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What to Expect for Winter Games 2025

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What to Expect for Winter Games 2025 by Okoboji Realty

Winter is about to get exciting in the Iowa Great Lakes! Mark your calendars for the University of Okoboji Winter Games 2025, a weekend filled with fun, competition, and tradition. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this incredible event.

What is Winter Games?

The University of Okoboji Winter Games began in 1981 as a small broomball tournament on the frozen waters at the Fish Hatchery. Over the years, it has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated events, drawing over 40,000 visitors annually from across the country and even internationally.

Hosted by the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, this event brings locals and visitors together for a weekend packed with unique winter activities and unforgettable experiences.

When is Winter Games?

Winter Games is always the last full weekend in January. This year, the festivities kick off on Thursday, January 23, and continue through Sunday, January 26. Make it a yearly tradition to gather your family and friends for an unforgettable weekend of winter fun!

Softball Tournament from the University of Okoboji Winter Games Website

 

Highlights of the Weekend

From adrenaline-pumping tournaments to cozy indoor activities, there’s something for everyone. Here are just a few of the standout events:

  • Broomball, Flag Football, and Softball Tournaments
  • Chili Cook-Off and Chocolate Classic
  • Polar Plunge at West Lake Okoboji
  • Burning of the Greens and Fireworks
  • Much, much more!

How to Get Around Town

To ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend, transportation options are available:

Additionally, Parks Marina Shuttle Buses will run between Parks Marina properties and select hotels. Wristbands are available for purchase.

Please remember: DO NOT drink and drive. Stay safe!

What If There’s No Snow or Ice?

Have the Winter Games ever been canceled due to lack of snow or ice? Never! The games are designed to take place on or off the ice. However, it’s essential to remember that no ice is safe ice. For updates on ice and snow conditions, follow the event’s official Facebook or Instagram pages.

For ice safety concerns, contact the DNR at 712-336-1840.

University of Okoboji Winter Games Polar Plunge by Tom Gustafson

Polar Plunge Details

The thrilling Polar Plunge takes place on the ice near the Queen II at Arnolds Park Amusement Park on Saturday, January 25. Registration runs from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, with the plunge starting promptly at 3:00 PM.

Cost: $25 (proceeds benefit the Arnolds Park Okoboji Fire & Rescue Department).

Tips:

  • Bring a towel and courage!
  • Have a friend hold your dry clothes and belongings.

Registration Information

If you want to participate in tournaments or activities, pre-registration is highly recommended. Some events fill up weeks in advance, so don’t wait!

You don’t have to compete to enjoy Winter Games. There are plenty of events to watch and partake in as a spectator.

Visit the official Winter Games website for registration details and a full schedule of activities.

Snowmobile and ATV Guidelines

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Iowa Residents: Snowmobiles must have a user permit. OHVs do not require one, but proof of insurance is necessary.
  • Non-Residents: Both snowmobiles and OHVs require user permits and proof of insurance.

User permits are available at the Dickinson County Recorder’s Office or any location selling hunting and fishing licenses. For detailed information, visit iowadnr.gov or dickinsoncountysnowhawks.com.

University of Okoboji Winter Games Snowmobile Races by Tom Gustafson

Schedule of Events

Here’s a sneak peek at the full Winter Games 2025 schedule:

Thursday, January 23

  • 6:00 AM–CLOSE: 2 Person Golf Best Ball at Sportmens/The Venue in Spirit Lake
  • 10:00 AM–6:00 PM: $20 Pottery Painting at Kurio Kastle/Art on 16th in Spirit Lake
  • 5:00 PM: Local’s ‘Pre-Game’ Party with Cheerleaders at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 6:00 PM: Battle of the Bartenders – 11th Annual Charity at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 6:30 PM: Live Music by Junk FM at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 7:00 PM: Trivia at West O Taproom in Milford
  • 7:00 PM: Live Music by Big Time Grain Co. at the Okoboji Store on East Lake
  • 10:00 PM–2:00 AM: Live Music by DJ Donny Dahl at Portside in Arnolds Park

Friday, January 24

  • ALL DAY: Boats on Ice Boat Show at Parks Marina on East Lake
  • 6:00 AM–10:00 AM: Kick-Off Show and Breakfast with KUOO Radio at The Ritz on East Lake
  • 6:00 AM–CLOSE: 2 Person Golf Best Ball at Sportsmens/The Venue in Spirit Lake
  • 9:00 AM–3:00 PM: Information Booth & Apparel Sales at the IGLA Chamber Office in Arnolds Park
  • 10:00 AM–6:00 PM: $20 Pottery Painting at Kurio Kastle/Art on 16th in Spirit Lake
  • 11:00 AM–2:00 PM: C&B Customer Appreciation Lunch at C&B Powersports in Okoboji
  • 1:00 PM–5:00 PM: Segway Gas Powered UTV Demos on the Ice in Front of Arnolds Park Amusement Park
  • 1:00 PM–5:00 PM: Brats by Krafty’s on the Ice in Front of Arnolds Park Amusement Park
  • 4:00 PM: Hanging Bar Competition at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 4:00 PM–5:30 PM: Live Music by Jordan Beem at Captains in Arnolds Park
  • 4:30 PM: Live Music by Blue Mountain Band at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 5:00 PM–7:00 PM: Chili Cook-Off at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds in Spirit Lake
  • 5:00 PM–8:00 PM: Live Music by Brianna Helbing at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
  • 6:00 PM: Live Music by Tank Anthony Trio at Captains in Arnolds Park
  • 7:30 PM: Live Music by Red Not Chili Peppers at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 PM: Live Music by Decoy at the Okoboji Store on East Lake
  • 8:00 PM: Live Music by Johnny Holm Band at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 8:00 PM–11:00 PM: Live Music by the Whiskies at the Okoboji Barn in Okoboji
  • 9:00 PM: Live Music by Brad Morgan at the Gardens in Arnolds Park/West Lake
  • 9:00 PM–12:00 AM: Live Music by Casey Muessigmann at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
  • 9:30 PM: Live Music by Show Us Your Hits at Captains in Arnolds Park
  • 10:00 PM–2:00 AM: Live Music by DJ Donny Dahl at Portside in Arnolds Park

Saturday Morning, January 25

  • ALL DAY: Hanging Bar Competition at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • ALL DAY: Volleyball Tournament at Okoboji High School Gym in Milford
  • ALL DAY: Boats on Ice Boat Show at Parks Marina on East Lake
  • SELECT TIME: Bowling Tournament at Juniper Lanes in Spirit Lake
  • 6:00 AM–CLOSE: 2 Person Golf Best Ball at Sportsmens/The Venue in Spirit Lake
  • 8:00 AM–8:45 AM: 5k Fun Run Check In & On-Site Registration at the Pavilion in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 AM–9:00 AM: Snowga with Yoga Okoboji at Berkley Bedell State Pier in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 AM–11:00 AM: 6th Annual Kegs & Eggs at Nautical in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 AM–11:00 AM: Pancake Breakfast at the AP Fire Station in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 AM–12:30 PM: Omelet Brunch at the Okoboji Bible Conference in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 AM–5:00 PM: Bloody Mary’s & Hot Chocolate Bar at the Majestic Pavilion in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 AM–5:00 PM: Softball Tournament at the Ritz on East Lake
  • 8:00 AM–5:00 PM: Winter Games Apparel Sales at the Pavilion in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 AM–5:00 PM: Broomball Tournament at Smiths Bay on West Lake
  • 8:00 AM–5:00 PM: Flag Football Tournament at Parks Marina/Snappers on East Lake
  • 8:00 AM–6:00 PM: Winter Games Courtyard, Firepits, and Fun at Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
  • 8:30 AM: Cribbage Tournament at Lake Okoboji Resort and Conference Center in Okoboji
  • 9:00 AM: 5k Fun Run at the Pavilion in Arnolds Park
  • 9:00 AM: Human Foosball Tournament at the Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
  • 9:00 AM: Indoor Pickleball Tournament at Spirit Lake High School in Spirit Lake
  • 9:00 AM–11:00 AM: Puzzle Palooza at Sportmens/The Venue in Spirit Lake
  • 9:00 AM–2:00 PM: Axe Throwing Tournament (10 for $10) at the Throwing Post in Arnolds Park
  • 10:00 AM–11:30 AM: Stump Tournament Registration/Check In at West O in Milford
  • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Kid’s Snowball Hunt at Kemna Okoboji Motorcars in Okoboji
  • 10:00 AM–1:00 PM: 4 Hole Disc Golf at Lakeside Lutheran Camp in Spirit Lake
  • 10:00 AM–6:00 PM: $20 Pottery Painting at Kurio Kastle/Art on 16th in Spirit Lake
  • 10:30 AM: Stump Tournament at West O in Milford
  • 10:30 AM: UNO Tournament at the Iowa Rock & Roll Museum in Arnolds Park
  • 11:00 AM: Mega Pong Registration/Check In at the Okoboji Store on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM: Herky & Cy Meet & Greet at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM: Kid’s Zoomobile at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM: Casting Contest at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM–4:00 PM: Segway Gas UTV Demos on the Ice in Front of Arnolds Park Amusement Park
  • 11:00 AM–4:00 PM: Krafty’s Brats on the Ice in Front of Arnolds Park Amusement Park
  • 11:00 AM–5:00 PM: Family Fun Zone (Mini Golf, Tubing, & More!) at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM–5:00 PM: Live Music by Boon & Lambert at the Majestic Pavilion in Arnolds Park
  • 11:00 AM: Bean Bag Tournament Check-In at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM: Live Music by The Fishheads at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM: Live Music by DJ Dance Tunes at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM: Live Music by Scott Kirkhart at The Gardens in Arnolds Park/West Lake
  • 11:00 AM: Mega Pong Tournament at the Okoboji Store on East Lake
  • 11:00 AM: Strut Your Mutt Dog Show at Okoboji Boat Works on West Lake
  • 11:00 AM–2:00 PM: C&B Customer Appreciation Lunch at C&B Powersports in Okoboji
  • 11:30 AM: Bean Bag Toss Tournament at Parks Marina/Snappers on East Lake

Saturday Night, January 25

  • 12:00 PM: Karaoke & Dance Tunes with Big Nacho at the Fish Shack on West Lake
  • 12:00 PM: Live Music by Keifer & Scott at the Okoboji Store on East Lake
  • 12:00 PM: Mega Pong Tournament at the Okoboji Store on East Lake
  • 12:00 PM: Live Music by DJ SpinX at the Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
  • 12:30 PM: Human Dog Sled Races Check in at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 12:30 PM: Okoboji Summer Theatre 2025 Season Announcement at Okoboji Bible Conference in Arnolds Park
  • 1:00 PM: Human Dog Sled Races at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 1:00 PM–2:30 PM: Smooshing Races at Okoboji Boat Works on West Lake
  • 1:00 PM–3:00 PM: Chocolate Classic & Galleria at the Dickinson County Expo in Spirit Lake
  • 1:00 PM–4:00 PM: Live Music by Brianna Helbing at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
  • 1:30 PM–3:00 PM: Polar Plunge Registration at Arnolds Park Amusement Park Ticket Office in Arnolds Park
  • 2:00 PM: Live Music by Blue Mountain Band at Parks Marina/Snappers on East Lake
  • 2:00 PM–5:00 PM: Glacial Golf and Family Fun at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp in Milford
  • 2:30 PM: Stein Holding at Parks Marina/Snappers on East Lake
  • 3:00 PM: Polar Plunge at The Queen II on West Lake
  • 3:00 PM: Live Music by The Sheet at the Okoboji Store on East Lake Okoboji
  • 3:00 PM–4:00 PM: Arm Wrestling Competition Weigh Ins at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 3:30 PM: Jacuzzi Puma at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 4:00 PM–5:30 PM: Keg Toss Competition at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 4:00 PM–7:00 PM: Live Music by Jeremy DeWall Band at The Gardens in Arnolds Park/West Lake
  • 4:00 PM–5:30 PM: Live Music by Jordan Beem at Captains in Arnolds Park
  • 4:00 PM–7:00 PM: Live Music by The Whiskies at the Okoboji Barn in Okoboji
  • 4:00 PM–8:00 PM: Arm Wrestling Competition at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 6:00 PM: Live Music by Tank Anthony Trio at Captains in Arnolds Park
  • 6:00 PM–9:00 PM: Live Music by Casey Muessingmann at Oak Hill Outdoor in Milford
  • 6:30 PM: Burning of the Greens at Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park
  • 6:30 PM: Fireworks in Arnolds Park on West Lake
  • 7:00 PM: Live Music by Decoy at The Okoboji Store on East Lake
  • 7:30 PM: Live Music by the Pork Tornadoes at the Roof Garden Ballroom in Arnolds Park
  • 8:00 PM: Live Music by 90’s Country Re-Wind at Parks Marina/Barefoot on East Lake
  • 8:00 PM–11:00 PM: Live Music by Hicktown Mafia at the Okoboji Barn in Okoboji
  • 9:00 PM: Live Music by The Fishheads at the Gardens on West Lake
  • 9:00 PM: Live Music by Show Us Your Hits at Captains in Arnolds Park
  • 10:00 PM–2:00 AM: Live Music by DJ Donny Dahl at Portside in Arnolds Park

Sunday, January 26

  • SELECT TIMES: Bowling Tournament at Juniper Lanes in Spirit Lake
  • 9:00 AM: Indoor Pickleball Tournament at Spirit Lake High School in Spirit Lake
  • 10:00 AM–6:00 PM: $20 pottery painting at Kurio Kastle/Art on 16th in Spirit Lake
  • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Winter Games Apparel being sold at the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber Office in Arnolds Park
  • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Community Clean Up at The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber Office in Arnolds Park
  • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM: Soup N’ Slide at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory in Wahpeton
  • 11:00 AM–3:00 PM: Brunch at WestO in Milford
  • 12:00 PM: Live Music by Keifer & Scott at the Okoboji Store on West Lake

For the full schedule, visit the official Winter Games website.

If you have any questions about Winter Games weekend, feel free to contact us at Okoboji Realty! Plan ahead, bundle up, and get ready for an unforgettable Winter Games 2025! We’ll see you there!