This small Iowa state park is actually closer to the town of Spirit Lake and is the "Go To" place…read moreto take my son swimming when we're here in the summer. My brother also worked here for a time during his summer job for the Iowa State Department of Natural Resources. Pike's Point is a small park and consists of very nice beachfront on West Lake Okoboji, a lodge building and various picnic and green space areas. The swimming area is marked off and the really neat feature is the swimming platform. My son and I have come here for years and pushed each other off that platform, skipped rocks by the beach, and just hung out. Please also check out Blue Water Studios in Arnolds Park for some neat pictures of Pike's Point and surrounding Okoboji locations. I particularly like the winter shots.

This park was a 5 minute drive from our hotel and you get to drive thru the most beautiful lake…read morefront homes just before you hit the green space. There is a parking lot and a staircase down to the water. Multiple picnic tables and grills for families to enjoy a cookout. There is even a covered stone section where you can build a fire, but there was a lot of garbage and dead fish around from people that didn't dispose of their rubbish correctly. I had taken off my shoes and waded into the cool clear water with another group and on my walk out I saw dead fish heads in multiple areas. Sad that there are some that cannot clean up but this is still a nice little (FREE) hidden area to enjoy a day with friends or even alone. Plenty of shade in sections too.

Does any one else, when on a boat, instantly hear Adam Samberg in their mind? Serenading you about…read moreflippy floppies? Oh... no? Just me? My family was on vacation in Okoboji and decided renting a boat wasn't in the cards for us this trip-- but taking an excursion on the Queen II definitely was. Boy, am I glad we did! The open-air upper deck was just what we needed (the lower deck is inclosed). Pricing may be a bit steep? But it is no fuss, clean, has a good offering of refreshments, open to all ages, and it is actually quite fun to hear about the different parts of the lake via the narrative throughout. The Queen II was recently (last year or so) repaired/refreshed and it definitely shows. Overall, I'd do the Queen II again (even though I have frequented the lake decades of my life). And if you're new to the area, I definitely recommend you do so as well!

During our recent vacation at the Iowa Great Lakes, Gayle and I decided to try some different…read moreexperiences from previous years visits. I ride on the Queen II seemed that one such opportunity. The Queen II takes passengers around West Lake Okoboji at $15 per persons over 36" tall. This replica of the original steamer, the Queen, offers a unique view of this glacial blue water lake, the surrounding landscape and at a maximum depth of 136 feet.. The ride also comes with a history lesson from the captain. In the late 19th century, the lake region became a resort area and the small steamboats and sailboats could not keep up with the flow of vacationers. The Queen, a large steamer, was constructed, along with other larger boats, to accommodate this new need. By the 1920s, the construction of roads around the lakes brought about the demise of most of the fleet. The Queen stayed in service for those people who wished to see the lake by water. In 1973 the Queen was finally retired, after 89 years of service. The Queen II was commissioned and built in 1986 and she was designated the "Flagship of the Iowa Navy." They want you! They want you! They want you as a new recruit! The excursion lasted approximately 75 minutes and I particularly enjoyed the relaxation, the scenery, and the cool breeze. My son enjoyed taking pictures of the birds flying nearby looking for food. The cruise also gave me a few landmarks for future land exploration. Tickets can be purchased at the Queen II Dock, and when we go again, it might be kind of cool to sail around around Sunset.

Gull Point State Park is on the west side of West Lake Okoboji and is considered to be the Grand…read moreDame of the state parks within this resort region. It's a large and pretty area with a nice beach, surrounding Burr Oak forest areas, winding hiking trails, and a restored rustic lodge. Lake Patrol and DNR operations are also headquartered here, as is a local scout camp which I attended one summer. Our family prefers Pikes Point State Park because it's closer and easier to work into our day. However, if you want a larger place to play, with a little more to do (including fishing), and on the same blue water Lake, then Gull Point is the place for family fun.

We rented two camp sites for seven people (2 adults and 5 kids). We adhered to the two tents/4…read morepeople per site rule. However, the DNR counted one of our tents as three tents, simply because it was three dome tents, and made us rent a third site. The worst part was how rude the lady was. She wouldn't even listen to me when I tried to show her the tent bag, indicating it was one tent. She acted as if we were criminals. Since there was NO two way conversation allowed, I indicated that we would pay for the extra site but would never be back, at which point she said "That's fine." Worst customer service ever! Three sites for 2 adults and five kids. Really? I don't recommend this place at all! There are way better places to stay in the Okoboji area!

Everyone in the store, the shop, and the dock was very helpful. We had a lot of fun with the boat…read moreand tubing and all that. However, as amateurs, we actually damaged the boat. Blake - maybe the manager - was very understanding and helpful. They towed us in and kept costs down for us. Yes we had to pay, but that's expected. I have to highly recommend this company. I find the service to be exceptional even when we damaged their boat.

WHAT GREAT 4TH OF JULY PARTY! Parks Marina did another…read morewonderful job this year entertaining guests on their 4th of July freedom Cruise!

In Iowa, it's not all meat, potatoes, and corn on the cob, although there's none better anywhere…read more Folks in these parts also enjoy their exercise, whether it be walking, biking, or working out at the local YMCA. In fact, just outside the door of our family cabin on Big Spirit Lake is part of the Dickinson County Recreational Trails network. These trails wind throughout the Iowa Great Lakes Region and are excellent 4 season avenues for bikers, hikers, runners, cross country skiers and snowmobiles. The Spine trail is 14 miles and I have taken it all the way down on my bike to Milford. And along the way, it's a treat to enjoy the lake scenery, cross the old RR bridge in Arnold's Park, and discover lots of natural habitat. Trail head parking is available at several location, as are resting/viewing benches, information kiosk displays, bathrooms, and picnic areas.

I'll admit, I was initially skeptical of the whole "axe-throwing" fad. But I have nothing but great…read morethings to say about how friendly this staff and management is, how seamlessly they introduce the mechanics of throwing and game rules, and the overall cleanliness and atmosphere. Highly recommend for a fun time.

We went on a Thursday night, the start of winter games. we were the only ones there. My experience…read morewas not as good as the one in West Des Moines. we didn't get much instruction. My husband has never been and he was able to give me more instruction than the employee. We had a good time. they serve drinks. parking was lacking. we parked down the street at the emporium. Bathroom was clean and nicely done. Staff was pleasant, just doesn't live up to my experience at another place. I would have liked some more instruction. it was frustrating to throw the axe and not get it to stick. And they have names in the lanes. We were in 5he Smith lane, perfect!

We had a great time playing miniature golf. It was cool to see all the rides and different games…read morethey have for families. Highly recommend

Daily wristbands best deal for tween/teens. Good variety of rides and games. Roller coaster always…read morea hit along with bumper cars, tipsy house and water flume ride. Most lines not longer than 5 minute wait. New vertical challenge bike race this year. Mighty mouse getting refreshed currently closed. No longer has swings or the twirling rocket ride or swinging ship this year Go kart and putt putt golf extra charge

It's a decent family friendly little putt putt mini golf place. The water flowing through has…read morestarted to bloom some algae and stink a bit. Prices are a bit steep in my opinion but then again it's a fun family outing and I wouldn't discourage anyone from going.