About Us

White building with black-framed windows against a teal sky.
White building with a covered entrance, pathway lined with pink flowers, and manicured lawn under a clear sky.

Our Story

A Lakeside Legacy Reimagined

The Inn’s roots date back to 1896 when its predecessor became known as “The Hub of Society,” the social heart of Lake Okoboji with dances, concerts, and gatherings that defined lakeside leisure. Over the decades the original Inn survived fires and rebrands before ultimately making way for the modern boutique hotel you see today. The current Inn Hotel honors that rich heritage — blending Art Deco‑inspired design, classic charm, and contemporary comfort — to revive the spirit of a Golden Age on West Lake Okoboji. 

1896

The Inn comes to life and newspapers of the day label it "The Hub of Society."

The social life of Okoboji centers around The Inn with its many events. From the dances on Saturday evenings to the orchestral concerts on Sunday. The Inn is vital to Lake Life Society. What romance The Inn has.

1920's

1930-40'S

The Inn survives 2 fires and is renamed The Grand Hotel of Lake Okoboji, maintaining its status as a destination for summer tourists.

The Inn is purchased by Art Sandford & Bob Dillon who rebuild and rebrand the property as The New Inn, transforming it into 1950's resort chic. Famous cabaret singer Marilyn Maye performs at the Grand Re-Opening.

1957

2018

Sold at auction, The Historic Inn of Okoboji is demolished, making way for five homes along West Lake Okoboji and a 70 acre park.

2019

Step Into the Golden Age

Aerial view of a U-shaped white building with a green roof, a pool, and two brown buildings nearby.

There’s a certain magic in the hotels and resorts of the past, when lavish parties were the norm and entertaining was an art form. The 1920s and 1930s — the height of the Art Deco era — captured this spirit perfectly. During this Golden Age, people from all walks of life sought escape and indulgence, flocking to lake towns to relax and leave the city behind. Lake Okoboji became a destination where the pursuit of pleasure and leisure was celebrated.

Known as “the hub of society,” The Inn thrived during this era. For over 120 years, the iconic resort welcomed guests with extravagant balls, concerts, and family gatherings, leaving a lasting mark on both locals and visitors. While the original Inn is no longer standing, its stories of elegance and celebration live on.

Honoring this legacy, The Inn Hotel reimagines that Golden Age, offering a modern lakeside retreat that captures the charm, sophistication, and excitement of a bygone era.