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.

We split the sandwich and the flavor is off the chart. Can't wait to see everything in the store…read morehere.

I'm a transplant to Northwest Iowa, so when I discovered The Hen House years ago - with its…read morebig-city charm, gifts and home decor options in a small-town setting - I fell in love. I often tell the owners that if The Hen House ever leaves town -- I'm outta here, as welI! The Hen House is my favorite shopping destination in Spencer. I also love to bring my out-of-town company to experience it for themselves, because it's tons of fun! They offer amazing seasonal items, baby gifts galore (ear of corn chew toy is my favorite staple gift), house wares, kitchen/dining, funking jewelry, pillos, lamps candles. . . Oh, and to receive a gift card from The Hen House is like finding a little lump of precious gold in your pocketbook.

The last of 2 reviews for the Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) was 10 years ago? This place is a…read morereal treasure, and this place has always been on my "must go" list when I'm visiting the Iowa Great Lakes. It's located right next to the Okoboji Summer Theatre, with its impressive building sitting on a nice piece of land with a pretty northern view. Gayle and I are members, even though we live way out here in Genoa Nevada. Gayle and I fell in love with the Iowa Art shown here years ago, and as we've contacted some of the artists (particularly Hank Hall and Daniel Ruf), we've grown to deeply appreciate the imagination, professional skill, and great friendships coming from their work. PLAC is a well-regarded anchor for these regional artistic endeavors, via their gift shop, annual auction, and specific exhibits. On the main floor, PLAC has a nice gift shop and a couple nice galleries. The front one changes themes fairly frequently, while the one in the back has featured Russian impressionism for at least the last few years. There's another gallery downstairs and a hallway that features the work of local artists. If I lived in the area more regularly, PLAC offers classes, children's programs, and a fairly impressive live entertainment calendar.

My sister is an artist, so I knew we had to head out and check this one. Very lovely permanent…read morecollection...as well as lovely local artist collections. It was a beautiful building, had friendly staff, and was free when we went!! (Thursdays!) Great way to add a bit of culture to a stay at the lake.

For the last 3 summers, Gayle and I make it a point to stop in at Piece of Work in Spirit Lake to…read moreadmire the work of several artists who exhibit their wares in this handsome emporium. Located in an honored front display case location, Edward Linhardt's fine hand crafted knives beckon. Gayle wasn't about to let me spend a few hundred dollars on one of these beauties, but I did catch wind that Bladesmith did make a really cool letter opener that was carved from an old railroad tie. Edward has run his own blacksmith shop in Spirit Lake since the 1980s and in 2000 took up the art of metal engraving. After I returned home, I had a nice chat with Edward and ordered by letter opener and sent him a check for $51 (including shipping). And within about a week or so, this stunning piece arrived. It holds tight like a pistol, with nice heft and a precise slice. The picture of this work of art speaks volumes to me and maybe my Bladesmith budget for next summer.

Open six days a week 10:00 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sundays. All kinds of cool merchandise, furniture,…read morehome accessories, upstairs and furniture in the basement. A real treasure hunters paradise hidden on a side street in downtown Spencer worth the look see.

This is a fabulous place to find unique gifts for kids and adults alike…read more From games to home decorations to cheeky items, they have everything but the kitchen sink and clothing (which is wonderful in a place where OKOBOJI is on nearly every piece of clothing available). I always stock up on Birthday and Christmas gifts here. The owners are wonderful and make you feel at home the moment you walk in the door. They truly know how to run a great business!!

Beautiful mall, reasonable prices. So much vintage and antiques. 101 Highway 71 North, West Okoboji…read moreIowa. 40 dealers. Hours open Monday through Saturday 10 to 5 and Sundays 12 to 5. ******

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!