01 OKO 06-30

49 items for 

your best 

summer yet 

Okoboji Magazine 

Seven 

FOR 

I O W 

A 

G 

R 

E 

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L 

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E 

K 

S 

House party 

on Eagle Point 

JULY 2024 

VOLUME 37 | NO. 4 | $4.95 

sweet 

SUMMER dreams 

Custom elements elevate West Lake home

Dominates 

the open road, 

not the 

open wallet. 

Come into Graham Automotive and take advantage of our summer specials. 

GrahamVW.com 

605-336-3655 | 1-888-540-6399 

801 West 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD

JULY 2024 OKOBOJI MAGAZINE 3

SIOUX CITY • SIOUX FALLS • OMAHA • FARGO • WAYZATA 

SIOUX FALLS • Bridges at 57 th 

2109 W. 57TH STREET • SIOUX FALLS, SD • (605)338-9060 • WWW.GUNDERSONS.COM

OKOBOJI CONTENTS 

SEVEN FOR SEVEN 

24 CHOOSE YOUR OWN 

ADVENTURE 

Trails lead in every direction 

36 

58 


Seven 

FOR 

I O W 

A 

G 

R 

E 

A 

T 

L 

A 

K 

S 

E 

Our annual 

Seven for 7 

issue includes 

a variety of fun 

ways to enjoy 

the Iowa Great 

Lakes. 

30 WHAT A NIGHT 

Ladies Night can be whatever 

your gal pals need it to be 

36 SHOP AROUND 

One-of-a-kind finds are part 

of the thrill in Okoboji shopping 

54 DOWN TO A FINE ART 

Art in the Park is a favorite showcase for 

local and regional artists 

58 CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES 

Summer’s the only time for parades, 

camping, movies under the stars 

41 SUMMER SIPS 

No matter your spirit of choice, 

fresh ingredients elevate cocktails 

54 

47 LA COMIDA MAS FINA 

No language barrier here, we all love a 

good taco... or burrito... or fajita.... 

41 


OKOBOJI CONTENTS 

64 

Show-stopping light feature, 

floating staircase create wow 

factor in contemporary home. 

OKOBOJI Magazine 

is dedicated to an upscale, 

fun-filled midstates lifestyle, 

exemplified by the homes, 

activities and traditions that 

make up the Iowa Great 

Lakes. The magazine is 

distributed in northwestern 

Iowa, southwestern Minnesota, 

eastern South Dakota and 

eastern Nebraska. We welcome 

suggestions, story ideas and 

letters to the editor. 

74 

SPECIAL 

13 RETREAT ON WEST 

Patience and planning result in 

home that suits family perfectly 

64 TRANSFORMATION 

Home with views in every direction 

planned for one-of-a-kind property 

70 TO THE POINT 

Maritime Museum now home 

to donated arrowhead collection 

74 PHOTOGRAPHY 

COLLABORATION 

Eleven local photographers 

featured in volume of images 

founder and publisher 

Peter W. Wagner 

president 

Jeff Wagner 

editor 

Myrna Wagner 

sales 

Brittany Dolphin 

writing team 

Kate Harlow 

Rylan Howe 

editorial design 

Kirsten Elyea 

Thea Sterrett 

advertising design 

Camryn Reinking 

Elizabeth Myers 

Kira Spaans 

photography 

Rylan Howe 

JULY 2024 

ON THE COVER 13 

Patriotic sleeping quarters 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYLAN HOWE 

IN EVERY ISSUE 

8 EDITOR’S VIEW 

Make the most of summer 

68 OKOBOJI TOUR 

Boji Bantam adds theatre camp; 

writers featured at Blue Water Festival 

76 LOOK AROUND THE LAKES 

Grants awarded, mural painted, 

Queen survives rough waters 

VOLUME 37 | NO. 4 | $4.95 

OKOBOJI Magazine is published seven 

times a year by Iowa Information, Inc., 

Sheldon, Iowa. 

For advertising rates and 

other questions, please contact us. 


PO Box 160, Sheldon IA 51201 

800-247-0186 | 712-324-5347 

Fax (712) 324-2345 

okoboji@iowainformation.com 

Write or call if you would like to 

subscribe to OKOBOJI Magazine. 

A one-year subscription costs $20. 

©2024 OKOBOJI Magazine 

No material from this publication 

may be copied or in any way reproduced 

without written permission from the 

publisher. 

Okobojimag.com 

6 OKOBOJI MAGAZINE JULY 2024


EDITOR’S VIEW 

Sweet summertime creates a dilemma 

when there’s more to do than time to do it 

This issue of the magazine 

creates a bit of a conundrum 

for me. I love that it is packed 

full of all sorts of wonderful 

and interesting things to see, do and 

experience in the Iowa Great Lakes. 

That makes me excited. 

Then I realize there will never be 

enough time in these last two months 

of summer to fit everything in. 

And that makes me sad. 

For example, as I read through Erin 

Reed’s suggestions for checking out 

the Dickinson County Trail system, my 

mind began planning ways to check 

out each of the seven segments, one 

each weekend. But then I realized I 

didn’t have that many open Saturdays 

left on our calendar. 

Good thing the trails aren’t limited 

only to the summer season. 

Then I looked at the ideas for 

Ladies Night Out, and my success 

rate looked a bit better. I already 

faithfully attend the weekly Okoboji 

Summer Theatre performances, so 

put a check mark in that box. Granted, 

I attend for work, and my husband 

and I make it a date night, so it’s not 

Ladies Night, but at least I get there. 

Ladies Night Out suggestions 

also included dancing (not going to 

happen), dining (I’m all over that one) 

and shopping (looking forward to the 

week my sister will spend here, as she 

loves shopping even more than I do). 

Which is the perfect segue into our 

shopping list and items you didn’t 

know you needed. The pickle ball 

paddles are too cute and the lamps 

made out of recycled coffee cans are 

something that make me think of my 

dad. He’s very clever that way, one 

time gifting me for Christmas a lamp 

he made from an antique blue Mason 

jar. 

My dad could easily showcase his 

woodworking alongside the vendors 

at Art in the Park, though he’s too 

humble to do so, and says he doesn’t 

want his hobby to become a chore. 

Our profiles of seven artists you’ll 

meet at Art in the Park includes one 

woodworker and covers a wide range 

of mediums and styles. I’ve become 

a fan of local, original art for the 

stories that go with each piece. My 

experience when attending the event 

is that the artists are all happy to talk 

about their work and inspirations. And 

they all love spending a day next to 

the water in the heart of Arnolds Park. 

Opportunities for Mexican food 

has me adding those places to our 

theatre date nights, as my husband 

and I often don’t know where to grab 

a meal on Tuesday nights. Sometimes 

we don’t budget enough time and 

once found ourselves eating chicken 

in the parking lot of the KwikStar. I 

am determined not to let that happen 

again this year. 

Of all the great things in this issue, 

my favorites may still be the home 

features. We showed you the exterior 

of the Willett home in August of 2023, 

and return this month for a tour of the 

inside. 

We also got to see inside a home 

that finished just in time for a festive 

open house at the end of May. 

Touring the house while nibbling a 

delicious macaroon created a rather 

sweet evening. 

I also must brag a little on the 

talents of our own Rylan Howe, 

whose work you all see in every issue 

of this magazine. He was invited to 

participate in the latest Lakes-area 

photography book by Tom Gustafson. 

It’s a great book touching on all the 

seasons. Some images included in the 

book are on display at the Pearson 

Lakes Art Center in an exhibit 

scheduled to wrap up in early July. 

Don’t miss it! 

As we send this magazine off to the 

printer we are all eagerly watching 

the rising water levels and hoping our 

summer isn’t brought to a stand-still 

by no wake zones on the lakes. 

If that happens, fortunately there 

are still plenty of things to do. 

Far more even than our lists of 49. 


We don't just sell 

homes, we offer a 

Lakes 

Lifestyle. 

Experience & knowledge you can trust 

HOIEN REALTY - Lakeshore Specialists Since 1952 

712.336.2790 ][ 1723 Hill Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA ][ www.hoien.com



We are PASSIONATE about 

CREATIVITY and QUALITY in the 

BUILDING of IOWA GREAT LAKES HOMES. 

If you’re planning to build or remodel in the near 

future, take time to meet with us to help plan the 

home you’ve always wanted. 

LEE 

CUSTOM 

HOMES 

15221 Weather End 

Drive | Spirit Lake, IA 

712-339-1997 

www.lchomesiowa.com

OKOBOJI HOME 

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY 

BY RYLAN HOWE 

ON WEST OKOBOJI 

WILLETTS 

REALIZE PLANS 

FOR DREAM 

HOME IN IOWA 

GREAT LAKES 

Sometimes the best laid 

plans just have to wait a 

little longer. 

Bill and Suellen Willett 

first bought a home on 

West Okoboji Lake in 2004 and 

shortly thereafter bought the 

small cottage next door to serve 

as a guest house and overflow 

when they entertained large 

groups of friends and family in 

the Iowa Great Lakes. 

They had come up with the 

blueprints and compiled a wish 

list for a new build when the timing 

was right, and in the meantime 

spent a number of years 

simply fixing up the cottage 

here and there. 

Finally in fall of 2020 they decided 

to take the plunge, tearing 

down the old home in September 

and officially moving in 

during the winter of 2022 and 


enjoying their first summer 

months in the new space last 

year. 

They tasked Derek and Dan 

Lee of Lee Custom Homes to realize 

their dream home. 

“We had initially worked up a 

wish list of what we would like to 

see in a home on the lake,” Suellen 

said. “There are so many cool aspects 

to what Dan and Derek did 

with the house that it’s hard not to 

fall in love with every part of it.” 

BUILDER 

POINT OF VIEW 

“The whole project just came 

out amazing and gorgeous 

and it was a wild time to 

build a house during COVID,” 

Derek said. “The amount of 

trust we had from Bill and 

Suellen was awesome — a 

lot of stuff in here came from 

a sketch or discussion — 

and that’s where Dan thrives, 

when he has the freedom 

to come up with that kind of 

stuff like the shower and the 

wine cellar, that’s the part he 

likes the most.” 

At the top of the wish 

list was a big kitchen. 

The Willetts love to 

cook and often entertain 

large groups of family and 

friends as well as host 

company retreats on the 

lake, so having plenty of 

elbow room in that area of 

the home was a must. 

When you have 20 

people coming through 

fixing up plates even a 

large kitchen can feel 

tight. 

“So that was one of 

the big keys,” Suellen said. 

“When you’re entertaining, 

no matter how big 

the house is, everyone ends up in the 

kitchen at some point and we both enjoy 

cooking so now we’re not stepping over 

each other when we’re both in here so 

that’s really nice.” 

The kitchen in the new home feels 

even more spacious considering the 

open plan combining the living room 

with the large windows overlooking the 

lake. 

Just inside the main entrance is the 

first change to the original designs for 

the home. 

“It really evolved a lot,” Suellen said. 

“Especially when you’re already in the 

building process when you’re walking 

by the house and Bill says, you know, we 

could really put two bedrooms over that 


Two cooks in the kitchen is not a 

problem for the Willetts, as they 

designed a space for both 

cooking and entertaining. 

garage, so there were some pivots 

along the way.” 

So now there is a back staircase 

that leads upstairs to what they call 

a “Kid Friendly Zone,” essentially a 

bunk suite with its own bathroom 

and laundry room where all their 

young visitors can hang out together. 

Down the hallway one passes 

another stairway, this one with a 

subtle nod to the nearby lake with 

the shapes of oars worked into the 

railings. 

“I spend way too much time on 

Pinterest and I just said I would love 

a nautical staircase but I didn’t want 

to be cheesy,” Suellen said. “Dan 

and Derek have such a nice touch 

with these things. I shot them a couple 

of pictures and they ran with it.” 

Past a cozy work space and coffee 

bar area is the master suite and 

one of Suellen’s favorite spaces. 

On the third floor of the home 

the view goes for miles across West 

Okoboji and 

the adjoini 

n g m a s t e r 

bathroom and 

walk-in closet 

includes more 

than one eye 

opening detail. 

M a t c h i n g 

c h a n d e l i e r s 

are one such 

stunning detail 

while the gorgeous 

backlit 

onyx shower 

takes the top prize. 

“This might be my favorite space 

next to the kitchen. I call this my Vegas 

shower!” Suellen said. 

Getting to the main floor and 

lower level is a zip via the elevator, 

another aspect of the build that 

evolved over time. 

Initially planned as just a shaft 

with the option to install an elevator 

in the future, they decided to go 

ahead in the midst of construction. 

“We thought if we’re already this 

far we’re going to put it in and it’s 

certainly already come in handy as 

we’ve been moving things in and 

out,” Suellen said. 


The lower level includes 

a space to relax and watch 

the big game, as well as a 

bar and wine cellar that 

features another beautiful 

backlit onyx feature. 

Each bedroom on the 

lower level has its own 

distinct themes and fun 

features including a floorto-ceiling 

photo of Arnolds 

Park Amusement Park in one and an 

oversized map of the Lakes in another 

while one even features decorative 

touches with a nod to the time frame 

— the COVID pandemic — during 

which the house was constructed. 

“You know people have asked me 

if we would change anything about 

this and I’d say ‘no,’” Suellen said. “We 

absolutely love it and it was definitely 

worth the process. Building during 

COVID was interesting and we had a 

few hiccups along the way with even 

simple things like being able to get 

the shingles. But now it’s really hard 

for me to leave and when we go back 

to Omaha I’ll be walking around the 

house thinking it needs some work!” 

What they also worked hard at 

was preserving some of the history of 

the site. 

They were able to use all the wood 

from the old cottage throughout the 

new home. 

A lot of it is built into a stunning 

corner staircase connecting the lower 

level and main floor. 

“All of the wood is the cedar from 

the old house, which is so cool and 

made me so happy,” Suellen said. “I 

love mixing old with new and there 

were a few pieces of my mother’s 

that needed some love and I just 

couldn’t part with, so it makes me 

happy to be able to have some of 

those pieces that have been with us 

for years now in the new home.” 

The Lees also unearthed a treasure 

when they found a painting of 

the old cottage and gave it to the Willetts 

for Christmas. 

“When I saw that I figured that 

painting must have been made when 

it was brand new because I was 

thinking that house never looked that 

good!” Suellen laughed. 


VOLUME 36 | NO. 5 | $4.95 

Speaking of new, perhaps the biggest 

talking point of the new home 

will be the magnificent staircase in the 

main entryway. 

Embedded lights give it the ability to 

glow from all angles, taking the home 

to another level literally and figuratively. 

Talking points aside, one of the biggest 

goals for the Willetts was to have 

people feel 

comfortable 

in their new 

lake home. 

“We didn’t 

want to feel 

too stuffy or 

t o o f o r m a l 

where people 

d o n ’ t f e e l 

comfortable 

sitting down 

on a couch. It 

needed to be 

kid friendly, 

dog friendl 

y a n d b i g 

enough for a 

lot of guests,” 

Suellen said. 

“And being maintenance free, or at 

least minimum maintenance was big, 

not only for the exterior but the same 

way inside. It had to look nice and hold 

up. Now, after having seven kids here 

last week I think we got it broken in really 

well!” 

AUGUST 2023 

And now they look forward to 

breaking it in further with a full summer 

of fun on West Okoboji. • 

SHAWS IN THE BUSINESS 

OF DELIVERING HAPPINESS 

QUEEN II’S CAPTAINS SHARE 

VIEW FROM THEIR VANTAGE 

OUTDOOR LIVING EDITION 

LIVING THE 

dream 

PATIENCE PAYS OFF FOR HOMEOWNERS 

CHECK IT OUT! 

Want to see the exterior? 

Find it at: www.okobojimagazine.com. 



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TOP SEVENS FOR YOUR 

Summer at the Lakes 


Seven 

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Take a look around the Iowa Great Lakes and there 

are countless ways to spend time at one of our favorite 

places on the planet. We’ve whittled those 

limitless options down to just 49 for you to consider. 

From dishes to light up your taste buds to ideas for the 

perfect ladies night out to the most beautiful stretches of 

the Iowa Great Lakes trail system — we’ve got you covered. 

Enjoy our annual Seven for 7 edition, curated just for you. 




7 SCENIC SECTIONS OF DICKINSON COUNTY TRAILS 

adventure 

CHOOSE YOUR OWN 

There are a lot of ways to spend a 

perfect day in the Iowa Great Lakes. 

At the top of that list could be exploring 

its scenic beauty through the 

Dickinson County Trail system. 

At 52 miles and counting, the network of 

trails in the Lakes area brings people close 

to nature, right into the heart of the action in 

Arnolds Park and connects multiple communities 

across the county. 

Cycling might be the most popular activity 

on the trails, but walking, jogging, even snowmobiling 

on certain groomed sections of trail 

during the winter months as well as cross 

country skiing are all great ways to get outside 

and enjoy this fantastic amenity. 

Birdwatching is even popular as cyclists 

or walkers bring their binoculars to check out 

the waterfowl in Garlock Slough or the osprey 

nesting at the Dickinson County Nature Center. 

We talked with Erin Reed, executive director 

of the Dickinson County Trails Board, 

about the increasing popularity of the trails 

system. 

“Really anywhere in the heart of the Iowa 

Great Lakes you can just get on your bike and 

go,” Reed said. “You can go different directions 

and have totally different experiences.” 

For this list Reed highlighted seven particularly 

scenic sections that are not to be missed 

this summer, or any season, in the Iowa Great 

Lakes. 



TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYLAN HOWE 

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Fish Hatchery and Isthmus Park Trail 

Perhaps an overlooked section of trail, but nevertheless often a hub of activity, especially 

when the spillway is full of water and full of fish. 

There are several parking options from the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery and Isthmus 

Park and across the road at the Spillway Drive-In. 

All those same spots offer fun points of interest 

for a casual walk or ride. 

Stop to enjoy the running water from the 

green bridge, the view of East Okoboji Lake from 

Isthmus Park, or indulge in a sweet treat at the 

drive-in. It’s all within a short walking distance 

with the capability of extending into a much larger 

jaunt around Big Spirit Lake if so inclined. 

Take a selfie with the collection of owls 

sculpted from an old tree along the way. 

“This is a short little segment with a lot of options 

to go different directions and a whole lot of 

activity right in the immediate area,” Reed said. 

“There are really scenic spots and the possibility 

of continuing onto the rail trail or heading 

down Pioneer Beach where you can hang out at 

Woude’s. It’s just a good little segment for walking 

and enjoying all these different points of interest.” 


Henderson Woods and 

Lower Gar Bridge Trail 

1 

Tucked out of the way near the transition 

from Lake Minnewashta to Lower 

Gar Lake is a stretch often referred to as 

the most beautiful section of trail in 

2 

the Iowa Great Lakes. 

Winding through Henderson 

Woods and across the Lower 

Gar bridge this area includes 

parking at various points within 

the wooded park as well as at the 

boat ramp near the bridge. 

Canopied by towering oak trees and 

flanked by woodland shrubs and wildflowers 

in spring and early summer, it’s 

easy to see why this section is often referred 

to as one of the most picturesque. 

“The bridge is really cool and this is 

one of my favorite sections of the trail 

system,” Reed said. “You have the natural 

tree canopy, a lot of winding around 

and some hills that provide a small challenge. 

It’s just a really, really beautiful 

stretch of trail.” 

trail. 

Spine Trail: Stakeout 

Road to Kiwanis Park 

This section is a straight, mostly flat 

two-and-a-half mile stretch from the trailhead 

on Stakeout Road and 175th St. in 

Okoboji all the way up to Kiwanis Park in 

Spirit Lake. 

The tree-lined route almost forms a 

tunnel of greenery around the cyclists, 

walkers and runners that enjoy this portion of 

It’s also a great section for families that can either 

start or finish with some time on the playground on one 

end or a treat at McDonald’s at the other, and maybe 

spend some time at the YMCA in between. 

“This is a beautiful, protected section of trail that is 

for the most part uninterrupted, so you can feel a little 

more isolated and in the woods and you also get some 

protection from the wind and sun,” Reed said. “I actually 

live just down the road so this is like my personal 

section of trail. I walk it a lot in the winter, too. It’s very 

peaceful.” 


Spine Trail: Milford 13th St. to 202nd St. 

Another chunk of the main spine trail connects 

Milford from a trailhead on 13th St., to 

Arnolds Park at another trailhead on 202nd 

St. near Nature Trails with a nice flat, uninterrupted 

stretch of a few miles in between. 

It is also one of the first segments of the 

original trail system to be built. 

“This is another beautiful stretch of trail 

that is uninterrupted for the most part with a 

tree-lined canopy that is very nice, quiet and 

peaceful,” Reed said. “It’s also close to places 

like West O and the Taco 


Seven 

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House and provides a nice spot for the volunteers 

at the Humane Society to walk their 

dogs and get them their needed exercise.” 

As one nears the trailhead at Nature Trails 

they’ll exit the trees as the trail opens out to 

a view of the pond. 

Turtles can be seen sunning themselves 

on submerged logs and sometimes a set of 

bikes with no riders emerges from the water 

providing a curious sight for passersby. 

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Nature Center Trail: Pearson Lakes 

Art Center to Kenue Park 

An entire day could be spent 

enjoying all the points of interest 

along this relatively short oneand-a-half 

mile loop of trail in 

Okoboji. 

Park at the trailhead off Highway 

71 and check out the native 

plantings and information kiosk, 

or start with exploring the exhibits 

on display at the art center. 

On the other end of the loop 

is Kenue Park with its historic 

old schoolhouse and disc golf 

course with the Dickinson County 

Nature Center in between. 

4 

“It’s a very beautiful 

section of trail 

with a lot of points of 

interest from the art center to 

this beautification project done 

by Imagine Iowa Great Lakes, 

and we have the connection to 

the nature center with all the art 

sculptures along the way,” Reed 

said. “It’s just a beautiful section 

that really highlights everything 

Dickinson County and the Iowa 

Great Lakes are all about. This 

is one of the highlights of the 

trail system for sure.” 

5 



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Tatanka Ska 

Trace: Spirit 

Lake to Lake Park 

From the starting point at the 

stunning and state-of-the-art trailhead, 

Tatanka Ska Trace offers the 

opportunity for a wonderful ride 

from the heart of Spirit Lake all the 

way to downtown Lake Park via an 

almost 12-mile section of rail trail. 

“There is beautiful scenery and 

it’s so peaceful,” Reed said. “You 

have such variety as you go from 

some tree-lined canopy then all of 

a sudden it opens up to wetlands 

and prairie and then rolling hills of 

farmland. You sit up a little higher so 

you get a great view and there are 

a couple cool old trestle bridges as 

you cross the Little Sioux River.” 

The trail itself is largely flat and 

uninterrupted, which Reed notes 

is the beauty of rail trails and what 

makes them such an attractive option. 

The trailhead itself has been a 

wonderful addition to the trail system. 

Drawing inspiration from railroad 

elements as well as Native 

American history, the trailhead offers 

modern amenities including a 

charging station and bicycle work 

station as well as restrooms and 

water fountains. 

“It’s nice to have all these options 

that we haven’t had before on 

our trails,” Reed said. “And this is 

kind of the central hub of the whole 

trail system. It’s at an intersection 

of trails that go north-south and 

east-west through pretty much the 

whole county, so the location is dynamite.” 

6 7 

West Lake Trail: Garlock Slough 

to Emerson Bay 

Hills, bridges, trees and sky high views are among 

the highlights of this section that wraps around the 

southernmost portion of West Okoboji Lake from 

Garlock Slough to Emerson Bay. 

There are a handful of parking pullouts as well 

as the trailhead and parking lot at Emerson Bay 

State Recreation Area for folks to choose from as 

they plan their route. 

There is access to West O Beer through a street 

route and cyclists will pass by Krafty’s and Okoboji Gas 

Company if they need to stop for a snack or beverage. 

“With that view up high looking out over the slough, 

you can probably see as far as the water towers in 

Spirit Lake,” Reed said. “It’s another one of the great, 

peaceful uninterrupted stretches of trail that we have.” 


06.29.2024 

25, 50, & 100 MILE OPTIONS 

HELP US LIGHT UP THE SKY THIS 4TH OF JULY! 

Join us for this 50 year tradition, lighting up the sky over 

the waters of West Lake Okoboji on July 4th. Spark joy in 

the eyes of thousands and create memories with your 

family! Donations can be made online or by check to 

IGLCC Fireworks Fund, PO Box 9, Arnolds Park, IA 51331. 

WHAT 

nig 

A 

Live Music 

If you are hoping to kick up 

your heels or simply sit and 

let the music wash over you 

then there is surely a venue 

and a band you should check 

out —no matter the day. The 

Live at the Lake concert series 

offer free music on Saturday 

nights on the shores 

of West Okoboji Lake, but 

there are a number of other 

fun hot spots including the 

Okoboji Store, Barefoot Bar, 

Bracco, The Gardens, The 

Ritz, Captain’s and more that 

offer up live music throughout 

the week during the 

summer months. 

30 OKOBOJI MAGAZINE JULY 2024

Oh 


Seven 

FOR 

Live Theatre 

I O W 

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S 

ht 

Okoboji Summer Theatre is 

a treasure of the Iowa Great Lakes. 

OST is owned and operated by Stephens 

College and has been a part 

of the fabric of the Iowa Great Lakes 

since 1958. They have presented more 

than 550 productions to an audience of 

1.5 million over more than 60 seasons. 

With seven shows taking place this 

summer there’s sure to be some fun 

ones to check out. 

TEXT BY KATE HARLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYLAN HOWE, SUBMITTED 

yes, it’s ladies’ night. glass of wine — it’s a place that has 

And the feeling’s right. something for everyone. 

The Iowa Great Lakes So grab your friends, sisters or 

is a great place to grab whatever collection of gal pals you 

your girls and hit the town for a ladies’ 

night. Whether your group’s tastes 

runs to getting crafty, dancing to some 

live music or to a really good meal or 

want for a fun night on the town in 

Okoboji. We are sure it will be a night 

to remember. 

Oh, what a night. 

Stretch out 

Maybe instead of a night out you are looking to do an afternoon 

or morning outing with friends. If so, it’s always a good idea to 

relax and give your muscles a workout. Contorting yourself into 

different yoga poses is a chance for a bonding experience with 

friends. The Studio Yoga and Barre and Yoga Okoboji both offer 

a wide range of classes to check out. 


Style your home 

your way 

Eat, 

drink 

and 

be 

merry 

Where Generations of Beautiful Homes Begin 

Complementary Interior Design 

by Kalei 

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Phone 712-262-5420 • www.steffenfurniture.com 

Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-4 • Thurs 9-7 

Tacos. Steak. 

Burgers. Pasta. 

Ice cream. All 

are great options 

for indulging. 

Pair them 

with some wine, 

margaritas, mojitos 

and more 

to tickle your 

taste buds for a 

night of laughter 

and flavor with 

friends. 



Seven 

FOR 

I O W 

Get out on 

the water 

Whether you decide to rent waverunners 

from Extreme Water 

Sports, take paddleboarding 

lessons from SUP Iowa, or enjoy 

a ride on the Queen II — 

there are plenty of ways to enjoy 

some time on the water. 

A 

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S 

GRAB YOUR GIRLS AND ENJOY A NIGHT ON THE TOWN 

Feeling artsy 

If you want to take in some world class art or create 

your own masterpiece, Okoboji’s got you covered. 

The Wine Bar & Art Gallery will give your 

group a chance to raise a glass to beautiful works 

of art. Then there is the Pearson Lakes Art Center 

and Arts on 16th where you can view more works. 

The PLAC also offers a variety of fun classes 

aimed at artists of all abilities. Kurio Castle gives 

you a chance to create a functional piece of art in 

the form of plates and bowls and more. 

Shop until 

you drop 

Picking up fun trinkets 

to remember your 

stay or finding some 

new must-haves for 

your wardrobe is always 

a good way to 

spend time with the 

girls. Start at the Central 

Emporium and the 

Queen’s Court for a 

large number of shops 

all in one spot. But 

make sure to venture 

beyond — you’ll never 

know what you’ll find. 


MORTGAGE OPTIONS FOR 

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Seven 

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TEXT BY KATE HARLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYLAN HOWE 

shop 

AROUND 

SEVEN THINGS YOU DIDN’T EVEN 

KNOW YOU NEEDED FOR SUMMER 

Candy for your skin 

One cute little cube contains some magic. It exfoliate, 

moisturizes and protects your hands and 

feet. Using it is as simple as 1, 2, 3 and the results 

are amazing. It comes in single scents or a collection 

of all. From Ocean Mist to Fresh Lemongrass 

to Mango Sorbet there is a scent for everyone. 

MARY’S GIFT SHOPPE, SPIRIT LAKE 

BONBLISSITY CANDY SCRUBS - ASSORTED PACK 

$22.99 

A plate for every occasion 

From watermelon and hotdogs to Fourth of 

July and Thanksgiving turkeys, these Nora 

Flemming serving ware pieces and attachments 

transform a simple plate to the perfect 

seasonal item by switching the attachments. 

THE BARN SWALLOW, OKOBOJI, IA 

NORA FLEMMING CRACKER TRAY $29.95, 

ATTACHMENTS $13.95 EACH 

A 

game 

to play 

Enjoy a game of 

cribbage on a board 

that is also a beautiful 

piece of art. 

HOMEOLOGY, ARNOLDS PARK, IA 

D&D CUSTOM LASER DESIGNS 

LAKE OKOBOJI CRIBBAGE 

BOARD $49.99 


Save The Fishies 

A beach towel that is designed to dry quickly 

and at the same time is committed to sustainability. 

Sand Cloud donates 10 percent 

of their profits towards marine conservation. 

ANIMAL HOUSE, ARNOLDS PARK 

SAND CLOUD BEACH TOWEL $46 

Pretty paddles 

Pickle ball has swept the nation. It’s a sport that 

everyone can play from young to old. But who 

wants a regular, boring paddle when you can have 

one this pretty? 

BOAT HOUSE APPAREL, ARNOLDS PARK 

TANGERINE PICKLE BALL PADDLE $85 

Flip the switch 

Add a touch of the unique and interesting to 

your home with these one-of-a-kind pieces 

from the Pearson Lakes Art Center’s Little Red 

Gift Gallery. William Gast, of Spirit Lake, has 

created functional art by taking old 

tin cans and transforming them 

into lamps. They range in price. 

LITTLE RED GIFT GALLERY, 

PEARSON LAKES ART CENTER, 

OKOBOJI 

WILLIAM GAST 

CREATIONS, 

ORANGE TEA 

PEKOE LIGHT 

$45, FOLGERS 

COFFEE CAN 

LIGHT $75 

Splash 

These splash proof travel bags are lightweight 

and, most of all, waterproof. They come in a wide 

range of sizes including an adorable light blue 

and white fanny pack. They are perfect to bring 

to the beach, on a picnic or on the boat. 

THE THREE SONS, ARNOLDS PARK, IA 

ALOHA REVERSIBLE TOTE $50, DAY TRIPPER $72, 

MINI HIP PACK $46 


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The Lakes most sought after development 

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Office: 712-337-6500 

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24-1371 



Seven 

FOR 

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MYRNA WAGNER 

I O W 

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Summer 

sips 

No matter if it’s vodka, gin, rum, tequila or bourbon 

that you prefer, mixing with fresh ingredients 

elevates cocktail hour. 

A bit of bubbly? Add lemon and frozen berries. 

Staying away from alcohol? Try a mock-tini. 

Grab your glass and pull up a chair poolside, lakeside or 

on the back patio. 

Summer slips away all too quickly. 


Bubbly 

UP YOUR COCKTAIL GAME WITH THESE RECIPES 

SURE TO PLEASE EVERYON’E’S TASTE BUDS 

Blackberry 

Lemon 

Prosecco 

2 ounces prepared 

lemonade 

2 ounces lemoncello 

Prosecco, chilled 

4-5 frozen blackberries 

Combine lemonade 

and lemoncello and split 

between 2 flutes. 

Drop in 2-3 frozen 

blackberries, then fill with 

chilled bubbly. 

Garnish: fresh 

mint sprigs. 

1 

Rum 

Pineapple 

Coconut Mojito 

No fresh pineapple? 

Substitute 6 ounces 

pineapple juice. 

2/3 cup cubed fresh 

pineapple 

1/4 cup mint leaves 

1 lime, sliced 

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 

1/2 cup coconut milk or 

coconut cream 

1/4 cup coconut water 

4 1/2 ounces white rum 

Muddle pineapple with 

mint, lime and sugar until 

sugar dissolves. Add liquid 

ingredients and shake on ice. 

Strain into two glass with 

fresh ice. 

Garnish: toasted coconut 

flakes, pineapple 

spear and fresh 

mint. 

1 

2 

Tequila 

Peaches 

& Cream 

Margarita 

Juice of 2 limes 

2 ounces peach nectar 

3 ounces silver tequila 

2 ounces peach schnapps 

2 teaspoons cream 

1 teaspoon sugar 

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 

Combine sugar and salt 

on small plate. Rub lime 

wedge along edge of two 

glasses, then dip into the 

sugar and salt mixture. 

Combine lime juice, 

nectar, tequila and 

schnapps in shaker with 

ice. Shake to chill, then 

strain into prepared glass 

over fresh ice. 

Drizzle a teaspoon cream 

over the top, but do not stir. 

Garnish: 

thinly-sliced 

lime wheel. 

2 

3 

Mocktail 

Espresso 

Martini 

4 ounces brewed 

espresso, chilled 

2 ounces heavy cream 

2 ounces simple syrup 

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla 

extract (not artificial) 

Unsweetened cocoa 

powder 

Dip rims of two martini 

glasses into a bit of simple 

syrup on a plate, then 

into unsweetened cocoa 

powder from second plate. 

Combine wet ingredients 

in shaker with ice and 

shake vigorously for 60 

seconds to chill. 

Strain mixture into 

prepared 

glasses. Float 

3 coffee beans 

on top 3of each 4 

drink.


Seven 

FOR 

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Bourbon 

Kentucky 

Buck 

2 ounces bourbon 

3/4 ounce lemon juice 

1/2 ounce simple syrup 

2 strawberries 

2 dashes bitters 

Ginger beer 

Muddle strawberries 

with lemon juice and 

simple syrup in bottom of 

glass. Add bourbon and 

bitters, stir to combine. 

Fill glass with ice, then 

add ginger beer to fill. Stir 

again. 

Garnish: whole 

strawberry sliced half-way 

through to rest 

on rim of glass. 

4 

5 

Vodka 

Cucumber 

Watermelon 

Cooler 

4 ounces vodka 

2 limes, juiced 


1/2 cup cubed watermelon 

8-10 cucumber slices 

1 tablespoon sugar 

zest of 1 lime 

Zest one lime prior 

to juicing. Mix with the 

tablespoon of sugar and 

spread mixture on a small 

plate. Rub lime wedge around 

edge of two glass, then dip 

into the zested sugar mixture. 

Muddle watermelon and 

cucumber in bottom of 

shaker. Add vodka, lime juice 

and simple syrup. Shake with 

ice until chilled. Strain over 

fresh ice into glasses. 

Garnish: thin wedge 

of watermelon 

and a slice of 

cucumber. 

5 6 

Gin 

Key Lime Gin Fizz 

4 ounces gin 

1 1/2 ounces Key lime juice 


1 ounce cream 

1 egg white 

soda water 

Combine gin, lime juice, syrup, cream 

and egg white in shaker. 

Do not add ice at this point, but if you 

have a shaker ball or spring, drop that 

in. Shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes. 

The longer you shake the firmer the 

egg white. Remove the ball and add ice. 

Shake again to cool the drink. 

Strain mixture into Collins glass over 

fresh ice. Allow mixture to stand for a 

minute for the foam to rise to the top. 

Insert a straw carefully into the center 

of the drink. Slowly drizzle the soda 

water down the straw into the drink. 

This will allow the foam to rise above 

the rim of the glass, like a souffle. 

Garnish: sugared lime twist and a 

sprinkle of finely crushed 

graham cracker crumbs. 

6 7

YOUR OKOBOJI 

REAL ESTATE 

CONNECTION! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.buyokoboji.com 


HEALTHCARE WHEN YOU NEED IT 

We're fortunate to have several ways to receive healthcare in the Iowa Great Lakes. 

However, it's important to know where to go for your injury or illness that is the 

best for your health and your finances. Here are some tips to help you out: 

QUICKCARE CLINIC 

Lakes Regional 

Family Medicine 

2301 Hwy 71 South, 

Spirit Lake 

712-336-3750 

Mon-Thurs, 1 - 65 

pm 

Saturday, 8 am - noon 

NON-EMERGENT, ACUTE 

HEALTH CONCERNS 

• Minor burns and cuts 

• Cold or flu symptoms 

• Ear ache 

• Allergies 

• Nausea 

LAKES REGIONAL 

FAMILY MEDICINE 


Spirit Lake 

712-336-3750 

Mon-Fri, 8 am - 5 pm 

CHRONIC AND ROUTINE 

HEALTH CONCERNS 

• Diabetic management 

• Heart health and management 

• Obstetrical care 

• Well child care 

• History and physical examinations 

• Establishing care with a new 

provider 

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT 


Spirit Lake 

Available 

24 hours/day 

every day 

EMERGENT HEALTH 

CONCERNS 

• Chest pain 

• Shortness of breath 

• Major burns/cuts 

• Complications from pregnancy 

• Poisoning or drug overdose 

• Stroke-like symptoms 

• Suicidal thoughts 

WWW.LAKESHEALTH.ORG | 

712-336-1230 

2301 Hwy 71 South | Door A | Spirit Lake 


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Seven 

FOR 

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TEXT AND 

La Comida 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY 

RYLAN HOWE 

MAS FINA 


It doesn’t have to be a Tuesday to enjoy a 

great taco. They are just as delicious on a 

Wednesday or Thursday, or any day of the 

week for that matter. And the wide array 

of Mexican restaurants in the Iowa Great Lakes offer 

all kinds of options to satisfy even the biggest 

appetites. They don’t stop at tacos, there are fajitas 

and burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and much 

more. Here are just a few of the highlights to try this 

summer. 

La Barca 

24 U.S. HIGHWAY 71, ARNOLDS PARK, IA, 712- 

332-6200 

The mixed fajitas and Camarones a la Mexicana 

are a couple of the most popular dishes 

at this longtime Lakes restaurant right at 

the intersection of Highway 71 and Broadway 

Street in Arnolds Park. Shrimp is the 

common ingredient of the two, with the fajitas 

also piling in steak and chicken, served 

with rice, beans, guacamole and tortillas. La 

Mexicana groups the grilled shrimp with onions, 

tomatoes and jalapenos and is served 

with rice and a guacamole salad. 

El Caporal 

2308 17TH ST., SPIRIT LAKE, IA, 712-336-8125 

Spacious enough for the extended family to sit down and enjoy 

a meal together, El Caporal’s menu includes all the classics 

and will have something everyone can enjoy. Pollo al Cilantro is 

a specialty that includes sliced grilled chicken breast, sauteed 

onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, smothered with a creamy cilantro 

sauce over a bed of rice. There are numerous options to 

choose from as far as tacos are concerned as well with tacos 

campenhanos featuring a trio of steak tacos with chorizo, cilantro 

and onions served with rice and beans. Taco al Pastor is 

also popular or mix and match to try as many as possible. 



Seven 

FOR 

Los Pueblos 

384 U.S. HIGHWAY 71, ARNOLDS PARK, IA, 712-332-7315 

The festive spirit of this restaurant in the heart of Arnolds 

Park goes beyond just the colorful exterior and 

decor, but right into the food as well. Come hungry 

for the Molcajete - arriving at the tables sizzling and 

steaming this dish is piled high with carne asada, 

grilled shrimp, chicken, chorizo and jalapenos. It’s also 

topped with green onions and bell peppers and served 

with a pair of taquitos, three slices of quesadilla, rice, 

beans, cheese and tortillas. 

El Mariachi 

1511 18TH ST., SPIRIT LAKE, IA, 

712-339-9669 

I O W 

Nestled in the Great Lakes Mall in 

Spirit Lake, El Mariachi’s cozy atmosphere 

is augmented with sights, 

sounds and smells of a fantastic 

menu cooking away in the kitchen and 

sizzling on its way to the tables in the 

dining room. Texas Fajitas is a popular 

choice with tender strips of beef, 

chicken and shrimp sauteed with bell 

peppers, onions and tomatoes. 

A 

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E 

7 SOUTH OF THE 

BORDER FLAVORS 

IN OKOBOJI 



Seven 

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Taco House 

1614 TERRACE PARK BLVD., MILFORD, IA, 

712-332-5895 

It would be impossible to craft this list 

without the restaurant that has “taco” 

right there in the name. A Lakes area 

institution for decades, Taco House 

also serves as a signifier that the summer 

season has officially started. Locals 

can start getting their fix of meat 

nachos, hard and soft shell taco plates, 

and the famous red and green hot 

sauces in the middle of spring. The line 

stretches to the parking lot all summer 

long and many folks are known to 

stock their freezers before the restaurant 

closes up in the fall. 

Giliberto’s 

320 U.S. HIGHWAY 71, ARNOLDS 

PARK, IA, 712-337-6225 

One of the newer additions 

on this list, Giliberto’s has the 

unique distinction of having a 

drive-thru option at its location 

just down the street from 

Arnolds Park Amusment Park. 

The extensive menu features 

such highlights as the mixed 

fajitas plate, fluffy gorditas and 

sopes, as well as the distinct 

chicken and pork tamales. 

Build Your Own 

WHEREVER YOU LIVE OR STAY IN THE IOWA GREAT LAKES 

The versatility of the taco and burrito lend 

particularly well to backyard barbecues and 

get togethers with family and friends. Ready 

to throw a new item on the yard party menu, 

and branch out from the standard summer fare 

of burgers and hot dogs at your next cookout? 

Try frying a pile of freshly caught fish and letting 

guests build their own tacos with all the fixings. 

Or perhaps stack the outdoor griddle with peppers, 

onions, and those chicken breasts from the 

back of the freezer, sliced and seasoned just right. 

Got a cut of beef you’re not sure how to prepare? 

It’s hard to go wrong with cutting it into strips and 

adding it to the mix! 


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ART IN THE PARK SHOWCASES ARTISTS AND THEIR CREATIONS 

Danielle Clouse Gast 

SPIRIT LAKE, IA 

FIND HER ON INSTAGRAM AND FB: DANIELLE CLOUSE GAST STUDIO, 

DANIELLECLOUSEGAST.COM 

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? 

A: In our house, we were always making art. Drawing, 

painting, making, building forts, etc— creative 

problem solving. It was something I grew up with (my 

dad was a K-12 art teacher) and I guess I never questioned 

being an artist, which is great. Being creative 

— making work— is something I need to do as part 

of my schedule and is part of who I am. 

Q: What is your chosen medium? How did you discover 

it? 

A: I’ve always gravitated towards painting (my BFA 

was a double specialization in painting and ceramics) 

and really jumped into the medium after moving back 

and working in the Iowa Great Lakes in 2008. I was 

determined to make studio time and studio practice, 

and have developed a style/subject matter that continues 

to keep me interested: the northwest Iowa 

landscape. 

Q: What kinds of projects will 

you be showing at Art in the 

Park this year? 

A: My work features the midwest 

landscape — primarily 

Dickinson County — through 

an abstract, colorful approach 

from both the ground 

and aerial perspectives. I 

work in oil on canvas, with 

the smallest sizes often being 10-inch by 10-inch and 

the largest (for a show like Art in the Park) may be 

36 inches by 36 inches or 36 inches by 72 inches. I 

love to work big, but those small pieces are fun and 

can pack a visual punch! 

Q: What are you most looking forward to about this 

year’s Art in the Park? 

A: I love meeting so many people at this show and 

sharing the work. Having folks visit the booth makes 

for a wonderfully social 

day. Okoboji’s Art in the 

Park is a magical outdoor 

event, with conversations 

that happen alongside 

the hum of boats on the 

lake and the sound of the 

roller coaster in the background 

— and the occasional 

Queen II horn is always 

a nice touch, too! 


TEXT BY KATE HARLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUBMITTED 


Seven 

FOR 

Amanda Berg 

MANDY’S HANDMADE FROM BROOKINGS, SD 

MANDY’S HANDMADE: SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: FACEBOOK: MANDYS.HANDMADE11 

INSTAGRAM: AMANDA BERG (@MANDYS.HANDMADE) 

ETSY: MANDYSHANDMADE11 - ETSY 

Q: When did you know you wanted to 

be an artist? 

A: From a young age, I have always 

been a maker of so many things. But 

it has really been in the last two years 

that I have transitioned my passion of 

woodworking into unique pieces of art 

and calling myself an artist. 

Q: What is your chosen medium? How 

did you discover it? 

A: Wood has been my medium for 

the last nine years. My dad did a lot 

of woodworking when I was growing 

up, so I was familiar with it. But it 

wasn’t until I became a homeowner 

with a hand-me-down miter saw that 

I became hooked on wood. It started 

with DIY home projects, then other 

people started asking to make things 

for them. I started selling wood decor 

in retail, but didn’t want to compete 

with other makers and ‘big-box’ stores 

for ideas and pricing. So I transitioned 

my business into making one-of-a-kind 

pieces of art. Something not everyone 

can do. It has been enlightening and I 

truly feel like I have found my artistic 

niche. I enjoy the thrill and freedom of 

creating something truly unique. 

Q: What kinds of projects will you be 

showing at Art in the Park this year? 

A: I am going to have a variety of my 

last three collections. It will include my 

niche of wood mosaics using a wide 

variety of different woods, as well as 

my hand scrolled and carved wood art. 

Q: What are you looking forward to 

about this year’s at Art in the Park? 

A: I have not been an artist at Art in 

the Park before so I am looking forward 

to seeing all new faces! 

I O W 

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fine 

DOWN 

art 

TO A 

Art is everywhere. 

It isn’t contained just to gallery 

walls. 

It can be found in a lot of unique 

locations. In fact, on Saturday, Aug. 3, you’ll be able 

to find art in the great outdoors with a view of West 

Okoboji Lake and a roller coaster in the background. 

Art in the Park, coordinated by the Pearson 

Lakes Art Center, is once again set to take place at 

Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park. The juried show 

will feature handcrafted work of artists from all 

across the nation. 

Meet some of the artists who will be selling their 

creations at this year’s Art in the Park event. 


Susan Hartenhoff 

GARRETSON, SD 

WWW.SUSANHARTENHOFF.NET 

Q: When did you first know you 

wanted to be an artist? 

A: The earliest I remember that I 

wanted to be an artist was about 

10 years old! That desire has 

never died. 

Q: What is your chosen medium? 

How did you discover it? 

A: I use a wide variety of mediums, 

including painting, printmaking, 

ceramics, sculpture and 

making paper but I mainly paint 

in oil. 


you be showing at Art in the Park 

this year? 

A: I will mostly show oil paintings 

of equines and wildlife at Art in 

the Park, with a few small bronze 

sculptures. This year, for the first 

time, I will also display my ceramic 

wall tiles, a grouping of colorfully 

textured ceramic tiles hung 

using handcrafted copper hooks 

from a wooden headboard. I call 

them “From the Earth.” 

Q: What are you most looking 

forward to about this year’s Art 

in the Park? 

A: I love the atmosphere and 

friendly folks I meet every year in 

this beautiful location. 

Bradley D. Hall 

GRANITE FALLS, MN 

Q: When did you first know you 

wanted to be an artist? 

A: I’ve always loved drawing and 

painting. 



A: I kind of fell into printmaking. I 

met my business partner 20 years 

ago, who has a letterpress print 

shop. My style of pen and ink drawing, 

went well with block printing. 

Q: What kinds of projects will you 

be showing this year? 

A: Mostly hand watercolored linoleum 

block prints, framed in barn 

wood. Some original watercolors. 

Q: What are you most looking forward 

to for Art in the Park? 

A: We love Okoboji and the cute 

art show in the little park. 

Adam Nielsen 

OKOBOJI, IA 

Q: When did you first know 

you wanted to be an artist? 

A: I started pursuing it a bit 

more seriously probably seven 

years ago. 



A: I first took a ceramics class 

in high school and one day it 

just clicked, like this is gonna 

be my thing now. 


you be showing at Art in the 

Park this year? 

A: This year I will be 

showing some new forms 

such as martini glasses, 

champagne flutes, liquor 

bottles, mugs and even 

some larger scale work. 

Q: What are you most looking 

forward to about this 

year’s Art in the Park? 

A: Getting to see my work go 

into other hands and be used 

and enjoyed. 



Wayne and Karen Ruff 

BENNINGTON, NE 

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an 

artist, Karen? 

A: At a young age I was always drawing or working in my 

Dad’s shop making art out of scrap metal. 

Q: What is your medium? How did you discover it? 

A: My chosen medium is sculpture. I bought a metal 

moon piece years ago, came home to show it to my husband 

and said you know we could do this. He had welding 

experience, so I went to Mathison Linweld and they 

gave me a five-minute lesson on the plasma cutter and 

said go home and play. So that’s what I did. 

Q: What kinds of projects will you be showing at Art in 

the Park this year? 

A: Our artwork is for your home and garden, so we 

make bird baths, fire features, flowers, tables and 

benches. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to about 

this year’s Art in the Park? 

A: We are looking forward to seeing all the nice 

people and being inside the park. It’s a beautiful 

setting for an art show with the lake right in front 

of us. 

Seven 

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S 

Jill Winders 

SOLON, IA 

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be 

an artist? 

A: Art has always been a part of my life since 

I can remember but I started creating jewelry 

about 20 years ago. 

Q: What is your chosen medium? How did 

you discover it? 

A: I use sterling silver, fine silver, copper, 

brass, leather and semi precious stones. My 

pieces are inspired by nature, earth tones 

and soft colors are what inspire me to create 

my art. 

Q: What kinds of projects will you be showing 

at Art in the Park this year? 

A: I will bring necklaces, earrings and bracelets 

with me to Art in the Park. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to 

about this year’s Art in the Park? 

A: I always look forward to this event each 

year because of the wonderful people and 

the feeling of home. 


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But everyone 

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goes by in the blink 

of an eye. 

So let’s make the 

most of it. 

W h ether your 

family enjoys sand 

in your toes all summer 

or if you would 

rather swing your 

clubs for a round of 

golf the Iowa Great 

Lakes has so many 

ways to celebrate 

summer. 


Town celebrations 

Small towns love to gather together in the summer 

to host celebrations of all kinds. They include 

parades, great food and fun for all. Make 

sure you check out some local celebrations of 

summer this year. 

g Hull Summerfest — July 18-21 

g Sanborn Railroad Days — July 25-28 

g Pioneer Days — July 26-28 

g Doon Days — July 26-27 

g Sweet Corn Days, Estherville — Aug. 1-4 

g Hartley Summer Celebration — Aug. 2-4 

g Celebration Days, Sheldon — 

Aug. 29-Sept. 2 

g Labor Day Celebration, Sutherland — 

Aug. 30-Sept. 2 

d times, 

CELEBRATE 

Beach, please! 

COME ON 

Grab your towel and some sunscreen and hit the sand. 

The Iowa Great Lakes has some wonderful sandy beaches 

just waiting for kids to build sand castles or for taking 

a dip in the cooling waters. If you choose, you could put it 

on your Summer Bucket List to hit each beach in the Iowa 

Great Lakes this summer. 

g Gull Point State Park and Beach, 1500 Harpen St., Milford 

g Arnolds Park Amusement Park Beach, 243 W Broadway 

St., Arnolds Park 

g Arnolds Park City Beach, 389 Highway 71, Arnolds Park 

g Terrace Park Beach, 2414 Okoboji Blvd. Milford 

g Emerson Bay Beach, 3200 Emerson St., Milford 

g Okoboji Boat Works, 1401 Lakeshore Drive, Okoboji 

g Pikes Point State Park, 15973 213th Ave., Spirit Lake 

g Ainsworth-Orleans Beach, 25040 140th St., Spirit Lake 

g Marble Beach State Park — Crandall’s Beach, 1500 

Harpen St., Milford 


Seven 

FOR 

I O W 

A 

G 

R 

E 

A 

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L 

A 

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K 

S 

MAKE THE 

MOST OF 

YOUR SUMMER 

MONTH 2024 OKOBOJI MAGAZINE 59


Seven 

FOR 

I O W 

A 

G 

R 

E 

A 

T 

L 

A 

E 

K 

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Catch some 

thrills 

Screams of fearful 

delight and wonder 

can be heard 

all summer long 

at Arnolds Park 

Amusement Park. 

A day spent riding 

roller coasters, the 

Ferris wheel and 

eating ice cream 

is quintessentially 

summer. 


3 4 

Camping 

The taste of melted chocolate with a 

sugary sweet crispy and gooey marshmallow 

sandwiched between two crunchy 

graham crackers is one of the best flavors 

of summer. Roasting marshmallows over a 

campfire either at home or while camping is 

a summer favorite. There are plenty of places 

to pitch a tent in the Iowa Great Lakes. Make 

your reservations now: Emerson Bay State 

Recreation Area, Elinor Bedell State Park, Gull 

Point State Park, Marble Beach State Recreation 

Area and Arnolds Park Minnewashta 

Campground. 

Take a swing 

Whether you wake early to get in a round of 

18-holes before lunch or if you’d rather putt 

your way around a mini golf course, the Iowa 

Great Lakes have plenty of links to try. If your 

preferences run another direction check out 

the Okoboji Disc Golf Course in Kenue Park in 

Okoboji. Treasure Village and Pirate’s Cove offer 

two spots for miniature golfing enthusiasts. 

For those looking for a more traditional course, 

check out one or all of these spots: Emerald 

Hills Golf Course, Indian Hills Golf Course, 

Brooks Golf Club and Okoboji View Golf Course. 

Do it outdoors 

From music to movies, 

life is just better 

5 6 

when it takes place 

outdoors. 

A r n o l d s P a r k 

Amusement Park 

h o s t s f re e m o v i e 

nights weekly on Wednesday 

nights at Preservation 

Plaza at 8:30 p.m. They also 

are host to free outdoor 

concerts every Saturday 

night at 7:30 p.m. throughout 

the summer. 


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Catch the 

fireworks 

The perfect ending 

for a summer 

day is to watch a 

brilliant fireworks 

display light up 

the night sky. In 

addition to the 

special fireworks 

that are held at 

Fourth of July, 

Okoboji is lucky 

enough to shoot 

fire into the sky 

every Saturday 

night during the 

summer months. 

Ta k i n g i n t h e 

beautiful scene 

over West Okoboji 

Lake is surely a 

must this summer. 



Seven 

FOR 

I O W 

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K 

S 


OKOBOJI HOME 

TEXT BY MYRNA WAGNER 

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY 

BY RYLAN HOWE 

PHOTO COURTESY INGVALL REAL ESTATE 

Transformation 

CUSTOM HOME ON 

EAGLE POINT OFFERS 

FOUR-WAY VIEWS 

Covered outdoor living spaces on the second 

level offer a place to enjoy morning coffee, 

evening wine or an afternoon football game 

with views in multiple directions. 

When it comes to real estate, location 

is everything they say. 

That couldn’t be more true than 

for the stunning new home near 

Eagle Point that got its finishing touches just in 

time for a festive night of celebrating to close 

out the month of May. 

The project was a collaborative 

effort and shared vision of 

Terry Lutz and Randy Walters, 

engineer and developer respectively. 

When a home situated on a 

rare 120-foot lot on West Lake 

Okoboji came on the market in 

2022, the two were intrigued. 

The property didn’t move, and 

as time passed the pair began 

to seriously consider what could 

be done if they combined their 

talents and transformed the 

space. 

After acquiring the property, they leveled 

the existing house, graded the lot, designed 

a home and began to build. The end result is 

5,200 square feet of lakeside living ideal for 

entertaining and family memory making. 


Walters describes the 

style of the home as Midwest 

contemporary — modern 

design utilizing Midwest 

materials of wood, natural 

stone and boulders. Inside 

and outside blend seamlessly 

through material choices, 

design elements, expansive 

windows and retractable 

doors. 

Approaching the stately 

double front doors, expansive 

windows reveal a floating 

staircase and stunning 

light feature. 

The open concept floor 

plan of the first level includes 

kitchen, dining and 

living spaces. White oak 

flooring is used throughout 

the home. 

“I defined the areas by 

the ceiling,” Walters explained, 

pointing out the coffered 

12-foot ceilings and 

light positions that clearly 

A stunning light feature weighing 

700 pounds fills the center 

of a floating staircase to the 

second level. 


An open concept 

floor plan has clearly 

defined spaces 

thanks to the ceiling 

details. The kitchen 

includes chef-level 

appliances and a 

walk-in pantry. 

identify kitchen, dining and living, as 

well as a small wet bar. A 200-bottle 

glass-encased wine storage unit anchors 

the dining area while an adjacent 

contemporary fireplace with designer 

tile adds warmth and texture. 

Walters is quick to share credit for 

the home design with Jesse Heyer at 

CFE, whom he has worked with on 

other home designs in the past. 

The kitchen is a home cook’s 

dream, with chef-level appliances, 

plenty of work surfaces and a walk-in 

pantry. The 10-foot T-shaped island 

has seating on both sides and showcases 

a waterfall Silestone suede 

finish surface. Rift cut white oak cabinets 

are finished in warm brown. 

Also on the main floor is the master 

suite with retractable walk-out doors, 

spacious walk-in closet, bathroom 

with custom-cut porcelain tile shower, 

soaking tub and a pair of vanities. 

Moving to the second level you find 

a family room with 20-foot limestone 

wall and second wet bar. There are 

multiple covered outdoor living spaces 

on opposite sides – one overlooking 

West Lake and the other capturing 

views of tree-lined Eagle Point and 

Turtle Lake. 

There is a second master suite, 

similar in size and style to the main 

floor, three other bedrooms, multiple 

bathrooms and a second laundry. 

In addition to the 120-feet of lakeshore, 

the property is unique in that it 

abuts 500 feet of DNR-owned land to 

the west, so there will never be neighbors. 

On the north side of the street 

lies Turtle Lake, so again no neighbors. 

In fact, the lot extends through 

the street and to a stepping stone 

path leading to a private fishing dock 

on Turtle Lake. 

The home’s exterior is a combination 

of finishes — concrete board, 

natural stone and steel siding. Its roof 

lines and angles blend with the wooded 

landscape surrounding it. 

What the developers envisioned 

has become reality. And with the 

home complete, it was time for the big 

reveal. 

New life breathed into an ideal location, 

ready for the next chapter to 

be written. 

Certainly cause for celebration. • 



OKOBOJI TOUR 

BOJI BANTAM ANNOUNCES 

FIRST ‘BROADWAY 

BOOTCAMP’ 

The first Boji Bantam Broadway 

Bootcamp — a new musical theater 

weeklong intensive — will be 

held this summer from July 8-13 

on the grounds of the Okoboji 

Summer Theatre campus. 

Owned and operated by Stephens 

College, the Okoboji Summer 

Theatre has been a proud 

member of the Spirit Lake community 

since 1958. The College 

prepares students to become 

leaders and innovators in a rapidly 

changing world. With a focus 

on experiential learning, performing 

and networking, the Conservatory 

for the Performing Arts at 

Stephens College prepares performers 

and creatives to succeed 

in the highly competitive world of 

theatre, television and film. 

This five-day intensive includes 

daily classes focused on acting, 

voice and movement. Students 

w i l l s p e n d 

each morning 

on movement, 

voice 

w o r k a n d 

acting technique, 

then 

the aftern 

o o n s w i l l 

focus on creating 

a culminating 

showcase, 

which 

students will 

perform on 

July 13. 

“We are excited for this intensive. 

The classes will be a great 

way for students to learn musical 

theater basics from OST staff 

and working professionals. It will 

be a rigorous week but also very 

supportive and inspiring,” said 

Madison Dodd, director of the Boji 

Bantam Children’s Theatre and the 

intensive workshop. 

Classes meet from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

July 8-12, with a Saturday, July 13, 

showcase at 10 a.m. The bootcamp 

is designed for ages 12 and 

older. Tuition is $375. For more 

information and to register, visit: 

www.okobojisummertheatre.org. 

CULLEN, JONES TO SPEAK AT 2024 BLUE WATER FESTIVAL 

Two noted speakers will be 

on stage at this year’s Blue Water 

Festival on Saturday, Aug. 10. 

From the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative 

comes Pulitzer Prize winning 

columnist Art Cullen and longtime 

clean water advocate Chris 

Jones. 

“We are privileged to have such 

a distinguished panel of speakers 

join us under the Big Tent at this 

year’s festival,” said Julie Peterson, 

who co-chairs the event with 

Greg Drees. 

The two noted panelists will 

take the stage Saturday afternoon 

in the green space at Preservation 

Plaza. 

“This is huge for the festival,” 

Drees said. “Each speaker will 

bring a unique perspective to the 

clean water issues facing us today.” 

Art Cullen, who won the Pulitzer 

Prize in 2017 for exposing 

dark money in corporate agriculture, 

is editor and co-owner of the 

Storm Lake Times. Chris Jones 

recently retired as a research engineer 

at the University of Iowa 

and is known for his water quality 

advocacy. 

“Each of these individuals is 

passionate about clean water and 

will speak directly about the good 

things we are doing as well as the 

challenges that we face,” Peterson 

said. 

Julie Gammack, founder of the 

Iowa Writers’ Collaborative and 

host of the annual Writers’ and 

Songwriters’ Retreat in Okoboji, 

will moderate the event. 


Live 

Well. 

Member FDIC 

Spirit Lake n Okoboji n BankMidwest.com 


OKOBOJI HISTORY 

There are moments from our 

past that we carry with us 

wherever we go. 

For John Kennedy, some 

of those moments claimed pride of 

place on his wall in his home for many 

years. But now his memories live on 

and can be viewed and enjoyed by 

others at the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime 

Museum. 

His collection of arrowheads includes 

those that he discovered himself 

on East Okoboji Lake, others he 

traded for and still others found at 

other places later in life. And it’s now 

on display at the Iowa Great Lakes 

Maritime Museum. 

John’s family moved to Spirit Lake 

in 1947 and as the oldest of three 

boys who was in fifth grade when the 

family moved here, he spent quite a 

bit of time exploring the natural world 

around him along with his younger 

brothers, Jim and Steve. 

“From fifth grade when we got 

there up through high school, I would 

row across East Okoboji and down 

on the east side there was nothing 

— it was just farmland. There were 

streams or creeks that would run 

down to the lake,” John said. “And 

after some kids showed me that you 

could find arrowheads, it sparked 

my interest, and I started looking for 

them myself.” 

The hunt for arrowheads came 

from John’s interest in the people 

who held them in their hands long before 

he did. 

“I was very interested, as lots of 

kids were back in those days, by the 

concept of the American Indian. As a 

kid, I could imagine them riding bareback, 

full-speed — shooting an arrow 

at buffalo or something. It was exciting 

to think about,” John said. 

It’s his collection of arrowheads 

that he found himself or traded for 

that are now on display at the Iowa 

Great Lakes Maritime Museum. 

John attended Spirit Lake High 

School and graduated in 1955. He 

studied at Grinnell for three years before 

enrolling in medical school at the 

University of Iowa. In his second year 

of medical school, he met someone 

pretty important. 

“I met this freshman, Judy. I was a 

cradle robber,” John said with a laugh. 

“We’ve been together ever since. 

She’s been my wife for 64 years now.” 

After finishing up his medical degree 

at the University of Minnesota 

Duluth, he became a captain in the 

Air Force where he was eventually 

stationed in the Azore Islands 

and then flew all 

over the world in his role 

as a flight surgeon. 

“I served with the 

TO THE 

pointthe shores 

TEXT BY KATE HARLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYLAN HOWE 

John Kennedy, who lived in Spirit Lake 

for many years, recently donated his 

collection of arrowheads to the Iowa 

Great Lakes Maritime Museum. Many 

were discovered during his youth along 

of East Okoboji Lake. 


IOWA GREAT LAKES MARITIME MUSEUM OFFERS NEW EXHIBIT 

general as his private doctor most of the time and 

then we did time chasing Russian subs and then we 

flew for the recovery missions for the Mercury and 

Gemini space missions,” John said. 

After leaving the Air Force, John entered the internal 

medicine residency fellowship at the Mayo 

Clinic. He finished his fellowship at Valley Medical 

Center in San Jose, CA. He set up practice in Monterey, 

CA, as an internist and has continued to practice 

there ever since and to this day. 

At the age of 87 but right on the cusp of 88, John 

bears a distinction among the staff. 

“I am the oldest active doctor on the staff,” John 

said. “I got another few years in me, I think.” 

No matter where he went, John has felt the call 

of one place — Okoboji. 

“We would come back to Iowa in the summertime 

whenever we could,” John said. 

For more than 50 years, John had his memories 

living on the wall of his home in his arrowhead collection. 

But when he and his wife decided it was time to 

downsize their home, John knew where the arrowheads 

should go — back home to Okoboji. 

“I thought the museum would appreciate them 

more than me dragging them all to a little duplex,” 

John said with a laugh. 

This isn’t John’s first time donating special treasures 

to the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum. 

After spending summers working at Hafer Boats, 

John found one of the wooden treasures, had it 

restored and eventually donated it to the Maritime 

Museum to be showcased by his sister-in-law and 

the museum’s current curator Mary Kennedy. 

To see these pieces of Okoboji history make 

sure to include a stop at the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime 

Museum on your to-do list at the Iowa Great 

Lakes this summer. • 


Shop 

Dine & 

HEN HOUSE HOURS: 

9am-6pm Mon.-Fri. 

9am-4pm Sat. 

PECKISH HOURS: 

10am-2pm Mon.-Sat. 

Happy hour: 4:30pm Fri. 

403 Grand Avenue, Spencer, IA 

712-262-4839 • henhousespencer.com 

Local 

& sign up 

for our 

tasteful 

classes! 

MEET 

BRITTANY 

DOLPHIN 

SALES MARKETING 

REPRESENTATIVE 

712-363-1073 

bdolphin@iowainformation.com 

BEFORE BEFORE BEFORE 

THERE IS NO REASON YOU CANNOT HAVE CONFIDENCE AND A BEAUTIFUL SMILE! 

Specialist in Orthodontics 

and Dentofacial Orthopedics 

Delta Dental and 

Hawk-i Provider 

CREATINGBEAUTIFULSMILES 

AFTER AFTER AFTER 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT 

THE IOWA GREAT LAKES? 

I enjoy the carefree 

atmosphere of the lakes and 

getting to know and see all the 

unique businesses and their 

owners. I take pride in finding 

the hidden gems and sharing 

their business with our readers. 

I love helping everyone from 

locals to vacationers find all the 

best places at the lakes for the 

in-between times of enjoying 

the sun and water. 

CRAIG E NEWELL, D.D.S.,M.S. 

611 18th St, Spirit Lake • 712-336-3428 

www.newell-orthodontics.com 

Practice specific marketing is sponsored by the provider and not by Align Technology, Inc. 

©2017 Align Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Invisalign is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc. PD13-005 REV 1 

MAGAZINE 

okobojimagazine.com 


Your ULTIMATE PIT STOP for 

snacks, drinks, supplies and fuel. 

All in ONE CONVENIENT place! 

Fuel Available 24/7 

2301 Okoboji Avenue Milford, IA 

Carryout Hotline: 712-338-9100 

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OKOBOJI ON CANVAS 

NEW BOOK 

SHOWCASES 

IOWA GREAT 

LAKES IMAGES 

BY 11 LOCAL 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

colla 

lakesart.org I 712.332.7013 

SUMMER HOURS: 

Mon-Sat: 10 am-4 pm 

Thurs: 10 am-9 pm 

2201 Hwy 71 N PO Box 

255 Okoboji, IA 51355 

PERFORMING 

DICK BAUMAN BIG BAND 

In Pomerantz Hall 

Every Monday Night 7-9 PM 

Memorial- Labor Day | $10 at the door 

6/25 | Live From Laurel Canyon 

60’s & 70’s American Folk Rock 

7:30 PM| $40/$50 

6/26 | James & Joni 

Their Stories, Their Songs 


7/9 & 7/10 | Gary Puckett & 

The Union Gap 

Pop 


7/11 | Speaker Series 

How the Iron Horse brought life to Okoboji 

7:30 PM| Free Admission 

7/16 | Fleetwood Mask 

The Fleetwood Mac Experience 


CULINARY EDUCATION VISUAL 

Okoboji’s Photographic Palette 

Through 7/6 

THE JOY OF BRINGING PORTRAITS 

TO LIFE WITH TELAGIO BAPTISTA 

August 5-7 | 9am-12pm & 1-3pm with Lunch break 

$255/$285 | All Skill Levels - Ages 16+ 

You will learn how to blend facial features of portraits 

and pets, including hair, eyes, and mouth using 

watercolors. 22x30 Arches Cold Press Watercolor 

paper included. Available for Teacher Recertification/ 

1 Graduate Credit. Register by July 29. 

Charcuterie Boards & More 

With Amy of Lakeside Charcuterie 

Kelly Devitt: Ritual | Through 7/20 Al Harris Fernandez | Through 9/7 

Summer Korean Flavors 

With Chef Won Kim 

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 

YOUTH SUMMER ART CLASSES 

3 Years Old - 12th Grade 

Scan for full class descriptions 

and to register online. 

Scan for full class 

descriptions. 

Registration required 3 days before class Deadline to Register: July 15 

July 25: Blooming Boards 

July 21 | 5pm | $95/$105 

6:30pm | $50/$55 

He’s back! Won Kim, Chicago’s Rising Star chef/owner of Kimski, graffiti artist 

Learn multiple styling techniques to extraordinaire, and former contestant on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen is 

create a charcuterie board inspired ready to cook and entertain! Let him “wow” you with his authentic signature 

by blooming florals. 

dishes, rooted in Korean flavors and technique. 

TEXT BY MYRNA WAGNER 

PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED 


Rylan Howe 

adds his autograph 

to a copy 

of “Okoboji’s 

Photographic 

Palette” during 

the opening 

reception held at 

Pearson Lakes 

Art Center on 

May 23. 

Photography 

aboration 

Photographers whose work is featured in the 

book “Okoboji’s Photographic Palette” include, 

from left: Todd Gerking, Rylan Howe, Ben Ford, 

Lloyd Cunningham, Daniel Ruf, Dave Petrick, 

Rocky Thompson, Tom Gustafson, Chris Baker 

and Ryan Maris. Drew Dau, whose work is also 

featured, was not able to attend the book launch 

and gallery show opening. 

The Lakes’ area’s most famous drone photographer has released 

another book of images of the Iowa Great Lakes. 

Tom Gustafson structured the book a bit differently this 

time, and the final product showcases not only his own images, 

but those of 10 other area photographers. 

The coffee table-style 

book is titled “Okoboji’s Photographic 

Palette.” 

Rylan Howe, photographer for OKO- 

BOJI Magazine, is one of the featured 

photographers. Several of his featured 

images are ones that graced the cover 

of this publication in recent years. 

A book release and author signing 

was held Thursday, May 23, at Pearson 

Lakes Art Center with most of the participants 

in attendance. Selected images 

from the book are on display at the art center from now until July 

6 in the Weaver Lobby Gallery and McIlrath Landing Gallery. 

In addition to Gustafson and Howe, photographers included in the 

project include Ben Ford, Dave Petrick, Chris Baker, Rocky Thompson, 

Ryan Maris, Lloyd Cunningham, Todd Gerking and Drew Dau. 

Books are available for purchase at Barn Swallow, The Three 

Sons, Books n Things, Maritime Museum, Mary’s Gift Shoppe, 

Brad’s Bungalow and from Gustafson’s website, www.visionAIRydrone.com. 

• 


LOOK AROUND THE LAKES 

LITTLE 

SPIRIT 

ON THE MAP 

1 Retreat on West Okoboji 

Worth the wait for Willetts new West Lake home 

READ MORE ON PAGE 13. 

SPIRIT 

LAKE 

2 Isthmus Park Trail ON PAGE 25 

3 Henderson Woods Trail ON PAGE 26 

4 Spine Trail: Stakeout Rd. ON PAGE 26 

5 Spine Trail: Milford ON PAGE 27 

6 Tatanka Ska Trace ON PAGE 28 

1 

2 

16 9 

6 

18 

7 Garlock Slough Trail ON PAGE 28 

8 Okoboji Summer Theatre 


9 The Studio Yoga and Barre 


10 Mary’s Gift Shoppe ON PAGE 36 

22 

WEST 


7 

CENTER 

LAKE 

21 8 

23 

15 

20 

13 

12 

4 

11 

10 

17 19 

3 

LOWER 

GAR LAKE 

14 The Three Sons 

5 Spine Trail 

EAST 


11 The Barn Swallow ON PAGE 36 

121 HomeologyON PAGE 36 

13 Animal House ON PAGE 37 

14 The Three Sons ON PAGE 37 

15 La Barca ON PAGE 48 

16 El Caporal ON PAGE 48 

17 Giliberto’s ON PAGE 50 

18 El Mariachi ON PAGE 49 

19 Los Pueblos ON PAGE 49 

20 Taco House ON PAGE 50 

21 Collaboration 

Gustafson includes other photographers in book 


22 Transformation 

From rare lot to Midwest contemporary home 


[ BY THE NUMBERS ] 

190 gallons of Aquathol K to be 

used for invasive aquatic weed control 

10 gigabits per second for 

fiber optic broadband speeds in 

some areas 

$396 MILLION 

value of fireworks imported into 

U.S. in 2023 



FOUNDATION 

AWARDS 

As part of the organization’s 

“Hello Okoboji Summer” 

event, Okoboji Foundation 

announced grant awards 

for the Wahpeton Park 

Improvement Project, 

which will help renovate 

parks, tennis courts and 

pickleball courts as well as 

the Twin Forks Trap and 

Skeet Club for a clubhouse 

project. Okoboji Music 

Masters, Lakes Area Activity 

Center, Bedell Family 

YMCA and Camp Foster as 

well as Dickinson County 

Conservation Board were 

also among the grant award 

recipients. 

23 

TRAIN MURAL 

The popular train ride saw improvements to its route around Arnolds Park Amusement Park this 

summer including a new mural made possible with the help of students with the Okoboji Community 

School District’s No Boundaries program, who lined up artist Lilli Lennox for the artwork. The mural 

showcases familiar scenes from the Iowa Great Lakes. 

WALLEYE WEEKEND GRANTS 

Grants distributed by the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce from Walleye Weekend proceeds were awarded to a variety of fishing 

related projects throughout the Iowa Great Lakes including a new fishing dock at Hales Slough on Big Spirit Lake, a kayak launch on West 

Okoboji Lake as well as invasive species control, children’s fishing events and the Cooperative Lakes Area Water Monitoring Project. 

QUEEN II 

High winds made for a scary 

situation with the recently 

repaired Queen II as it 

became unmoored in a spring 

storm. Thankfully other than 

some cosmetic damage in 

the form of scuffed paint, the 

vessel escaped with no major 

damage or concerns and 

was able to proceed with its 

regular cruise schedule for 

the summer. 

PREMIER 

Premier Communications broke ground 

on a new office and retail facility in 

Okoboji. The Sioux Center-based 

company has been expanding its 

fiber optic network in northwest Iowa, 

including the Iowa Great Lakes for 

almost two years, a project expected to 

be complete in 2025. 

The company’s investment in the Lakes 

area also included the acquisition of 

IGL Teleconnect and Royal Telephone 

Company 

2.5 MILLION 

estimated U.S. population in 1776 

334.9 MILLION 

estimated U.S. population in 2023 

56 number of people who signed the 

Declaration of Independence 



scenic route 

It's the 

season. 

Discover the joy of taking 

the long way behind the wheel of an Audi. 

Summer of Audi Sales Event.

New Price 

WEST LAKE OKOBOJI 

1612 JOY LOY 

WAHPETON 

$595,000 

4 2 

For Sale 


15235 215TH AVENUE 

SPIRIT LAKE 

$2,200,000 

3 3 

Sale Pending 


569 PILLSBURY POINT 

ARNOLDS PARK 

3 2 

Sale Pending 


3019 1ST | WEST OKOBOJI 

4 2 

Sold 


5411 LAKESHORE 


2 1 

Sold 

LOWER GAR LAKE 

88 HELEN 

MILFORD 

4 3 

YOUR OKOBOJI REAL ESTATE EXPERTS 

The Brickyard south of Kum & Go l 1003 Hwy. 71 South l Okoboji, IA 51355 

www.ExploreOkobojiHomes.com • www.OkobojiHomes.com 

LENDER 

KIRK STAUSS 

kirk@okobojihomes.com l 712.320.0123 

NICK STAUSS 

nick@okobojihomes.com l 712.320.1230 

NICK BJORNSTAD 

nickb@okobojihomes.com l 712.339.0580 

MARK LEISS 

okobozo@aol.com l 712.330.2045 

MEGHAN SLOMA 

meghan@okobojihomes.com l 402.290.4764 

JJ NEWMAN 

jj@okobojihomes.com l 320.733.2399

01 OKO 06-30

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