Gab & Dab is an aspiring Gift Shop that features arts/crafts jewelry, apparel, and other…read morecollectibles. It is located within the Queens Court in Arnold's Park. And the Iowa Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and the Amusement Park are right across the street. Like many other stores along this row, the merchandise appeals to the seasonal tourist that spends their hard earned money to get here. Browsing around Gab & Dab is fun and Gayle liked this place even more. And if we happen to be here later in the summer when the end of season sales are in full swing, so much the better.

Amazing treasure for the creative spirit!!!!…read more I love, love, love this place. They staff is passionate about their work and it shows. The gift shop/gallery is a beautiful reflection of local artisians and I couldn't resist buying some gifts while there. Do yourself a favor and stop in to find out more about their classes, the gallery shows and the gift shop. It will feed your artistic soul.

I stopped in yesterday and purchased a book by Art Cullen, while looking over the various regional…read moreart available for purchase. I like Tim Anderson's stuff, but his current offerings here are a little too large and eclectic to make it past Gayle. Perry Polson's fine wood pieces are plentiful over at the Clay County Fair, and I swear that a couple glass pieces on the upper shelf looks like they were from the hands of Jesse Bogenrief. I also had a nice chat with the woman holding the place down and wish I were around more to take fuller advantage of Arts on Grand. It's a nice space that I'll be happy to return.

Absolutely my favorite store in the Okoboji area. You can find a gift for everyone on your list…read more Reasonable priced. Something for everyone.

cute little gift shop. lots of sweatshirts, books, trinkets, decor and more. I hate that the…read moresweatshirts are all so pricey, I would have gotten two. this is not a handicap accessible place as there are different levels within. there is a bathroom in the basement. when we visit okoboji I always stop in, usually just looking. it's worth a loom just for the uniqueness of it.

A must see if you enjoy learning the history of the area you are visiting. Nice little info…read morecenter/museum along side the cabin, the cabin itself and family cemetery. Read the story of Abby Gardner's tragic past of her family massacred by Indians and she held hostage. She returned to the area later and founded the museum.

The Gardner Cabin was first known as one of the sites of the 1857 "Spirit Lake Massacre" and later…read morebecame one of Iowa's first tourist attractions. The Cabin is located just outside of the Amusement Park and is an interesting reminder of one of Iowa's tragic Frontier events. Here you can learn the dramatic stories of Abbie Gardner and the Dakota leader, Inkpaduta. The State Historical Society of Iowa owns and preserves the Gardner Cabin and Museum, which has been restored to its 1856 appearance. The park's visitor center features artifacts relating to the period, the European-American settlers and the Sioux. Legends and ghost stories related to the events are recounted still. Psychics have told of contacting the "friendly" spirit of Abigail Gardner. Other people claim that after a visit to the Gardner Cabin, furniture and other belongings were rearranged at their homes. Beside the possibility of receiving some new home decorating tips, I like visiting here as I love history, it reminds me where I'm from, and I enjoy a short break from all the resort activity.

Hillcrest Forge is a metal fabrication (blacksmith) shop. They make a variety of things such as…read morerailings, spiral stairs, dock ladders, and other custom and ornamental iron work. Associated welding and repairs are also available. Hillcrest Forge also has an artistic side, when I admired their ornate picture frames in Spirit Lake at A Piece of Work. I bought a solid 8X10' version with nice oak leaf accents and a solid heavy feel. It will have an honoured place on our wall. And when I think of Gayle or my son, there are so many special occasions to consider!

The Dickinson County Museum in Spirit Lake is located at an old train depot. And if you look in…read moreone direction, you can see where the tracks once ran. When I was growing up in NW Iowa, I remember the old Rock Island, which in Estherville included a roundhouse, offices, and tracks running in all major directions. These days, much of that track is either gone or abandoned (including the old main east - west line between Estherville and Spirit Lake. On the other hand, Iowa has done an admirable job turning some of these old rails to trails and preserving some of the heritage in museums such as this. As with the Emmet County Museum in Estherville (which also features a number of other historical buildings), there is a high "stuff" factor that eventually overwhelms you. However, you eventually find a few little references to what you liked about life here that you can hold dear. A more interesting approach is to engage the volunteer docent in conversation. You might get more than you asked for, but in my own case the guy ended up being someone who had done business with my Dad and knew about our family.

A great representation of Dickinson County history --- one piece of several efforts to share and to…read morepreserve local history. Good tour for middle school and up....... Information from towns, current and past. Everyone will find something they like.... whether as a large piece of history -train car or covered wagon, or a document, letter or photo. Take the time to tour, to volunteer or to donate. Great place.

When Gayle and I stay at the family cabin on Spirit Lake, at some point I take off alone and…read moreexplore parts of Greater Spirit Lake. Gayle is just fine sitting on the lakeside deck and reading a book. My Nephews love to go antiquing, of which I've been doing a little more of over the last year or so. And so it was that I wandered into the Spirit Lake Antique Mall a few weeks ago. This place is well organized, clean, with diverse offerings. Each vendor has their own space, each of which has pretty distinct offerings that make it easier to pick and choose spots to explore further. What gets my attention? Generally speaking that would include locks, knives, coin banks, and interesting boxes. Most are behind a locked cabinet, of which access by friendly and helpful staff was appreciated. The only downside for me is that some items like locks and coin banks don't include a key. However, subsequent eBay searches sometimes solves that issue, and usually at a higher price. Of the purchases I made, did I really need any of this? Next Question!

Best antique mall in NW Iowa! You won't find crafts or new wholesale decor here....just genuine…read moreantique and vintage items. I shop there often as the inventory changes regularly in most booths. The curated displays are beautiful to look at and and shopping is a pleasure in this VERY CLEAN MALL. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and they say they have dealers from around the country who come to shop there....I can see why! Authentic antiques at reasonable prices!

Cute little thrift store near Okoboji. They have a lot of great furniture pieces. The front is…read morekinda small but then a whole room opens up where there's tons of furniture. Could be a little more organized with the amount of items there. All in all a good spot for treasure hunting.