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!

Gayle and I recently attended and really enjoyed a 4:30 Saturday Matinee of "How to Succeed in…read moreBusiness Without Really Trying". It's been years since I attended an Okoboji Summer Theatre production and was impressed on how the auditorium and physical campus had been improved. The production itself, although a bit long, was professional, entertaining, and impressive. I also enjoyed the local feel of the place and knowing that we were witnessing a training ground for future successful actors and other stage professionals.

Worlds Best Theatre, spent some great summers there. the best crew that will make you feel like you…read moreare a part of the magic

So fun! Pricing was great! $10 for 27 holes. Fun obstacles. There was ice cream for when you are…read moredone and it was awesome! Friendly staff! The hole had lots of fun a different challenges!

This was a last minute change of plans as we had planned on playing mini golf at Pirates Cove but…read morethere was an event at Arnold's Park and no parking for a mile. So we quickly looked to see if there was another option and this little gem popped up. 27 holes of mini golf all themed around Disney or fairy tales we all know and love. Not super hard BUT several holes had a special wheel to spin to add an extra to that hole. For example I got to move an opponent's ball to wherever I wanted to in bounds. My kids loved this and we would go back again and the people running it were very nice and attentive! Skip the commercialized mini golf place and head here!

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. ******

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.

I stopped by a couple days ago and got a better view of what Terry had done with the building. The…read moreinterior is loaded with an impressive collection of guns, knives, decoys, and related stuff. We had a great conversation and catch up. And of course, I left with a couple knives, within the context of a very knowledgeable business person and a good value for what I purchased and maybe should have.

Owner is very knowledgeable and helpful for all topics related to the items he carries.read more

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.

The drive-in movie is a great experience to bring your kids to or to go by yourself for a good…read moreevening and fun and I wish more people would take advantage of having a driving movie or close to us

everything is good about this business. It's fun entertaining the movie start on time. They got a…read moregreat picture and not so good junk food though otherwise everything about it is great in the area is beautiful. The people that run it are wonderful and they're on my maps Aerial, seven logo maps.!!!!