NW Iowa Activities ~ There is such a wide variety of activities and events in the northwest Iowa area -- way too many to list all. We have listed the most popular attractions below and will add new ones as they grow in popularity.
Abbie Gardner Cabin - Known first as one of the sites of the 1857 "Spirit Lake Massacre" and later as one of Iowa's first tourist attractions, the Gardner Cabin survives as a reminder of one of Iowa's tragic Frontier events. The small cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on Monument Drive, one block west of Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Arnolds Park
Caylor Prairie State Preserve - designated as a State Botanical Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, located 6 miles west of Spirit Lake on Hwy 9 or 4 miles east of Lake Park and 2 miles south on a country graveled road.
Dickinson County Recreational Trail - a multi-use trail system. The Spine Trail as otherwise known reaches practically every natural habitat within Dickinson county. Trailhead parking areas are available at: Milford (13th St. & P Ave.), Arnolds Park (1/4 Mile east of U.S. 71 on Emerald Rd. and Lower Gar State Park), Okoboji (175th St. & 240th Ave.) Spirit Lake (23rd St. & Lincoln Ave.). Facilities along the trail include resting/viewing benches, information kiosk displays, bathrooms, and picnic areas.
Freda Haffner Kettlehole Preserve - Be prepared to hike a little in an open meadow. As you arrive, all that's visible is a long stretch of meadow. A walk along a trail brings you to the edge of the largest "kettlehole" in Iowa, and one of the largest in the nation! To the west is a breath-taking view of the Little Sioux River valley. Over 326 plant species have been identified in the area. The preserve is located of 210th Street, two miles west of Hwy. 86 (turn at Shuck's Bait and Tackle.)
Gull Point State Park - Located on West Okoboji Lake. Hiking trails are well-maintained, winding their way through Bur Oak forest and marshes, along with a sandy beach with shade trees near. Gull Point State Park is located within the eastern part of Wahpeton; look for signs off Highway 86.
Horseshoe Bend County Wildlife Preserve - a 180-acre preserve, dissected by the Little Sioux River. The preserve offers an extensive trail system winding through the river valley and upland forests, meadows, marshes, and oxbow ponds. This diversity of habitats lends itself to a richness of animal life, including deer, beaver, woodpeckers, songbirds, and hawks. Facilities include a "warming shelter" with a spectacular river valley outlook, a playground featuring a huge 40' enclosed tube slide, wildlife-viewing blind, aesthetic footbridges spanning the river, modern bathroom facilities, and a picnic area. The preserve is located three miles south of Milford on Hwy. 71 and three miles west on 240th St. Open year round, but only on week-ends in winter. To rent shelter call (712) 338-4786.
Hawkeye Point - the highest elevation in Iowa. Located approximately 4.5 mi (7.2 km) north of Sibley on the eastern side of SR60 and approximately 3.5 mi (5.6 km) south of the Iowa-Minnesota state border. The high point is at the south end of a cattle feeding trough on a farm that is private property owned in 2007 by the Sterler family. The family accepts donations, and usually has a souvenir on-hand for visitors.
Snow Mobile Trails - The Northwest Iowa Snowmobile Alliance (NISA) maintains several miles of snowmobile trails in northwest Iowa. The NISA trails connect most communities within the three-county area and also connect with trails in bordering counties. For an updated report on groomed trails, contact NISA at 888-OKOBOJI (ext. 6508).