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East Lake Okoboji

Vacation in Okoboji on beautiful East Okoboji Lake.   East Lake Okoboji begins on the north end in Spirit Lake, IA, mere feet from Big Spirit Lake.  Visitors often ask the question why Big Spirit is not part of the chain of lakes.  The reason is that because of how the lakes were formed, Big Spirit actually sits higher than East Lake, and thus if there were a "canal" dug between Big Spirit and East Lake, Big Spirit Lake would literally drain into East Lake.  East Lake covers over 1800 acres of land, has an average depth of 10 ft with maximum depth of 22 ft, far different from West Lake Okoboji.  Land on East Lake will run about $4000-$8000 a linear foot depending on location, approach to the lake, etc.  Popular areas and attractions on East Lake include Francis Sites, Arthur Heights, East Oaks Estates, Moore Lake Development, Kelly's Beach, Loch Knolls, Pioneer Beach, Bridges Bay, The Barefoot Bar, Parks Marina, Mau Marine, The Ritz, and much, much more.  East Lake is known for having fantastic fishing and on it's southern end connects to Upper Gar, and West Lake Okoboji.

The following is from Wikipedia:

History

The towns of Spirit Lake and Okoboji, founded as European-American settlements in the nineteenth century, sit along its western shore. They became notable after the Spirit Lake Massacre of 1857, when a renegade band of Sioux attacked the frontier settlements, in part for food, because they were suffering starvation during a severe winter with heavy snows. It was the last Native American attack in Iowa against settlers.

Geology

Geologically, the lake, like its neighbors, is a glacial pothole, a remnant of the most recent ice age approximately 13,000 years ago.

The lake is shallow, with an average depth of 10 ft (3 m) and a maximum depth of 22 ft (7 m). During the summer months, it is prone to stratification and to overgrowth with algae.

Fishing

The lake is a popular fishing destination in the region, especially for bullheads.

Area Insights

"The Tressle"

East Lake Okoboji

"The Tressle" bridge used to carry the old railroad that traversed the area. Now the tressle is home to some of the areas best fishing. Served as a hot spot for fisherman, and a trail for walkers and bikers, the tressle is a classic structure of the Okobojis. We spent days jumping off of the tressle doing cannonballs, preachers, flips and the like. I know in my life my friends and I have caught literally tens of thousands of crappie and blue gill off the tressle bridge.

Bridges Bay Resort in East Lake Okoboji

Bridges Bay Resort

East Lake Okoboji

Bridges Bay Resort is built on the land purchased a few years prior which used to be owned by the Nielsen family of Arnolds Park. This huge complex consists of a hotel, 3 condo buildings (a 4th is under construction), and over 100 vacation cabins. A popular part of the resort is the indoor waterpark that cabin and condo owners have access to, but also, so does the public for a fee. Braccos is a fantastic summertime restaurant and bar which is frequented by boat, by car, and by foot, especially from the owners of the condos and cabins. All of the units at Bridges Bay have an opportunity for a boat hoist, and it is an extremely popular destination for out of towners looking for a vacation spot in Okoboji. Because Bridges Bay is not within the city limits, many owners utilize property management companies to help them rent their units by the day, week, and month. I've personally sold and shown many condo and cabin units and would be delighted to help.

 

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East Lake Okoboji Homes For Sale

2215 Francis Sites Drive, Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Price Decreased
5
Status: Active

Welcome to your dream lakeside escape! This picturesque property boasts a beautiful landscaped bank that gently slopes down to the shimmering waters so you can enjoy your Shorestation dock. Enjoy the tranquility and breathtaking views as you relax...

  • 230721MLS #
  • 3BATHS
  • 4BEDS
  • 3900SQFT
Listed by : EXIT REALTY MIDWEST, GEORGE CARLSON & EXIT REALTY MIDWEST, MAX CARLSON
16392 255th Street #A, Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Built in 2024
5
Status: Active

Currently under construction and ready for move-in memorial weekend, 2024. This gorgeous 3700 square foot, five bedroom, five bathroom twin home is located in a beautiful spot on East Lake Okoboji, with spectacular views of Elinor Bedell State...

  • 231121MLS #
  • 5BATHS
  • 5BEDS
  • 3690SQFT
Listed by : RE/MAX LAKES REALTY, AARON JONES (712.320.9442)
15569 250TH Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA 50034
New Listing
5
Status: Active

REFRESH AND REVAMP YOUR LIFESTYLE IN ONE OF THE HAPPIEST HOMES ON EAST LAKE OKOBOJI. COMPLETELY RENOVATED HOME, THIS LAKEFRONT HOME OFFERS CRISP AND CLEAN UPDATES IN EVERY NOOK. WITH NEW FLOORING, COZY FIREPLACE, WALL OF WINDOWS AND NEW DECK,...

  • 231325MLS #
  • 3BATHS
  • 3BEDS
  • 1998SQFT
Listed by : INGVALL REAL ESTATE TEAM, MARY LYNN INGVALL (712.330.1121)

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