*Iowa’s most famous summertime destination is also a great location anytime of year. Especially if you love museums, warm and cozy hotel stays and juicy steaks! Our visit to Dickinson County was funded and sponsored by the Western Iowa Tourism Region. Some of the goods, meals and services were complimentary. The views expressed in this blog post are of our own. Now, let’s Gallivant!
Boating, fishing, hiking trails, beaches and cannonballs from the wooden piers at the lakes all over Dickinson County are just a few of the moments you can imagine when you’re here. This region is the ideal area for anyone who loves to be on the water during their summer vacations and weekend getaways. However, Dickinson County is open year round with plenty to do while you figure out ways to keep a family active during the cooler weeks ahead.
Let’s Eat Steak
For a superior supper head to the town of Superior, Iowa! The Softail Saloon pops up from Highway 9 like an entertaining beacon for road trippers from far away and nearby locals! 811 1st AvenueI bellied up to the bar and welcomed the surf turf to stampede and flood it’s way through my time in Superior. 8oz Top Sirloin topped with mushrooms and onions with fried coconut shrimp and buttery Texas toast. Bring this steak supper on any day! Click on the video below and see what Softail’s served up…
A Superior way to enjoy Western Iowa!
Museum Hunting
The Okoboji area is full of history and plenty of it can be seen indoors throughout its abundant museums. Step into Iowa’s musical past and hear from its legends when get to Arnolds Park!
The Iowa Rock’N Roll Museum will give you an even bigger appreciation for what heartland musicians created for this historic industry. Located right next door to the Arnolds Park amusement park, restaurants, shopping, stunning lakefront and with plenty of parking.It’s no surprise that live entertainment could be playing the tunes of yesteryear when you arrive. Their Hall of Fame is another part of the museum you’ll find yourself enjoying with your own rhythm.That memory lane trip you’ve been thinking about will rush in while you’re exploring Arnolds Park. Concerts you went to, wished you attended and some you didn’t know about are on display with incredible musical exhibits all over the museum.The picture taking will be ample and with a bevy of opportunities to get tons of selfies with stars of Iowa’s Rock’N Roll lore.
Another way to get your motor running in Dickinson County! Boating buffs will want to get out on the water with these vintage pieces of maritime history.The collection here can inspire anyone to take the plunge and get their own lake going vessel zipping around Okoboji.This is about as close as I’ll get to that selfie of my own boat. I prefer the view from Maritime Museum’s collection!And don’t forget to stop by the gift shop when you’re visiting the Iowa Rock’N Roll Museum and the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum. Because you can also take home a gum ball machine!
The Lakes is an obvious choice for when you want to get a good looking boat on the water. This area of Iowa also attracts the folks who like to get their rides out on the main drag in vintage style as well. That’s why Okoboji Classic Cars is a must-see for the car and art lovers!
Walking into this facility is like being in a life sized time capsule that’s also a time machine.Wait! Did I say, time machine? Okoboji Classic Cars has a real DeLorean for all of us who love 80s nostalgia!Going through this amazing collection will give you a blast from the past with replicated main drags and historic businesses of the Iowa Lakes area.Down in front! You’re at the drive-in now, and in the middle of so many memories for the locals who called the lakes home.Sunset in Okoboji can be enjoyed during every moment you’re living at Okoboji Classic Cars.Jack Rees was the man who gave me the tour of this unbelievable marvel and he is also the artist behind the mural that loops around the huge walls of Okoboji Classic Cars. After he completed this impressive project it became the largest mural painted by one person in the world!
Lunchtime
There is no shortage of great restaurants with the open sign on in the Okoboji area. Even during the off-peak season!
One & One in the City of Arnolds Park is where you’ll find one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in the entire State of Iowa!Slurp your way through lunch with the One & One Low Mein noodles!We were on the prowl for beef inspired meals and we found an absolutely delicious one at One & One!
Check-In
A wide selection of hotels are available all around the lakes that can offer everything you need for a relaxing getaway to Okoboji all yearlong. Especially in the winter when your family is wanting to be active and yearning for a change of scenery. Kickback and get some energy out at the AmericInn Lodge of Okoboji!
Directly on HWY 71 and the main drag of Okoboji is this wonderful AmericInn! 1005 Brooks Park Drive 712-332-9000The familiar lobby we’re always expecting when we check into an AmericInn, and we’ve been to several, while this lodge in Okoboji is without a doubt one of their most impressive properties.Clean rooms, crisp linens, welcoming atmosphere and wonderful staff all around this hotel in Okoboji!
Suppertime
There’s a lot to cover when you’re in Dickinson County with some gems outside of the lakes. Small town good times and good cooking can be found at Main Street Bar & Grill in Terril! Click on the video below and see what steak night is all about on Main Street….
Ribeyes cut fresh from nearby Ruthven Locker and delivered to the Main Street Bar & Grill. Cooked perfectly, tender, juicy and paired with a lot of great company in Terril.Cheesy twice baked potatoes loaded with bacon makes the experience even more delicious at Main Street Bar & Grill!
Time to Unwind
Back to the lodge! The AmericInn patio has some inviting fire pits for an evening of peaceful surroundings in Okoboji.The indoor pool is what your winter needs in Iowa. Get over to this AmericInn and splash your way through a getaway during the chilly months or the inviting summer ahead!It’s like a sauna in here! Maybe that’s because it is. Dad jokes are always best when you’re relaxing like this…Just down the road from the AmericInn is Okoboji Brewing Company! A cold Iowa craft beer to close out another terrific day in Dickinson County!The morning will be sure to arrive and so will the AmericInn’s complimentary breakfast. And there will always be plenty of hot coffee awaiting your arrival.
Summer splendor is the specialty at Iowa’s Great Lakes region, but there’s never a dull time to take your family here or during a much needed grownup getaway, fishing adventure, random road trip or for any reason you need to get up to NW-Iowa whenever you want! Sauna, cannonball, repeat…Always remember that TIG tip….
Make your reservations for the AmericInn Lodge of Okoboji on their website.
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