Okoboji with its beautiful natural surroundings, stunning lakes, historic landmarks, traditional culture, and exciting adventures promises something to love for people of all tastes and ages. It is an excellent place to escape from everyday stress and relax physically and mentally. Here are the top 14 things to do in Okoboji for adults.
Things To Do In Okoboji For Adults
1. Enjoy Thrilling Rides in Arnolds Amusement Park
This is an old park with a history dating back to the 1880s. Its roller coaster dates to 1930. Today the park wears a fresh new look after undergoing renovations. There aren’t many rides but most of them are traditional, making them charming. With a wristband on you can get into the rides as many times as you want. The park is a stress buster for the adults and is sure to bring out the child in you. It has plenty of shade to sit, rest, and relax.
Book Hotels Near Arnolds Amusement Park
2. Learn About the Maritime History at Iowa Maritime Museum
You will learn about Okoboji’s connection and its relation with the maritime world here. The exhibits give you knowledge and understanding of the history of Iowa Great Lakes. The museum displays shipwrecks and lighthouses of the region. The collection of maritime-themed things including ship models, photographs, artifacts, instruments used for navigation, fishing articles, and artwork is splendid. The fully restored boathouse is very interesting and informative. Take a walking tour if you are interested in the history of the region.
3. Visit Okoboji Classic Cars
You will find it interesting even if you are not a classic car lover. The tour of this place and the story behind the cars are so entertaining that you will certainly enjoy your visit. The cars are beautifully restored and you will fall in love with the classic cars. Apart from numerous cars, you can also see radio-controlled airplanes, military vehicles, and motorcycles. You can admire the artistic walls painted by local artists. The gift shop has lots of unique things.
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4. Appreciate the Natural World at The Dickinson County Nature Center
The center was formed to create environmental awareness among people about the preservation and conservation of nature. It is a place to learn about the environment, nature, and animals for all ages from kids to adults. Adults who are caught up in city life will be impressed by the bee-making, backyard birding, and pollinator paradise, where you can see the caterpillars growing into butterflies, geocaching, etc. You have biking and hiking trails that take you through prairies and wetlands. Test your golfing skills on the golf course.
5. Cruise into the Water at Okoboji Boat Works
There is nothing like cruising into the water on a hot summer day. You have so many options including the siesta cruise, sunset cruise, yacht party, Vikings cruise, dock hop, etc. The glass-bottom boat tours are fascinating. Rent a boat and have fun with your friends. If you are a woman you can become a confident boater by taking lessons under the Women In Boating program.
6. Visit the Higgins Museum of National Banknotes
Visit the museum to view the largest collection of banknotes. Opened in 1978, the museum tells you the interesting story of the past American Banking System. The currency notes displayed honor tons of people and banks who played a significant role in the American Banking System. The guides are friendly and ready to take you around and answer all your questions.
7. Have Fun at Kenue Park
This park is located near The Dickinson County Nature Center. The 40 acres of the park promise a variety of entertainment for you to have fun. It has several meadows, an oak savanna forest, a reconstructed wetland, hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and picnic areas. Do you love outdoor adventure? You have a rope ladder, a log walk, an underground tunnel to crawl under, and other challenging activities. Explore the biking and hiking trails. The golf course is suitable for beginners and professionals. It is the perfect place for adults to have fun.
8. Watch a Show in Okoboji Summer Theater
Every summer the students of Stephen College perform live shows along with guest artists with the best lighting and audio effects. The theatre provides a great platform for young actors and technicians to show off their talents. The seats are comfortable. Watching a show is a way of showing your support to the students. If you love live performances, you should not miss this opportunity to watch an excellent show.
9. Enjoy Entertainment at Pearson Lakes Art Center
With 5 galleries, classrooms, a sculpture trail, and a 288-room theatre the art center provides first-class entertainment all around the year and a beautiful ever-changing display of art. The front gallery keeps on changing the themes frequently and the gallery at the back has Russian art. The third gallery displays the work of local artists. You can also attend yoga and other art classes. The impressive building shows the region’s interest in art.
10. Hit the Beach on a Hot Summer Day
Okoboji is home to numerous pristine beaches providing a variety of recreational activities. The best beaches include Arnold’s Park City Beach, Orleans Beach, Terrace Park Beach, Crandell’s Beach, Okoboji Boat Works Beach, etc. You can splash in the warm water and sunbathe. The beaches are excellent spots to relax, enjoy the fabulous views, and read a book peacefully. Grab your towel, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, and book, and head to the nearest beach.
11. Listen to Live Music at the Preservation Plaza
It is a fantastic place by the lakeside where you can bring your blankets and chairs and listen to live music. The gently sloping grassy area provides the right setting to watch free concerts, art shows, and car shows. The green lawn is packed with thousands of people. Plenty of food trucks can be seen on a show day. When there is no show you can have a relaxing day with a packed picnic on the green grassy lawn.
12. Visit the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame
It is formed to preserve the legacy of rock and roll music in Iowa. It honors emerging artists and inspires them. You can learn about the history of local bands and musicians. It hosts free music performances on the outdoor patio. You can watch videos showing the popular dance and music venues of the area. The exhibits of the pricey possessions of the icons excite the fans.
13. Play Golf at Brooks Golf Club
Are you visiting Okoboji with your friends? Test your golfing skills at the Brooks Golf Club and find who is the best golfer in your group. It is a well-maintained 27-hole course with the best quality playing conditions and different challenges. The restaurant serves delicious food, especially yummy cheeseburgers.
Book Hotels Near Brooks Golf Club
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14. Learn About Tragic History at Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin
In the mid-18th century, there were rising tensions between the new settlers of the region and the native Americans. Abbie Gardner, a 13-year-old boy was taken hostage by the Dakota Band, and his whole family was killed. Three decades later Abbie returned to the cabin. Today the cabin is one of the most visited tourist destinations. Visit the cabin to learn more about the tragic history.
Summary
Okoboji is a beautiful place where you can create unforgettable memories. Explore the lakes, beaches, art, and culture of the region and relish the local cuisine. What are you waiting for? Make your plans today.
