Spirit Lake, IA

Travel Guide

A girl standing in front of a store with a sign that reads "The Funhouse."
An aerial view of a park with a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a body of water.
A nighttime outdoor scene with fireworks and a crowd of people.
A wooden dock extending into a calm body of water under a starry night sky.
A rural road curving through a field with dry grass and sparse trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Super 8 by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji

Super 8 by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji

2 out of 5
2203 Circle Drive West Spirit Lake IA
$64 nightly
The price is $70 total per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$70 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Spirit Lake. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (638 reviews)
"It was very stuffy and hot. I think the filters need cleaned."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Super 8 by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji
Ramada by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji

Ramada by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji

2.5 out of 5
2704 17th St Spirit Lake IA
$81 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$89 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Spirit Lake. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (689 reviews)
"Horrible!!! Bathroom wasnt clean and very very small. Not elevator. Pool was small and cold. Had to take a cold shower. Only one outlet in room other than bathroom sink/container. The hot tub they advertise for was boarded up and sauna was broke! And breakfast, what a joke! There was waffles, eggs, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji
Travelodge by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji

Travelodge by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji

2 out of 5
1905 18th Street Spirit Lake IA
$71 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
$78 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Spirit Lake. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Goodies Handmade Candies and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (261 reviews)
"I waited 22 minutes in the office before somebody came to check me in, the room seemed clean but stunk like mold or mildew, The room smelled very bad. TV are super small and worked poorly, it would stop and go with programming. They told me they had a plug un for my boat, I plugged in where he told ..."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Travelodge by Wyndham Spirit Lake/Okoboji
See all 485 properties in Spirit Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy lakefront cabin - on both Big and Little Spirit Lake

Cozy lakefront cabin - on both Big and Little Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake IA
Stay at this cabin in Spirit Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Little Spirit Lake Wildlife Management Area and Crandalls ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
"The house is quite small and quite far from any local attractions. We had to wait an hour for check in due to the cleaning person waiting for towels to dry in the dryer. The mechanical systems and a/c units are noisy which wouldn’t bother other than the tight quarters. It’s very quaint and if you ..."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2026

Cozy lakefront cabin - on both Big and Little Spirit Lake
Spacious Home on East Lake Okoboji

Spacious Home on East Lake Okoboji

Spirit Lake IA
Stay at this vacation home in Spirit Lake. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Templar State Recreation Area and Maple Oak Beach ...
Spacious Home on East Lake Okoboji
Cozy Lakeside Retreat with Beach Access, Scenic Views & Endless Amenities

Cozy Lakeside Retreat with Beach Access, Scenic Views & Endless Amenities

Spirit Lake IA
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Spirit Lake. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Pike's Point Beach and Pikes ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Overall, we loved our stay here, there was a small group of us. The host has excellent communication skills, overall clean and comfortable, no complaints. Enjoyed using the outdoor space in the back and close access to the beach which we really enjoyed. Everything clean and tidy. Would rent again ..."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2026

Cozy Lakeside Retreat with Beach Access, Scenic Views & Endless Amenities
See all properties in Spirit Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Spirit Lake attractions

A box of assorted chocolates with a heart-shaped cutout on the lid.

Goodies Handmade Candies

8.6/10 (32 reviews)
Take the family on an outing to Goodies Handmade Candies during your trip to Spirit Lake. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Spirit Lake worth visiting?
Spirit Lake is worth visiting for its namesake lake, a key attraction for travelers, and for unique local spots like Goodies Handmade Candies. The area also offers a diverse food scene, with options ranging from classic North American dishes to delicious Italian cuisine, including pasta and pizza.
When is the best time to visit Spirit Lake?
The best time to visit Spirit Lake is from May through July, when the destination is most popular with travelers. For those seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option to consider.
What is Spirit Lake known for?
Spirit Lake is known for its namesake, Spirit Lake, and the nearby Little Spirit Lake. Travelers can also enjoy local treats from Goodies Handmade Candies. The city, located on East Okoboji Lake, offers a taste of North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Spirit Lake?
A good itinerary length for Spirit Lake is one to two days to enjoy Spirit Lake, Little Spirit Lake, and visit Goodies Handmade Candies. An extended stay of three to four days allows more time to relax by the lakes and explore local dining, including North American, Italian, and Latin American cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake offers travelers natural beauty and local delights to explore:

  • Visit Goodies Handmade Candies for a sweet treat
  • Explore Spirit Lake, a beautiful natural area
  • Wander around Little Spirit Lake
  • Relax at Anglers Bay Beach
  • Stroll along Sandbar Beach

How do I plan a trip to Spirit Lake?
To plan your trip to Spirit Lake, search for accommodations and flights on Expedia in advance. Consider booking activities like exploring Spirit Lake, Little Spirit Lake, or visiting Goodies Handmade Candies. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility. A rental car can help you get around and explore the area.
What cuisines can you find in Spirit Lake?
In Spirit Lake, travelers can find Japanese cuisine, with options like sushi, ramen, and tempura. Other available cuisines include North American, Italian, and Latin American, featuring Mexican dishes such as tacos. You can also find steakhouses and other Asian food options.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Spirit Lake?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Spirit Lake by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Spirit Lake with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Spirit Lake trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Spirit Lake?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Spirit Lake can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Spirit Lake trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Spirit Lake trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Spirit Lake trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Spirit Lake trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Spirit Lake?
If it's your first trip to Spirit Lake, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Spirit Lake hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Spirit Lake hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Spirit Lake

A large, historic building with a dome and columns, an American flag, and a well-maintained lawn.

Jackson

A lakeside path with trees and a wooden dock extending into the water.

Okoboji

An aerial view of a waterfront area with a Ferris wheel, a parking lot, and several boats docked at piers.

Arnolds Park

A calm lake at sunrise with the sun reflecting on the water, surrounded by trees and a few buildings.

Estherville

Explore a world of travel with Expedia