Melvin

 Community Landscape and Highlights in Melvin

This affordable small town has 206 residents and the estimated median house value is $42,000. 

Area Insights

Haywards Bay

Haywards Bay in West Lake Okoboji

Haywards Bay on West Lake Okoboji boasts low approaches and one of the few areas on West Lake to offer sand beaches. Renowned for the "bay of the flags", you will know you are in Haywards bay because of the all the American flags on the end of the docks. Fishing is great in Haywards Bay and the sunsets are one in a million. To get to Haywards Bay by car, one would drive the east side of the lake on Lakeshore Dr.

Nautical Bar & Grill

Nautical Bar & Grill in Arnolds Park

This Bar/Restaurant has an amazing selection of beers on tap and bottled to suit any beer drinkers needs. Nautical serves lunch & dinner and be sure to try the wings, which are made with homemade sauces and cooked to a crisp perfection. A great atmosphere in the heart of Arnolds Park.

Emerald Hills

Emerald Hills in Arnolds Park

Emerald Hills Golf Course is one of the premier golf courses in the Iowa Great Lakes. Golfers throughout Okoboji will tell you that compared to the rest of the golf courses around, Emerald Hills is probably the most challenging. When I grew up as a kid, we lived just a half block from the back side of the course. We would sneak on with a couple short little clubs and balls we found walking the course and sometimes spent more time being chased by the sprinklers than trying to hit golf balls. Emerald Hills was owned by Gordy and Bette Benit many years ago and they can be credited with growing this course into the masterpiece it has become. Later purchased by Randy Rohlfsen and a few others, Emerald has flourished as one of the best courses around. If memory serves me right, Randy has been there since the early 1990's and has always had a strong conviction to help young golfers. He has taught and coached numerous high school teams, and they also put on a 5 day junior camp every year which has been a tremendous hit. I grew up on this course and can honestly say, you better be hitting the ball straight!

Treasure Village

Treasure Village in Milford

Since 1973 Treasure Village has provided great family friendly entertainment, including a mini golf course, live children's theatre and gospel concerts for all ages to enjoy. They also offer Flea Markets throughout the year and already have 3 of them scheduled for 2017, make sure to check them out memorial weekend, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekend. If you would like to check it, follow the link to their website for coupons.

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf in Arnolds Park

X marks the spot for this family fun pirate themed mini golf! Pirate's Cove is located in Arnolds Park right next to the amusement park. The kids will love this summer activity. They will be able to putt their way through caves, over bridges, and under waterfalls. Being right in the middle of all the summer action you are also walking distance everything that downtown Arnolds Park offers.

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware in Estherville

As your local Ace Hardware, we are one of 5,000+ Ace stores locally owned and operated across the globe. But we are not just about numbers. We are about helping neighbors, because each one of our stores is a part of your community. We are all committed to being "the Helpful Place" by offering our customers personal service, quality products and a convenient shopping experience from the local experts who know you best. As the helpful hardware folks in your neighborhood, we promise that helping you is the most important thing we have to do today.

Dickinson County Nature Center

Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji

A place for all ages, the Dickinson County Nature Center is a place that provides learning about nature, animals, and the environment. With many events for the community throughout the year, locals and tourists alike are sure to enjoy a fun time here. The ever popular Bee and Butterfly festival is a blast for kids, and kids at heart. We've enjoyed releasing a monarch butterfly, learning about different insects, and hearing about how bees make honey. They also provide classes for toddlers and kids to learn more about animals and nature. We always have fun checking out the animals they have at the Nature Center, and learning more each time we go.

Playful Cupcaketions

Playful Cupcaketions in Spirit Lake

Playful Cupcaketions does an incredible job making cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, and cookies. She really goes above and beyond to make your custom cake creations come to life. We've used her multiple times for our son's birthday, and cake smash cakes, and they've never been short of amazing. We've tasted her delicious cakes at weddings as well, and they're always as beautiful as they taste. We trust Playful Cupcaketions with all of our cake needs.

Ferguson's

Ferguson's in Spirit Lake

Ferguson's is arguable the most popular place to buy flowers, trees and more in the lakes area. They're a family owned business, providing flowers, trees, plants, supplies, and furniture. They also have a small gift shop inside, as well as a floral shop, with freshly cut flowers. They have amazing customer service, and are there to help with all questions regarding planting and gardening. Ferguson's seems to go above and beyond, offering to bring anything you buy from them to your front door!

Erpelding, Voigt & Co., L.L.P.

Erpelding, Voigt & Co., L.L.P. in Okoboji

For more than 45 years, we have been providing tax preparation, business planning, financial reporting services and personal financial planning. Founded in 1974, Erpelding, Voigt & Co., LLP has grown to encompass more than 49 professional associates and staff in five locations. As a progressive accounting firm employing the latest technologies, we have developed a reputation for professional excellence through the consistent high quality services we provide. We bring a wealth of knowledge and value to each of our clients.

The Studio Yoga & Barre

The Studio Yoga & Barre in Spencer

The Studio Yoga & Barre has two locations: Spencer or Spirit Lake @ Allure & Co. Come and experience a community of people seeking to live healthier lives through exercising the body and mind.
They offer a variety of yoga, barre, cycling and paddle-board classes for different levels of experience.
The Studio also offers yoga and exercise apparel, as well as oils and health supplements.

St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day! in Emmetsburg

Check out Emmetsburg for your St. Patrick's Day celebration! You may just be surprised what a great location this is for some fun. It was even featured among the 10 most surprising places to celebrate St. Patty's!. See for yourself below!

Consumers Lumber Company

Consumers Lumber Company in Spencer

Consumers Lumber Company is the only locally owned and operated building center in the area. They have been proudly serving the best builders and homeowners with the best materials and services since 1906.
They have locations in Spirit Lake and Spencer Iowa with a complete line of building materials and builder’s hardware. They also have full showrooms of millwork, stone, decking and cabinetry.
Dollars spent with Consumers Lumber stay in Dickinson and Clay counties. They support all the area schools and youth organizations along with several other community charities. Consumers Lumber Company is also very proud of the fact that their 15 employees have over 200 years of combined service to our company and that they all live, shop and play here.
They offer timely and accurate project bids and drawings to better serve the areas builders and homeowners. They also provide free and fast delivery to the four county area.

Kozy Heat

Kozy Heat in Arnolds Park

The Kozy Heat Fireplaces Gallery is a fireplace dealership located just off of Highway 71 in Arnolds Park, IA. The gallery is an authorized dealer of the following items: gas fireplaces, wood fireplaces, electric fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces, pellet grills, gas grills, smokers, charcoal grills, and ceramic grills. The Kozy Heat Gallery also offers all the tools, amenities, and gear you could possibly dream of to outfit your patio or grilling station to make your house the best hangout spot in the neighborhood. Most importantly, the Kozy Heat Gallery's mission is to assist in outfitting your home or business with the best fireplaces, grills, or accessories out there for each and every customer. With a high standard for customer satisfaction, the superb staff are always excited to accommodate your every need.

Arnold's Bark-ery

Arnold's Bark-ery in Arnolds Park

This new business to the lakes area is sure to be a hit! Arnold's Bark-ery makes healthy, fresh made snacks for all of the lucky dogs in the surrounding Okoboji area. They also provide natural, and holistic pet foods in their shop. A fun place to bring your dog to shop, as well as a place to get them groomed. What a fun addition to the area!

Smack Shack

Smack Shack in Okoboji

Get your taste buds ready for some smashing good sandwiches! The Smack Shack offers some amazing gourmet sandwiches. Every menu item is brilliantly created by chef Jeremy Neppl. I love the smack burger myself, as well as the spicy fried chicken thigh sandwich. I really don't think you can go wrong ordering here, they even have PB&J options for the kiddos. Make sure to stop by and try the Smack Shack located next to the Okoboji Commons.

Cutting Edge Lawn Service

Cutting Edge Lawn Service in Spirit Lake

Cutting Edge Lawn Service has been proudly serving the Iowa Great Lakes Area for many years. They take pride in their impeccable customer service, and maintain strong relationships with customers, just ask your neighbors! To them, your lawn is theirs, and they want to keep it looking its absolute best. Cutting Edge's rates are competitive on all of their services, and top notch service as well. They are fully trained lawn care specialists that give 100% every time.
Their services include: Lawn Mowing, Lawn Aeration,Trimming,Spring & Fall Clean Up, De-thatching, Hedge Trimming, Raking, Weed Control, Gutter Clean Out, Landscaping, and Power Washing.

Pas And Toale Dentists

Pas And Toale Dentists in Milford

At Pas and Toale Dental we have designed our office to give you and your family a great dental experience that is gentle, enjoyable and timely. We have the expertise to solve any dental challenge that you may have and allow you to get back to living life to the fullest! You’ll quickly notice that our dentists, hygienists and staff are dedicated to bringing you friendly service using a compassionate touch. Give us a call at (712) 338- 2449 to schedule an appointment today!

Lake Park Housing Authority

Lake Park Housing Authority in Lake Park

In 2013 the Lake Park Housing Authority was established to provide assistance to low and moderate income housing. The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors voted to release over $400,000 of TIF monies from two housing development projects to the Lake Park Housing Authority. The housing authorities goal is to preserve the Lake Park housing Stock, ensure safe housing and give assistance to rehab dwellings in Lake Park, increase owner occupied housing, down payment assistance. Funds of up to $25,000 are available for eligible applicants.

Bobs In Arnolds Park

Bobs In Arnolds Park in Arnolds Park

Bobs in Anrolds Park is famous for the Bobs dog. This is a place the whole family will enjoy. You will be able to enjoy an old fashion maid rite, hot dog, and don't forget the amazing shakes! Located right in the heart of all the action in Arnolds Park you will be able to park the boat and walk up to Bobs. Eat on the patio over looking West Lake or take your meal to go and enjoy it on the boat!

The Sports Page Bar & Grill

The Sports Page Bar & Grill in Spencer

Sports Page is a fan favorite restaurant in Spencer, Iowa. With their never ending menu, with classic American food, its sure to please everyone that visits! With TV's everywhere you look, you won't miss any of the action, whether it be football, baseball, basketball, or any of the other major sports, Sports Page has you covered! This family friendly restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Fashion Formula

Fashion Formula in Spirit Lake

Open 7 days a week and all year round, Fashion Formula showcases clothing for any season in sizes S to 2X! From dressy to casual in brand names such as Karen Kane, Erin London, Ethyl, Multiples, Jess & Jane and many other brands; as well as shoes, handbags, and accessories to complete any outfit.

The Ritz

The Ritz in Arnolds Park

I grew up watching Cheers, if you want that same vibe at the lake, hit The Ritz just south of the bridge. Let alone, Taylor and her staff are the salt of the earth kind of people, the food is amazing! You can tell that a lot of thought has gone into the presentation and you can taste the love in the recipes. Did I mention, they know how to mix a good cocktail as well…..Okoboji style for those who know what I mean! Cold beers, huge glasses of wine, fun kids desserts and the famous Ritz fish bowl. You gotta try it!

The Barefoot Bar

The Barefoot Bar in Okoboji

Arguably the most iconic spot in all of the lakes area, Barefoot Bar is the one place you must visit when you're here for the summer. They have the best blended drinks, as well as every other cocktail you can think of, served in their signature cups. Its the perfect place on the lake to sit back and relax with friends, while enjoying the view, and all of the palm trees. Barefoot Bar also has a menu, to enjoy some food while you're soaking in the sun. Its even the perfect place for kids, with a full swing set, and even a slide that goes right into the lake!

Ruthven Meat Locker

Ruthven Meat Locker in Ruthven

Ruthven Meat Locker is a local family owned business. Ruthven Locker at the Lakes is their 2nd retail store (with the original Meat Processing plant being a staple in the small town of Ruthven, Iowa). They are a full service meat shop providing their customers with excellent high quality cuts of beef & pork. Also provided are smoked meat snacks which they make right on site in Ruthven. Sure to please even the pickiest of palates! Ruthven Meat Locker prides themselves on promoting other local small businesses by selling them in our Spirit Lake store. You find everything from fine wood pieces to local honey, microgreens, baked goods, and delicious cheesecake. The Butcher’s Wife is always available to answer your questions and take special orders. Come on in and you’ll soon see that the rumors are true!

Comfortec Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Comfortec Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Spirit Lake

Comfortec has trained and licensed technicians who can handle the job whether you have no heat or a loud noise coming from your equipment. We are a Carrier, Ruud and Lennox dealer giving us an advantage when it comes to working with different types of furnaces. We carry a wide variety of parts and can service any brand of furnace or AC. When it comes to needing someone to come handle your heating or cooling issue, we get there fast and get the job done right anywhere in our service region. Additionally, we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because problems with your heating and cooling systems or plumbing rarely only occur during a normal workday.

Deli On The Ave

Deli On The Ave in Spirit Lake

Serving fresh deli sandwiches, grilled paninis, salads, sweet treats, specialty coffee and much more! Feel free to dine in and enjoy the atmosphere this unique deli provides, or order and take out. Ordering online is also an option for take-out and they also do corporate box lunches. Serving gluten free as well! You will definitely want to check out Deli on the Ave!

Beach Street Boutique

Beach Street Boutique in Arnolds Park

Arnolds Park Boutique offering beautiful clothing that is reasonably priced, and unique. They have a variety of sizes - beautiful clothes and accessories!

Captains Getaway

Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park

Whether you want to sit and enjoy great live music or eat a juicy steak with a lobster tail, this is a great place to spend some time. They have great ownership accompanied by a great staff. You just cannot go wrong. Located in the center of the action on Broadway Street, you are within walking distance of Arnolds Park Amusement Park. You should definitely stop in, enjoy a nice meal and listen to some great music.

Kuchel Homes

Kuchel Homes in Okoboji

Kuchel Homes is dedicated to building your dream home in your dream community. Kuchel Homes cuts no corners when it comes to building your home....from the planning, design, finishes and more we leave no stone unturned. Designed to Perform, Built to Last.

BonBon Frozen Yogurt

BonBon Frozen Yogurt in Arnolds Park

As the only frozen yogurt place in the Lakes Area, BonBon has made quite the name for itself! We wait for the day it opens, and try to go weekly throughout the summer. This self serve froyo shop is sure to put a smile on anyone's face, with the array of toppings, and flavors, that are changing from week to week! It satisfies your sweet tooth, while still being healthy, which is a major win win for me.

Spencer Hospital

Spencer Hospital in Spencer

Spencer Hospital delivers the highest quality healthcare in its area.They are compassionate about their patients, while providing high-tech, and professional care to each of their patients. They have a specialized cancer center, diagnostic imaging, surgery center, and a brand new OB unit. Spencer Hospital's amazing doctors provide personalized care, and treat each patient with compassion, and care.

The Style Loft

The Style Loft in Estherville

The Style Loft Boutique, located downtown Estherville, has all the latest trends in apparel. They offer a wide variety of clothing brands and also have the seasons must-haves in shoes and jewelry as well. Check out The Style Loft, you won't be disappointed!

The Market Scratch Kitchen

The Market Scratch Kitchen in Arnolds Park

New to Okoboji is The Market Scratch Kitchen. They proudly offer salads, sandwiches and grab 'n go options made with fresh ingredients and prepared daily. Ask about the 'Vacation Mom' meals featuring nutritious and nourishing take-and-bake dishes ready to serve you and your Okoboji vacation family. The community is excited for a healthy food option choice in our area!

"The Tressle"

"The Tressle" bridge used to carry the old railroad that traversed the area. Now the tressle is home to some of the areas best fishing. Served as a hot spot for fisherman, and a trail for walkers and bikers, the tressle is a classic structure of the Okobojis. We spent days jumping off of the tressle doing cannonballs, preachers, flips and the like. I know in my life my friends and I have caught literally tens of thousands of crappie and blue gill off the tressle bridge.

Nashlo Captains Getaway

Nashlo Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park

Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park is the spot for the best live music entertainment in Okoboji. Highlighting the talent rolling through the lakes is the Nashlo Series of talented up and coming performers along with artists we have all heard of. Captains Getaway in Arnolds Park is the spot to be in Okoboji for the best live music!

Woody's Pizza

Woody's Pizza in Estherville

Woodys Pizza is the oldest existing pizza restaurant in Northwest Iowa. In 1961, Woody and Mae Condon started their first restaurant in Estherville, with four tables, an eight seat counter and carry-out service. There was no alcohol served. It became a gathering place for the young people of Estherville.
In 1980 they sold their restaurant to their son, Anthony, he and his family operated Woody's for over 30 years. On Jan. 1, 2018, Dave and Tasha Welch of Estherville are the new owners.
Now, Dave & Tasha are thrilled to be taking the reins to continue not only bringing you great tasting pizza with the original famous recipe, but to bring you excellent service as a family-run business Estherville can be proud of.
Dine in or Call 712-362-5610 for Carry Out and Delivery!

Hidden Gem

Hidden Gem in Ayrshire

Beautiful views and living on the lake without all the other commotion. Silver Lake in Ayrshire is a great place to find tranquility with every day life. Boating, fishing and friendly neighbors is what you will find in this hidden gem.

West O Beer

West O Beer in Milford

If you haven't been to West O, you need to go. With their state of the art brewery, and access to some of the best water in the world, their beer is nothing short of amazing. Their tasting room has a cool, industrial feel, and perfect for tasting their many types of beers. CocO Stout has been an award winning beer for years, and definitely worth a try! West O has been voted "Best Iowa Beer" by the Des Moines Register readers in 2016.

South Shore Estates

South Shore Estates in Lower Gar Lake

South Shore Estates is the newest lakeshore development on Lower Gar. Here you have access to West Lake, East Lake, Minnewashta, and Upper Gar.

Main Street Bar & Grill

Main Street Bar & Grill in Terril

Main Street Bar and Grill is a longstanding bar/pub/lounge that also has a great selection of food. Wednesday nights they offer a wonderful steak menu. Great cocktails and great food in small-town Terril, Iowa.

Trappers Bay State Park Silver Lake

Trappers Bay State Park Silver Lake in Lake Park

Trappers Bay is nestled along the north shore of Silver Lake. It is a nice quiet little spot to take the family for a weekend picnic or a day of fishing. Silver Lake is one of the few area lakes that has a walleye season year around. Before the big Walleye opener on the Iowa Great Lakes, you will find Trappers Bay lined with fishing the entire length, trying to land a big walleye. Trappers has many fishing spots to choose from, however, on either side of the bridge usually produces the best fishing. Make sure to get there early, or you will likely not get an ideal spot in the early spring. Try casting a twister tail, ripple shad, or use a floating jig tipped with a minnow or leach. Good Luck!

The Coffee Shop

This quaint coffee shop in downtown Milford, IA is the talk of the town. You must stop in for a hot or cold drink and enjoy the atmosphere of this eclectic cafe. Locals and visitors alike enjoy meeting at this town favorite.

The District

The District in Spirit Lake

Where muscles burn, skin sweats and community happens!
The District is a boutique fitness studio offering classes including indoor cycling, TRX® and more. The District strives to create community while encouraging and motivating all levels of fitness. Whether you're looking to PR your next race or just coming to workout with your friend, consider The District in your daily routine.

Katy Lynn Boutique

Katy Lynn Boutique in Arnolds Park

Katy Lynn Boutique is a fabulous women's clothing store offering a wide variety of clothing, shoes, jewelry and more. Excellent customer service with all hands-on-deck in helping you find that special outfit. You can also place clothing orders online. A fun clothing store that is sure to impress!

Hill Avenue Dental

Hill Avenue Dental in Spirit Lake

Your family deserves advanced dental care provided in a warm, friendly environment. Hill Avenue Dental excels in giving people of all ages beautiful smiles and healthy teeth. Your comfort is the highest priority of Dr. Dotson and Dr. Hartzell and their skilled dental care team.

Wilder Thymes Natural Foods

Wilder Thymes Natural Foods in Spirit Lake

Looking for a pace to get organic, and natural foods? Wilder Thymes is your go-to place! As the only shop in the lakes area to offer such things, this quaint little shop is definitely a place to check out. They offer organic, and local foods, from snacks, spices, cooking ingredients, gluten free, dairy products, and more! Wilder Thymes also has an array of natural cleaning products, and personal care items that are hard to come by. Not only can you buy groceries here, but they also have a deli! Pizzas, wraps, braked goods, soups, and sandwiches are just some of the yummy things you can buy at Wilder Thymes!

Big Acai Bowls Okoboji

Big Acai Bowls Okoboji in Arnolds Park

For Okoboji's superfood Big Acai Bowl Okoboji, located in the Central Emporium is a perfect spot for a healthy breakfast or a snack. Acai (pronounced ah-sah-hee) is a berry extract from acai palm tree found in the rainforests of Central and South America. The acai berries have a slightly sweet favor often compared too blueberries paired with very dark chocolate. This is a must stop for a healthy treat for the whole family that has many health benefits including healthy fats, fiber, magnesium, calcium with very low natural sugar. This natural food is a must try!

Animal House

Animal House in Arnolds Park

Animal House of Okoboji, themed after the movie, is a young men's and women's clothing store, offering surf brands, and trendy clothes perfect for summer! They have a never ending array of shoes and flip flops, as well as swim suits, for your summers in Okoboji. Its located in the Central Emporium, so don't miss out while you're here visiting the lake.

Great Lakes Dental Center PC

Great Lakes Dental Center PC in Spirit Lake

From first contact at Great Lakes Dental Center, PC, we are committed to your individual attention and strive to provide personalized oral health care tailored for your unique dental needs and goals. We work hard to create the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we do what it takes to help every patient understand their symptoms and treatment options in a relaxed office setting.

 

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Aaron Jones


Cell: 712.336.4967

Janie Eick


Cell: 712.339.0574

Greg Sheeler


Cell: 712.330.1573

Brooke Jones


Cell: 641.420.2172

Liz Sandy


Cell: 712.330.1386

Tracy Evans


Cell: 712.330.2748

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