Okoboji welcomes visitors all year round, but Memorial Day to Labor Day is high season in this Iowa Great Lakes hot spot. Consider planning your trip around one of the area's popular annual festivals to experience Okoboji at its liveliest. Mark your calendar for early August, when the Scandinavian Fest brings great food, plenty of sweets, and eye-catching crafts to town. In mid-August, the Okoboji Blue Water Festival celebrates the Iowa Great Lakes with water-themed activities and family-friendly fun.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Okoboji, Iowa?
Like most of its Midwestern neighbors, Okoboji experiences four distinct seasons each year with cold winters and warm summers. If you visit between December and February, you can expect highs in the mid-20s and lows around 10 degrees. In spring and fall, you'll typically find highs around 60 degrees. During the summer months, you can look forward to highs in the low 80s.
Although Okoboji receives some summertime thunderstorms, the wettest time of year happens in the late spring. Bring an umbrella if you're planning to visit in May or June. Pack boots and extra layers if you're considering a winter visit. Okoboji receives about 3 feet of snow during a typical winter.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Okoboji, IA:
Okoboji by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Okoboji, IA. You can use these charts to evaluate the most cost effective time period to book a room in Okoboji for your upcoming travels.
What Are the Best Luxury Hotels in Okoboji, IA?
4 Star Average Prices: $129.00
Want to say at the best upscale hotel in town? Browse the most luxurious accommodations in Okoboji.
For upscale events in the Okoboji region, stay at the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center. This high-end property has 100 guest rooms and nine meeting rooms, which provide 38,000 square feet of event space. Take the kids to the indoor water park during the day, and sit down to delicious pasta meals at Minervas each evening. Stay in shape using the fitness center, or treat yourself to a new style at the salon. If you want to spend the day at the lake, it's just a few minutes' drive away.
When you stay at the Bridges Bay Resort, you can look forward to a luxurious getaway right on the lakefront. Whether you choose a standard room or a condo-style room, you'll get access to features like an outdoor pool, a zipline, a swim-up bar, and several dining options. Get a taste of the tropics at Bracco Waterfront Grill and Island Bar, have a drink at Pickled Parrot Waterpark Cantina, or share a pizza at Blue Water Flatbread Pizza Company. For even more fun, Arnolds Park Amusement Park is just minutes away from the resort.
What Are the Best Budget Hotels in Okoboji, IA?
3 Star Average Prices: $136.87
Need to keep your travel costs in check while you're in Okoboji? Book one of the best budget-friendly hotels in town.
Stay at the Super 8 of Spirit Lake, and you'll be a few minutes away from Okoboji. This budget-friendly hotel has 50 guest rooms with essentials like HDTVs and coffee makers. Upgrade to a suite to get a sofa bed and a whirlpool, or book an executive suite for workspace, a mini fridge, and a microwave. Use the free Wi-Fi to catch up with family and friends, and start every morning with free breakfast. Traveling with dogs? This Super 8 welcomes pets for a nominal fee.
Book a room at the Rodeway Inn Near Okoboji Lake, and you can easily stick to your travel budget. Choose from over 35 affordably priced guest rooms equipped with basics like microwaves and mini fridges to help you keep dining costs low while you're on the road. Log in to the free Wi-Fi to plan out your day on the lake, and use the guest laundry facilities to freshen up during your stay. Start each day right with free coffee and breakfast.
Whether you're planning an event or traveling for fun, the Lakeshore Center at Okoboji offers accommodations that won't break the bank. Choose from 14 lodge rooms or bunk rooms with 15 beds each, or book the family cabin to sleep the whole family comfortably. Kids of all ages will have a blast playing games, volleyball, and basketball, and everyone can have fun exploring the walking and cycling trail. Get out on the water in canoes or kayaks, and gather around the fire pits in the evening.
2 Star Average Prices: $125.62
What Are the Best Hotel Discounts in Okoboji, IA?
Want to make sure you're saving as much as possible on your hotel stay? Take a look at the best hotel deals in Okoboji.
Members of the military can get discounts at the Ramada Inn. Located in nearby Spirit Lake, this hotel has 50 affordably priced rooms and offers group discounts. Whether you're traveling with a group or vacationing with the family, you'll appreciate the indoor pool, the hot tub, the complimentary breakfast spread, and the convenient location near Okoboji. Need a snack or a drink during your stay? Stock up at the Ramada Mart in the hotel lobby.
Senior travelers can get special rates at the AmericInn Lodge & Suites Okoboji. Whether you choose a standard room or a suite, you can look forward to generous group discounts and all your favorite amenities. Make a splash in the indoor pool, help yourself to the free breakfast buffet, and relax in your comfortable room. All guest rooms include basics like a microwave, a mini fridge, and a 32-inch flat screen TV. Want to gather with family and friends? Head outside to the patio or get cozy beside the lobby fireplace.
AAA members can save at the Comfort Suites & Conference Center. Whether you're attending an event or traveling for leisure, you'll appreciate this midrange hotel's generous group discounts. From the indoor pool and fitness center to the free hot breakfast and extensive in-room amenities, this Comfort Suites has it all. Hosting an event? Reserve over 28,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom that accommodates over 550 people.
What Are the Best Value Hotels in Okoboji, IA?
Need to get all the amenities you love without overspending? Check out the top-rated midrange hotels in Okoboji.
Located in the heart of Okoboji, the Vintage Block Inn & Suites boasts a convenient location for a reasonable rate. Choose from standard rooms and suites, including options for themed rooms and family rooms. All guest rooms include essentials like mini fridges and microwaves, and all guests get access to the hotel's outdoor swimming pool. Bring the whole family along to enjoy outdoor activities like horseshoes, cycling, and grilling, Get a great night's sleep, and wake up to free breakfast and coffee.
Just a short drive away from Okoboji, the Estherville Hotel & Suites has over 60 reasonably priced rooms and offers generous group discounts. Save by booking a standard room, or upgrade to a suite with a sofa bed and a dining area. In the morning, start your day right with free hot breakfast that includes DIY waffles, biscuits and gravy, pastries, coffee, and much more. Need to host a small event in the Okoboji area? Reserve the hotel's meeting space, which spans 300 square feet.
Located in nearby Spencer, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Spencer is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. If you're traveling for work, you'll appreciate the on-site workout area, business center, and free Wi-Fi. If you're traveling for fun, you'll enjoy the indoor pool and easily accessible bike trail system. Wake up to the free Express Start Breakfast Bar, which features pancakes, cinnamon rolls, hot coffee, and much more. Reserve the hotel's event space for small meetings and get-togethers.
Which Attractions Should You Visit in Okoboji, IA?
If you travel during the summer months, you can't visit Okoboji without spending at least one afternoon on the lake. Hit the beach for swimming and sunbathing, or stop by Okoboji Boat Works to rent your choice of watersports equipment. If you'd rather kick back and relax, you can book one of the excursion boats instead.
Next, head to the Maritime Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the Iowa Great Lakes. here, you can take a guided tour and see artifacts like antique wooden boats and a replica of a vintage general store. If you're a vintage auto enthusiast, make your way to Okoboji Classic Cars next. Take a stroll down the replica vintage streets as you admire the beautifully maintained classic cars.
If you're a theater lover, you won't want to miss Okoboji Summer Theatre. Check the event calendar before you go to find out which musicals and plays are on during your trip. Nature lovers will also want to visit Kenue Park, a 70-acre green space that's home to three native habitats, nature trails, and plenty of scenic views.
Why wait to plan your Okoboji getaway? Book the ideal accommodations for your group, and start creating an unforgettable itinerary.
FAQs about hotels in Okoboji
Verified reviews of the city of Okoboji
Below are reviews of the city of Okoboji, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Okoboji has a lot to offer visitors"
Score
4.0 / 5
Gaynelle L., from 10-Aug-2026
"Relaxing"
Score
5.0 / 5
Relaxing. Beautiful lake. Good restaurants. Lots to do.
William V., from 24-Aug-2025
"Love the Music Scene!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I have spent many times in the Iowa Great Lakes area. Lived close for 3 years and celebrated anniversaries in the area for many years. I love the music scene the most.
Twylla B., from 28-Aug-2024
"We come to Okoboji for the ICE and local establishments."
Score
4.0 / 5
We come to Okoboji for the ICE and local establishments.
Richard T., from 14-Feb-2024
"Great Place"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great place for visitors!
Elisa K., from 04-Feb-2024
"Very clean, good parking."
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean with a wide verity of restaurants and shopping and plenty of parking.
James C., from 11-Aug-2023
"Arnold's Park "
Score
5.0 / 5
It was my first trip back in 50 years. I miss the open farmland vistas around the lake, but you can't find a better body of water in the state of Iowa. Exceptional choices of things to do and food choices. Arnold's Park is a perfect destination for young and old alike.
Mike M., from 10-Jun-2023
"Good variety of dining options & activities!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good variety of dining options and main street activities!
Tim W., from 15-Feb-2023
"Awesome Resort "
Score
5.0 / 5
Great resort town with fun activity for all ages.
Richard C., from 23-Jul-2019
"Nice hotel and location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Okoboji has a lot of fun bars with live music. Many located on a lake. Easy access.
Bob R., from 10-Jun-2017
The average traveler rating of the city of Okoboji, IA shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 10 reviews