In the 1900s, there were 5 ballrooms on West Lake Okoboji: Manhattan Beach, Roof Gardens, The Inn,…read moreThe Casino and The Central Emporium, then known as the Central Pavilion. The Central Emporium is the only one that remains a part of today's Iowa Great Lakes. It was originally built in 1901 and by the 1960s, the building sat empty until it was purchased in 1967 and used as boat storage. In 1971, the building was remodeled and began leasing out space for stores. During that first year, there were only 3-5 businesses including The Diver's Den, the Outrigger and a jewelry store. I started hanging out at the Central Emporium about that time in the early 1970s. It's gone through ownership changes since then and many shops have also come and gone. The Building itself has also been stabilized from falling into the Lake and at during my visit this summer, the old Girl looks pretty good on the inside as well. There's still the expected collection of tourist based shops, but the Central Emporium also includes a couple nice dining and drinking establishments (with great views), a branch of Hill Avenue Books, and even a few shops (e.g., Life on the Lake) that I enjoy. You can also get here by foot or by boat. I could see how a developer would think of this property as a good condo or other resort opportunity. And I do wonder how the Central Emporium makes money within the confines of a summer vacation season. But as long as this historic Iowa building still stands, I'll be there whenever I'm in town.

Always a fun and nostalgic place to visit. I've been coming to Okoboji since the 1980's, and The…read moreEmporium hasn't changed a lot. You can still grab a bite to eat, buy a bag of candy, or load up on all those Okoboji sweatshirts to wear during the upcoming winter. Plus, if you show up just after the summer season has ended, you'll get everything at a great discount.

I love this super store! I'm not from Iowa nor am I used to going to a super store, but I am a fan…read moreof this Walmart! Friendly smiles upon entry, plenty of carts, bathrooms near entry, clearly marked sections with big blue signs with white lettering. The grocery section has a fresh produce section as large as a regular grocery store and everything I bought was fresh. There is also a large frozen food section with an entire side of an aisle dedicated to ice cream/desserts. Only in the Midwest! The center of the store is dedicated to men's and women's clothes. I found some awesome PJs here as well as intimates for low prices. Walmart does a good job at buying and setting low prices. I found some awesome buys like men's PJ pants, women's undies, and baseball caps all at low prices under 10! The best department/experience was the Electronics. The floor manager came over and talked to me about the TVs I was looking at and helped me by explaining the difference in everyone I was looking at. Each cashier I experienced was super friendly and truly interested in knowing about my shopping experience. A+ to this store! I feel that it must be managed well to have a crew of helpful employees. Plenty of parking too!

Went in on my search for drinks. I finally just bought something else. we bought some groceries for…read morethe weekend. Staff was pleasant and effecient.

Shopping at Bomgaars to find absolute necessities in life during the most stressful times, and…read morebeing treated like someone who matters means a lot, even when nobody really seems to understand how grateful I am for all the kindness and goodness I've been treated with. I empathize that retail work is not easy and I have done plenty of it enough to know that respect is earned and not given. I genuinely and sincerely am ever grateful for even the modicum of attention and the tiniest benefit of the doubt in this day and age. Please continue to surprise me in so many positive ways, so I can tell my friends and family exactly why I decide to shop at Bomgaars for life.

Great inventory. Love the choices and the whole store. We shop here alot. Would recommend the…read morestore to anyone.

No hogrings without pliers purchase, generally good service but today the simple selection is MIAread more

From the owner: Bomgaars is a family-owned and operated retail establishment that serves the needs of farm, ranch,…read moreand suburban customers. Our comprehensive product offerings encompass a wide range of categories, including farm equipment, agricultural supplies, workwear, footwear, hardware, automotive parts, tools, power equipment, lawn and garden equipment, and much more. Serving customers in Blue Earth, Minnesota.