Summer 2025

Depending on life experiences, the question of where food comes from may vary. Some might say the grocery store. Others have experienced the circle of life. Even though the Iowa Great Lakes is situated in rural Iowa amongst manufacturing, commerce, and agriculture, Aaron Titterington of Jones Dairy said fewer children have accessibility to a working…

Architectural renderings preview the planned restoration of the Central Emporium—bringing back its historic charm with a modern touch. If the walls could talk! What would we hear? For almost 125 years, the Central Emporium has overlooked West Lake Okoboji and been a place where laughter and fun are standard. The ballroom was built in 1901,…

Dickinson County Endowment Fund Accepting 2025 Applications Giving back to the community in thousands of ways is at the heart of the Dickinson County Endowment Fund’s (DCEF) mission. Every year, approximately $110,000 is awarded to I.R.S. 501(c)(3) ‘tax exempt’ organizations and 170(b) ‘unit of government’ organizations that encourage philanthropy and provide financial assistance for programs…

Fish Hatchery Manager Kim Hawkins shows a paddlefish to the observing crowd at Emerson Bay. The Iowa Great Lakes are home to over 40 different fish species and offer over 11,000 acres of aquatic diversity, making the beautiful clear water lakes a haven for fishing and recreational fun. Some of these fish are familiar to…

Located on the western side of Dickinson County, Lake Park is situated alongside beautiful Silver Lake and is home to one of Bubba Sorensen’s 120 Freedom Rock® creations. James Kessler oversaw Lake Park’s Freedom Rock® Committee and has served as the local Commander of American Legion Post #371 and State Commander for The American Legion…

Children excitedly leap and run towards the entrance! The sounds of the rides and roar of The Legend Roller Coaster greet the bright-eyed, energetic visitors of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The newness of wood and brightness of color welcome all 2025 guests, bringing back the nostalgia of the past and newness of the present. Visitors…

The bass is booming, the lights are flashing and young and old are loving a Saturday night in Arnolds Park. No matter the musical genre, Preservation Plaza is often the hotspot on any given summer weekend. Whether it’s Thursday night at the Roof Garden or a Saturday Live at the Lake Concert, bands travel from…

At Lake Life Okoboji, we love any excuse to get out and experience the fun things our Lakes Area has to offer. This time, Joy, Tara, and I decided it was time to figure out what colors we’re actually supposed to be wearing. (Apparently, black isn’t always the answer… who knew?) We headed to House…