OKOBOJI, Iowa | For the many families who vacation at Okoboji year after year, it wouldn't be summer without The Inn at Okoboji Resort & Conference Center.
The property's roots date back to 1896, when J.A. Beck constructed a 24-room hotel on the picturesque blue waters of West Okoboji Lake. Although the hotel partially burned, was repaired and then razed in 1955 and replaced with a new resort complex, it hasn't lost its appeal to visitors or its historic charm.
"Some of the families have been coming here for 50 years every summer," said sales manager Mitch Brown, who said guests travel from as far away as California and Texas to vacation at The Inn.
Besides old photographs, Brown said the only marker of the original hotel is the "wedding tree," an old oak tree located at the front of the resort on the water. He said many couples have exchanged vows underneath it. Even the land, is ever-changing.
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"Originally we had a beach down by the lake. Now, just because of erosion and that sort of thing, it's been shored up by rocks," Brown said. "The landscape directly on the lake has changed. Now, it's only accessible by dock."
The resort has three docks for boating, swimming and fishing. All day long, Brown said guests lounge outside on picnic tables near the water. They also might take a dip in the indoor and outdoor pools, play a game of volleyball on a sand court or try their luck on the links. The Inn has a 9-hole, Par-3 golf course.
Two years ago, Brown said, The Inn, which is under the operation of Great Lakes Management Group, underwent a transformation in decor to give it a soft, soothing lake-like feel. Last year, its conference center got an update with hardwood floors and a color scheme that matches the lobby.
Nautical touches are scattered throughout the property, but Brown said the beachy look is more refined. The lobby features white crown molding and rich wood flooring. Deep gray woodwork is accented by airy aqua blue walls.
"We don't have that anchor border we used to," he said. "It's a more sophisticated color palette and furnishings, but it still fits in with a water theme."
While the bar area has stayed the same with its dark wood and original chairs from the 1960s Hawaiian lounge, Brown said the restaurant, now a Crazy Bob's location, has been overhauled.
"It's kind of wild. It's red and yellow and tin," he said. "It's barbecue, but they offer all sorts of good things. It's just a fun, fun environment."
In late April, the huge outdoor pool got a face-lift with new decking and plastering. Although peak season for The Inn is June 15 through Aug. 15, some weekends are already sold out. Brown said the hotel phone has been ringing off the hook as vacationers book rooms, which all have lake views. Last year, each unit received a new roof, windows and an air conditioning system.
"We have 155 rooms and 13 different room styles, so it just depends on what people want," he said. "Maybe our suites are all sold out, but we may still have a standard queen room available."
Yet to be redecorated, is a large suite named in honor of Grammy-nominated cabaret singer and musical theater actress Marilyn Maye.
Brown said Maye stays at the resort every summer. Currently, her suite is nautical-themed, as are the other guest rooms in the 155-room resort. The suite, which overlooks the lake, features a spacious living room with a fireplace and wet bar. It also has its own private balcony, two bathrooms and a king-size bed.
"It's really, really popular," he said. "(Marilyn Maye) is going to be coming back and redecorating it, but her schedule just hasn't allowed it yet."
Stay tuned for more updates at The Inn.
