West Okoboji Lake

West Okoboji Lake is a natural lake in Dickinson County, Iowa, part of the Iowa Great Lakes chain that draws visitors throughout the year with its clear waters and varied shoreline. The water reaches depths of around 154 feet (47 meters) in some sections, and the surface covers roughly 3,800 acres (15.4 square kilometers) with a mix of sandy beaches, wooded banks, and residential areas along the perimeter.

The region was home to the Dakota Sioux, who called the water Minnetonka in reference to its scale and importance within their territory. European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s and gradually turned the shoreline into a recreational destination, a role it continues to hold today.

The surrounding communities of Arnolds Park, Okoboji, West Okoboji, and Wahpeton maintain strong connections to their Native American heritage through preserved names.

Visitors can explore the water by motorboat, sailboat, or while swimming, and during warmer months many spots along the shore are open for picnics and walks. In winter, locals and guests use the frozen surface for ice fishing and other seasonal activities.

The lake reaches depths that make it the deepest body of water in Iowa, and this depth contributes to a level of water quality that places it on the state's list of outstanding waters. On calm days, the bottom is visible in shallower sections down to several meters, a rare feature in the region.

Location: Dickinson County

Elevation above the sea: 426 m

GPS coordinates: 43.38440,-95.15940

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:03