Photo of Okoboji

About Okoboji

The Iowa Great Lakes region, nestled in the state's northwest corner, has long attracted outdoorsy visitors from across the USA and further afield. Accommodation options include everything from charming B&Bs to funky, group-oriented hotels, fit for a range of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Okoboji are close to both the lakeshore and the town's central road, perfectly placed for exploring.

Most travellers journey to Okoboji to explore its five vast, interconnected lakes: West Lake Okoboji, East Lake Okoboji, Upper Gar, Lower Gar and Minnewashta. The enormous Spirit Lake is also nearby. Spend your days wild swimming, sailing, fishing or kayaking. You'll also find lakeside games, eateries and old-fashioned amusement parks in the vicinity, ideal for fun-filled family trips. For more about the region's past, visit the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, or consider its flora and fauna at the Dickinson County Nature Centre. The surrounding area is excellent for hiking, cycling and birdwatching as well.

Relaxed and friendly, the Iowa Great Lakes region is brilliant for active holidays. Come during the spring or autumn for a slightly quieter feel — the best places to stay in Okoboji fill up fast in the summer months!

The Best Places to Stay in Okoboji

For Romance

  • The Oakwood Inn is a charming, Victorian-style inn offering modern comforts and period touches — including lovely four-poster beds. The shared veranda, perennial gardens and three-course breakfasts are particular highlights. A cosy, adult-only B&B for a romantic escape.

For Families or Groups

  • The Inn Hotel has been transformed into a cool, contemporary property with a funky Art Deco feel. The rooftop pool, trendy restaurant and lake views all add to the appeal. Great for families or groups who will appreciate the sociable vibe.
  • Vintage Block Inn & Suites is a great value boutique motel, just steps from the lakeside. Suites have kitchenettes and flexible arrangements for group or family holidays. Some rooms sleep up to 10 people! Fun, informal and affordable.

FOR AN APARTMENT

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Sioux Falls Regional Airport, 1.5 hours' drive away, or to Fort Dodge Regional Airport, just under two hours' drive from Okoboji.
  • Iowa is a wonderful state to explore by road. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between June and September for hot, humid summers. Consider visiting in the spring or autumn for slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Okoboji

  • The Oakwood Inn Okoboji (Iowa) 11 rooms from £85

    Active Holiday  -  The Iowa Great Lakes area is made up of 6 interconnect lakes; come here for sailing, watersports, swimming, fishing & kayaking
    Total relaxation  -  The peaceful environment of the area, plus large gardens and adult-only environment make for a tranquil stay
    Fishing  -  Fish over 12,000 acres, looking for walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch and bluegill
    Sailing  -  The inn has boat-trailer parking and the owners will happily advise on the best spots for boating, kayaking and canoeing
    Air conditioningGardenPet friendlyParking

    Adult-only Victorian-style inn surrounded by acres of oak savannah. Decor effortlessly blends modern comfort with period-touches; think cream shingle facade, Art Deco four-posters & spa tubs. Rooms look over perennial gardens & give onto a shared veranda. Check-in for romance with antique style. See More

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  • Vintage Block Inn & Suites Okoboji (Iowa) 54 rooms from £101

    Local exploring  -  Whether it's wineries, amusement parks, golf, sailing, museums, watersports or hiking trails, there's plenty to do in the area
    Value chic  -  Affordable, laid-back, comfortable and considered base to explore all of the area's many family-friendly attractions
    Sit-out Terrace  -  Relaxed outdoors area designed for outdoor family fun area boasts firepits, picnic tables, BBQ grills and yard games
    Families  -  Many rooms sleep up to 10 making this ideal for large families or close groups of friends
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Great-value boutique motel steps from Okoboji lakeside. Recently refurbished rooms and suites feature floral murals, cosy furnishings and kitchenettes; many offer sleeping arrangements for large parties. Enjoy the outdoor pool, large popular yard & bar. Designed for fun and informal family holidays. See More

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  • The Inn Hotel Okoboji (Iowa) 38 rooms from £113

    Romantic Break  -  Rooftop swimming, craft cocktails and sexy suites make this a great option for couples
    Local exploring  -  Beautiful base for exploring West Okoboji Lake area with fab on-site facilities
    Swimming Pool  -  Cute rooftop swimming pool rocks on-trend vintage Palm Springs vibe; enjoy striped loungers and poolside cocktails
    Restaurant  -  The Beach Club Lounge serves fresh modern fare and artisan cocktails in a retro Caribbean-themed tropical setting
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Iconic hotel transformed into a cool boutique gem with an Art Deco theme. Stylish interiors blend jewel tones, mid-century furnishings & dashes of leopard print. A rooftop pool, on-trend Beach Club restaurant & lake views make this a top choice in the area. Great-value stay with a retro-chic vibe. See More

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