How It All Began

In the late 1800's, when steamships carried passengers to historic ballrooms and other grand sites around the Iowa Great Lakes, pioneer developer Wesley Arnold envisioned an attraction that would draw visitors to his lake shore property in Smith's Bay on West Lake Okoboji. The construction of a formidable water toboggan slide on that property gave birth to the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, a landmark that would evolve over the next century into the very essence of the Okoboji experience.

Throughout the next hundred years - as the amusement park evolved into a Coney Island-style attraction and became known as a vacation destination - people came seeking the thrills of the legendary roller coasters and the breathtaking view of the lake from the zenith of the Ferris wheel. Throngs of visitors and locals alike filled the 21-acre lakeside site to ride the bumper cars and go-karts, shop the Queen's Court for Okoboji memorabilia, nutty bars and listen to big bands and rock n' roll at the fabled Roof Garden under star-studded summer nights. Patrons spent entire days on the park rides, swimming at the public beach, touring the lake in the Queen II excursion boat or simply embracing the ambience of Preservation Plaza or the State Pier.

Although different owners and attractions came and went over the years, the park remained a staple of Iowa Great Lakes tourism and fashioned generations of fond Okoboji memories.

Changes on the horizon

After a stunning renovation of the property by owner and philanthropist, Chuck Long, that revitalized park attendance, a Sioux Falls developer purchased the site in 1999 and announced plans to turn the historic landmark into a condominium, hotel and retail complex. The proclamation sent shock waves throughout the Iowa Great Lakes community and beyond. The consternation was immediate and widespread, sending a message to the developer that such an action would be unacceptable.

The first battle to save the park was won when the developer agreed to sell the property to the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum (IGLMM), the non-profit group that managed the park. The demands, however, seemed nearly impossible. The asking price was a daunting $5.5 million, and the developer wanted compensation in six weeks.

Undaunted by the improbable challenge - and illustrating their trademark resolve - community leaders swung into immediate action with a Save the Park campaign aimed at preserving the park for the people. The campaign was a resounding success, raising over $7.25 million.

The park is now officially titled Historic Arnolds Park, Inc. (HAPI), and is run by the IGLMM and a board comprised of veteran community leaders. With the proven fiscal, fund-raising and management skills of these individuals, the preservation and bright future of this historic landmark is certain.