15 Incredible Small Businesses in Okoboji, IA

Okoboji is a coastal resort town along the shores of the Great Lakes Region in Dickinson County.

This town is nestled on the shores of West Okoboji Lake and is a favorite vacation destination in Iowa.  

Throughout the town, you're greeted by charming inns and resorts that cater to thousands of tourists yearly.

The town serves as the centerpiece of West Lake Okoboji because of its scenic location and the availability of outdoor recreation for all seasons.

The town spans only 4.56 square kilometers, and surprisingly, only 772 people live in Okoboji.

The rest are tourists.

With all that in mind, it's a no-brainer that the top industry in this small town is tourism.

Still, Okoboji is home to a collection of thriving locally-owned small businesses.

Check out this post to learn about the small businesses in Okoboji, Iowa.

Vintage Block Inn

Vintage Block Inn is a bed and breakfast known for its superb amenities.

You can check out this place along Sanborn Avenue.

It takes pride as a three-star bed and breakfast that has welcomed countless Okoboji tourists for many years.

Staying at this place transports you to the yesteryears with its incredible 1950s retro-style interior and feel.

It has an outdoor swimming pool for those who want to cool down.

At the same time, it has cozy rooms equipped with air-conditioning units, a private bathroom, and a free Wi-Fi internet connection.

It also features exciting board games, free bike rides, and other activities for guests.

Its owners have spared no expense on the intricate details of their inn to make it stand out among other lodgings in Okoboji.

Check out Vintage Block Inn whenever you're searching for a cozy, fun, and convenient place to stay when vacationing in Okoboji.

Okoboji Store

Okoboji Store is one of the most famous restaurants in town.

This restaurant along U.S. Highway 71 is famous for its scenic waterfront patio that serves as its dining area.

At the same time, it's renowned for its grilled menu items and pub grub setting, attracting tourists throughout the town.

This locally-owned restaurant has operated since 2015.

It aims to provide tourists with the best atmosphere, food, and drinks while enjoying the West Okoboji Lake.

Whether you're searching for a spot in Okoboji for a mouthwatering lunch or a romantic dinner, something at this restaurant is waiting for you.

Its menu mainly focuses on fresh seafood, unique burgers, tacos, salads, premium meat cuts, and sandwiches.

Besides its delicious menu items, you can pair it with its wide selection of fine wines and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Drop by the Okoboji Store for a satisfying dining experience.

Parks Marina

Since Okoboji and its surrounding cities and towns are located on the shores of the Iowa Great Lakes, it's a no-brainer that one of its primary means of transportation is boats.

Regarding top-notch boats for sale and boat rentals, check out Parks Marina along State Out Road.

This locally-owned business, operating since 1983.

It takes pride as one of the top choices for many regarding excellent quality boats and other water vessels.

Its owner started his business by selling sporting goods and small fishing boats.

It eventually grew and became one of the go-to names in Okoboji's boating scene.

It has a display facility that lets you explore boats, jet skis, yachts, pontoons, and other water vessels.

Head to the Parks Marina for your boating needs in Okoboji.

Barefoot Bar

Barefoot Bar is a watering hole/restaurant famous for its tiki-themed setting.

This bar situated along Stake Out Road offers bargoers a lively and fun place to hang out.

It has live music from bands and musicians serenading you and your friends while you enjoy drinks.

Okoboji, in general, is home to many bars and restaurants where you can have fun or unwind.

However, this one stands out.

Besides its excellent music and drinks, it serves delicious food, perfect for hungry bargoers.

With all these in mind, Barefoot Bar is a must-visit spot in Okoboji for its lively vibes, excellent drinks, and good company.

Outrigger Restaurant & Lounge

Outrigger Restaurant & Lounge is another noteworthy restaurant you mustn't miss visiting when you're in town.

Many consider this restaurant along U.S. Highway 71 a hidden gem because of its underrated delicious menu items and beautiful spot.

Many tourists stumble upon this charming restaurant while strolling through Okoboji's streets.

Its location, across a pocket strip mall, makes it a convenient place to enjoy a meal.

Most of the restaurant's specialty centers on seafood and cocktail drinks.

It serves fresh scallops, tuna, shrimp, calamari, lobster, and premium meat cuts.

It also serves dishes from freshly caught fish in West Okoboji Lake.

When craving seafood, head to Outrigger Restaurant & Lounge.

Patten Roofing of Iowa

Patten Roofing of Iowa is a roofing and home improvement contractor operating in Okoboji and neighboring areas.

You can visit its office along U.S. Highway 71.

This family-owned business specializes in roofing installations, repairs, and enhancements.

Whether you're looking for roof installers or repair contractors, this business strives to provide its clients with excellent output whenever needed.

True to its excellent work, this business has been operating since 1953 in Minnesota and eventually opened a branch in Okoboji.

Today, the Patten Roofing of Iowa remains an unparalleled name in roofing services for residential and commercial establishments.

Barn Swallow Gift Shop

Barn Swallow Gift Shop is a quirky and unique place to browse through a novelty of gift items.

You can visit this shop along U.S. Highway 71.

For those seeking beyond the usual, this is your go-to shop.

It has a vast cache of novelty items such as clothes, home décor, artwork, jewelry, collectibles, toys, and more.

This shop has been open for over 40 years, making it a local icon for gifts, souvenirs, apparel, and other unique items.

Have fun browsing its outstanding collection, especially if you're searching for souvenirs to take home after visiting Okoboji.

Whether you're only window shopping or looking for something unique, Barn Swallow Gift Shop has something exciting waiting for you.

Fare You Well

Fare You Well is a food truck that serves not your typical fried and comfort foods.

This food truck operates in Okoboji and other parts of Dickinson County.

It includes operating in Arnold's Park, West Okoboji, and Spirit Lake.

Unlike your typical food truck, this one is known to serve mouthwatering dishes infused with organic ingredients sourced locally.

Its owner-chefs aim to serve healthy comfort food without sacrificing flavor and quality.

They are known for their delicious hamburgers, hotdogs, and other quick-grab meals.

These are cooked and prepared using organic and healthy ingredients.

Look for the Fare You Well food truck to satisfy your cravings.

O'Farrell Sisters

O'Farrell Sisters is a culinary institution in town.

This restaurant is situated along Lake Shore Drive, serving Okoboji locals and visitors since 1949.

It's famous for its whole-day breakfast meals, lunchtime sandwiches, and giant cinnamon rolls.

It's a family-owned restaurant run by siblings who took over the business from its original owner, a former sheriff of Dickinson County.

Today, the second generation of the original owners runs the restaurant.

It has maintained its original recipes, ambiance, and quality of its food and service.

Some of its must-tries include its homemade pies, Hangover Helper, BLT Bene, and the Triple K.

Head to O'Farrell Sisters and enjoy its timeless food experience that everyone loves.

Monarch Art Café

Monarch Art Café is a coffee shop and restaurant with a twist.

You can visit this place along U.S. Highway 71.

Unlike your typical coffee shop, this one also serves as a contemporary art gallery and café, serving delicious coffee drinks, pastries, and food.

It's a favorite hangout for coffee lovers and artisans.

Its owner aims to create social connectivity through a café where like-minded people can exchange ideas while enjoying coffee and food.

Whether you're a coffee or art lover, Monarch Art Café has something fascinating waiting for you.

So, remember to grab your coffee and snacks at this one-of-a-kind place.

Okoboji Boat Works

Okoboji Boat Works is a one-stop shop for all your boating needs.

You can visit this place along Lake Shore Drive.

It's the go-to place for locals regarding seasonal boat slip rentals, watersports rentals, fishing licenses, fishing supplies, and on-water gas dock.

What makes it more convenient is that this shop operates 24/7.

Besides its usual services, it has a lakefront convenience store where you can grab a beer, snacks, coffee, and beachwear.

In addition, it has a restaurant called the Fish House, serving seafood dishes.

It also has a full bar with multiple television screens for everyone to enjoy.

Head to its marina to choose your preferred water vessel before exploring the town by boat.

Look no further than the Okoboji Boat Works for all your wants and needs.

Little Red Gift Gallery

The Little Red Gift Gallery is a fantastic place to learn about arts and other fascinating things relevant to it.

You can visit this place along U.S. Highway 71, particularly at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.

This place is a tribute to the Lake Art Center's "Little Red Building" in the 1960s.

It features artworks from local artists, a novelty of art-related products, and much more.

At the same time, visitors can enjoy various art-related workshops from paintings, sculpture making, and performing arts.

In addition, it has an art gallery and a coffee shop on its adjoining outdoor patio.

Overall, the Little Red Gift Gallery is something you mustn't miss checking out for beautiful artwork and the opportunity to hone your artistic skills.

Wyman's Spudnutz

Wyman's Spudnutz is a casual and welcoming coffee shop within a gas station known for its donuts and coffee drinks.

You can visit this place along U.S. Highway 71.

This shop opened in 2012 to serve coffee lovers throughout the Iowa Great Lakes.

You can stop by and enjoy excellent coffee that is best paired with its mouthwatering donuts.

It's an excellent place to stop by, especially if you're craving donuts and coffee.

Regarding delicious donuts and coffee, Wyman's Spudnutz is the best place to go.

Salon of Okoboji

Salon of Okoboji is your go-to place to fix your hair problems.

You can visit this salon along U.S. Highway 71 in Arrowwood Resort.

Pampering yourself should be one of your top priorities.

Visiting this salon is highly recommended; it's also one of Okoboji's go-to places for hairdressing, hairstyling, and other related services.

Besides the usual hair services, its hairdressers and stylists offer everyone hair colors, waxing, manicures, and pedicure services.

Head to the Salon of Okoboji when your hair needs a cut or an updated style.

Snook's of Okoboji

Snook's of Okoboji is a shop specializing in home improvement needs.

You can visit this place along Exchange Street.

This store originally opened as a retail store.

Still, it was converted into a shop after a transfer of ownership.

Today, it's a one-stop shop for all flooring, mattresses, furniture, décor, and dining needs.

It sells tiles, wood planks, and other choices.

At the same time, it has a wide array of window designs, mattresses, bedding, and furniture pieces for interior and outdoor living spaces.

Overall, Snook's of Okoboji is a recommended shop for home improvement.

Final Thoughts

Okoboji might be a small resort town home to less than a thousand residents.

However, they enjoy premium convenience because these small businesses serve the community with their top-notch products and services.

So, remember to support these small businesses in Okoboji, Iowa.