Burt City Test

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!

This unique antique shop located right off Hwy 71 in between Milford and Spencer in Fostoria, Iowa has so much to offer. Lots of home decor, up-cycled furniture, an Amish grocery store, jewelry, bath soaps and neat -dated antique furniture and decor. Their open hours are Wednesday - Saturday at 10am. The owner, Cathy, is very kind, knowledgeable, and has the place decorated tastefully! This is a MUST see; I bet you don’t leave empty handed!

Minerva's is a fabulous dining experience, from the consistently great food to the diverse menu selections. It's a great place to dine in the lakes area year round. If you haven't been, you really should give it a try. The atmosphere is welcoming and the friendly staff is very attentive. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or meeting with friends, this is the place!

Founded in 1960, the Three Sons has been a staple of Milford, IA retail. From Herman and Emil Richter, owners, was born the University of Okoboji, a ficticious university that calls the entire Iowa Great Lakes the campus of the U of O. Part of the experience of shopping the three sons, if walking the old battered floors, and taking a trip upstairs for half price, plus a buck. Brands you would expect in Milford Iowa are abundant, such as Patagonia, Oakley, Under Armour, Tommy Bahama, and more. There are currently 2 other stores; one at the amusement park, and another near the Regal Beagle called the bridge store. No self-respecting visitor to Okoboji leaves without visiting one of their stores.

With summer right around the corner that means one thing for the Greens Space at Arnolds Park. The 2024 Free Summer concert calendar has been released spanning the whole summer with exciting performers. Who are you excited to see?

Starbucks is located in the HY-VEE grocery store in Spirit Lake. The employees at this location are amazing. They will always provide you with great service. Even if you are not a coffee fan make sure to stop in and try one of their freshly baked muffins or cake pops!

The Bear is an eclectic little coffeehouse and wine bar nestled in Spencer. The bear serves amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner year round, as well as beer, wine, and of course, the finest coffee. It has a casual, comfortable setting, sure to keep you coming back for more. Its also great for meetings, work events, or just a nice spot to meet friends. They host events, local live entertainment, and more; they're very involved in their community.

Located in the Great Lakes Mall, The Look is one of the most popular places to shop for clothes in the area. With the most stylish clothing for juniors to women, they have new styles arrive daily! This store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends, and you can always find something you're dying to have. This is my wife's favorite place to shop in the Okoboji area.

Omaha Beach is on the north end of Echo Bay, extending out into Omaha Point. Known for its secluded private access from Lakeshore Drive, Omaha Beach properties are some of the most sought after on West Lake, easily fetching over $15000 per linear foot of lakeshore.

"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.

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.

The ice is in and its time to mark some fish! Drag the sled right down the ramp off of Dam Road in Arnolds Park and you are catching fish in minutes. On Minnewashta, no spot is a bad spot. Surrounded by a number of beautiful lake homes, the scene is perfect for drilling some holes and jigging your way to a fresh meal. Gills, perch, crappie and walleye will keep you busy in your fish shack. If have not fished on Lake Minnewashta, now is the time.

Best pizza in town with an amazing view! Dock the boat and stop in the Ritz for a pizza and cold beverages. They offer live bands in the summer and during winter games! The Ritz offers a breakfast buffet and an amazing bloody mary bar on Sundays! Make sure to stop in when you are in town.

A family owned and operated garage door installation and general maintenance and repair company. They have competitive pricing, their service is prompt and reliable, free design estimates are available and they cover a wide service area. Whether you’re wanting to transform your space, repair your existing door, or explore and design a new commercial or residential garage door option, Boji Doors of Spirit Lake has you covered! Call Josh today 712.330.9806 for sales, service and installation!

Boji Tattoo is a very welcoming tattoo place in the Lakes Area. Offering very competitive pricing for tattoos and piercings, Boji Tattoo is a great place for your next piece of ink. You can rest assured that Boji Tattoo is a sterile, clean environment. Their needles are a one time use, and all tools are sterilized after each customer. They have extensive tattoo ideas in their shop, as well as body jewelry to buy.

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!

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.

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!

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!

Bridges Bay Resort is built on the land purchased a few years prior which used to be owned by the Nielsen family of Arnolds Park. This huge complex consists of a hotel, 3 condo buildings (a 4th is under construction), and over 100 vacation cabins. A popular part of the resort is the indoor waterpark that cabin and condo owners have access to, but also, so does the public for a fee. Braccos is a fantastic summertime restaurant and bar which is frequented by boat, by car, and by foot, especially from the owners of the condos and cabins. All of the units at Bridges Bay have an opportunity for a boat hoist, and it is an extremely popular destination for out of towners looking for a vacation spot in Okoboji. Because Bridges Bay is not within the city limits, many owners utilize property management companies to help them rent their units by the day, week, and month. I've personally sold and shown many condo and cabin units and would be delighted to help.

Consumers Lumber Company is the only locally owned and operated building center in the area. They have been proudly serving the best builders and homeowners with the best materials and services since 1906.
They have locations in Spirit Lake and Spencer Iowa with a complete line of building materials and builder’s hardware. They also have full showrooms of millwork, stone, decking and cabinetry.
Dollars spent with Consumers Lumber stay in Dickinson and Clay counties. They support all the area schools and youth organizations along with several other community charities. Consumers Lumber Company is also very proud of the fact that their 15 employees have over 200 years of combined service to our company and that they all live, shop and play here.
They offer timely and accurate project bids and drawings to better serve the areas builders and homeowners. They also provide free and fast delivery to the four county area.

If you're in the mood for a movie, this is the place to go! They've recently updated all of their seating, so its comfier than ever to enjoy a movie here! They offer daily snack and drink specials, as well as free showings from time to time. Their screens are all digital projection, to ensure the clearest movies possible.

Let the experts at Sanford Home Medical Equipment help you find the medical equipment you need. Their services focus on your safety and comfort. Sanford is here to help you find the products and services that are the perfect fit for your health needs, physical characteristics, environment and lifestyle.

Hibachi 88 is a great place to enjoy Chinese food and sushi! They have a large dinner menu and also have a separate lunch menu. If you don't feel like going out or cooking at home call for take out there is something for everyone. If you are a sushi fan make sure to try the Boston roll it is one of my favorites!

Creative Spirits is the only one of its kind in the Okoboji area, and a blast at that! You bring your own beer or wine, and paint a beautiful masterpiece with step by step instructions from one of the great instructors! They offer public classes, and private classes. Which means its the perfect night out with girlfriends, for a birthday party, or a fun family event. They have an extensive list of various paintings to choose from, so your masterpiece will look great with any home decor! Definitely something to check out!

Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality.
1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???)
2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used?
3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans?
4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet?
5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus.

There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.

This new business to the lakes area is sure to be a hit! Arnold's Bark-ery makes healthy, fresh made snacks for all of the lucky dogs in the surrounding Okoboji area. They also provide natural, and holistic pet foods in their shop. A fun place to bring your dog to shop, as well as a place to get them groomed. What a fun addition to the area!

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.

Established in 2005, renovated in 2016, Pub19 Bar & Grill is your premier destination for great food and drink, and a superb dining experience. With an expansive menu and beautiful facilities, we’re certain you’ll enjoy your meal and your time spent with us. Indoor and outdoor seating is available!

Cutting Edge Lawn Service has been proudly serving the Iowa Great Lakes Area for many years. They take pride in their impeccable customer service, and maintain strong relationships with customers, just ask your neighbors! To them, your lawn is theirs, and they want to keep it looking its absolute best. Cutting Edge's rates are competitive on all of their services, and top notch service as well. They are fully trained lawn care specialists that give 100% every time.
Their services include: Lawn Mowing, Lawn Aeration,Trimming,Spring & Fall Clean Up, De-thatching, Hedge Trimming, Raking, Weed Control, Gutter Clean Out, Landscaping, and Power Washing.

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.

"The Tressle" bridge used to carry the old railroad that traversed the area. Now the tressle is home to some of the areas best fishing. Served as a hot spot for fisherman, and a trail for walkers and bikers, the tressle is a classic structure of the Okobojis. We spent days jumping off of the tressle doing cannonballs, preachers, flips and the like. I know in my life my friends and I have caught literally tens of thousands of crappie and blue gill off the tressle bridge.

The Style Loft Boutique, located downtown Estherville, has all the latest trends in apparel. They offer a wide variety of clothing brands and also have the seasons must-haves in shoes and jewelry as well. Check out The Style Loft, you won't be disappointed!

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.

You can't come to the Lakes Area, and not go to Arnolds Perk. This whimiscal little coffee shops is always very busy in the summers, and rightfully so; their coffee is amazing! They also have breakfast, lunch, and their ever famous cupcakes, along with their coffee drinks. Located just across the street from the Arnolds Park amusement park, its the perfect place to stop at on your vacation in the mornings!

Little Swan Lake Winery is a family owned and operated business located 1-1/2 miles north of the small town of Superior in Northwest Iowa. The tasting room, a remodeled 1920's barn, features 35 different wines all produced on site, a selection of gourmet cheeses, and buffalo meat from the owners herd which roams nearby. The vineyard consists of two acres of northern cold hardy grapes. The gift shop features clothing and wine related items. Little Swan Lake is dedicated to producing the finest and most enjoyable wines and invite you to spend an hour or an afternoon with them. The bed and breakfast is a renovated grain elevator and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty that is Little Swan Lake! They have weekly live music, check their website for the schedule!

Snook’s of Okoboji started primarily as a retail flooring store. After a transfer of ownership, the new owner, Bill Adams, has transformed our store into a one-stop home store. We now not only retail flooring, but also offer a wide selection of furniture, bedding, window treatments, decor and outdoor living. With the ability to purchase from the floor or order custom, we’ll make sure you get what you’re looking for to suit your space. Let our family help your’s.
Stop by today or shop online at snooksofokoboji.com.

Located in Spirit Lake Lisa's Bake Shop offers a large selection of bakery items along with to-go deli items. If you are looking for something specific you certainly can call ahead and order a personalized cake or cheesecake or just stop in a grab some of their famous cinnamon rolls and caramel rolls. If you cant decide what to have for lunch or dinner stop in and check out their large selection of take and bake meals and soups. You will not be disappointed!

One of a kind Authentic Mexican Cuisine right here in West Okoboji! A local favorite and rated five stars by visitors young and old. Be sure to put this as a favorite on your list of places to not miss when you are vacationing in the Lakes area. Close to Terrace Park so if you are feeling up for a small walk you may walk from Terrace Park to the Taco House.

Arguably the most iconic spot in all of the lakes area, Barefoot Bar is the one place you must visit when you're here for the summer. They have the best blended drinks, as well as every other cocktail you can think of, served in their signature cups. Its the perfect place on the lake to sit back and relax with friends, while enjoying the view, and all of the palm trees. Barefoot Bar also has a menu, to enjoy some food while you're soaking in the sun. Its even the perfect place for kids, with a full swing set, and even a slide that goes right into the lake!

Looking for a pace to get organic, and natural foods? Wilder Thymes is your go-to place! As the only shop in the lakes area to offer such things, this quaint little shop is definitely a place to check out. They offer organic, and local foods, from snacks, spices, cooking ingredients, gluten free, dairy products, and more! Wilder Thymes also has an array of natural cleaning products, and personal care items that are hard to come by. Not only can you buy groceries here, but they also have a deli! Pizzas, wraps, braked goods, soups, and sandwiches are just some of the yummy things you can buy at Wilder Thymes!

Arrowood is a year-round conference center and hotel with over 100 guest rooms, whirlpool suites and a "Great Room" for hosting group events and hospitality suites. Formerly known as Village East, the resort offers an outdoor pool, deck, playground, volleyball and croquet courts and a heated indoor pool area. Hotel goers can also enjoy an on-site salon, Minervas Bar and Eatery and lit parking. Located on Brooks National Golf Course, Arrowwood Resort offers some of the finest lodging around. Years ago, Brooks Golf Course clubhouse was actually housed on the rear side of Arrowood, but since then, the course has been converted to 27 holes with a a new separate clubhouse. Also, the Racquet Club was a part of the facility, offering workout facilities, racquet ball, and tennis. However, with the addition of the YMCA, the racquet club was unsustainable and converted into retail.

If you're looking for a welcoming church to be a part of, Good News is it! As a member of this church, I have first hand experience of their warm inviting nature. This growing church is full of younger families, as well as community members from every stage in life. Their contemporary nature is what really drew my family into this church. They have great music, that you can't help but sing along, and get lost within the message.

Woodys Pizza is the oldest existing pizza restaurant in Northwest Iowa. In 1961, Woody and Mae Condon started their first restaurant in Estherville, with four tables, an eight seat counter and carry-out service. There was no alcohol served. It became a gathering place for the young people of Estherville.
In 1980 they sold their restaurant to their son, Anthony, he and his family operated Woody's for over 30 years. On Jan. 1, 2018, Dave and Tasha Welch of Estherville are the new owners.
Now, Dave & Tasha are thrilled to be taking the reins to continue not only bringing you great tasting pizza with the original famous recipe, but to bring you excellent service as a family-run business Estherville can be proud of.
Dine in or Call 712-362-5610 for Carry Out and Delivery!

AmericInn Lodge & Suites is centrally located in Okoboji on beautiful Brooks National Golf Course. This hotel offers 61 guest rooms all with 32' flat screen televisions and plush top beds. There are a variety of different room types are available.....fireplace, whirlpool tub, patio or balcony. They offer a free hot home-style breakfast such as waffles, sausage, eggs or biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, yogurt and more! Enjoy the heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna or soak up the sun on one of the three patios. AmericInn offers an affordable option to tourists, especially in the summer. It is also conveniently located just off the trail system in Okoboji.

As the only frozen yogurt place in the Lakes Area, BonBon has made quite the name for itself! We wait for the day it opens, and try to go weekly throughout the summer. This self serve froyo shop is sure to put a smile on anyone's face, with the array of toppings, and flavors, that are changing from week to week! It satisfies your sweet tooth, while still being healthy, which is a major win win for me.

Emerald Hills Golf Course is one of the premier golf courses in the Iowa Great Lakes. Golfers throughout Okoboji will tell you that compared to the rest of the golf courses around, Emerald Hills is probably the most challenging. When I grew up as a kid, we lived just a half block from the back side of the course. We would sneak on with a couple short little clubs and balls we found walking the course and sometimes spent more time being chased by the sprinklers than trying to hit golf balls. Emerald Hills was owned by Gordy and Bette Benit many years ago and they can be credited with growing this course into the masterpiece it has become. Later purchased by Randy Rohlfsen and a few others, Emerald has flourished as one of the best courses around. If memory serves me right, Randy has been there since the early 1990's and has always had a strong conviction to help young golfers. He has taught and coached numerous high school teams, and they also put on a 5 day junior camp every year which has been a tremendous hit. I grew up on this course and can honestly say, you better be hitting the ball straight!

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.

Whether you need a new roof or roofing repairs, the team at Harvey’s Five Star Roofing can finish the job quickly & for an honest rate that works in your budget. Fully licensed, bonded and insured - Plus an unbeatable lifetime warranty!

Best food in town? We sure think so. Rabab has outdone herself here in the Central Emporium! This upscale, fine dining restaurant will not disappoint. She offers Mediterranean and American dishes. The food is the best part, but Rabab's also has arguably one of the best views, overlooking beautiful West Okoboji lake. Not only is her food extraordinary, she offers an extensive selection of fine wines and cocktails.