Located in Dickinson County, Okoboji is part of the Iowa Great Lakes region. Its population is estimated at around 768 as of the 2020 census. The town is a popular destination for families, with a number of attractions for visitors to enjoy. You can visit Bouncelandia, Indian Motorcycle Experience Center, and Arnold’s Park Museum.
Bouncelandia
For those who aren’t familiar with Bouncelandia, it’s a place with one of the biggest bounce houses in the Midwest. This flagship attraction covers over 13,000 square feet and towers over 32 feet off the ground. If you’re unsure whether the jumps are safe for your children, be sure to read the waivers on their website.
If you’re looking for a place where the whole family can enjoy a day out in the sun, then Bouncelandia is the place for you. You can jump around on the giant inflatable bounce houses and other inflatable attractions. There’s even a giant bouncy obstacle course for the kids. You can also play some paintball games or shoot Gelly Blasters, which are safe for children six and older.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing day, check out the nearby Okoboji Boat Works Marina. This historic marina was originally opened in 1890, and now hosts both seasonal and daily ticket rentals. While you’re here, be sure to visit Bouncelandia, the largest bounce house in the world. This attraction features giant bouncers and a 32-foot inflatable Twister. In addition to the bounce house, Bouncelandia also features a two-screen theater.
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, try one of the area’s mini golf courses or go ice fishing. You’ll be surprised at how many things you can do in Okoboji while you’re here. Be sure to check out the local events and upcoming festivals in the area.
After your visit to Bouncelandia, be sure to spend some time at the nearby Boji Splash Indoor Water Park. There’s a lazy river, slides, and even water cannons. The park also has an indoor coffeehouse, where you can enjoy a coffee and baked goods. You can also grab a quick lunch or some hand-dipped ice cream.
Indian Motorcycle Experience Center
The Indian Motorcycle Experience Center is an indoor experience center that features the history of Indian Motorcycles. The center includes a collection of vintage motorcycles, memorabilia, and other items of interest. It also offers exclusive factory merchandise. In addition, the center offers video tours of the manufacturing plant. The tours last about 45 minutes, and visitors can watch the production lines and observe the workers at work.
Visitors can take a factory tour, learn how the motorcycles are made, and experience the entire manufacturing process. From the engine assembly to the fully assembled motorcycle, the tour guides take visitors through each step of the manufacturing process. Throughout the tour, they also learn about the technology and heritage of the Indian motorcycle.
After years of struggle and uncertainty, Indian Motorcycle is finally back in San Diego. With a new ownership and a new location, the company is committed to delivering a first-rate experience to consumers. The new dealership is expected to open in late May or early June. It is located at 9240 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
Visitors can see the Indian Scout FTR750, a dedicated flat-track racer. Its new 750cc V-twin engine boasts dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. It sits on a streamlined chassis, which is designed for versatility. It also features a front fork and a rear monoshock that can be adjusted to ride in any position.
After the success of the Indian motorcycle, the company produced more than 500 motorcycles. These bikes included the first v-twin factory racer. During World War I, Indian supplied almost 50,000 motorcycles to the US Army. The design of most Indian motorcycles during this time was based on the Powerplus layout.
Indian Hills Golf Club
If you love to play golf, Indian Hills Golf Club is a great choice. This nine-hole course is set in the heart of the Great Lakes Region and offers expansive lake views and native prairie grass. The course is in great condition and offers multiple tee boxes for varying skill levels.
The course first opened in 1962 and has undergone major renovations in recent years. The course is a great place for a date or family outing. It also has a restaurant, Pub 19, and a watershed. Another great place to visit in Okoboji is Parks Marina, where you can enjoy live music, a gift shop, and even boat slips.
If you don’t want to play golf, you can also visit the nearby Round Lake Vineyard, which features over 19,000 vines. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at their bistro. If you are looking for other family activities, you should check out the Fish Hatchery, which is vital to the fish populations of Minnesota. The Hatchery also offers educational programs for children and adults alike.
Near Indian Hills Golf Course, there are several scenic parks and lakes in the area. You can also enjoy the course’s proximity to Spirit Lake, the Center Lake Wildlife Area, and West Okoboji Lake. You can walk to these scenic spots on foot, as well as other local attractions.
Arnold’s Park Museum
If you are a history buff and looking for fun places to visit in Okoboji, you may want to check out Arnold’s Park Amusement Park. This historic amusement park has 23 rides and is spread out over 20 acres. The rides range from full-fledged amusement park rides to Go-Karts. The park also has a River Cruise on West Okoboji Lake. There are also several historic landmarks that surround this park.
Located near East Lake Okoboji, this park is a great place to take the kids. There’s a Minnie Queen that kids can ride, and there’s an Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum that details the history of bands and artists that have performed in the area. Kids can also enjoy listening to music from the museum’s old jukebox.
The museum also contains a large collection of local relics and images. Visitors can see an original boat pulled from West Okoboji, a reproduction of the Okoboji Store, and antique signs. The museum is an important part of the Historic Arnolds Park experience. The museum even houses the original Fun House Slide!
Another great place to visit in Okoboji is the Maritime Museum. You can explore the history of the lake through the museum’s displays of antique wooden boats. This museum also features many interesting stories about Lake Okoboji. Monte especially loved the pre-WWII boat that was found at the bottom of the lake.
If you have kids, you can take them to the Arnolds Park Amusement Park. There are a number of attractions there that are free and great for families. The park also hosts free summer concerts in the Preservation Plaza. If you visit during the summer, you’ll want to check out the Jazzed Up Big Band on Tuesday evenings. You can even catch a free family movie during Movies in the Park.
Indian Lakeside Laboratory
If you’re looking for an exciting day trip, check out the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. This historic campus dates back to 1912. Michael J. Lannoo wrote the history of the lab in his 2012 book, The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory: A Century of Discovering the Nature of Nature. Visitors are welcome to tour the campus and visit the lab, which is home to several research laboratories and is open to the public during daylight hours.
The region around Okoboji is also home to an interesting Maritime Museum and a large amusement park. Whether you want to learn about how boats are made, or learn more about the history of Minnesota’s lakes, the area is sure to please.
While you’re in town, be sure to check out the Dickinson County Nature Center, which features an indoor beehive, an osprey nest cam, and a butterfly house. There’s also a kids’ play area with a science theme, and 60 miles of scenic trails to explore.
Another attraction worth checking out in Okoboji is the Boji Splash Indoor Water Park. There’s a gigantic pool, a lazy river, and slides, so the whole family can enjoy it. If you’re not interested in water sports, the water park’s museum and rare artifacts will entertain you.
