Templar State Recreation Area

Tucked along the shores of East Okoboji Lake near Spirit Lake, Templar State Recreation Area packs a surprising amount of charm into its compact 10 acres. This pocket-sized gem in Dickinson County sits within the Iowa Great Lakes region — one of the state’s most beloved summer destinations — giving visitors easy access to some of the best water recreation in the Midwest.

The park’s real draw is its lake access. East Okoboji offers excellent fishing for walleye, yellow bass, and bluegill, and the sheltered shoreline here makes it a favorite launch point for kayakers and canoeists who prefer calmer water over the busier West Okoboji. A small beach area provides a laid-back spot for wading and swimming without the crowds you’ll find at larger state parks nearby.

On land, short trails wind through the recreation area’s mix of prairie grass and mature hardwoods, offering pleasant walks and solid birding opportunities — keep an eye out for American white pelicans, which frequent the Iowa Great Lakes from spring through fall. Picnic facilities make Templar an ideal lunch stop while exploring the region.

With a strong 4.5-star rating across 122 reviews, visitors consistently praise the well-maintained grounds and peaceful atmosphere. The best time to visit is June through September, when lake temperatures are warm enough for swimming and the surrounding resort communities of Spirit Lake and Okoboji are in full swing.

Templar works best as a day-use destination or a base camp complement while staying in the Iowa Great Lakes area.

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