The Okoboji Project

What do bike trails, an art center, and (several!) clean water projects have in common? A group of locals who rolled up their sleeves four decades ago.Explore some of our favorite community projects supported by the Foundation on our blog.Follow The Okoboji Project on Instagram and FacebookSign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Love Okoboji? So do we. Visit The Okoboji Foundation's website and follow them on Facebook to see how locals and lake lovers are making a difference—together.Guests: Tom Bedell, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of The Okoboji FoundationSue Richter, First President of The Okoboji FoundationMindy Gress, President of The Okoboji FoundationAli Schmitz, Administrative Director of The Okoboji FoundationMark and Polly Peterson, Former Board ChairsHolly Skopec, Co-Creator of Youth in Philanthropy

For over a century, one lakeside store has stood at the crossroads of East and West Lake Okoboji. In this episode, we trace the history of The Okoboji Store, the families whose stories are built into its walls, and what it reveals about how this place has changed—and what's stayed the same.Explore photos from every era of The Okoboji Store on our blog.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Visit The Okoboji Store this summer! And follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest events. (Psst... Get the Store Burger or the Walleye Sandwich when you visit.)Guests: Jill Little, member of The Wilson FamilyAlex Ewen, member of The Wilson FamilyJulie Andres and Susan Mau, Co-Owners of The Okoboji Store

How did a community of fewer than 20,000 residents build an art center that feels like it belongs in a big city? The Pearson Lakes Art Center's history is a testament to Okoboji's deep creative spirit.Explore the artists and people intertwined with the Pearson Lakes Art Center's history on our blog.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Pick up your copy of Jonathan's book at The Little Red Gift Gallery!Plan your visit to the Pearson Lakes Art Center and explore classes for all ages.Guests: Jonathan Reed, Author and HistorianNancy Cook, former Director of PLACSue Richter, first President of The Okoboji FoundationDanielle Clouse Gast, Visual Arts Director at The Pearson Lakes Art CenterHolly Zinn Hample, Education Director at Pearson Lakes Art Center

The biggest question... WHEN IS SEASON 2 COMING? We got answers to that and plenty more!+ Support us on Patreon to hear bonus Okoboji Project stories.+ Explore our website.+ Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Co-Creators Ryan Maris + Emma Myhre

Hop in the Chevy! We're taking you to the hottest spots in town for our season finale!Meet the whole cast of characters and explore these incredible party destinations on our blog.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Bob Boettcher and Don Gregerson

Six weeks. $7 million. How did a small Iowa community save one of the country's oldest amusement parks?Explore news coverage of Save the Park's thrilling story, plus Sue's iconic photo, on our blog.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Sue Richter, The Three SonsToby Shine, Okoboji Classic CarsJohn Paulsey, CEO of Arnolds Park Amusement ParkRebecca Peters, Local Music Historian

Stories, memories, and milestones from the first 100 years of Arnolds Park.Visit every era of Arnolds Park's history with photos on our blog.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Toby Shine, Okoboji Classic Cars

From transit to competition, sailing has always been a favorite way to experience The Iowa Great Lakes.Dive deeper into Okoboji's nautical history from every decade on our blog.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Steve Avery, C Scow Sailor and Lawyer

How one of the Midwest's oldest summer camps keeps the flame of tradition alive and fosters growth in every camper.Explore decades of summer fun with Camp Foster's rich history. Also, please consider donating to Camp Foster to support their incredible work.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Andrew Fisher, CEO of the Bedell Family YMCAJosh Carr, Director of Camp Foster

120 years later, it's a museum, a public park, and a groundbreaking laboratory.Explore how The Lakeside Laboratory evolved over its history, from the first photos of the lab to contemporary walking guides. Also, please consider donating to Friends of The Lakeside Lab to support their incredible work.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Dr. Mary Skopec, Executive Director of The Iowa Lakeside LaboratorySue Richter, Director Emeritus of Friends of The Lakeside Laboratory

Louis Armstrong. Johnny Cash. The Beach Boys. The Roof Garden hosted decades of chart-toppers on the shores of West Lake Okoboji -- and inspired generations of musicians. Explore more photos and stories about The Roof Garden on our website. You can also find our curated Roof Garden playlist on Spotify!Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Tom Tourville, Local Music Historian and WriterRebecca Peters, Local Music Historian and Writer

Discover the true story behind The Spirit Lake Massacre as two historians share accounts from those who lived through it.Buy Dr. Beck's book, Inkpaduta: Dakota Leader, on Amazon and Birchbark Books in Minneapolis.Explore more photos and stories about The Gardner Cabin, one of Iowa's first tourist sites, on our website. And sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: Dr. Paul Beck, History Professor at Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeMary Dreier, Director of The Dickinson County Museum

True stories (and tall tales!) from thousands of years of Okoboji fishing.Explore more photos and stories from Okoboji's epic fishing history on our website.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!Guests: John Grovesnor, Professional Fishing GuideMary Dreier, Director of The Dickinson County MuseumClark Lingbeek, Owner of Lost Gar and Paddlefish BarBlain Andera, CEO of The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce

How a mythical university brought a community together… and funded essential services for The Iowa Great Lakes.Explore more photos and stories from The University of Okoboji on our website.Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project! Guests: Emil Richter and Matt Richter from The Three Sons.Follow updates from the store that started it all on Facebook and Instagram.

Why do hundreds of thousands of people flock to a little town in northwest Iowa every summer? The Okoboji Project sits down with historians, story-ellers, and local legends to uncover the rich history of The Iowa Great Lakes.Subscribe to The Okoboji Project newsletter to see bonus content from Okoboji's storied history.