Program Activities

We want to help make your Okoboji retreat experience even better!  Our professional staff are trained to facilitate all of your programming needs.  Once you've booked your retreat, let us know (at least two weeks before your event) which programming activities you'd like to add.  Our staff will do their best to accommodate your needs whenever we can!  Give us a call today!

Wagon Tours

Tour the beautiful South Campus prairie including: one of the highest natural points in Iowa, native plants, wildlife, wet-lands, and fishing pond.  You'll also see the high and low ropes challenge area, go-karts track and archery area.  (wagons seat 25-20 children or 20-25 adults)

Disc Golf

The long drives and skill shots of Okoboji's scenic 9-hole disc golf will challenge and amuse all ages!  Bring your own discs or use some of ours.

Download Course Map and rules (pdf)

Swimming

Swim in the beautiful blue water of Iowa's popular West lake Okoboji.  Waterfront area includes: sand beach area, multiple docks with ladders, swim platform, non-swimmers area, benches, picnic tables and a children's park.  Camp lifeguards may be available at a cost of $12.00/hour.  Lifejackets available on request.

Fishing

Enjoy fishing at the Okoboji waterfront area or in our private stocked fishing pond. Fishing is no-cost to guests who bring their own equipment.  Guests are responsible for supplying bait.  

Would any camp/retreat experience really be complete without a campfire - of course not!  Groups can us Okoboji's brand new campfire/outdoor amplitheatre which includes: seating w/back-rests for 200, large/multi-tiered stage with power and lighting, and hand-crafted fire-ring.  Or, for that rustic campfire feel, Okoboji also has a smaller ring with movable benches with a field-stone fire-ring.  We provide firewood and roasting sticks.  

Archery

Test your targeting skills at Okoboji's shaded archery area.  Archery activities are staff supervised using student level tackle.  (Min. group size of 6, 1 hour gives groups plenty of time to reach the bullseye)

*Go-Karts

Get your thrill on at Okoboji's very popular go-kart track. Participants "tear up" the maintained/mile-long off-road track which includes a safe loading/unloading area, directional/warning signs and spectator viewing area.  Track is located safely away from vehicles, roads and buildings. All go-karts are equipped with a roll-bar, 3 point safety harness and engine governing controls.  Riders receive safety orientation prior to each use and are required to wear D.O.T. approved helmets at all times while operating go-karts.  (Min. group size of 6, 1/2 - 1 hour to complete)

*Mountain boarding

A cross between skateboarding and snowboarding.  Cruise down your choice of two groomed hills on Okoboji's South campus - some of the highest natural hills in Iowa!  All participants wear safety gear (helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards) and receive a safety orientation prior to usage.  Board rental fee includes unlimited use during your stay.  (no min. group size)

Canoeing

Experience, first hand, the beauty of  Iowa's  West Lake Okoboji!  Canoe around Okoboji's swim area, across the bay to Triboji beach, or down to Arnold's Amusement Park for a nutty bar.  All participants are required to wear a lifejacket.  Safety orientation and supervision by certified/documented personal required.  (Each canoe holds 2-4 people)

Challenge Activities/Games

Groups of 10-15 people are lead by an experienced Okoboji staff facilitator in fun/meaningful team building games, activities and group processing.  Available year-round

*Low Challenge Course

Okoboji's unique 13 element low challenge course provides physical and mental growth opportunities for youth groups, church/agency staff, sports teams, and school groups.  Okoboji staff facilitators lead groups and individuals through challenges, group building activities, problem-solving and team building.  (Min. group size of 8, 2-3 hours to complete)

*High Ropes Challenge Course

Groups and individuals grow in strength, confidence and leadership as they experience the 40' climbing tower w/ overhang, 435' zipline, heebie-jeebie, spaghetti walk and the ever popular (though ever challenging) hangman's walk.  Participants will comply with safety rules/regulations under the direct supervision/leadership of an Okoboji trained high ropes facilitator.  (min. group size of 8, 2-3 hours to complete)

                          Package Deal - Low & High together - $20.00/person!

Also Available

Playfields, softball field, sand volleyball court, campfire areas, tetherball court, tennis court, board games, puzzles and nintendo game cube

* Requires Liability waiver for each participant