We always enjoy coming to Emerson Bay Campground. Lots of sights with different hookups…read more I do wish people would treat this park better. We pay for this park through our tax dollars, why won't you want to keep it clean. The state doesn't have the staff or money to hire people to pickup after all the campers. When we pulled into site 56 I picked up a grocery sack of garbage and the fire pits had trash in it. Thanks to the De Jong family for not caring enough to clean up the site when you left.

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.

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

I came to Arnolds Park yearly as a kid on summer vacation. I remember such fond memories of riding…read morethe roller coaster with my family, making funny faces at the camera. Fast forward a few *cough* decades later and I got the chance to take my kiddos to the newly renovated park. We opted for a day pass for $40 each. I thought we got a lot of bang per buck and loved that we could leave the park for lunch in the air conditioning. The area by the lake (Lake View) is thoughtfully done, parking is a non-issue, staff was pleasant, wait lines were scarce -- and if rides aren't your thing there's a raceway and arcade. All in all a win! Don't go to Okoboji and not stop at Arnold's Park.

This place was an awesome kayaking spot. A bit windy for Spirit Lake so we looked for other…read moreoptions. The DNR was No help. Looked for a map, nada. Not like Wisco there's a map for everything on the DNR website. So we decided to head to the office. Closed but the road led us to this spot. We glamped at Marble Beach and the road I think it's 125th street is right up the road on the left. Pack some cold ones and enjoy.

One evening a few week ago, Gayle and the Kid stayed at home, while I was given permission to…read morewander around to various Iowa Great Lakes sites. I toured around the Lakeside Lab, stopped in at Vic's Corner and then decided to explore the back country a little bit. After you move beyond the major lakes here, there are a lot of small prairie lakes and associated wet lands. And since I didn't hunt or really fish growing up, I actually missed a lot of this cultural territory. It really was a pretty drive, especially late in the day. I went North on Highway 86 and turned right towards Welsh Lake. After that, I angled up to Kettleson Hogsback, and the spine road that travels between Hottes and Marble Lake. There's also a DNR Wildlife HQ (including home and corporate yard) and lots of bird houses. It was fun to pause and look, and then wander on somewhere else. And since Iowa's roads pretty much run on a square grid system, there's at least a gravel road every mile, and very little chance of getting lost. The name Hogsback comes from the linear and glacial plateau which resembles the ridge between the shoulders of a hog. This hogsback rises 40 feet and separates Marble Lake from Hottes Lake and can be seen from the access road. This area has shallow lakes, marshes, uplands, and woods, making it a great wildlife viewing site due to its variety. Hottes Lake is also an excellent site for canoeing and kayaking, and an opportunity to get closer to wildlife. And in the winter, a brisk cross country skiing trip, would complete the 4 season perspective on this hidden backwater jewel of the Iowa Great Lakes Region.

We rented a pontoon boat from Triggs Bay resort. Staff was so helpful as not if us were very…read moreexperienced in driving boat. Helped us drive in and dock. We had a wonderful 4 hours out in the lake. Boat in great condition. Price was reasonable. Highly recommend! The rooms and pool area look very inviting. I would consider staying here next time I am in the Lake Okaboji area

Been coming here for decades our family always live our vacation at Triggs and it's a great place…read moreto spend time on the lake with family great and wonderful lake front property and kid and animal friendly

After having a bad experience with a competitor, we called Make a Wake in hopes of salvaging our…read morevacation. Make a Wake did just that! It was obviously a busy day for them but they were extremely friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. They got us in on short notice and out on the lake as quickly as possible. Thanks Make a Wake! Vacation: Saved!!

The lake boys were great getting us on the water. Pontoon rentals only go 5 miles per hour. Overall…read morepretty dangerous for a lake with larger boats. Called customer service and asked about the speed and got told there was no reason to go faster. Would not recommend a rental to any families going out on the water for an afternoon.

So fun! Pricing was great! $10 for 27 holes. Fun obstacles. There was ice cream for when you are…read moredone and it was awesome! Friendly staff! The hole had lots of fun a different challenges!

This was a last minute change of plans as we had planned on playing mini golf at Pirates Cove but…read morethere was an event at Arnold's Park and no parking for a mile. So we quickly looked to see if there was another option and this little gem popped up. 27 holes of mini golf all themed around Disney or fairy tales we all know and love. Not super hard BUT several holes had a special wheel to spin to add an extra to that hole. For example I got to move an opponent's ball to wherever I wanted to in bounds. My kids loved this and we would go back again and the people running it were very nice and attentive! Skip the commercialized mini golf place and head here!

Let me preface this review with... I do not fish…read more That being said. We were in town on vacation and my kiddos wanted to take a stab at fishing. We have two rods and a basic tackle box but needed some bait and new bobbers. Yelp told me we needed to go to Stan's Bait Shop, so we did! We popped into this 50+ year Milford mainstay and were not disappointed. While I have no idea what fish we were aiming to catch, or what bait/tackle would be ideal-- there was great selection for those who are more fisher-savvy than I. Pricing seemed reasonable. The staff was helpful. Open daily-- pop in to Stan's Bait Shop for your fishing needs.

Stan's Bait & Tackle is hands down one of the best bait shops around the Lakes. They've got a great…read moreselection of bait and gear, and everything is well stocked no matter when you stop in. What really makes the place stand out though is the service. Mason is always on point--super easy to talk to, knows exactly what's been working on the water, and actually helps you dial things in instead of just ringing you up and sending you out the door. It's the kind of place where you feel like a regular even if it's your first time in. Good people, good advice, and everything you need to have a successful day fishing. Definitely worth stopping in before you head out.