazies, just avoid it if you can!
Remingtons does still have the onion rings, we usually eat there when we are back home just for those!!
Flyer Mom, I can't find the Parks Marina restaurant. We're heading down to Okoboji June 10-12 and that sounds like a great family-friendly place.
"Have you heard about corduroy pillows? They're making head lines!!"
It's called the Barefoot Bar. It's at the Parks Marina right on the water. It is great, all outdoors. Play equipment for the kids, etc. You can dock your boat to go there, or drive your vehicle into the Parks Marina parking lot.
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We have 2 kids 6 & 2.. thinking Vac. in Okoboji might be fun
for the kids this summer. Mainly cuz its close to home & somewhere can go for just a few days. Any recommendations on where to stay? we've only been there once. Thinking a hotel beachside where the kids can play in the sand/swim etc...Would plan on Arnolds park.. what else is fun to do?