Lake Okoboji, located in Dickinson County in the northwest corner of Iowa, is the bluest of the Iowa Great Lakes. It’s the second largest lake in Iowa, coming in behind Spirit Lake. Its maximum depth is 136 feet. This makes it the deepest lake in Iowa, and contributes to its deep blue hue.
For many years, Lake Okoboji has enjoyed the distinction of being called “one of only three blue water lakes in the world,” but we now understand that “blue water lake” isn’t a scientific distinction. Scientists and non-scientists agree that this Iowa lake’s sparkling sapphire water is worth a visit to northwest Iowa.
Visitors and residents enjoy the blue waters of Lake Okoboji from a sail boat.
Jeff Wilson/Wikipedia If you’ve always wanted to learn to sail, the Okoboji Yacht Club offers lessons for kids and adults. Enjoy a day camp for beginners, intermediate sailors, or even racers.
Enjoy a close-up view of this amazing Iowa lake from a kayak or paddle-boat.
Mary Fairchild/Flickr Lake Okoboji is fed by cool subterranean springs, making the water clear and fresh.
Early risers get to watch the sun come up over these amazing blue waters.
Jocelyn Wallace/Flickr There are nearly 20 miles of shoreline around the West Lake Okoboji area.
There are actually two sections to Lake Okoboji; West Okoboji and East Okoboji.
Google Maps The water covers over 3,800 acres and was created 14,000 years ago by a Wisconsin glacier.
Lake Okoboji offers a lot in the way of entertainment for visitors.
Village West Resort Website Arnolds Park is a 125-year-old historic amusement park located on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.
Arnolds Park has something for everyone.
Mary Fairchild/Flickr This is a small amusement park, and it has a beach with boat tours, a scuba center, and a maritime museum.
Fishing is a popular past time for Okoboji visitors.
Flickr/Mary Fairchild The lake has almost 50 different species of fish, 11 of which are popular sport fish.
See the sapphire waters of Okoboji up close on a jet ski.
Mary Fairchild/Flickr There’s no shortage of jetskis, small boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent around Okoboji. Check out Extreme Watersports, Oak Hill Marina, Parks Marine, or Boji Rentals for more information on short-term personal rentals.
Soak up beautiful views of Lake Okoboji’s crystal blue waters at area restaurants like Rabab’s at the Lake.
Susan T./Yelp Rabab’s on the Lake is located at 144 Lakeshore Drive in Arnolds Park.
This stunning view of the beach and water is what you’ll see when you visit the popular restaurant, Bob’s in Arnolds Park.
Rebecca C./Yelp Bob’s is located at 243 West Broadway in Arnolds Park.
While Iowa has many bodies of water that are worth seeing, Lake Okoboji is an amazing Iowa lake that enjoys the Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s distinction as an Outstanding Iowa Water. What do you think? Is Lake Okoboji the best and bluest water Iowa has to offer?
Jeff Wilson/Wikipedia
If you’ve always wanted to learn to sail, the Okoboji Yacht Club offers lessons for kids and adults. Enjoy a day camp for beginners, intermediate sailors, or even racers.
Mary Fairchild/Flickr
Lake Okoboji is fed by cool subterranean springs, making the water clear and fresh.
Jocelyn Wallace/Flickr
There are nearly 20 miles of shoreline around the West Lake Okoboji area.
Google Maps
The water covers over 3,800 acres and was created 14,000 years ago by a Wisconsin glacier.
Village West Resort Website
Arnolds Park is a 125-year-old historic amusement park located on the shores of West Lake Okoboji.
This is a small amusement park, and it has a beach with boat tours, a scuba center, and a maritime museum.
Flickr/Mary Fairchild
The lake has almost 50 different species of fish, 11 of which are popular sport fish.
There’s no shortage of jetskis, small boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent around Okoboji. Check out Extreme Watersports, Oak Hill Marina, Parks Marine, or Boji Rentals for more information on short-term personal rentals.
Susan T./Yelp
Rabab’s on the Lake is located at 144 Lakeshore Drive in Arnolds Park.
Rebecca C./Yelp
Bob’s is located at 243 West Broadway in Arnolds Park.
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