In the 1900s, there were 5 ballrooms on West Lake Okoboji: Manhattan Beach, Roof Gardens, The Inn,…read moreThe Casino and The Central Emporium, then known as the Central Pavilion. The Central Emporium is the only one that remains a part of today's Iowa Great Lakes. It was originally built in 1901 and by the 1960s, the building sat empty until it was purchased in 1967 and used as boat storage. In 1971, the building was remodeled and began leasing out space for stores. During that first year, there were only 3-5 businesses including The Diver's Den, the Outrigger and a jewelry store. I started hanging out at the Central Emporium about that time in the early 1970s. It's gone through ownership changes since then and many shops have also come and gone. The Building itself has also been stabilized from falling into the Lake and at during my visit this summer, the old Girl looks pretty good on the inside as well. There's still the expected collection of tourist based shops, but the Central Emporium also includes a couple nice dining and drinking establishments (with great views), a branch of Hill Avenue Books, and even a few shops (e.g., Life on the Lake) that I enjoy. You can also get here by foot or by boat. I could see how a developer would think of this property as a good condo or other resort opportunity. And I do wonder how the Central Emporium makes money within the confines of a summer vacation season. But as long as this historic Iowa building still stands, I'll be there whenever I'm in town.

Always a fun and nostalgic place to visit. I've been coming to Okoboji since the 1980's, and The…read moreEmporium hasn't changed a lot. You can still grab a bite to eat, buy a bag of candy, or load up on all those Okoboji sweatshirts to wear during the upcoming winter. Plus, if you show up just after the summer season has ended, you'll get everything at a great discount.

Terrible carpet job in Newell, IA! All the seams show said they would fix 3 weeks ago and haven't…read moreheard anything since!!!

We purchased recliners from Snook's and were delighted with the recliners, and the customer service!read more

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.

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.

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!

A fun boutique in Sioux Rapids iowa. Lynn is so much fun to work with, with cute on trend clothing!…read moreShe is very quick to answer questions and very quick ship when ordering online. Definitely go check out the cutting Edge Boutique!

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.

A few weeks ago, when the temperatures spiked in the middle of winter, the pollen in the air really…read moreirritated my sinuses and eyes. My nose was running non-stop and my eyes were so watery. I needed a solution. I had done some research and found that eating local honey and bee pollen would help build tolerance to lessen the allergic reaction. I needed to find some bee pollen before Spring. Thankfully I was able to find Boernsen Bees. They are a local honey/bee business in Iowa. I was grateful that they had a website where I found that they sold bee pollen! Bee pollen was not always available at other businesses I found so it was a pleasant surprise. I chose them over other local Iowa businesses because their shipping costs were much more reasonable. I ordered raw unstrained honey which I've never tried and its delicious! The bee pollen tasted sweet just like honey! I also ordered the bees wax lotion in lavender and it is very moisturizing and smells wonderful. I haven't yet tried the strawberry honey sticks but I'm sure it will be great. I will definitely be ordering from Boernsen Bees again and hope to one day visit them in person. Thank you Boernsen Bees for raising bees and keeping them happy. I can tell you do great work because the honey your bees produced tastes great!