12 years later, Gayle and I were here to look for "Muck Boots" for our September trip to the…read morePeruvian Amazon. We missed Bomgaars 15% off sale by a day, but still managed to find some economical boots that fit. Bomgaars remains somewhat of a maze in terms of finding things, especially considering that this is the type of "Farm and Home" store that I love spending some serious time wandering around. Store staff never really offered help, but I always knew they were around.

Help needs an attitude adjustment. Battery guy put 2017 on my battery so I would be shorted a year…read moreof warranty ( they engrave them to document when you purchased them) because I refused to bring my old battery all the way to the back of the store for him after I had left them by the front door. I offered to show him where they were(they are heavy) and he refused. Check out people said that is not uncommon from him. Needless to say I was not impressed with the help

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 visited The Okoboji Outlet--Home of the Hermit Crab on July 4, 2026 and witnessed the following…read moreabuse/neglect regarding their hermit crabs. 1. Lack of basic necessities: No dechlorinated fresh water, salt water, or proper food. 2. Unsafe environment: Overcrowded cages, no deep substrate for molting. Open mesh wire cage does not trap humidity--hermit crabs require a relative humidity level between 75% and 85% to breathe properly through their modified gills. 3. Physical abuse: Painted shells (which are toxic). I asked to speak with the owner regarding this cruelty. I was told by the front desk staff that they couldn't provide the requested information--and that the owner is aware of the abusive situation. It appears this abuse has been happening for years, as 3 years ago another customer (Alysia) posted her concerns on a Google review. Here are the basic care requirements per the Hermit Crab Association. https://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/pages/BasicHermitCrabCare.pdf All info has been shared with the store, with no reply. I truly hope changes can be made to ensure the health and welfare of these hermit crabs.

This is the Okoboji Outlet located at the Central Emporium. However, I have also been to a store by…read morethe same name in Spirit Lake. Have you ever gone to a University Book Store where the merchandise all seems to be branded t-shirts and related items? Okoboji Outlet is your place these kind of Iowa Great Lakes memories. It's also a good place if you're caught short an item or 2 after the Family arrives on Vacation. There's lots of stuff here, the pricing is reasonable, and it all becomes overwhelming quickly. I usually go in knowing exactly what I want and get out post haste.

This place is the best for value fishing equipment. I swear I have bought at least 30 different…read morecombos from here and have spend less than half of what they are worth. The service is pretty dang good and is something anyone in this area should try. They have a good to mid range selection of tackle with a lot of the baits being made across the street. I think I have been here close to a hundred times and just can't stop going. Id give this place 10 stars if I could it's just amazing. All of the reviews Im seeing are unreasonably ranked one person is complaining about a shipping charge and everyone else seems to like it but rate it 3 or 4 stars. IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA AND ARE A FISHERMAN TRY THIS PLACE PLEASE

Aside from one other "revenge" review, it looks like no one has opined about the Fishermen's…read moreFactory Outlet since my FTR in 2008 or 13 years ago. I was in just last week, and the place was fairly busy with lots of fisher persons admiring the latest rod and reel and talking shop. There is lots of stuff to choose from if you're in the business. Even though I don't fish, I enjoy looking around anyway. I did find a cool Berkley Mask and otherwise passed on their still impressive clothing line.

Quick & easy process. I've never had an issue with dropping packages or mailing them out.read more

As all other reviews stated, Tom is not a very happy individual and his terrible customer service…read more I remember when they moved to the area a little over 15 years ago. Tom is a person. Just sucks if I'm being quite frank. There's one time he even opened one of my boxes, extremely unprofessional. I really hope that he retires and that that store gets shut down.

Soon after our last visit, my Son lost his prize red and black hoodie. He probably left it behind…read moreon a Southwest Flight between Oakland and Portland. That loss stuck with him, as he insisted that we return to Animal House during the Summers of 2011 and 2012 to find a suitable replacement. During the last visit, we finally found a worthy successor, and at 20% Off. I knew we did well because he wouldn't take the damn thing off afterwards and even posted a picture of it on his Facebook page. I'll have to admit that it does go well with the matching Fox white t-shirt that Gayle and I also purchased for him.

Meh. Horrible…read moreshopping experience. Completely ignored by the staff of mostly rude young people. After 15 minutes of waiting for assistance, I gave up and left (and purchased another item elsewhere). Also, wtf is up with them playing ranchero (Mexican) music in the store?? Nobody wants to hear that garbage here in Iowa. I moved away from California to get away from that crap! Will never shop here again. Outrageously expensive merchandise as well.

Just wish we had a store in Spencer, IA…read more Friendly and helpful staff. It's like an old five and dime store, but with today's pricing.

From the owner: Dollar General Milford is proud to be America's neighborhood general store. We strive to make…read moreshopping hassle-free and affordable with more than 15,000 convenient, easy-to-shop stores. Our stores deliver everyday low prices on items including food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, family apparel, housewares, seasonal items, paper products and much more from America's most-trusted brands and products, along with Dollar General's high-quality private brands.

Like Racine's in nearby Estherville, Evans Clothing & Shoes have been part of their respective…read morecommunities for many years. I've been to this location and remember another on the next corner. You won't get the prices if you're shopping for clothes at Walmart, but you get much better value and quality.

A great store with quality clothing and formalwear. The workers are friendly and knowledgeable…read more If you are needing to rent tuxes for an event, this is the place to come. The owner goes above and beyond to make sure everything looks and fits just right for your big day. He does in-store alterations at no extra charge to ensure the perfect fit. There is no better place in the Lakes region for your clothing and formalwear needs!