Spirit Lake is considered the gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes region. This small but vibrant city is located in northwestern Iowa, less than 10 miles from the Minnesota state border and 100 miles east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The town, founded in 1879, derives its name from the Dakota Sioux word for the large lake to the north – “Minnewaukon” or “Lake of the Spirit.” Easily accessible by car, Spirit Lake, Iowa, sits at the cross-section of Interstates 71 and 9.
Not surprisingly, with such beauty and natural wonders, there are countless things to do around Spirit Lake involving the great outdoors. Over 100 miles of trails crisscross the region, including a ten-mile city-based trail system that connects four fishing piers and necessary amenities.
For the golf enthusiast, Spirit Lake has two private golf courses within the city and over 11 public and private courses within half hour of downtown, ensuring challenging play for all. In the summertime, temperatures reach the mid-80s, perfect for all of the outdoor activities in the area.
But the area has a colder side as well and receives up to 40 inches of snow annually. Luckily, that doesn’t stop the tourists who visit this small town year-round. Why so much interest in Spirit Lake, Iowa? Because while awe-inspiring in its natural beauty, there are more things to do in Spirit Lake than play outdoors.
Spirit Lake is home to great restaurants, a few breweries, phenomenal museum complexes, and a retail art gallery district. There are also several seasonal amusement parks and a historic district with numerous European and indigenous buildings that date back to the city’s earliest settlements.
If you are planning to visit, here is a list of the best things to do in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
TLDR
- Most significant landmark – Abbie Gardner Cabin
- Best park – Memorial Park
- Best free activity – Dickinson County Museum
- Best thing to do for kids – Treasure Village
- Best thing to do for adults – Pearson Lakes Art Center
- Best food – The Waterfront Grille
- Best nightlife – Okoboji Store
- Best all-around accommodation – The Oakwood Inn
Best & Fun Things to Do in Spirit Lake, Iowa
1. Dickinson County Museum
Address: 1708 Keokuk Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA 51360
The Dickinson County Museum houses a collection of exhibits celebrating the county’s history and cultural heritage, all contained in a converted…
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