Visit the Iconic Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Okoboji
One of the most iconic attractions in our area is Arnolds Park Amusement Park on Lake Okoboji. The historic 20-acre site offers visitors and locals 23 rides, including one of the oldest wooden coasters, music venues, museums, boat rides, carnival games, and so much more. Spending the day at Arnolds Park Amusement Park offers people of all ages a way to connect with their inner child, experience some thrills, and create special memories.
The history of Arnolds Park Amusement Park dates back to 1864, when Wesley Arnold purchased the property on the lake. He began welcoming large groups of tourists from nearby cities to his property to experience Lake Okoboji. When Arnold passed away in 1905, he willed the site to his three daughters, two of whom, along with their husbands, began developing more aspects of an amusement park. Many people remember visiting the park as kids. Why not re-live some of those fond memories as an adult on a romantic getaway in Iowa?
While there are many lodging options near the amusement park, one of the best places to stay is our boutique hotel in Okoboji, IA, about five minutes from Arnolds Park. We’re an adults-only resort, so for those of you joining us for a romantic retreat, a ride on the Ferris wheel or an outdoor concert at the park is the perfect (child-free) addition! When you choose our intimate bed-and-breakfast-style Inn, you’ll be set back from the hustle and bustle of the park area, away from the crowds, have the most relaxing accommodations, and be treated to a beautiful morning meal. Reserve your room at The Oakwood Inn today!
Spend the Day at Arnolds Park Amusement Park
There’s a particular kind of magic that clings to places that have survived long enough to become legends, and Arnolds Park Amusement Park is exactly that kind of place. Perched on the shores of Lake Okoboji in the Iowa Great Lakes region, the park has been drawing generations of families, sweethearts, and thrill-seekers for nearly 135 years.
It came remarkably close to disappearing forever in 1999, when demolition loomed, and the future looked bleak, but a passionate “Save the Park” campaign proved that some places are simply too beloved to let go. Since that reprieve, Arnolds Park has undergone multiple upgrades, restorations, and expansions, emerging as a richer, more vibrant version of itself while honoring everything that made people want to save it in the first place.
Step through the entrance, and you’re immediately swept into the spirit of the place. A tunnel of carnival games greets you right away, and yes, winning a giant stuffed animal for someone you love is just as romantic as it ever was. Beyond that, more than 20 rides await, ranging from heart-pounding roller coasters and high-flying thrills to the gentle spin of a classic tilt-a-whirl and carousel. The Legend Roller Coaster deserves to be your first stop.
When you need a breather from the rides, the Maritime Museum offers a quieter but equally compelling experience, with rare artifacts, stunning antique wooden boats, and walking tours led by knowledgeable guides who bring the storied history of the Iowa Great Lakes to life.
No visit to Arnolds Park would be complete without getting out on the water. The Queen II, a classic boat that’s nearly as iconic as the park itself, makes regular sailings on Lake Okoboji; catch the last departure of the evening in summer for a golden-hour cruise that’s hard to beat. If you’d rather set your own course, clear-bottom boat rentals and jet skis are available for those who want a more independent adventure. And because not every amusement park in the country can offer this, there’s a free sandy beach right on the lake where you can kick off your shoes and enjoy the shore.
As the day winds toward evening, Arnolds Park shifts into a different gear altogether. The Rooftop Garden Ballroom is one of the finest music venues in the region, with an open-air stage that draws a wonderfully diverse lineup of performers. Catching a live show up there on a warm summer night is a must. For something more relaxed, Preservation Plaza hosts free outdoor summer concerts with plenty of room to dance or sit and soak it all in. And before you leave, make one essential stop at the Nutty Bar Stand, a park institution since 1949, where a chocolate-covered banana is less a snack and more a rite of passage.
The Best Hotel in Okoboji, IA, for Your Next Adventure
Our elegant and intimate hotel in Okoboji, IA, The Oakwood Inn, offers visitors to our busy tourist area a quiet place to stay off the beaten path. We’re adults-only, so you won’t encounter unexpected noise or crowds. We’re centrally located and close to everything, including Arnolds Park Amusement Park. However, you’d never know it as you explore our stunning grounds and relax on our outdoor patio by the fire, which is best enjoyed in the evenings with a glass of wine.
At our beautifully remodeled hotel in Okoboji, we offer plenty of shared spaces for couples and friends to spend quality time together over a game of pool, a favorite movie, or just catching up. In your private suite, you’ll have everything you need for a restful and romantic getaway. Comfortable king or queen-size beds, beautiful en suite baths (choice rooms have double air-jetted tubs), and plenty of modern amenities.
A homemade, thoughtfully prepared breakfast is included with your stay each morning, and it’s one less thing to plan! We’ll take care of the details, keep your coffee mug full, and make your morning as relaxing as possible. Join us in our bright, airy dining room for our favorite sweet and savory recipes. We can’t wait to host you at the best hotel in Okoboji, IA. Book your lodging today!