Center Lake

 Center Lake

There are affordable homes on lakefront property on this 263 acre lake. Enjoy sunsets and beautiful lake views from every angle. Center Lake Drive runs along Center Lake in Spirit Lake, Iowa.  Center Lake is a shallow lake great for boating and fishing with an average depth of 12 feet and max depth of 17 feet.. A public park with a playground and shelter house is a nice area for family outings and open kid play. Center Lake is not connected to the other Great Lakes and is located between East Lake and West Lake Okoboji.  Land prices per running foot of lakeshore for Center Lake will be roughly $3000-$5000.

The following is from the Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council:

 

 

Center Lake, for its namesake, is located between the northern halves of West Okoboji and East Okoboji lakes. This lake is a small shallow natural lake of 263 acres with an average depth of nearly 12 feet and a maximum depth of 17 feet. Although the entire eastern and southern shoreline has been developed, public lake access remains good at Center Lake with approximately 25% of its 4.7 miles of its northwestern shoreline as timber and wetlands.

 

 

 

Area Insights

Lisa's Bakery

Lisa's Bakery in Spirit Lake

New to Spirit Lake is Lisa's Bakery. We have heard wonderful reviews of her caramel and cinnamon rolls and has a variety of other bakery goods. Set up for convenience, Lisa’s Bakery also offers a variety of take and bake meals for the busy working family or a nice break for the stay at home mom who wants a healthy satisfying meal for her family without having to be in the kitchen for hours. This place is all about convenience with a new fun twist on getting home cooked meals from Lisa's table to yours.

Boji Roots Salon

Boji Roots Salon in Milford

Go check out Boji Roots Salon in Milford! Sherri does an amazing job of doing exactly what you ask and is very good at giving you ideas on new trends. The salon it's self to so cute inside! She also offers a great supply of products for you to purchase so you can feel like your at the salon even at home. Sherri is very flexible and also fast! When you are very busy its great knowing you wont be sitting at the salon for hours!

Winther Stave & Co

Winther Stave & Co in Spencer

At Winther, Stave & Co., LLP we use a team approach. You have a team of accounting professionals at your disposal, not just one person. With specialists in many different areas, we can draw on that breadth of knowledge and experience to help with services ranging from taxes, to payroll, to wealth preservation.

Thee Garage Sale:

Thee Garage Sale: in Milford

An exceptional thrift store located in Milford that supports the programs and services of the Cherish Center. Great selection of furniture, decor, kitchen items, children's clothes, toys and more! Located on 22nd Street in Milford. Just 2 blocks South of Perkins.

Estherville Veterinary Clinic

Estherville Veterinary Clinic in Estherville

Estherville Veterinary Clinic is a locally owned vet clinic that provides first-class veterinary services to Estherville, IA and surrounding communities. From vaccination and flea and tick treatment to heart worm prevention and pain management, Estherville Veterinary Clinic can help. Your livestock medical needs will be served by on-farm visits with the mobile unit. Extensive in-house pharmacy, walk-ins are welcome, and after-hour emergency services. The clinic is located at 121 W. Central Avenue, Estherville, IA

Main Street Bar & Grill

Main Street Bar & Grill in Terril

Main Street Bar and Grill is a longstanding bar/pub/lounge that also has a great selection of food. Wednesday nights they offer a wonderful steak menu. Great cocktails and great food in small-town Terril, Iowa.

"The Harbor"

The harbor is a man made inlet located on the north end of West Lake. A board walk surrounds the harbor and this is one of the most tranquil parts of the lake. Homeowners in the harbor have a more affordable way to have access to West Lake, and still get to enjoy the clean waters West Lake has to offer. Homes in the Harbor typically range from about $350k to as much as $700k.

Katy Lynn Boutique

Katy Lynn Boutique in Arnolds Park

Katy Lynn Boutique is a fabulous women's clothing store offering a wide variety of clothing, shoes, jewelry and more. Excellent customer service with all hands-on-deck in helping you find that special outfit. You can also place clothing orders online. A fun clothing store that is sure to impress!

West Boutique

West Boutique in Okoboji

West Boutique located at Okoboji Boat Works Marina carries all of the latest fashions for women of all ages and sizes.
Available brands: Free People, Anama, Velvet Heart, KUT Denim, Articles of Society, Grace in LA, Lush, Willow & Clay, Pink Martini, Pixie Mood, and more!

The Coffee Shop

This quaint coffee shop in downtown Milford, IA is the talk of the town. You must stop in for a hot or cold drink and enjoy the atmosphere of this eclectic cafe. Locals and visitors alike enjoy meeting at this town favorite.

Miller's Bay

Miller's Bay in West Lake Okoboji

Miller's Bay, on the west side of West Lake is a popular spot for boaters in the summer to just go chill out, throw an anchor, and relax. On the weekends, this bay is filled with boats tied up to each other offering families the opportunity to have the kids swim, or you might find a bunch of party animals chugging beers and enjoying the summer sun. Either way, everyone is having a great time, and so if you are out and about, just know that Millers Bay is where boaters go in the summer to be where the party is at.

"Turn-Over" Thermocline

Referred to locally as the lake turning over the thermocline is a feature of lakes with deep water. The water on the top of the lake changes temperature much more variably during the year. On West Lake, it can reach as much as 75 degrees in July while the water below, greater than 35 or 40 feet deep is relatively stable around 45 degrees. In the fall and early winter, the top strata of the lake will cool to below 45 degrees, and then because it becomes denser, it will "sink" below the lower strata, thus, displacing it and making the lake "turn-over". In the deepest part of West Lake (near the 136ft mark), no light is availble, and hence little life is known whether fish or plant. Typically questions are raised as to why the surface water gets dirty for a short period of time in the fall, this this is the standard answer.

Riddle Me That

Riddle Me That in Arnolds Park

Riddle Me That is a brand new escape room in Arnolds Park. Its an awesome place to bring the family for a thrill, or the perfect team building activity for the office. The goal is to find clues, solve the mystery, and escape the room before the time runs out. Perfect for a rainy summer day, or just a day you need a little adventure in your life!

Cherish Center:

Cherish Center: in Milford

A local non-profit with the mission of Transforming Lives, Strengthening Families and Enhancing our Community. Offering Parenting Classes, Professional Counseling, Maternity Home for young women facing unplanned pregnancies and support for moms on infant loss. 712-338-3333

Family, Fishing, Fun

Family, Fishing, Fun in Lake Minnewashta

If you are looking for a place to catch a bunch of fish in a short period of time, the dock in Minnewashta right off of Sawmill Park in Arnolds Park is the place. Fish with a worm or throw a crank bait, you can't go wrong. This spot located in the center of the lakes area allows you to bring your children to play on the nice equipment, or have a family gathering at the recently remodeled shelter. These waters are well known for perch, bluegill, pike, crappie, walleye, yellows, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. With two different places to launch a boat, Minnewashta is a great place for some family fun.

El Parian Mexican Grill

El Parian Mexican Grill in Spirit Lake

Stop in El Parian for some of the best Mexican cuisine and margaritas. On Wednesdays lime margaritas are only $.99! El Parian offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food for lunch and dinner. You will not leave hungry by any means!

Rebe

Rebe in Okoboji

Re*be is one of Iowa's finest varicose vein centers dedicated to addressing the health and cosmetic concerns of men and women using the latest and most-advanced medical treatments for various body conditions.
Re*be surgeons are highly experienced with specialized training in vein diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ronald Kolegraff M.D., A.C.P., A.S.G.S. is a Board Certified General Surgeon and Board Certified Phlebologist.
The clinic provides friendly service in a patient-centered environment to ensure an experience that exceeds your expectations of personal care.
Rebe provides complimentary cosmetic consultation or complimentary vein screening.

Studio 1328

Studio 1328 in Spirit Lake

Looking for a photographer for your wedding or event in Okoboji? Need to update your family photos? What about branding or marketing assistance with your business? Studio 1328 offers it all! They are a mulit-faceted creative studio focused on the needs of their customers and the demands of today's market. Jen does everything from your newborn's photos to your new webpage for your business. Check out not only her studio webpage, but also her Okoboji magazine, Lake Life! http://www.lakelifeokoboji.com

Mill Creek Restaurant & Lounge

Mill Creek Restaurant & Lounge in Milford

Mill Creek is located on the NE corner of Okoboji Ave (Hwy 71) and 9th Street in Milford. Dine in or carry out. There's something for everybody--daily and nightly specials, too! The staff is friendly and the atmosphere relaxing. Great burgers, sandwiches, pizza and appetizers. A couple of my faves are the Fried Pickle Chips and the Kentucky Bourbon Sandwich. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 11 AM - 11 PM (grill open til 10 PM) and Sunday from 5 PM - 9 PM. Have a party in the events room with family and friends. Games for the kids, too!

Dancers Unlimited

Dancers Unlimited in Spirit Lake

Dancers Unlimited
3209 Zenith Ave
Spirit Lake

Dancer's Unlimited is a dance studio located in Spirit Lake, Iowa, teaching children ages 3-18. They offer all-in-one classes (tap, jazz, ballet/pointe), hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre classes.

Okoboji View Golf Course

Okoboji View Golf Course in Spirit Lake

Okoboji View is a public 18-hole golf course with membership availability. It is a beautiful golf course with an emphasis on nature and offers many challenges with fast greens, beautiful water features, tree lined fairways and rolling hills.
The newly remodeled restaurant and bar - renamed Pub19 Bar & Grill in 2015 - is full service and you can enjoy drinks and dining on the large new deck overlooking the golf course.
Whether you need a golf lesson or a professional club-fitting, or if you need to schedule your corporate golf outing, wedding rehearsal dinner/reception or class reunion, or just want to enjoy playing at one of the best courses in Northwest Iowa - Okoboji View Golf Course, a family run facility, is for you.

Beach Street Boutique

Beach Street Boutique in Arnolds Park

Arnolds Park Boutique offering beautiful clothing that is reasonably priced, and unique. They have a variety of sizes - beautiful clothes and accessories!

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow in Okoboji

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!

Brooks North

Brooks North in Okoboji

Brooks North is a newer housing development located on a cul-de-sac offering beautiful views of Brooks Golf Club, ponds, nature areas, the bike trail system and the Nature Center. There are many beautiful homes and only a few vacant lots remain. Brooks North is located on the North end of Brooks Golf Club in Okoboji, IA.

Okoboji High School

Okoboji High School in Milford

Welcome to Okoboji High School. At OHS we are Pioneering Pathways for Every Student by building on the outstanding foundation and diverse learning opportunities available to students at Okoboji Elementary and Middle Schools through high expectations, caring and supportive teachers, world class learning opportunities, and a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities.
High Expectations - We speak of, model, and expect Pioneer Pride from every member of our learning community. Pioneers hold themselves to high standards in all aspects of life. Whether it is in academics, extracurriculars, or just in the way we treat one another, Pioneers lead the way.
Caring and Supportive Staff - Our staff believes that every member of this learning community is important and deserving of respect and care. Our staff comes to school each day looking for ways to positively impact the lives of our students and families and truly care about our students both inside and outside the building and beyond. Students who have graduated often come back to thank teachers and staff members who made a positive difference in their lives.
World Class Learning Opportunities - OHS is committed to preparing students for a productive life in a changing world. This means a focus on constant improvement, integration of technology to support learning, and ever changing opportunities. Some of these include new courses in computer coding, engineering, and more. In order to be successful, students need knowledge and the skills to apply it. OHS is focused on Universal Constructs such as creativity, complex communication, adaptability, productivity, collaboration, and other skills that will enable students to apply their knowledge to new and changing situations throughout their adult lives.
Wide Variety of Extracurricular Opportunities - Our students are encouraged to get involved in a wide variety of sports, fine arts such as speech, debate, and music, and school clubs and organizations. More than 85% of our students are involved in our extracurricular programs. Whatever a student’s passion, they can plug into a team or organization here at OHS. Our size also allows students to explore multiple passions in many different areas with
We are very proud of the past, present, and future of Okoboji High School, and even more proud of the students, families, and community we serve. We would love to help you arrange a visit to learn more. We believe you too will see why we are proud to be Pioneers!

Yours in Education,

Brian Downing
Okoboji High School Principal

Codit Tree Care

Codit Tree Care in Spirit Lake

CODIT is a licensed, insured and internationally certified arboriculture tree care business, which specializes in hard to access areas.

Father Daughter Dance:

Father Daughter Dance: in Milford

An annual event hosted by the Cherish Center to promote the importance of the Father Daughter relationship. 2017 event date is Saturday February 25th from 5-10pm at the Boji Bay Funhouse and Pavilion in Milford. $35/Family. Tickets available at the door.

Nautical Bar & Grill

Nautical Bar & Grill in Arnolds Park

This Bar/Restaurant has an amazing selection of beers on tap and bottled to suit any beer drinkers needs. Nautical serves lunch & dinner and be sure to try the wings, which are made with homemade sauces and cooked to a crisp perfection. A great atmosphere in the heart of Arnolds Park.

The Family Diner

The Family Diner in Spirit Lake

The Family Diner is Spirit Lake, IA is a local favorite! They offer up a large portion for small money, but whether you come early or late you may be in for a wait. With homemade bread and the largest sausage patty you have seen, The Family Diner is consistently delicious. They are open only for breakfast and lunch and closed two days a week. In my former career at Stylecraft, the family diner was definately a favorite when our friends would visit from North Carolina. They were always inpressed with the bread and rolls and corn beef hash.

Jimmy John's

Jimmy John's in Arnolds Park

We slice our all-natural meats and fresh veggies in-house every day. Our fresh-baked bread is made right here where you can see it, and our house-made tuna salad is fresh every day. The flavor of a ripe tomato, crisp shredded lettuce, combined with fresh-baked bread, fresh-sliced meat and real Hellmann's mayo - that's when the magic happens. Made with love every single day since 1983. That's Jimmy Fresh!

Kenue Park

Kenue Park in Okoboji

Kenue Park
2251 170th St
Okoboji, IA 51355

Located next door to the Dickinson County Nature Center, Kenue Park offers 40 acres of entertainment including picnic areas, hiking trails and a 18 hole disc golf course.

Spencer Hospital

Spencer Hospital in Spencer

Spencer Hospital delivers the highest quality healthcare in its area.They are compassionate about their patients, while providing high-tech, and professional care to each of their patients. They have a specialized cancer center, diagnostic imaging, surgery center, and a brand new OB unit. Spencer Hospital's amazing doctors provide personalized care, and treat each patient with compassion, and care.

Boat House Apparel

Boat House Apparel in Spirit Lake

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.

Walleye Weekend

Walleye Weekend in East Lake Okoboji

Its almost here!!! Walleye Weekend marks the beginning of another great summer here in the Okoboji Area. Anglers from all over come to try and catch the prize fish. Our local DNR tag and release specific Walleyes while they are gillnetting in the Spring. Whether you are fishing from shore or by boat, you cannot go wrong. It is a great time to get the season started and check out the local restaurants. Maybe you will catch the big one. For more information about Walleye Weekend you can go to http://okobojichamber.com/events-calendar/iowa-great-lakes-walleye-weekend/

Lake Life

Lake Life in Spirit Lake

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!

Triggs Bay Resort

Triggs Bay Resort in Arnolds Park

I had the opportunity and privilege to work at Triggs for 4 years in my high school and college years. Jim Triggs and Mike May run one of the best family resorts in the Lakes Area. The resort has 48 condo style units that are continually updated and maintained immaculately. It truly is a family resort as most units are rented each week every year by the same families. People really begin to know each other and I had a great time getting to know all of the families better each year. We always looked forward to seeing them each year and catching up. Triggs offers boat/watercraft rentals, 4 gas docks, boat hoists for rent, an outdoor pool, a daily groomed beach, game room, and many more great amenities. If you are planning a vacation to Okoboji, I highly encourage you to call early and see if you can get a reservation at Triggs Bay Resort. You will not be disappointed.

Lake Park Housing Authority

Lake Park Housing Authority in Lake Park

In 2013 the Lake Park Housing Authority was established to provide assistance to low and moderate income housing. The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors voted to release over $400,000 of TIF monies from two housing development projects to the Lake Park Housing Authority. The housing authorities goal is to preserve the Lake Park housing Stock, ensure safe housing and give assistance to rehab dwellings in Lake Park, increase owner occupied housing, down payment assistance. Funds of up to $25,000 are available for eligible applicants.

Cafe Esteam

Cafe Esteam in Spirit Lake

This new coffee shop is located in the Allure & Co. downtown Spirit Lake. They offer amazing coffee, smoothies and homemade baked goods. This is a great addition to the community!

Okoboji Expedition Co.

Okoboji Expedition Co. in Okoboji

Okoboji Expedition Co is a bicycle and outdoor sports store in Okoboji, Iowa. We are located on the eastern shore of West Okoboji Lake in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The Okoboji Expedition Company carries bicycles, kayaks, cycling apparel, cross country skis, and snowshoes along with all the needed accessories for all of the above. We also specialize in custom bike fittings and offer winter spinning classes.
We offer bicycle products from Specialized, Cervelo, Co-motion and Alchemy. We also stock Oru kayaks and paddle boards from SOL, Tubbs snowshoes, Atomic cross country skis and outdoor clothing from Mavic, Pearl Izumi and Louis Garneau. Stop in and see us… you’ll be glad you did.

Prairie Chick

Prairie Chick in Okoboji

2327 170th St
Okoboji, IA 51355
Prairie Chick is a great place to go for your morning coffee, for breakfast, lunch or just a spot to get away and read a newspaper. The atmosphere is great, There are numerous rooms and seating areas, including a fireplace where you are most likely going to find a local or two reading a newspaper waiting for someone to start up a good conversation with.

Very family friendly as well. In door and out door seating and a garden in the back where they grow alot of the ingredients used in their food.

They offer great coffee, scones, quiches, oatmeal, as well as other pastries. For lunch they also offer sandwiches/soup.

Their menu often changes from day to day, so stop in often and taste a little of everything.

Deli On The Ave

Deli On The Ave in Spirit Lake

Serving fresh deli sandwiches, grilled paninis, salads, sweet treats, specialty coffee and much more! Feel free to dine in and enjoy the atmosphere this unique deli provides, or order and take out. Ordering online is also an option for take-out and they also do corporate box lunches. Serving gluten free as well! You will definitely want to check out Deli on the Ave!

Emagine

Emagine in Spencer

If you're looking for a creative take on web design, Emagine is the company for you. Their innovative approach to custom web design is second to none. Not only do they specialize in web design, but custom photography, print design, programming, mobile development, inbound marketing, e-commerce, video production, and more. This team offers a fully customized experience for each client. Their unique ideas, and forward thinking are sure to blow you away.

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware in Estherville

As your local Ace Hardware, we are one of 5,000+ Ace stores locally owned and operated across the globe. But we are not just about numbers. We are about helping neighbors, because each one of our stores is a part of your community. We are all committed to being "the Helpful Place" by offering our customers personal service, quality products and a convenient shopping experience from the local experts who know you best. As the helpful hardware folks in your neighborhood, we promise that helping you is the most important thing we have to do today.

AFLAC

AFLAC in Milford

Your local agent providing the Aflac benefit and service is Adam Roos (Milford). Aflac offers protection to families with a goal of reducing financial stress through income-loss and asset-loss protection. Aflac insures more than 50 million people. Aflac also offers different Supplemental Medical coverages. You can reach Adam at 712-330-4790 or adam_roos@us.aflac.com

Healthy Living Program Center Milford

Healthy Living Program Center Milford in Milford

Healthy Living Program Center -MILFORD
2207 US 71
Milford, IA 51351

One of the many convenient locations offered by the Bedell Family YMCA is conveniently located in Milford, on the North end of Milford on Hwy 71. Right next to Subway and just south of Perkins.

Offered at this Center are exercise equipment, free weights for ages 14 and up. Personal Training is also offered.

Hours open are
Monday - Thursday 5 am to 11 pm
Friday 5 am to 9 pm
Saturday 6 am to 9 pm
Sunday closed

Arrowwood Resort

Arrowwood  Resort in West Lake Okoboji

Arrowwood Resort, next to beautiful Brooks Golf Course is one of Okoboji's most well-known hotel/resort. Featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, numerous convention/meeting rooms, and a restaurant, companies and individuals flock to Arrowwood for their consistency of great stays.

Dickinson County Nature Center

Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji

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.

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake

Immanuel Lutheran Church
2300 27th St
Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Services
Saturday at 6 p.m.
Sunday at 9 a.m.

"The Bridge"

"The Bridge" has been referred to by the Wharf Bridge, the Kentucky Fried Chicken Bridge, the bridge connecting East and West, among other names. In the good old days, this was actually a draw bridge converted to the current permanent structure. In the 90's when the 3 lane was installed, there was talk about removing the bridge and making some drastic changes. All in all, the base of the bridge remained, and the upper structure was improved. I remember as a kid jumping off the bridge, and fishing on and under the bridge. In fact, an unforgettable memory I have is when I was fishing with my cousin and I casted out trying to reach the opposite corner of the bridge with my lure. In mid air, a pigeon flew and the timing was so great that my line wrapped around the pigeon, and the pigeon went into the water. I reeled it up and had caught a pigeon. My cousin then decided to hold this pigeon inside the front of his coat. We went to show people at Okoboji Boats what we had caught. When we got there, he opened his jacket, and the pigeon had pooped all over his white shirt.

 

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Liz Sandy

Cell: 712.330.1386

Brooke Jones

Cell: 641.420.2172

Janie Eick

Cell: 712.339.0574

Matt Lippon

Cell: 712.330.0604

Aaron Jones

Cell: 712.336.4967

Greg Sheeler

Cell: 712.330.1573

Kymm Jones

Cell: 712.320.6737

Center Lake Homes For Sale

$1,795,000

Status: Active
2230 & 2234 165th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360

  240421

 N/A

 1

  2,728


Listed by : INGVALL REAL ESTATE TEAM, MARY LYNN INGVALL (712.336.1121)
Price Decreased

$895,000

Status: Active
2226 165th Street, Spirit Lake, IA 51360

  240422

 3

 2

  1,988


Listed by : INGVALL REAL ESTATE TEAM, MARY LYNN INGVALL (712.336.1121)
Price Decreased

Subscribe To Our Newsletter