Lake Life is a local magazine, that highlights some of the best businesses in the Okoboji area. They share events, news, and all things great about this little lake town. The magazine is always free to locals, while subscriptions are available to those out of the area. With 5 magazine distributions per year, never miss out on what the Okoboji area has to offer!

Get your taste buds ready for some smashing good sandwiches! The Smack Shack offers some amazing gourmet sandwiches. Every menu item is brilliantly created by chef Jeremy Neppl. I love the smack burger myself, as well as the spicy fried chicken thigh sandwich. I really don't think you can go wrong ordering here, they even have PB&J options for the kiddos. Make sure to stop by and try the Smack Shack located next to the Okoboji Commons.

All Pets has always gone above and beyond for our pets, providing amazing customer service, and pet service for years. Dr. Roti has always been so informative, and kind to us and our pets whenever our pets have had any illnesses, and even emergency care needed in the middle of the night. Their staff really loves each animal that walks into the door, and they put you at ease when you need to leave your pet over night. All Pets has state of the art diagnostic equipment, making them by far the best veterinarian clinic in the area. We wouldn't trust our pets with anyone else!

Ferguson's is arguable the most popular place to buy flowers, trees and more in the lakes area. They're a family owned business, providing flowers, trees, plants, supplies, and furniture. They also have a small gift shop inside, as well as a floral shop, with freshly cut flowers. They have amazing customer service, and are there to help with all questions regarding planting and gardening. Ferguson's seems to go above and beyond, offering to bring anything you buy from them to your front door!

Barn Swallow in Okoboji is a unique little gift shop, that is a must go to when visiting the area. With so many things to buy, its hard to even see everything in just one visit! Barn Swallow offers handmade jewelry, home decor, paintings, baby gifts, children's gifts, cards, purses, clothing, books, and so much more! The women that run this awesome little shop also take in stray cats to be adopted! These little kittens are sure to give you a smile while you see them running through the gift shop. We never fail to find something perfect for a gift at Barn Swallow, and for our own home!

Lake Park is one of the few cities around the Iowa Great Lakes that has an outdoor public swimming pool. It offers some great rates for annual memberships. 2016 family membership was $100 and an individual membership was only $65. They also offer swimming lessons, starting as early as infants and toddlers. Specific evenings also offer classes for adults. The pool's normal hours of operation in the summer are 1PM to 8PM.

Silver Lake Country Club is a great 9 hole golf course, situated just west of the town on Lake Park. I grew up playing this course, although it does not have any water or sand hazards, it has plenty of length at 3220 yards. A brutal stretch from hole 5 through 7. Hole 5 is a par 3 170yds, with a sloping green that makes it nearly impossible to stick the tee shot. Holes 6 and 7 par 4's boasting over 425+ yards each make for some tough pars. Overall this course is very fun to play, at some of the best prices around the Lakes Area. I encourage you to get out some day and check it out. They usually have specials if you tee off before noon on Fridays.

As the only jeweler in the lakes area, you're sure to find everything you need at this established jewelry store. With over 30 years of experience, they have an eye for creating amazing pieces of jewelry. Whether it be an ever special engagement ring, or a beautiful necklace, they have every style imaginable, that is sure to take your breath away.

A place for all ages, the Dickinson County Nature Center is a place that provides learning about nature, animals, and the environment. With many events for the community throughout the year, locals and tourists alike are sure to enjoy a fun time here. The ever popular Bee and Butterfly festival is a blast for kids, and kids at heart. We've enjoyed releasing a monarch butterfly, learning about different insects, and hearing about how bees make honey. They also provide classes for toddlers and kids to learn more about animals and nature. We always have fun checking out the animals they have at the Nature Center, and learning more each time we go.

Boat House Apparel brings chic clothing to the Okoboji area, with her designs centered around life at the lake. The stylish tops, dresses, and more have witty sayings, anchors, and all things that remind us of the lake we all know and love. With a large online presence, Boat House is not only popular in Spirit Lake, but all over the country! Bringing comfort and chic to her amazing designs, the owner of Boat House, Laura, has sure made an amazing clothing line right here in the heart of Spirit Lake.