Okoboji, IA
Population: 830
Most people would like to believe that Iowa is as boring as beans and corn. Boy are they wrong. The Okoboji area is home to Iowa's Great Lakes. I bet you didn't even know Iowa had Great Lakes. Well they do, and they are a huge tourist attraction bringing people from all over the world to the small town during the summer. It's like giant party, except way more fun and less chaotic. So many boats line the waterfront, and cars flood the streets too. However, everyone is just out there to have a good time.
Okoboji Sunset
I lost count of the boats that drove by as I set up my camera and recorded the sun setting. I'm glad I got to see Okoboji on a saturday at it's peak traffic level.
The Three Sons
This isn't your average gift shop. I went to dozens of tourist traps on my trip. This is not one of them. Cobbled together over the years by generations of sons and their sons, The Three Sons is the official carrier of University of Okoboji gear.
Be sure to stop by and get your diploma for your degree in fun. OU doesn't have an official campus, and its enrollment is whatever Okoboji's population is at the time.
Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Rollercoasters, Merry-go-rounds, mirror mazes, carnival games, mini golf, and plenty of fair food wait for you at Arnold's Park.
It's technically not in Okoboji as Arnold's Park is its own township, but I couldn't help but spend some time at the park
Zeke's Bait Shop - Classic Cheese & Lakeแต Special
One of a hundred bars in Okoboji, but the only one with Lake Temp. Beer.
That sounds awful? Well you're wrong. Whatever the lake's temperature is that day is what you pay per can of beer.
I drank 5 cans of Busch for 79 cents each, you can't beat that sort of deal. The burger was also delicious, but how could it not be with beer at that price.
Iowa's Great Lakes
There are 5 lakes that make up the Iowa Great Lakes system. People travel in their boats and pontoons from bar to bar.
Because their is so much traffic, and alcohol consumption, there are police boats that patrol the lakes.
I really hope I get to come back with my friends to this place one day. We could rent a boat and just cruise for days. The beautiful blue skies and sandy beaches. Amazing parties with great music, fireworks, and tons peoples.
Yes, I am still talking about Iowa.
Okoboji Classic Cars - Toby and his Man Cave
Toby started his collection with the intention of making a man cave. It's still his man cave, but now it's open for the publice to experience. They have over 70 cars on display at O.C.C. and they also do restorations in the workshop that 's attached to the main building. The waiting list is 2.5 years long right now, but every customer says it is worth it. I spoke with Toby as he was finishing up with a couple of customers that had waited 4 years to get their Classic VW Beetle in the shop (can you spot it in the 10k or Less film).
When I asked if he had a favorite car he replied, "does your mother have a favorite child?" He does have a soft spot for his first car, a '47 Chevy Business Coop, and wishes it was still around to have a spot in the cave. Over the years of collecting, Toby has learned that "money can't but love, but it can buy you a ton of horsepower," well said.
Each of the cars in Toby's man cave is available to be driven, and many of the employees take their favorites out for a spin every once and a while. I wouldn't mind driving the Ford Model T.
Okoboji, IA
Okoboji is fun. It's fun to say, Okoboji, it's fun to be in. It's fun to think and write about. Go have fun in Okoboji, you won't regret it.