Photo courtesy of Vacation Okoboji. Credit: David Thoreson, Blue Water Studios.
Strolling down rows of white tents reflecting the relentless summer sun, my eye is drawn to intricate horsehair pottery. I chat up the artist on the technique he uses to fire his pottery.
Once a year, locals and tourists alike gather at the Pearson Lakes Art Center’s Art in the Park next to the beautiful glacier-carved lake of West Okoboji. As an Okoboji native, I have always looked forward to events like Art in the Park, typically held on the first Saturday in August. lakesart.org
Here are four more stops that Boji locals love—and you will, too:
Nutty Bar Stand Though the exact year of the Nutty Bar Stand’s opening is not clear, it has been serving handmade, delicious treats since around the 1940s. Their specialty is, of course, the Nutty Bar—a block of Blue Bunny vanilla ice cream coated with chocolate and rolled in nuts. Homemade-root beer floats and chocolate-covered frozen bananas are also favorites. (712) 332-2243
Okoboji Summer Theatre It wouldn’t be a trip to Boji without seeing a play at the Summer Theatre. Run by students and faculty from Stephens College in Missouri, the theater puts on nine plays and musicals over the course of the summer. Find the current offerings on the website. okobojisummertheatre.org
Photo courtesy of Vacation Okoboji. Credit: David Thoreson, Blue Water Studios.
West O Beer It's known for craft brews like Holy L Session India-Style Pale Lager and Das O Hefeweizen. Check out the laid-back vibe in their West Okoboji locale. westobeer.com
Gull Point State Park Connect with nature at one of the most popular state parks in the region. Pitch a tent—or hook up an RV—while the kids explore the playground equipment. Looking to keep busy? Bike and hike the trails, fish or dip your toes in Lake Okoboji on the small sand beach. A 1930s stone lodge on the lakefront is the perfect place to host your wedding, reunion or family picnic. iowadnr.gov
Photo courtesy of Vacation Okoboji. Credit: David Thoreson, Blue Water Studios.