There’s one annual tradition in the Iowa Great Lakes Region that we look forward to the most each year: the Okoboji Winter Games! This unique and exciting festival is filled with sporting events, kites flying high, live music, fun runs, snowmen, and so much more. The tagline for the Okoboji Winter Games is “Be Brave. Be Bold. Embrace the Cold.” And that’s precisely what thousands of locals and visitors do each year on the frozen waters of West Lake Okoboji.
The University of Okoboji, which sponsors the Winter Games, is a fictional school created by a trio of brothers in the 1970s—over the years, this fictitious University has become engrained in the culture of Okoboji with apparel and bumper stickers of the school emblem as a symbol of pride and camaraderie. The Okoboji Winter Games began in 1981 as a modest broomball tournament and continues to this day as a celebration of this legacy, welcoming more than 40,000 visitors from over 22 states and even international guests worldwide.
The 43rd annual Okoboji Winter Games will be held on Thursday, January 26th, through Sunday, January 29th. This is a popular time to visit, so it’s a good idea to get your lodging on the books. There’s no better place to stay than our boutique hotel—one of the best hotels in Okoboji, IA—The Oakwood Inn. Our charming bed and breakfast-style lodging property is adults-only with spacious and elegant guest rooms. We’ll provide a delicious and homemade from-scratch breakfast each morning of your stay, paired with piping hot coffee and the warmest hospitality in the Iowa Great Lakes Region. We can’t wait to host you this winter; book your room today!
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Don’t Miss The Okoboji Winter Games
The Okoboji Winter Games traditionally fall on the last weekend of January, when West Lake Okoboji is frozen solid, and the chilly, cold-weather fun can begin! The event is filled with activities—from ice skating and kite flying to chili cook-offs and live music—there’s something for everyone.
Here are our top things to do at the Okoboji Winter Games:
- Grab a pair of $5 skates and test your skills on the ice at Okoboji Boat Works. Ice skating is a classic winter activity and runs throughout the entire Okoboji Winter Games weekend.
- Don’t miss the Okoboji Winter Games Kite Festival, also known as the Boji Kite Festival. This event has become one of the largest kite festivals in the country, with hundreds of 20- to 100-foot-long kites soaring above the snowy landscape.
- Get in on the action with the weekend’s many sporting events. From broomball and pickleball to ax-throwing, a 5k fun run, flag football, and ping pong, there’s no shortage of friendly competition indoors and outdoors.
- Warm up at the annual Chili Cook-Off, where both home cooks and professional chefs compete for the top prize. Travelers can skip the kitchen and enjoy sampling the entries while casting a vote for their favorite.
- Catch live music throughout the weekend as local and regional musicians take the stage for the Okoboji Winter Games. The energy and entertainment keep the celebration going day and night.
- Take a stroll through town to admire the annual snowmen display. Locals craft creative snow sculptures and designs in the weeks leading up to the event, turning Okoboji into a winter art gallery.
- For the brave, the Polar Plunge is a must-try. Participants take turns jumping into a square cut from the frozen lake—a thrilling way to experience Okoboji’s icy waters firsthand.
- When it’s time to relax, enjoy a West O Cozy, the official beer of the University of Okoboji Winter Games. This blackberry lager can be found on tap or in cans at the West O tasting room.
- Revisit childhood joy by sledding at Arnolds Park. This local favorite offers classic winter fun with an unbeatable lakeside view.
- End the weekend with fireworks and the traditional Burning of the Greens. Locals gather to toss their dried Christmas trees into a roaring bonfire as fireworks light up the winter sky—an unforgettable finale to the Okoboji Winter Games.
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One of the Best Hotels in Okoboji, IA, for a Winter Getaway
Now that you know all about what’s in store at the Okoboji Winter Games this year, you’ll want to elevate your time and stay at one of the best boutique hotels in Okoboji, IA. After spending an exciting and chilly day out on the ice, you’ll love retreating to your cozy guest room—all with gas fireplaces, perfect for curling up with a blanket, a glass of wine, and your partner. En suite baths are pristine and spacious, and choice rooms have whirlpool tubs for romantic bubble baths, ideal for warming up!
Our kitchen comes to life each morning with a quiet murmur of our Innkeepers preparing a fantastic breakfast. Always served with our house blend coffee, teas, and juice, our three-course gourmet sweet and savory dishes are known to wow our overnight visitors. Where you enjoy your meal is up to you; we can always box it to go or bring it to the comfort of your private suite. For those who feel like joining us in the dining room, our elegant space is bright and airy and the best place to kick off your day.
As one of the only adults-only hotels in Okoboji, IA, we often host couples celebrating milestones, anniversaries, and romantic getaways. Let us know how we can make your stay the most memorable! We have a great selection of add-on packages to enhance your stay—flowers, wine, and planned outings are just a few things to expect. Start planning your winter vacation today and book your room!