Orleans City Test

Minervas is located in the Arrowwood Resort in Okoboji. Their menu offers a little of everything! From classic pastas and aged steaks to seafood everyone will leave satisfied. They offer a great "Pick Two" option for lunch and the atmosphere is excellent. They also do a pasta night that seems to be a staple in the community. Getting to pick your sauce and everything that goes into your pasta which is then made right in front of you is certainly a treat for the whole family!

A place for all ages, the Dickinson County Nature Center is a place that provides learning about nature, animals, and the environment. With many events for the community throughout the year, locals and tourists alike are sure to enjoy a fun time here. The ever popular Bee and Butterfly festival is a blast for kids, and kids at heart. We've enjoyed releasing a monarch butterfly, learning about different insects, and hearing about how bees make honey. They also provide classes for toddlers and kids to learn more about animals and nature. We always have fun checking out the animals they have at the Nature Center, and learning more each time we go.

Re*be is one of Iowa's finest varicose vein centers dedicated to addressing the health and cosmetic concerns of men and women using the latest and most-advanced medical treatments for various body conditions.
Re*be surgeons are highly experienced with specialized training in vein diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ronald Kolegraff M.D., A.C.P., A.S.G.S. is a Board Certified General Surgeon and Board Certified Phlebologist.
The clinic provides friendly service in a patient-centered environment to ensure an experience that exceeds your expectations of personal care.
Rebe provides complimentary cosmetic consultation or complimentary vein screening.

Arnold's Bark-ery and Grooming is a great place to take your fur babies for their "puppy spa day!' Not only do they offer grooming services but they have a great boutique full of yummy treats and accessories. You can even order certain treats for holidays!

Emerald Hills Golf Course is one of the premier golf courses in the Iowa Great Lakes. Golfers throughout Okoboji will tell you that compared to the rest of the golf courses around, Emerald Hills is probably the most challenging. When I grew up as a kid, we lived just a half block from the back side of the course. We would sneak on with a couple short little clubs and balls we found walking the course and sometimes spent more time being chased by the sprinklers than trying to hit golf balls. Emerald Hills was owned by Gordy and Bette Benit many years ago and they can be credited with growing this course into the masterpiece it has become. Later purchased by Randy Rohlfsen and a few others, Emerald has flourished as one of the best courses around. If memory serves me right, Randy has been there since the early 1990's and has always had a strong conviction to help young golfers. He has taught and coached numerous high school teams, and they also put on a 5 day junior camp every year which has been a tremendous hit. I grew up on this course and can honestly say, you better be hitting the ball straight!

This Bar/Restaurant has an amazing selection of beers on tap and bottled to suit any beer drinkers needs. Nautical serves lunch & dinner and be sure to try the wings, which are made with homemade sauces and cooked to a crisp perfection. A great atmosphere in the heart of Arnolds Park.

Mary's Gift Shoppe will tickle your senses with the unique blend of home decor and gifts. Our year-round shoppe offers great decorative accessories for the home plus beautiful clothing, jewelry and handbags to accessorize you, also custom floral design and embroidery work, bridal registry, and a wide selection of kitchen gadgets that make cooking and entertaining easy. One stop and you'll be hooked! Fun and friendly! Conveniently located off of Highway 71 South and 30th Street in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

If you haven't been to West O, you need to go. With their state of the art brewery, and access to some of the best water in the world, their beer is nothing short of amazing. Their tasting room has a cool, industrial feel, and perfect for tasting their many types of beers. CocO Stout has been an award winning beer for years, and definitely worth a try! West O has been voted "Best Iowa Beer" by the Des Moines Register readers in 2016.

My local expertise, experience in other markets, combined with the power and influence of RE/MAX, enables me to help achieve all your objectives in your home purchase or sale. Call me, Lynn Thompson to discuss today's Real Estate opportunities.

West Boutique located at Okoboji Boat Works Marina carries all of the latest fashions for women of all ages and sizes.
Available brands: Free People, Anama, Velvet Heart, KUT Denim, Articles of Society, Grace in LA, Lush, Willow & Clay, Pink Martini, Pixie Mood, and more!

Boji Tan is a great tanning salon located in Spirit Lake. They offer different types of beds that are four different levels. This local business is very clean and the staff is always friendly and provides you with great service. At Boji Tan they don't only offer tanning but you are able to purchase AdvoCare products also. If you are going on a trip and want to get a base tan before you leave or if you just want to warm up on those cold summer days make sure to stop at Boji Tan!

The Pioneer Theatre is one of the area's best-kept secrets. As the owners point out on their website, The Pioneer Theatre is an "historic downtown movie theater with modern recliner seating and family-friendly prices." Checkout the website at milfordpoineertheatre.com for movies and showtimes. You may also buy your tickets and reserve your seats online! Located in Downtown Milford, Iowa--just another great reason to come to Milford!

Boulders Inn and Suites promises to make your Okoboji vacation comfortable and relaxing. This new hotel just south of Emerald Hills golf course between Milford and Arnolds Park offers 40 rooms with suites to meet your individual needs. One of the best things about Boulders Inn is that it is within walking distance of the Taco House. For some of you, I know that can be a big deal!

Conveniently located near all the great Okoboji attractions, Vintage Block is a great hotel for your stay in Okoboji. The hotel offers 54 guest rooms, including 14 large family suites that can lodge up to 10 guests. Jump start your day with our complimentary breakfast including Belgium waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal and beverages and more! On-site have fun and relax with our outdoor swimming pool and gazebo, surrey bikes and green space with fire-pits, grills and games.The hotel has recently been renovated and includes a Lake Okoboji feel with the use of reclaimed dock wood. Rated as the #1 hotel in Okoboji on Trip Advisor, you can't go wrong when choosing to stay at Vintage Block Inn and Suites.

Brooks Golf Club is one of the premier golf courses in the Iowa Great Lakes. Located in Okoboji, Iowa, Brooks is one of the few 27 hole golf courses in Iowa. I've personally been a member here for a number of years, and can tell you that not other course offers the beauty and upkeep that Brooks provides. The numerous flower beds, Caribbean beach like bunkers, bent grass fairways, natural prairie grass, and rolling hills provide for an aesthetic pleasure as you play all 27 holes. Brooks also has one of the nicest practice facilities in the state as well. Come say hi to John, Bret and their teams of professionals. if you are an avid golfer and in Boji, you won't want to miss these links.

Estherville Veterinary Clinic is a locally owned vet clinic that provides first-class veterinary services to Estherville, IA and surrounding communities. From vaccination and flea and tick treatment to heart worm prevention and pain management, Estherville Veterinary Clinic can help. Your livestock medical needs will be served by on-farm visits with the mobile unit. Extensive in-house pharmacy, walk-ins are welcome, and after-hour emergency services. The clinic is located at 121 W. Central Avenue, Estherville, IA

16 cent beers, need I say more? Make sure you're here at exactly 3:16 pm, and you'll get your fill of 16 cent beers for a whole hour! Then, they go up $1 every hour after that. Table 316 also has great steak, and appetizer deals at 3:16 pm as well. We bring all of our friends here to have a good time, and grab beers before going out on the lake for the rest of the afternoon.

This place is one of the most fun businesses in the lakes area for kids, or adults who are creative, and likes to paint! Kurio Kastle is a pottery painting "palace," for anyone and everyone! You pick from an extensive array of pottery to paint, from cute animals, to mugs, and dishware. You can then stencil or draw on them, then paint it! Your masterpiece is then glazed, and put in the kiln to fire. After that, you pick it up, and take it home to enjoy! Its even a perfect place for birthday parties.

Bringing back the old Okoboji general store from 1884, the Okoboji Store has made a huge name for itself since it opened in 2015. The Okoboji Store is nearly always busy, thanks to their amazing food and drinks. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, during the summer and fall. The restaurant also hosts some of the areas best live musicians, which is always a great time. But, the best part of the Okoboji Store is of course, the view of the lake. Its beautiful location is sure to keep anyone coming back for more.

Arrowood is a year-round conference center and hotel with over 100 guest rooms, whirlpool suites and a "Great Room" for hosting group events and hospitality suites. Formerly known as Village East, the resort offers an outdoor pool, deck, playground, volleyball and croquet courts and a heated indoor pool area. Hotel goers can also enjoy an on-site salon, Minervas Bar and Eatery and lit parking. Located on Brooks National Golf Course, Arrowwood Resort offers some of the finest lodging around. Years ago, Brooks Golf Course clubhouse was actually housed on the rear side of Arrowood, but since then, the course has been converted to 27 holes with a a new separate clubhouse. Also, the Racquet Club was a part of the facility, offering workout facilities, racquet ball, and tennis. However, with the addition of the YMCA, the racquet club was unsustainable and converted into retail.

Separated from the rest of the Iowa Great Lakes, Big Spirit has a lot to offer. Big Spirit is actually located in Iowa and in Minnesota. This quiet setting offers a number of different lake views as well as access to fantastic fishing. While your are there, stop at the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery. Every year they use gillnetting to catch and release walleye, muskie and pike using each fish to help breed a new batch of fish for the year. Often times the DNR catches very large fish and put them on display in one of their many fish tanks. The DNR professionals harvest fish eggs and release them after they hatch. Stop by and see the in the Spring, you will not be disappointed.

This establishment offers a variety of coffees, espressos and smoothies plus mouth-watering baked goods--not to mention the fabulous breakfast and lunch items--made to order! There are daily specials as well as homemade soups. Did I mention this all comes with an Italian flair? The staff is amazing and the atmosphere inviting. Located at the Gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes on Okoboji Ave (Hwy. 71) in Milford. Stop in, you won't be disappointed!

The Waterfront has been a really great addition to the Iowa Great Lakes. Located on the Bridges Bay campus, it is easy to find by car or boat. Streak, seafood, pasta, crepes, pizza and numerous delicious sides on the shores of East Lake will have you always coming back for more. Also try their Sunday brunch, it will not disappoint.

Come to one of the two locations: Spencer or Spirit Lake @ Allure & Co. to experience a community of people seeking to live healthier lives through exercising the body and mind.
The Studio Yoga & Barre offers a variety of yoga, barre, cycling and paddle-board classes for different levels of experience.
They also offer yoga and exercise apparel, as well as oils and health supplements.

Arnolds Park Boutique offering beautiful clothing that is reasonably priced, and unique. They have a variety of sizes - beautiful clothes and accessories!

Great food, fantastic lake views, and amazing service. The Gardens has it all. Stop in and have a cold beverage on the deck and listen to some of the best live music in the area. Located in the Central Emporium in Arnolds Park the Gardens puts you in the middle of all the summer action. Make sure to stop in and enjoy one of the best bars in the area!

This quaint coffee shop in downtown Milford, IA is the talk of the town. You must stop in for a hot or cold drink and enjoy the atmosphere of this eclectic cafe. Locals and visitors alike enjoy meeting at this town favorite.

Wild Child, which features stylish clothing, accessories and awesome toys for children and newborns, is all about quality clothing and toys. Wild Child is the "go to" store for people with all budgets, and offers styles that cannot be found anywhere else, and strives to offer unique apparel and toys that are fun, functional and educational.

Come to Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe and enjoy the relaxing laid back island atmosphere that you can only find along the waters of Turtle Bay. Open to the public for lunch and dinner, Snappers menu is unique to Okoboji which offers quality food and service that is sure to please visiting patrons.

Looking for a pace to get organic, and natural foods? Wilder Thymes is your go-to place! As the only shop in the lakes area to offer such things, this quaint little shop is definitely a place to check out. They offer organic, and local foods, from snacks, spices, cooking ingredients, gluten free, dairy products, and more! Wilder Thymes also has an array of natural cleaning products, and personal care items that are hard to come by. Not only can you buy groceries here, but they also have a deli! Pizzas, wraps, braked goods, soups, and sandwiches are just some of the yummy things you can buy at Wilder Thymes!

Located in the Iowa Great Lakes, Okoboji - Underwater Solutions provides aquatic weed removal by hand pulling the roots or cutting. Shoreline clean up, ice recovery of snowmobiles and vehicles, underwater inspections & video, intake cleaning, bathymetry, scraping Zebra Mussels. Call them today at 712-260-7818.

The beautiful Carpet One showroom in Spirit Lake features a huge selection of all the latest flooring, window coverings and more. They have certified flooring pros can get your project rolling with a free, no-obligation pre-measure - just call (712) 336-5559 today or visit their website at www.carpetoneiowa.com

Established in 2005, renovated in 2016, Pub19 Bar & Grill is your premier destination for great food and drink, and a superb dining experience. With an expansive menu and beautiful facilities, we’re certain you’ll enjoy your meal and your time spent with us. Indoor and outdoor seating is available!

The Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association is a state-wide nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of rock 'n' roll and the history of music in the state of Iowa. The museum opened in 2003. The museum allows visitors to discover the history of music within the state of Iowa. They also have the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. All the inductees for the year are announced in January. Over labor day weekend in Arnolds Park there is a celebration with a ceremony introducing the inductees and also a concert.

The Bedell Family YMCA offers many programs to kids and adults alike. Children can get their first experiences with various sports, and continue their interests as they grow into specific programs. Adults also are offered many sports, health, and wellness programs at the Y, they even provide childcare while you attend your program, or work out. The Bedell Family YMCA is also the creator of Camp Foster, an amazing camp for kids in the summer.

Silver Lake Country Club is a great 9 hole golf course, situated just west of the town on Lake Park. I grew up playing this course, although it does not have any water or sand hazards, it has plenty of length at 3220 yards. A brutal stretch from hole 5 through 7. Hole 5 is a par 3 170yds, with a sloping green that makes it nearly impossible to stick the tee shot. Holes 6 and 7 par 4's boasting over 425+ yards each make for some tough pars. Overall this course is very fun to play, at some of the best prices around the Lakes Area. I encourage you to get out some day and check it out. They usually have specials if you tee off before noon on Fridays.

Choose from a variety of luxurious condominiums and hotel-style guest rooms. Bridges Bay Resort features the area's only indoor waterpark 'Boji Splash, featuring the Cantina which serves a variety of delicious food and beverages. Bring the boat in the summer and enjoy being right on the water or get away for the weekend in the winter months and let the kids enjoy the indoor waterpark!

Where muscles burn, skin sweats and community happens!
The District is a boutique fitness studio offering classes including indoor cycling, TRX® and more. The District strives to create community while encouraging and motivating all levels of fitness. Whether you're looking to PR your next race or just coming to workout with your friend, consider The District in your daily routine.

"The Bridge" has been referred to by the Wharf Bridge, the Kentucky Fried Chicken Bridge, the bridge connecting East and West, among other names. In the good old days, this was actually a draw bridge converted to the current permanent structure. In the 90's when the 3 lane was installed, there was talk about removing the bridge and making some drastic changes. All in all, the base of the bridge remained, and the upper structure was improved. I remember as a kid jumping off the bridge, and fishing on and under the bridge. In fact, an unforgettable memory I have is when I was fishing with my cousin and I casted out trying to reach the opposite corner of the bridge with my lure. In mid air, a pigeon flew and the timing was so great that my line wrapped around the pigeon, and the pigeon went into the water. I reeled it up and had caught a pigeon. My cousin then decided to hold this pigeon inside the front of his coat. We went to show people at Okoboji Boats what we had caught. When we got there, he opened his jacket, and the pigeon had pooped all over his white shirt.

Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park is the spot for the best live music entertainment in Okoboji. Highlighting the talent rolling through the lakes is the Nashlo Series of talented up and coming performers along with artists we have all heard of. Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park is the spot to be in Okoboji for the best live music!

Playful Cupcaketions does an incredible job making cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, and cookies. She really goes above and beyond to make your custom cake creations come to life. We've used her multiple times for our son's birthday, and cake smash cakes, and they've never been short of amazing. We've tasted her delicious cakes at weddings as well, and they're always as beautiful as they taste. We trust Playful Cupcaketions with all of our cake needs.

Okoboji Brewing Company is proudly locally owned and brewed. They brew high quality craft beer, from IPA's, Stouts, Ales, Porters, and more. They have an extensive beer menu in their taproom, which is a comfortable spot to enjoy a brew, watch TV, and get food delivered from your favorite spot in the area. You can sometimes find a local food truck parked outside, to pair with your favorite Okoboji Brewing company craft beer.

Having lived in Okoboji all my life, there are a wealth of memories of Arnolds Park. I, like many of the locals, miss the nostalgia of the old Roof Garden, the fun house, the water slide and much, much more. With time comes change, and the amusement park continues to reinvent itself. Currently with over 20 rides to choose from, the family is sure to have a good time. The main attraction, The Legend Roller Coaster, is the 7th oldest coaster in the United States and apparently the 13th oldest in the world. Reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, the roller coaster has undergone substantial renovations in the last year. In front of the amusement park on West Lake is the Queen II excursion boat, and Pirate Jacks Bar. The sunsets here are unparalleled. If you have a chance to visit, make sure to check out the tipsy house, the three sons, and all of the shops. Just to the east is the green space, which provides great entertainment and in 2013 OAR came to play, which is a pretty big name for Okoboji.

Cutting Edge Lawn Service has been proudly serving the Iowa Great Lakes Area for many years. They take pride in their impeccable customer service, and maintain strong relationships with customers, just ask your neighbors! To them, your lawn is theirs, and they want to keep it looking its absolute best. Cutting Edge's rates are competitive on all of their services, and top notch service as well. They are fully trained lawn care specialists that give 100% every time.
Their services include: Lawn Mowing, Lawn Aeration,Trimming,Spring & Fall Clean Up, De-thatching, Hedge Trimming, Raking, Weed Control, Gutter Clean Out, Landscaping, and Power Washing.

Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality.
1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???)
2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used?
3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans?
4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet?
5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus.

There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.

Mill Creek is located on the NE corner of Okoboji Ave (Hwy 71) and 9th Street in Milford. Dine in or carry out. There's something for everybody--daily and nightly specials, too! The staff is friendly and the atmosphere relaxing. Great burgers, sandwiches, pizza and appetizers. A couple of my faves are the Fried Pickle Chips and the Kentucky Bourbon Sandwich. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 11 AM - 11 PM (grill open til 10 PM) and Sunday from 5 PM - 9 PM. Have a party in the events room with family and friends. Games for the kids, too!

Lake Life is a local magazine, that highlights some of the best businesses in the Okoboji area. They share events, news, and all things great about this little lake town. The magazine is always free to locals, while subscriptions are available to those out of the area. With 5 magazine distributions per year, never miss out on what the Okoboji area has to offer!

Sunshine Foods, located on Highway 71, is Milford's only full service supermarket offering Fresh Produce - Butcher Fresh Meats - Deli - Kitchen

With summer right around the corner that means one thing for the Greens Space at Arnolds Park. The 2024 Free Summer concert calendar has been released spanning the whole summer with exciting performers. Who are you excited to see?