West Okoboji Lodging at its Best!

Posted on by June 11, 2012

Now accepting reservations for the 4th of July Now Accepting Reservations for the 4th of July!

The Okoboji Country Inn is the perfect lodging accommodations to celebrate the 4th of July this year!  Located just a few blocks from the Arnolds Park Amusement Park and the Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza.  This year Kory and The FireFlies will be in Concert, beginning at 7:30pm, at Preservation Plaza, and shortly after 10pm you can enjoy the spectacular Fireworks Display over beautiful West Lake Okoboji — both at no cost.

Our luxurious accommodations include a two-room suite, complete with air spa tub, and five pampering themed guest rooms. Our lodging amenities include a gourmet breakfast, luxurious linens and gorgeous decor. Select your guest lodging here — simply click on room or suite photo to see additional room images and details — or check on lodging availability by clicking here. You can also call us at 712-332-2358 for reservations.

Annabelle's Suite is perfect lodging choice for a romantic getaway

elegant and luxurious two room suite features a California King sized bed, a two-person massage air bath with shower and a private bathroom.

Okoboji July 2012 Events

Posted on by June 11, 2012

Kory and The FireFlies Concert
Wednesday, July 4 at 7:30 PM

Okoboji Summer Theatre – “Crimes of the Heart”
Tuesday, June 26 – Sunday, July 1
Okoboji Summer Theatre Box Office 712.332.7773 for details

Flea Market & Antique Shows
Saturday, June 30 – Monday, July 2
*Shows are located at the Dickinson County Expo Building, Treasure Village, and Vick’s Corner

Treasure Village Concert – “Triumphant Sound”
Sunday, July 1
7:30 P.M.  Admission – $4.50 for Adults – Children under 12 free.  Call Treasure Village at 712.337.3730 for details

Okoboji Summer Theatre – “Beau Jest”
Tuesday, July 3 – Sunday, July 8
Okoboji Summer Theatre Box Office 712.332.7773

Big Spirit Lake Fireworks
Tuesday, July 3
*Fireworks Display over beautiful Spirit Lake – show begins shortly after 10:00 P.M.

Barefoot Bar Full Moon Party
Tuesday, July 3
Parks Marina

4th of July Fireworks
Wednesday, July 4
* Spectacular Fireworks display over beautiful West Lake Okoboji –  show begins shortly after 10:00 P.M.

Kory and The FireFlies Concert
Wednesday, July 4 at 7:30 PM
* Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza – Admission Free!  For details call 712.332.2183

Rock The Roof Concert
Thursday, July 5
Rock Ala Carte / Something Blue – Thursday Night    * Rock The Roof Concert located at the Arnolds Park Roof Garden – doors open at 6:00 Tickets $2.00  Call 712.332.6540 for more info!

First Friday Art Trek, Olde Town Spirit Lake
Friday, July 6

NADA’s Concert
Friday, July 6 7:30 PM
* Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza Free Concert – for details call 712.332.2183

Eagles Tribute – Seven Bridges Road by Farrell Webber Band
Saturday, July 7 7:30 PM
* Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza Free Concert – for details call 712.332.2183

Camp Foster Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Monday, July 9 – Tuesday, July 10
* For details call Emerald Hills at 712.332.7100

Okoboji Summer Theatre – “Little Women”
Tuesday, July 10 – Sunday, July 15
* Okoboji Summer Theatre Box Office 712.332.7773 for details

Emerald Hills Couples Best Shot
Tuesday, July 10
* For details call Emerald Hills at 712.332.7100

Rock The Roof Concert
Thursday, July 12
* Sean Benz / Jesse James – Rock The Roof Concert located at the Arnolds Park Roof Garden – doors open at 6:00 Tickets $2.00.  Call 712.332.6540 for more info!

Wakefest Wake Boarding Competition
Saturday, July 14

University of Okoboji Tennis Classic
Saturday, July 14

Spirit Lake Days – BRASL
Saturday, July 14
For more info contact The Spirit Lake Chamber at 712.336.4978

ZZ Top Tribute Band – Sharp Dressed Man with Rythmicure
Saturday, July 14 6:30 PM
* Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza Free Concert – for details call 712.332.2183

Treasure Village Gospel Concert – “Circuit Riders”
Sunday, July 15
7:30 P.M.  Adults $4.50 Children under 12 free. Call Treasure Village 712.337.3730 for details

Okoboji View Couples 2-Ball
Sunday, July 15
* For details call Okoboji View at 712.337.3372

Emerald Hills 4-Gal Best Shot
Tuesday, July 17
For details call Emerald Hills at 712.332.7100

Rock The Roof Concert
Thursday, July 19
* Fortes / The Senders — Rock The Roof Concert located at the Arnolds Park Roof Garden – doors open at 6:00 – Tickets $2.00.  Call 712.332.6540 for more info!

Bob Dorr & the Blue Band
Friday, July 20 6:30 PM
*  Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza Free Concert – for details call 712.332.2183

University of Okoboji Homecoming Marathon
Saturday, July 21
Marathon, Triathlon, 5 and 10K run –  for info call 712.338.2424

Iowa Lakes Community College Motorcycle Poker Ride
Saturday, July 21
For more information on this event contact 800-242-5106 ext. 4425

Powerhouse Concert
Saturday, July 21 7:30 PM
*  Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza Free Concert – for details call 712.332.2183

Okoboji Summer Theatre – “The Liar”
Tuesday, July 24 – Sunday, July 29
Okoboji Summer Theatre Box Office 712.332.7773 for details

University of Okoboji Sand Volleyball Tournament
Saturday, July 28
For details contact bojijones@gmail.com

Okoboji Bead and Jewlery Splash
Saturday, July 28 – Sunday, July 29
Dickinson County Community Building
Spirit Lake, Iowa
Exhibition and classes featuring beads, gemstones, artisan-made
jewelry, jewelry kits, glasswork beads and more!
Fore more information contact Kathy at (712) 260-8746

IGL Antique Wooden Boat Classic
Saturday, July 28
Located at the State Pier in Arnolds Park

The Rumbles Concert
Saturday, July 28 7:30 PM
* Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza Free Concert – for details call 712.332.2183

Brooks Okoboji Open Golf Tournament
Sunday, July 29
For details call Brooks at 712.332.5011

Okoboji Summer Theatre – “The Last Romance”
Tuesday, July 31 – Sunday, August 5
Okoboji Summer Theatre Box Office 712.332.7773 for details

Sugar Shack, an old-fashioned Okoboji candy store

Posted on by June 8, 2012
Sugar Shack has the candy you remember from your childhood.

Stop by the Sugar Shack candy store this summer!

The other day I was talking with Ruth Ann VonDonslear, she is so sweet and helps us out every so often by waitressing in Annabelle’s Tea Room.  Ruth Ann stated that her sister Marge Cleveringa was beginning her 40th summer working at the Sugar Shack candy store.  I feel that has certainly earned Marge a candy watch by now!  Ruth Ann and Marge opened this Okoboji treasure because they were school teachers and this would be a perfect summer job for them.

All these years later, the candy store is still a part of an Okoboji summer tradition for young and old alike.  The general store set up of the candy in the glass containers, scoops, a manual scale and even an antique cash register adds to the charm of this Okoboji vacation destination.  Choose from classic candies, homemade confections, or have your pick of modern samplings.  The Daugherty family bought the store many years ago and continue to run the store and even expanded it a few years ago so there is even more candy to choose from.

Sugar Shack Store Hours: 10am to 9pm Memorial Day – Labor Day. Located in the Central Emporium. After Labor Day hours vary depending on the store.

I remember my childhood trips to the Sugar Shack when we took our family vacation every summer for a week in July.  My Dad always took us once a year when we were staying for a week at Camp Okoboji.  It was always so hard to figure out what to choose, but I always got root beer barrels for sure.  Be sure to take the time and stop at the Sugar Shack candy store this summer, you will be so glad you did.