The Okoboji Winter Games turn one of Iowa's quietest winter weekends into a celebration of everything that makes the Iowa Great Lakes special. Imagine colorful kites against a pale winter sky, friendly competitions, live music, and crowds bundled up for a weekend of frozen fun.
It is a side of Okoboji that surprises first-time visitors.
Instead of boats and beach towels, you will find winter coats, hot drinks, and people who refuse to let a little cold weather stop the fun.
Whether you want to compete, watch the festivities, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this guide will help you plan a memorable winter getaway.
Mark your calendar: January 28–31, 2027
The 47th annual University of Okoboji Winter Games are scheduled for January 28–31, 2027. Events take place throughout the Iowa Great Lakes region. Before traveling, check the official Winter Games website for the latest schedule, registration details, and weather-related updates.
What are the Okoboji Winter Games?
Think of the Winter Games as a summer lake festival with a winter personality.
Instead of staying indoors until spring, the community comes together for outdoor competitions, entertainment, food, and plenty of unusual traditions.
The event began in 1981 with a small broomball tournament on the frozen waters near the Fish Hatchery in Spirit Lake.
Since then, it has grown into one of the Iowa Great Lakes' signature annual celebrations.
Today, visitors travel from across the country to take part. Some return year after year. Others arrive with no idea what to expect.
However, you do not need to be an athlete to enjoy the weekend. Watching the competitions can be just as entertaining as joining them.
For more background, the official Winter Games FAQ explains the event's history and traditions.
Watch the colorful winter kite festival
Few winter sights are as unexpected as giant kites floating above a frozen lake.
During Winter Games weekend, Boji Kites brings color and movement to the winter landscape.
Depending on conditions, you may see enormous inflatable creations and other eye-catching designs filling the sky.
It is an easy activity for visitors of all ages. You can enjoy the display without signing up for a tournament or planning your entire day around it.
However, kite flying depends on the weather. Wind and ice conditions can affect the show.
The Boji Kites website lists January 29 and 30 for its 2027 celebration. Check for updates before making it your main attraction.
For photographers, this is also a chance to capture an entirely different side of the Iowa Great Lakes.
Experience the Okoboji Winter Games competitions
The competitions are where Winter Games gets its personality.
Some events look familiar. Others may leave you wondering who came up with the idea in the first place.
That is part of the fun.
Broomball and winter sports
Broomball helped start the Winter Games tradition.
Today, the event has expanded to include several athletic competitions. Past and announced activities include broomball, flag football, softball, and other winter challenges.
Some competitions are serious. Meanwhile, others focus more on laughs and friendly rivalry.
Human dog sled races
Yes, you read that correctly.
Human dog sled racing has been part of previous Winter Games celebrations. Teams work together to move a sled without the help of actual dogs.
The result is an entertaining combination of teamwork, determination, and a little chaos.
If the event returns to your chosen schedule, it is worth watching even if you have no plans to compete.
Bean bags and other tournaments
Not every competition requires running through the snow.
Bean bag tournaments and other indoor or sheltered events offer additional ways to join the weekend.
Therefore, groups with different interests can often find an activity that suits them.
Registration requirements vary. Some events need advance sign-ups, while others may offer registration closer to the competition.
Check the official event registration page for updated rules and deadlines.
Don't miss the Polar Plunge
Some people visit Okoboji in January to stay warm.
Others voluntarily jump into freezing water.
The Polar Plunge has become one of the weekend's memorable traditions. Participants gather to take a chilly dip while spectators cheer them on.
It is part bravery, part community celebration, and entirely unforgettable for those who participate.
However, the plunge is an organized event. Do not attempt your own version elsewhere on the lake.
Instead, use the official Polar Plunge information to check the current location, registration requirements, and safety instructions.
If jumping into cold water sounds terrible, watching from a safe viewing area is a perfectly good alternative.
Enjoy the Winter Games food and entertainment
Eventually, even the most dedicated winter enthusiast needs to warm up.
Fortunately, food and entertainment are part of the weekend's appeal.
The official event lineup highlights traditions such as the Chili Cook-Off and Chocolate Classic. These offer a welcome change of pace between outdoor activities.
In addition, previous Winter Games weekends have featured live music, restaurant events, and entertainment throughout the surrounding communities.
Rather than planning every meal in advance, leave room to explore.
You might discover a new restaurant, find a favorite local gathering spot, or spend longer than expected enjoying live music.
Our Okoboji nightlife guide offers more ideas for evening entertainment around the lakes.
Still, expect the busiest venues to draw crowds. Check opening hours and consider reservations where available.
Watch the fireworks and evening festivities
Winter fireworks feel different from their summer counterparts.
The cold air, dark sky, and winter landscape give the display a character of its own.
Fireworks and the Burning of the Greens are among the traditions highlighted for the upcoming Winter Games.
However, exact times and locations may change. Check the official schedule rather than relying on last year's details.
Dress for standing still outdoors. Even a short wait can feel much colder than walking between activities.
Afterward, warm up with dinner or return to your lodging for a quiet evening.
Plan your Okoboji Winter Games weekend
With so much happening, it can be tempting to fill every hour.
However, the best approach is to choose a few events you really want to see. Then, leave room for unexpected discoveries.
Here is one way to organize your visit. The plan is flexible because the final event schedule and winter conditions may change.
Friday: Arrive and settle in
Afternoon: Check in, unpack your winter gear, and review the latest event schedule.
Evening: Find a restaurant or scheduled live music performance. Then, enjoy a relaxed start to the weekend.
Saturday: Enjoy the main festivities
Morning: Grab breakfast and head toward a scheduled outdoor competition or kite display.
Afternoon: Watch another event, enjoy a food stop, or explore the activities happening around the lakes.
Evening: Catch the fireworks or another scheduled celebration before heading back to warm up.
Sunday: Take the slow route home
Morning: Enjoy coffee and breakfast without rushing.
Before leaving: Take a short drive around the lakes or stop for one final winter view.
Then, head home with a weekend that probably looked nothing like your typical January.
If you want to extend your trip, explore our guide to Okoboji winter activities for more things to do beyond the festivities.
What to pack for the Okoboji Winter Games
January in northwest Iowa can be seriously cold.
Therefore, dress for longer periods outside, not just the walk from your car to a restaurant.
Start with moisture-wicking base layers. Then, add warm clothing and a wind-resistant outer layer.
For your day bag, consider these essentials:
- Insulated winter coat
- Warm base layers
- Insulated, water-resistant boots
- Thick socks and an extra pair
- Warm hat and gloves
- Neck warmer or scarf
- Hand warmers
- Phone charger or power bank
- Refillable water bottle
- Extra dry clothing
In addition, bring shoes with good traction. Snow, ice, and changing temperatures can make walking surfaces slippery.
If you plan to spend time near frozen water, review the Iowa DNR ice safety guidance.
No ice is completely safe. Conditions can vary across the same lake. Therefore, never assume a frozen surface is safe simply because other people are nearby.
Follow event organizers' instructions and use designated access areas only when organizers confirm they are safe. If conditions are uncertain, choose activities on land.
For a broader travel checklist, use our Okoboji packing list before leaving home.
Where to stay for Winter Games weekend
Choosing the right lodging can make a big difference.
After hours outside, you will appreciate somewhere warm and comfortable to return to.
A hotel may work well for a quick overnight trip. However, a vacation rental can offer more space for groups, separate bedrooms, and a kitchen for easy meals.
In addition, laundry access is useful when winter clothing gets damp.
Consider your location before booking. Events take place across Arnolds Park, Okoboji, Spirit Lake, and other Iowa Great Lakes communities.
Therefore, you may need to drive between activities. Choose lodging that works for your priorities rather than assuming everything will be within walking distance.
Also, book early if you have specific dates or accommodation needs. Winter Games brings visitors from well beyond the local area.
Enjoy Okoboji beyond the Winter Games
The event may be the reason you visit, but it does not need to be the entire trip.
For example, you could spend an extra morning exploring the lakes or enjoying a quiet coffee shop.
Anglers may also want to build a separate fishing outing around their visit, provided current ice conditions allow it.
Our beginner's guide to ice fishing in Okoboji explains the basics.
Meanwhile, travelers who prefer to stay warm can explore local dining, art, and other indoor attractions.
Even a simple drive around the frozen lakes can offer a different perspective on the area.
Ultimately, a little extra time can turn a busy event weekend into a more relaxed winter escape.
Why the Okoboji Winter Games are worth the trip
There is something refreshing about a community that embraces winter instead of waiting for it to end.
The games bring together longtime traditions, unusual competitions, and people who simply want to enjoy themselves.
You can spend the day cheering for strangers, watching colorful kites, sampling local food, and discovering activities you never expected to find in January.
Then, when the festivities end, the quieter side of Okoboji is still waiting.
That combination makes the weekend memorable. It is energetic without needing to be complicated.
So, pack your warmest coat, choose a few events, and leave room for a little frozen fun.
Make a winter weekend feel like a real getaway.
After a day of Winter Games festivities, The Waterline Okoboji offers a comfortable place to warm up and relax. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and in-unit laundry, it makes an inviting home base for exploring the Iowa Great Lakes in winter.
