Recreational Opportunities

The Iowa Great Lakes region is an exceptional area for outdoor recreation, especially water sports. Sailing, water-skiing, Scuba diving, canoeing, fishing, and swimming are all popular activities. There are several public golf courses.

The Lakes area also has an extensive hiking and biking trail system.  A new segment is being built along Highway 86, which passes by Lakeside Lab.

Although recreational facilities at Lakeside are limited to fishing, canoeing, and volleyball, off-campus activities can easily be organized. There are numerous sporting events in the Lakes region over the summer in which students can participate. These include bicycle races and a variety of running events.

The Okoboji Summer Theater, which puts on a new play each week during the summer, and the Lakes Arts Center, which has art exhibits, lectures, and a movie series, are two of the major cultural assets of the region. Another attraction is Arnold’s Park Amusement Park, which has a variety of concerts during the summer.

Students are encouraged to bring their sports and other recreational equipment and to fully participate in the recreation opportunities that the Iowa Great Lakes region offers. Information about local sporting and other events during the summer can be obtained from the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (800-839-9987 or 712-332-2107) and Okoboji Tourism (800-270-2574 or 712-332-2209).