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HISTORY

1896

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

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.

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.

1920's

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

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.

1957

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

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.

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2019

Welcome to the golden age

There is something magical about hotels and resorts of the past, when opulent parties were the norm and entertaining was an art form. The human need for pleasure and escape was perhaps best reflected in the 1920s & 1930s during the Art Deco era. People craved the very best life could offer and vacationers, regardless of social class, flocked to lake towns to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. One could argue this was the Golden Age of Lake Okoboji.

Labeled "the hub of society," The Inn flourished during this time period. The iconic resort entertained guests for over 120 years and made a lasting impact on locals and tourists alike. While the original resort may be gone; it's stories of extravagant balls, concerts, and family gatherings on the shores of Lake Okoboji will live on forever.

In honor of the Inn and The Golden Age of Okoboji, we introduce a modern version that embodies the magic of an earlier era... The Inn Hotel.