Description

The lakes area of northwest Iowa offers a tremendous array of outdoor recreational opportunities, year-round. The unique settings of beautiful clear Lakes East and Big Spirit Lake and other water bodies truly provide wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are several area beaches and boat ramps to choose from to access the lakes. From canoes to sailboats to ski rigs, pleasure boating is one of the most popular activities on the lakes.

West Okoboji, Spirit Lake and the many other lakes in the area are some of the prime fishing spots in Iowa. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, yellow bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish and bullheads.

The lakes area also boasts a very expansive trail system which provides bikers, hikers, and walkers many miles of recreational trails to enjoy.

Recreation:

Trails
The western portion of Gull Point State Park is a hiker's delight, with a 1.5 mile self-guided interpretive trail where the user can learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. This area of the park is an excellent place to observe a wide variety of wildlife from songbirds to white-tailed deer. In the winter, the area is open for cross-country skiing.

Facilities:

Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
The Gull Point Lodge, built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is the largest of such facilities in the state. There are kitchen facilities, fireplaces, an attached patio and a restroom. The lodge is a wonderful setting for group activities such as wedding receptions and family reunions. Lodge reservations may be made online.

There are three open shelters located in the park; Beach, Gull Point, and Trailhead. The Gull Point and Trailhead Shelters are reservable online.

Camping
The Gull Point Campground is one of the most popular in the lakes area. The campground has both electric and non-electric sites, is well shaded and features paved roads, playground equipment, modern restroom and shower facilities, as well as a sanitary dump station.

Nearby Attractions:

There are a variety of entertaining local events and attractions to choose from in the Iowa Great Lakes Region. Whether it's the nightlife of Okoboji, a concert, dinner cruise, the amusement park or a long list of other choices, you can find it.

Nearby Towns
Spirit Lake, Milford, Wahpeton, Okoboji, West Okoboji and Arnolds Park.