The Clark Museum of Okoboji Area & Iowa History is one of Iowa's most enjoyable and informative history Museums. The Museum was established in 1985 and first featured items from Lake Okoboji, Arnold’s Park, Milford and other area towns. The Museum now displays thousands of pictures of the entire Iowa Great Lakes Region, each  picture includes a researched and written story.

The Dickinson County Museum, in a 140 year old depot, provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from Dickinson County.  Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from those artifacts through public programs, publications, educational activities, and special events.

 The Dickinson County Nature Center serves as a natural history museum nestled within the heart of Okoboji, Iowa. It offers an immersive exploration into the region's diverse ecological environments, with exhibits showcasing the area's unique flora and fauna, geology, and other natural resources. The center also houses live animal exhibits, offering visitors a chance to gain a deeper understanding of local species. Regular educational programs and nature-oriented activities further enhance its mission of conservation education, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in experiencing and learning about nature firsthand.  

The Lake Park Historical Society has put in numerous hours in restoring some of Lake Park's original buildings at Heritage Square. One of the buildings is the original railroad depot built in the 1800s.  Other buildings on the site include a restored 1800s prairie home and the original City Jail, also from the 1800s.

Money, Money, Money

The story of small town banking's role in the development of the U.S. banking system.

 Currency doesn’t just happen, it develops through a history of people, events, banks and choices. Visitors to the Higgins Museum have the opportunity to view and enjoy the largest collection of National Bank Note issues on permanent exhibit anywhere in the country. The Museum, which opened in 1978, is purposed with the acquisition, preservation and display of the notes, related artifacts and pertinent reference materials relating to the National Bank Note issuance era. 

 In September 2017, the Park received a surprise call with the announcement that the Funhouse Toys would be coming back to the Park through a generous donation from Dan Wells, Jared and Jacqui Penne, Mackenzie Wells, Carly Wells, and Tim and Joren Kinnetz. The slide, barrel and sugar bowl were all installed inside the newly expanded Arnolds Park Museums in early 2018. The slide is in operation and is included in a season membership or day pass. It is also available to ride for $1 per ride. The sugar bowl and barrel are display only. 

 View rare artifacts and immerse yourself in the lore of the Iowa Great Lakes. See a rare collection of antique wooden boats and view a boat pulled from the depths of West Okoboji. Browse the new reproduction of the “Okoboji Store.” Or peruse retro ride parts, signs and other souvenirs left from Arnolds Park’s earlier days. Whether young or old, an Okoboji native or a first-time visitor, the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum is an integral part of your Arnolds Park experience. 

 The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory is not solely a museum, but rather a renowned field station and biological research facility. Its exhibits offer a unique glimpse into diverse ecological and environmental studies, serving as an informal educational museum where visitors can immerse themselves in nature's laboratory. With its rich collections of native flora, fauna, and geological samples, it represents a living museum of the natural history of Iowa and the Great Lakes region, offering invaluable resources for students, researchers, and anyone passionate about the environment. 

The Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum exists to preserve the legacy of rock and roll music in Iowa by honoring achievements, educating youth and inspiring artists. Established in 1997, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit statewide organization with many areas of service.

Toby Shine, President of Okoboji Classic Cars, is a longtime automobile collector. He hand-picked a team of leading industry professionals, bringing them together under one roof with one focus: providing the ultimate classic car experience.

Whether you are looking to invest in a collectible car, restore a currently owned car or just want to take a stroll down memory lane, you will want to make this a destination spot.

The Pearson Lakes Art Center, located in the heart of Iowa's Great Lakes region, is a renowned museum that enriches the community through its diverse collection of exceptional art pieces. Showcasing a vibrant array of local, national, and international exhibits, it invites visitors to explore a myriad of artistic expressions spanning various periods and styles. Besides its visual art galleries, the center also features a performing arts theater, educational workshops, and community outreach programs, offering an engaging, multifaceted cultural experience. The center stands as a testament to the profound impact of art on society, inspiring a deeper appreciation for creativity, innovation, and aesthetic beauty among all its visitors. 

 Most people, when they hear of Winchester, think of guns… but don’t realize that in the mid-to-late 1920s, Winchester had over 6,400 hardware stores that dotted the nation – including one in downtown Spirit Lake, Iowa. These hardware stores went bankrupt in the years of the Depression, causing this slice of history to nearly be lost. 

 This collection owned by David and Jane Kruse is one of the largest of its kind in the country and is the only collection on display in a recreated hardware store that was built to the original specs of the Winchester company. This 4,000-square-foot museum collection has been featured in several magazines, including on the cover of the Winchester Collectors Association Magazine and Our Iowa Magazine, and is housed in a recreated 1928 Winchester Hardware Store in Spirit Lake, Iowa.