Goose Feather Books proves that fall is better with good books and a little whimsy. (Photo: Jessica O’Riley)
By Jessica O’Riley
Okoboji is legendary for summer vacations, but have you considered it for fall travel? You get the same charm, a lot of the same attractions and fewer crowds. My friend Rebecca is a local and says fall is especially great for those who love nature. I present to you our starter list of locations to add to your fall itinerary:
Goose Feather Books: New Jersey native and Iowa State University alum Lucy Lolis opened the store in a renovated 1920s church in August 2025. It offers a wide variety of book genres and gift items. (I personally adore the decor of books hanging from the ceiling.)
Dickinson County Nature Center: Inside boasts a variety of educational opportunities, including an interactive exhibit on pollinators. Outside, you’ll find an 18-hole professional level disc golf course, mowed trails through the prairie and wetland as well as paved trails that are a part of the Dickinson County Trails system.
Pearson Lakes Art Center: Six galleries showcase works from the Wyeths, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Andy Warhol and the largest collection of Russian and Soviet-era art in the country. Hands-on culinary experiences range from skill-building classes to tastings and interactive workshops. The sculpture trail features 23 permanent and seven annually rotating sculptures scattered along a paved trail on the art center’s campus.
Iowa Lakeside Lab: Rebecca’s pick for a fall hike. Natural trails wind along the shoreline of West Lake Okoboji and through a restored prairie on the 147-acre grounds. The environmental education campus, owned by the Iowa Board of Regents, is open to the public for birding and more. Pick up an adventure “treasure” map at the entry to help guide your exploration.
O’Farrell Sisters: The oldest restaurant in Okoboji dates back to 1947. The beloved local landmark serves pancakes, homemade pies and giant cinnamon rolls plus hearty classics like biscuits and gravy or fluffy omelets.
Other dining suggestions: The Revelry (a speakeasy), The Cauldron (slow-cooked comfort food), Tweeters (classic American fare), Nautical (a casual bar and grill), Portside (pizza) and The Hutt (bar and grill).
Starting September 30, check out the Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s fall color reports to find out where color is peaking and when to plan your autumn adventures accordingly.
Contributor Jessica O’Riley of Pleasant Hill worked for nearly 20 years with Travel Iowa, the state tourism office, after a previous stint with the Iowa State Fair.
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