The origins of the name for Spirit Lake go back to the local native tribe of the area - the Dakota Sioux - who named the lake the “Lake of Spirits”. In 1856, European people began to settle on the land around the lake. The local settlers did not get along with the Sioux people and the chief eventually led a revolt to oust them, leaving only four women survivors.
Of course, these days, things are a lot different. Spirit Lake is a peaceful and quiet part of Iowa, where people enjoy spending time by the lakeside and exploring its nature, like in Gull Point State Park. Head over to Spirit Lake and spend the weekend on the lake with one of these top Airbnb vacation rentals.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 06, 2024.
1. Okoboji Guesthouse on East Lake (from USD 157)
This is a great place for someone who doesn’t need a lot of room and just wants to hang out on the lake, get some fishing done and relax. The apartment is air-conditioned and fully equipped with all the modern amenities.
Look out in the mornings and see the beautiful sunrise, right from your room or patio. Guests can relax and grill outside, chill out on the private dock area, take a swim or take out the kayak.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cozy stay beautiful views relaxing and nearby restaurants/barsthe space was well maintained modern and comfortableCleanliness:
sparkling clean and so comfortablevery clean and well keptit was spotlessly cleanit was cleaneverything was extremely clean and comfortableHost:
wonderful hosts and great placematt and gina were great hostsmatt and gina are wonderful hostsnice and friendly hostsgina and matt are great hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great and i can’t say enough about the proximity to the waterthe location was good & the space was greatmatt and gina’s place is a great location on the lakeit was perfect for our family and we like the locationlocated on east lake which is quiet and peaceful
2. Cottage on the pond (from USD 90)
This beautiful cottage is exactly as the title says - right on the pond! Walk out the front door and you’ll be greeted with the serenity of the waterfront. The large, 4-acre (1.6-hectare) backyard has everything you need to enjoy the outdoors, including a large patio, firepit, gas grill and best of all, a hot tub!
The kitchen comes fully equipped and some breakfast amenities will be there for you upon your arrival. Guests can also get some fishing equipment, upon request.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the breakfast food and coffee was a nice perkthere was plenty of space in the apartment and the backyard was calming and great for morning coffee/teathe apt has a full kitchen dining area fireplace ceiling fans and a huge shower and closeti would recommend this little cozy cottage we would definitely stay againCleanliness:
room is well cleaned and provided with useful amenity including clean and cozy towelsthe place was very clean and homeytheir apartment was super clean very comfortable and privatethe cottage is cozy comfortable and clean and is in a beautiful relaxing settingHost:
host offered complimentary breakfast such as bagel and packed juiceclay and kathy's place was great they were so welcoming and accommodatingthere were clear instructions for how they wanted us to leave the space which was very helpfulkathy and clay were wonderful hosts and answered all my questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
close to all of the popular okoboji lakes as well as restaurants and shopping areasgreat places to stay close to the lake but very quietgreat place for a weekend away with friendsthis place is wonderful we came in for a wedding and it was close to everything and very affordabletheir home is in a great location to experience everything in the area
3. BridgesBay cabin (from USD 225)
Looking to spend the weekend having a blast with some friends or family? Well, look no further, because this place surely has something for everyone! With enough space to sleep 14 people, you probably won’t run out of room here. The kitchen comes fully equipped and the spacious living room comes with a large TV, WiFi connectivity and cable.
The patio is large and has a grill and firepit, as well as a bunch of yard games. There’s also a fitness area guests can use and passes available for use at the local pool.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there was extra pillows and fans in the bedrooms which was a nice touchthe beds were very comfortable and there was lots of themCleanliness:
very clean and modern furnished 3 bedroomthe house was very clean on check-invery clean plenty of supplies for our whole familythe place was incredibly clean and had absolutely everything we neededlance's cabin was very clean and nicely decoratedHost:
lance was a fantastic host and did a great job communicating and providing anything we neededlance was very responsive to our questionsfirst lance is a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and nice cabingreat location and propertygreat location and accommodations in the okoboji areanice space great location everything you need and more thankslance's place is located in a lovely community of condo-type homes
4. The Okoboji Jungle (from USD 107)
Located in the heart of town, this beautiful and modern suite is great for a getaway in Spirit Lake. Everything is within walking distance, including bike trails, the Barefoot Bar, movie theaters, golf courses and restaurants! The home has 11-foot ceilings and a fireplace, giving it a very spacious but cozy feeling. Essentials are included and there is enough room for six people, so bring along the family.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
easy parking area and very large room with a lot of space throughout the apartmentRead more reviewsLocation:
i will definitely consider to book his place next time i am in okoboji
5. Brand new cabin with backyard pool (from USD 180)
Located in one of the most popular resorts on the lake, this large cabin can sleep up to 12 people. The kitchen is large and fully equipped and there are two and a half bathrooms, so there is tons of space for everyone. There’s enough space for five cars to park on the property and things like essential items and cable are also included. Outside the back door is a community pool, where guests can get up to a six-day pass for the indoor water park.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the pool is right outside the door with green space to play catch bags soccer etcawesome place to stay love the yard space and pool being right out the back doornice kitchen with all the items neededbeds were new and very comfy -- pillows were many times better than most hotelsCleanliness:
clean and plenty of room for 6 adults and 3 childrenit was new and clean and a comfortable staythe cabin is super nice and cleanHost:
jeff was an awesome hostthe home was perfect jeff was very accommodating and quick to respondRead more reviewsLocation:
easy to walk ride bikes to the water park and braccos restaurantvery well kept cabin in a great locationjeff's place was a perfect locationyou can walk to a great water park and bracco's with really good food and clubplenty of space for everyone and great location
6. Amazing, upper-level apartment (from USD 96)
This lovely, upper-level apartment was built in 1948 and has some amazing views of the lake and park. Best of all, there’s easy access to downtown Spirit Lake, as well as all the local amenities. The space is also pet-friendly and there is a large yard and kennel in the back. The large deck is great for relaxing and enjoying a morning cup of coffee or hanging out with your favorite device and the WiFi. Other essential items and parking are included.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
i have been more than pleased and you will be too super clean tooRead more reviewsLocation:
kat's place is in a great location our group of 5 had more than enough roomkathi's place is a welcome retreat
7. Okoboji Bunk House
Hang out in nature with this rustic cottage. The home is right across from the lake, so anyone who wants to take a dip or do some fishing should look no further. This accommodation is suitable for up to eight people, so bring along the family or friends and enjoy this spot together.
The home comes with queen-size bed, a fireplace and some bikes, for guests to take out and explore the local area. The kitchen is fully equipped and essentials are included.
Okoboji, Iowa, United States
3.11 km (2.0 mi) from Arnolds Park Amusement ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable beds & pillows extra blankets when it gets coolthe space was large enough for big family meals and a great living room space for tv gamesit was very comfortable for eight adults and four children under 4we were pleased with having all of the kitchen utensils and pots and pansnick was great to work with and the space was comfortableCleanliness:
everything was very clean and neatvery clean and comfortableplace was very clean and well maintainedthe place was very clean and spaciousit was very cleanHost:
very thoughtful hostthe host was happy to accommodate us for whatever we needed and was extremely responsivethe hosts were gracious and accommodating and very responsivevery fast response from host with a quick easy check-inhost was very responsive and the place was beautifully themedRead more reviewsLocation:
excellent location close to everything but quietgreat location and set upexcellent location very homey & relaxinggreat place to stay great locationgreat location within walking distance to barefoot bar & tucked into a quiet neighborhood
8. Family home on the lake
This lovely room is located just a short distance from the lake and is close to the local biking trails. The room is located on the top floor of the house and guests will have access to the shared bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen and living room. Breakfast and light snacks are provided on the daily, so guests don’t have to worry about food too much and linens are also provided.
There’s a TV and WiFi available, as well as a backyard grill and patio that guests are welcome to use.
6.74 km (4.2 mi) from Arnolds Park Amusement Park
9. Vacation cabin
This fully-furnished cabin is great for bringing the family along and enjoying a weekend by the lake. With enough room for up to 12 people, you’ll have tons of room in this fully-stocked accommodation. The open floor plan is great for entertaining friends and family or head out the back and throw a line in the water and do some fishing.
There’s a grill on the back patio, as well as a firepit, to cozy up to on those chilly nights. This accommodation also comes with six day passes to the water park, which is also nearby.
Arnolds Park, Iowa, United States
2.37 km (1.5 mi) from Arnolds Park Amusement Park
10. Fabulous cabin on the pond
This great cabin is in a great location, right by the pond in Bridges Bay Resort. With enough room for up to nine people, this spot is great for people who want a nice weekend away with the family or friends. Guests can take out the kayak and explore the water or just hang out and take a swim. A large, flat-screen TV, four-car driveway and a fully equipped kitchen are just the tip of the iceberg.
Guests will also get passes to the local indoor water park, where there’s a swim-up bar and the accommodation is within walking distance to the trendy Braccos Waterfront Restaurant.
Arnolds Park, Iowa, United States
1.98 km (1.3 mi) from Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Lakeside retreat
Spirit Lake is a beautiful lakeside community, with so much amazing accommodation. The area is truly a great spot for hanging out by the water, enjoying some sunshine, going for a swim or just doing some fishing. There’s something for people who just want to hang out and relax and for people who want to have an adventure with the bike trails and kayaks.
History
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