Some info has been automatically translated. Show original language

Okoboji vacation rentals

Book unique homes, vacation rentals, and more on Airbnb

When results are available, navigate with up and down arrow keys or explore by touch or swipe gestures.
1 of 3 pages
1 of 3 pages

Popular amenities for Okoboji vacation rentals

Stay near Okoboji's top sights

Okoboji Boat Works5 locals recommend
Okoboji Store21 locals recommend
The Barn at Okoboji3 locals recommend
Minervas Restaurant & Bar3 locals recommend
O'Farrell Sisters3 locals recommend
Wyman's Spudnuts5 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Okoboji

  • Total rentals

    30 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $70 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    540 reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    10 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    10 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    10 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Okoboji

All About Okoboji

In northwest Iowa, right along its border with Minnesota, sits a chain of interconnected glacial lakes that are the focal point for the small resort town of Okoboji. Vintage Americana is the vibe here, with hand-dipped ice cream cones, a restored amusement park built in the 1800s that has retained its charm, a museum dedicated to classic cars, and a Great Lakes Maritime Museum with antique wooden boats.

There’s more to this area than historic storefronts and quaint main streets, though, and the locals have done a measured job balancing the old with the modern: Craft breweries have gained popularity, public yoga classes are often held on beaches and even on paddleboards, and the Pearson Lakes Art Center hosts visual art exhibits across six different galleries along with independent films. And although the area is jam-packed with attractions, the natural world is never far from reach. There are more public beaches than you can count on two hands, and well-groomed trails are easily found in Pikes Point and Gull Point state parks.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Okoboji

The lakes come alive in the summertime when hot daily temperatures make swimming and boating possible, and the town celebrates with a fireworks show every Saturday night. Each August, the Blue Water Festival is held in town to help raise awareness for watershed protection, and conservation groups, exhibitors, and musicians are invited to help get the public fired up about the local lakes. The crisp and breezy fall lures an influx of hikers and mountain cyclists to the trails, and art-lovers come to experience a local art festival that combines scenic drives with open studio tours. In winter, you can expect more than 30 inches of snow, and spring ushers in the return of the fishing season.


Top things to do in Okoboji

Arnolds Park

Just five minutes to the south of Okoboji is Arnolds Park, where you’ll find the quirky Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the lakeside Promenade, and bumping bars and nightclubs. The biggest draw is Arnolds Park Amusement Park, an attraction founded in 1889 with about 30 rides and attractions to enjoy, including one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world.

Gull Point State Park

With one of the best beaches in Okoboji, this state park provides winning views of West Okoboji Lake and amenities like a playground. In the middle sits the large Gull Point Lodge, which was constructed for the public in 1933. The self-guided hiking trails here are great for beginners as they’re just over one mile each.

Lake Hopping

Okoboji is surrounded by water, and while you’re visiting, you have the opportunity to see at least four different lakes: West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake, Center Lake, and Big Spirit Lake. Local outdoor outfitters and boat shops rent out kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and motorboats for use on all of the lakes, and you can also fish for local favorites like walleye and perch from public docks. For another protected beachfront, check out Pikes Point State Park on West Okoboji Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Okoboji?

    Okoboji has a continental climate, with warm summers reaching highs of around 83°F (28°C) and cold winters, where temperatures can drop to around 8°F (-13°C). The region is known for its snowfall, making it a winter wonderland ideal for outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Okoboji?

    You can explore the natural beauty of Okoboji, with activities such as boating on the chain of lakes, hiking at Dickinson County Nature Center, or cycling along the 17 miles (27 km) of Iowa Great Lakes Trail. The Arnolds Park Amusement Park is also a frequently suggested site for family fun.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Okoboji?

    Summer is a frequently suggested time to visit Okoboji, when the University of Okoboji Winter Games take place. Also, the Okoboji Blue Water Festival occurs in August and attracts visitors with a lineup of environmental speakers, live music, and a boat parade.

  • What are the best places to stay in Okoboji?

    The area around the lakes such as East Okoboji Lake and West Okoboji Lake are popular places to stay, offering scenic views and easy access to water activities. Downtown Okoboji is another favored spot, providing a range of dining and shopping options.

  • What are the best places to visit in Okoboji?

    Often recommended places to visit include the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, the Dickinson County Nature Center, and the Abbie Gardner Cabin. Arnolds Park Amusement Park and the historic Higgins Museum of National Banking are also popular spots.

  • What are some hiking trails in Okoboji?

    For hiking enthusiasts, Okoboji has the Kenue Park Nature Trail and the Brooks National Golf Club trail. The Iowa Great Lakes Trail also provides a scenic 17 miles (27 km) route for hikers and cyclists, bordering East Okoboji Lake and West Okoboji Lake.

  • What are some family activities to do in Okoboji?

    Families can enjoy out on the water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking, visiting the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, or discovering local wildlife at the Dickinson County Nature Center. The Pearson Lakes Art Center, with its kid-friendly exhibits, is another popular choice.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Okoboji?

    Explore the vast natural beauty of Gull Point State Park, a short drive from Okoboji, where you can trek through the many hiking trails and observe local wildlife. Discover the region's history at the Dickinson County Nature Center, or have a fun-filled day at Arnolds Park Amusement Park, known for its traditional rides and lakefront views. Lastly, for an immerse art experience, the Pearson Lakes Art Center provides a variety of exhibits and performances.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Okoboji?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 10 vacation rentals in Okoboji featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Okoboji?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Okoboji. Choose from more than 10 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. Iowa
  4. Dickinson County
  5. Okoboji