Ayrshire

 Ayrshire

This small town has 128 residents and have just celebrated 130 years of their town’s history. You will have a real sense of community when you become a part of this youthful town. Enjoy summer nights on your neighbors front porch while the kids play in the sprinkler.

Area Insights

Boji Tan

Boji Tan in Spirit Lake

Boji Tan is a great tanning salon located in Spirit Lake. They offer different types of beds that are four different levels. This local business is very clean and the staff is always friendly and provides you with great service. At Boji Tan they don't only offer tanning but you are able to purchase AdvoCare products also. If you are going on a trip and want to get a base tan before you leave or if you just want to warm up on those cold summer days make sure to stop at Boji Tan!

Lisa's Bake Shop

Lisa's Bake Shop in Spirit Lake

Located in Spirit Lake Lisa's Bake Shop offers a large selection of bakery items along with to-go deli items. If you are looking for something specific you certainly can call ahead and order a personalized cake or cheesecake or just stop in a grab some of their famous cinnamon rolls and caramel rolls. If you cant decide what to have for lunch or dinner stop in and check out their large selection of take and bake meals and soups. You will not be disappointed!

AmericInn

AmericInn in Okoboji

AmericInn Lodge & Suites is centrally located in Okoboji on beautiful Brooks National Golf Course. This hotel offers 61 guest rooms all with 32' flat screen televisions and plush top beds. There are a variety of different room types are available.....fireplace, whirlpool tub, patio or balcony. They offer a free hot home-style breakfast such as waffles, sausage, eggs or biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, yogurt and more! Enjoy the heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna or soak up the sun on one of the three patios. AmericInn offers an affordable option to tourists, especially in the summer. It is also conveniently located just off the trail system in Okoboji.

Arnolds Perk Coffee House

Arnolds Perk Coffee House in Arnolds Park

You can't come to the Lakes Area, and not go to Arnolds Perk. This whimiscal little coffee shops is always very busy in the summers, and rightfully so; their coffee is amazing! They also have breakfast, lunch, and their ever famous cupcakes, along with their coffee drinks. Located just across the street from the Arnolds Park amusement park, its the perfect place to stop at on your vacation in the mornings!

Remington's

Remington's in Spirit Lake

Remington's in Okoboji has great appetizers, salads, sandwiches, steak and much more. Remington's also has daily lunch and dinner specials. Happy Hour Mon - Fri 4pm - 6pm with free popcorn. Saturday is "Game Day" 11am - 4pm with drink and appetizer specials. Lunch and dinner reservations are taken, along with large group reservations with seating up to 150 people. Remington's offers a semi-private dining room that seats 50 people.

The Coffee Shop

This quaint coffee shop in downtown Milford, IA is the talk of the town. You must stop in for a hot or cold drink and enjoy the atmosphere of this eclectic cafe. Locals and visitors alike enjoy meeting at this town favorite.

RE/MAX Lakes Realty

My local expertise, experience in other markets, combined with the power and influence of RE/MAX, enables me to help achieve all your objectives in your home purchase or sale. Call me, Lynn Thompson to discuss today's Real Estate opportunities.

Codit Tree Care

Codit Tree Care in Spirit Lake

CODIT is a licensed, insured and internationally certified arboriculture tree care business, which specializes in hard to access areas.

All Pets Animal Clinic

All Pets Animal Clinic in Spirit Lake

All Pets has always gone above and beyond for our pets, providing amazing customer service, and pet service for years. Dr. Roti has always been so informative, and kind to us and our pets whenever our pets have had any illnesses, and even emergency care needed in the middle of the night. Their staff really loves each animal that walks into the door, and they put you at ease when you need to leave your pet over night. All Pets has state of the art diagnostic equipment, making them by far the best veterinarian clinic in the area. We wouldn't trust our pets with anyone else!

West Boutique

West Boutique in Okoboji

West Boutique located at Okoboji Boat Works Marina carries all of the latest fashions for women of all ages and sizes.
Available brands: Free People, Anama, Velvet Heart, KUT Denim, Articles of Society, Grace in LA, Lush, Willow & Clay, Pink Martini, Pixie Mood, and more!

The Bear

The Bear in Spencer

The Bear is an eclectic little coffeehouse and wine bar nestled in Spencer. The bear serves amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner year round, as well as beer, wine, and of course, the finest coffee. It has a casual, comfortable setting, sure to keep you coming back for more. Its also great for meetings, work events, or just a nice spot to meet friends. They host events, local live entertainment, and more; they're very involved in their community.

Studio 1328

Studio 1328 in Spirit Lake

Looking for a photographer for your wedding or event in Okoboji? Need to update your family photos? What about branding or marketing assistance with your business? Studio 1328 offers it all! They are a mulit-faceted creative studio focused on the needs of their customers and the demands of today's market. Jen does everything from your newborn's photos to your new webpage for your business. Check out not only her studio webpage, but also her Okoboji magazine, Lake Life! http://www.lakelifeokoboji.com

Dining

Dining in Okoboji

Minerva's is a fabulous dining experience, from the consistently great food to the diverse menu selections. It's a great place to dine in the lakes area year round. If you haven't been, you really should give it a try. The atmosphere is welcoming and the friendly staff is very attentive. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or meeting with friends, this is the place!

Pike's Point State Park

Pike's Point State Park in West Lake Okoboji

Pike's Point is located at 15973 213th Ave, Spirit Lake, IA on beautiful West Lake Okoboji. It is one of the largest parks in the Iowa Great Lakes, and provides for all kinds of activities including fishing, swimming, bird watching etc. This park also has a rest room, and a beach. If coming by boat, one wants to be careful as the point extends far into the lake, and there is a warning buoy roughly 300 feet from the point of shore. In 2010, many trees here were uprooted because of some severe straight line winds during the storm that reaked havoc through the Iowa Great Lakes.

Burger & Company

Burger & Company in Spirit Lake

Gourmet Burgers, Spicy Chicken Thigh Sandwiches, Lobster Rolls on Friday & Saturday, Cubans, Hot Tots, Rosemary Sea Salt Fries, Beer Battered Cheese Curds, Scrumptious Milk Shakes, Crisp Salads, Huge Cookies & More!

Boji Tattoo & Piercing

Boji Tattoo & Piercing in Arnolds Park

Boji Tattoo is a very welcoming tattoo place in the Lakes Area. Offering very competitive pricing for tattoos and piercings, Boji Tattoo is a great place for your next piece of ink. You can rest assured that Boji Tattoo is a sterile, clean environment. Their needles are a one time use, and all tools are sterilized after each customer. They have extensive tattoo ideas in their shop, as well as body jewelry to buy.

Old Soul Charm Photography

Old Soul Charm Photography in Spirit Lake

Old Soul Charm Photography has done a beautiful job taking timeless images of families, newborns, weddings, engagements and more. The owner, Heidi, is down to earth, and very personable, surely to put you at ease when you're getting your photos taken. She's amazing with kids, and manages to capture their personalities, even if they're not cooperating. She has a creative eye, and it really shows in her photography.

Humane Society Of NW Iowa

Humane Society Of NW Iowa in Milford

The Humane Society of NW Iowa is an amazing non-profit organization in the lakes area. They are a no-kill shelter, run on donations from locals, and special events in the area throughout the year. The facility has started "PAWS with a Cause," a program that gives back to the community, by bringing animals to care facilities in the area, as well as provide a program for the youth in the area to teach them about how to be a responsible pet owner.

Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association

Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association in Arnolds Park

The Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Music Association is a state-wide nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of rock 'n' roll and the history of music in the state of Iowa. The museum opened in 2003. The museum allows visitors to discover the history of music within the state of Iowa. They also have the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. All the inductees for the year are announced in January. Over labor day weekend in Arnolds Park there is a celebration with a ceremony introducing the inductees and also a concert.

Cheap Vs High End Quality. A Buyer's Perspective.

Cheap Vs High End Quality.  A Buyer's Perspective. in The

Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality.
1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???)
2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used?
3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans?
4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet?
5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus.

There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.

Miller's Bay

Miller's Bay in West Lake Okoboji

Miller's Bay, on the west side of West Lake is a popular spot for boaters in the summer to just go chill out, throw an anchor, and relax. On the weekends, this bay is filled with boats tied up to each other offering families the opportunity to have the kids swim, or you might find a bunch of party animals chugging beers and enjoying the summer sun. Either way, everyone is having a great time, and so if you are out and about, just know that Millers Bay is where boaters go in the summer to be where the party is at.

The Waterfront

The Waterfront in East Lake Okoboji

The Waterfront has been a really great addition to the Iowa Great Lakes. Located on the Bridges Bay campus, it is easy to find by car or boat. Streak, seafood, pasta, crepes, pizza and numerous delicious sides on the shores of East Lake will have you always coming back for more. Also try their Sunday brunch, it will not disappoint.

Miracle Truss Buildings

Miracle Truss Buildings in Spirit Lake

Miracle Truss Buildings may be new to area but the company name has been around for decades. This company provides do-it-yourself building kits with clear-span web steel trusses that are made right here in the USA. It is also veteran owned. You can customize kits for garages, homes, shops, RV and marine, commercial, agricultural, cabins, hangars--anything you can imagine! Call 800-208-1969 for an appointment at their design center located at 1703 Hill Ave in Spirit Lake, or visit their website at miracletruss.com to read all about them. The knowledgeable staff is ready to help you with your next project. Free quotes, too!

Estherville Veterinary Clinic

Estherville Veterinary Clinic in Estherville

Estherville Veterinary Clinic is a locally owned vet clinic that provides first-class veterinary services to Estherville, IA and surrounding communities. From vaccination and flea and tick treatment to heart worm prevention and pain management, Estherville Veterinary Clinic can help. Your livestock medical needs will be served by on-farm visits with the mobile unit. Extensive in-house pharmacy, walk-ins are welcome, and after-hour emergency services. The clinic is located at 121 W. Central Avenue, Estherville, IA

Allure & Co.

Allure & Co. in Spirit Lake

Allure & Co. is a great one stop shop with many businesses all in one building! Home decor, rugs, furniture, lighting, a yoga studio, photographer, hair salon, massage and a coffee shop all under one roof! They offer so many great brands to provide some great shopping in the lakes area. The staff is very friendly which makes it a fun place to shop.

Jimmy John's

Jimmy John's in Spencer

Jimmy John's slices our all-natural meats and fresh veggies in-house every day. Our fresh-baked bread is made right here where you can see it, and our house-made tuna salad is fresh every day. The flavor of a ripe tomato, crisp shredded lettuce, combined with fresh-baked bread, fresh-sliced meat and real Hellmann's mayo - that's when the magic happens. Made with love every single day since 1983. That's Jimmy Fresh!

Arrowwood Resort

Arrowwood  Resort in West Lake Okoboji

Arrowwood Resort, next to beautiful Brooks Golf Course is one of Okoboji's most well-known hotel/resort. Featuring an indoor and outdoor pool, numerous convention/meeting rooms, and a restaurant, companies and individuals flock to Arrowwood for their consistency of great stays.

Hibachi 88

Hibachi 88 in Spirit Lake

Hibachi 88 is a great place to enjoy Chinese food and sushi! They have a large dinner menu and also have a separate lunch menu. If you don't feel like going out or cooking at home call for take out there is something for everyone. If you are a sushi fan make sure to try the Boston roll it is one of my favorites!

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow in Okoboji

Barn Swallow in Okoboji is a unique little gift shop, that is a must go to when visiting the area. With so many things to buy, its hard to even see everything in just one visit! Barn Swallow offers handmade jewelry, home decor, paintings, baby gifts, children's gifts, cards, purses, clothing, books, and so much more! The women that run this awesome little shop also take in stray cats to be adopted! These little kittens are sure to give you a smile while you see them running through the gift shop. We never fail to find something perfect for a gift at Barn Swallow, and for our own home!

Wilder Thymes Natural Foods

Wilder Thymes Natural Foods in Spirit Lake

Looking for a pace to get organic, and natural foods? Wilder Thymes is your go-to place! As the only shop in the lakes area to offer such things, this quaint little shop is definitely a place to check out. They offer organic, and local foods, from snacks, spices, cooking ingredients, gluten free, dairy products, and more! Wilder Thymes also has an array of natural cleaning products, and personal care items that are hard to come by. Not only can you buy groceries here, but they also have a deli! Pizzas, wraps, braked goods, soups, and sandwiches are just some of the yummy things you can buy at Wilder Thymes!

Pirate Jack's Bar

Pirate Jack's Bar in Arnolds Park

Best little gem on the lake. Located on West Lake you will be able to sit and enjoy a nice cold beverage, a wonderful staff, and one of the best views in town. They have a wonderful selection of drinks you can choose from. Make sure to try one of their margaritas, it is the best on the lake in my opinion! Whether you want to enjoy the fireworks on the 4th of July, or just any sunset in the summer, Pirate Jack's is the place to be.

Pioneer Theatre

Pioneer Theatre in Milford

The Pioneer Theatre is one of the area's best-kept secrets. As the owners point out on their website, The Pioneer Theatre is an "historic downtown movie theater with modern recliner seating and family-friendly prices." Checkout the website at milfordpoineertheatre.com for movies and showtimes. You may also buy your tickets and reserve your seats online! Located in Downtown Milford, Iowa--just another great reason to come to Milford!

Great Lakes Dental Center PC

Great Lakes Dental Center PC in Spirit Lake

From first contact at Great Lakes Dental Center, PC, we are committed to your individual attention and strive to provide personalized oral health care tailored for your unique dental needs and goals. We work hard to create the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we do what it takes to help every patient understand their symptoms and treatment options in a relaxed office setting.

The Outrigger

The Outrigger in Okoboji

One of the area's best! The Outrigger serves fine food with an elegant, charming atmosphere. The menu has a variety of food options, but the Outrigger is well-known for their steak and seafood. Weekend specials are offered as well as prime rib on Friday and Saturday nights. A great neighborhood bar and restaurant!

The Look Fashions

The Look Fashions in Spirit Lake

Located in the Great Lakes Mall, The Look is one of the most popular places to shop for clothes in the area. With the most stylish clothing for juniors to women, they have new styles arrive daily! This store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends, and you can always find something you're dying to have. This is my wife's favorite place to shop in the Okoboji area.

Ruthven Meat Locker

Ruthven Meat Locker in Ruthven

Ruthven Meat Locker is a local family owned business. Ruthven Locker at the Lakes is their 2nd retail store (with the original Meat Processing plant being a staple in the small town of Ruthven, Iowa). They are a full service meat shop providing their customers with excellent high quality cuts of beef & pork. Also provided are smoked meat snacks which they make right on site in Ruthven. Sure to please even the pickiest of palates! Ruthven Meat Locker prides themselves on promoting other local small businesses by selling them in our Spirit Lake store. You find everything from fine wood pieces to local honey, microgreens, baked goods, and delicious cheesecake. The Butcher’s Wife is always available to answer your questions and take special orders. Come on in and you’ll soon see that the rumors are true!

Sunshine Foods

Sunshine Foods in Milford

Sunshine Foods, located on Highway 71, is Milford's only full service supermarket offering Fresh Produce - Butcher Fresh Meats - Deli - Kitchen

Big Spirit Lake, Small Town Feel

Big Spirit Lake, Small Town Feel in Big Spirit Lake

Separated from the rest of the Iowa Great Lakes, Big Spirit has a lot to offer. Big Spirit is actually located in Iowa and in Minnesota. This quiet setting offers a number of different lake views as well as access to fantastic fishing. While your are there, stop at the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery. Every year they use gillnetting to catch and release walleye, muskie and pike using each fish to help breed a new batch of fish for the year. Often times the DNR catches very large fish and put them on display in one of their many fish tanks. The DNR professionals harvest fish eggs and release them after they hatch. Stop by and see the in the Spring, you will not be disappointed.

Boji Roots Salon

Boji Roots Salon in Milford

Go check out Boji Roots Salon in Milford! Sherri does an amazing job of doing exactly what you ask and is very good at giving you ideas on new trends. The salon it's self to so cute inside! She also offers a great supply of products for you to purchase so you can feel like your at the salon even at home. Sherri is very flexible and also fast! When you are very busy its great knowing you wont be sitting at the salon for hours!

Lake Life

Lake Life in Spirit Lake

Lake Life is a local magazine, that highlights some of the best businesses in the Okoboji area. They share events, news, and all things great about this little lake town. The magazine is always free to locals, while subscriptions are available to those out of the area. With 5 magazine distributions per year, never miss out on what the Okoboji area has to offer!

Solma's Punkin Patch

Solma's Punkin Patch in Sanborn

Solsma's Punkin Patch began in 1999 as a way to make a little money for the Solsma kids' college education and it has continue to grow and evolve. Fireworks sales from June 1 to July 8 and in December. Pumpkin sales from Labor Day to Halloween. Fall produce of all kinds, country store, corn maze (weather permitting). Ruby Red Popcorn and Drug Free Beef available year around. Call or stop by the the store in the off season. Located 4 miles east of Sanborn, Iowa on Hwy 18. www.solsma.com 712-729-3174

Beware The (I'll Get Your Home Sold In A Week) Agent

Beware The (I'll Get Your Home Sold In A Week) Agent in The

I hear this one all the time from prospects looking to list their house. "Well, agent xyz told us that if we listed with her, she'd have it sold in a week." This would fall into the category of "If it sounds too good to be true, the probably is." The majority of agents are not going to make this claim, but rather will give you an honest market analysis, inform you as to how weak or strong the market is, especially the market in which your home resides, and present the objective facts. A good agent will then lay out an effective marketing plan, where the majority of the focus should be on "online marketing". Be careful to not get caught up in empty promises, reduced commissions, and being talked in to lowering your price below market value (unless you must have a quick sale). The key to choosing a good listing agent is to objectively determine who is going to provide you the best opportunity to sell your home. Will your listing agent also aggressively work to find buyers, or will they just list your home and wait for another agent to do the work.

Consumers Lumber Company

Consumers Lumber Company in Spencer

Consumers Lumber Company is the only locally owned and operated building center in the area. They have been proudly serving the best builders and homeowners with the best materials and services since 1906.
They have locations in Spirit Lake and Spencer Iowa with a complete line of building materials and builder’s hardware. They also have full showrooms of millwork, stone, decking and cabinetry.
Dollars spent with Consumers Lumber stay in Dickinson and Clay counties. They support all the area schools and youth organizations along with several other community charities. Consumers Lumber Company is also very proud of the fact that their 15 employees have over 200 years of combined service to our company and that they all live, shop and play here.
They offer timely and accurate project bids and drawings to better serve the areas builders and homeowners. They also provide free and fast delivery to the four county area.

Kurio Kastle

Kurio Kastle in Spirit Lake

This place is one of the most fun businesses in the lakes area for kids, or adults who are creative, and likes to paint! Kurio Kastle is a pottery painting "palace," for anyone and everyone! You pick from an extensive array of pottery to paint, from cute animals, to mugs, and dishware. You can then stencil or draw on them, then paint it! Your masterpiece is then glazed, and put in the kiln to fire. After that, you pick it up, and take it home to enjoy! Its even a perfect place for birthday parties.

Bracco

Bracco in Arnolds Park

Bracco World Cafe brings you to the beach, and tropics; you almost forget that you're in Iowa, and not in Mexico! They have the best exotic drink menu anywhere in town. This family owned restaurant has a menu like no other, featuring Island, Asian, and American cuisine. They offer a casual atmosphere for coming right off the boat. Bracco also has a large bar area, complete with sand, and hammock chair beach chairs, to ensure ultimate relaxation.

Wild Child

Wild Child in Spirit Lake

Wild Child, which features stylish clothing, accessories and awesome toys for children and newborns, is all about quality clothing and toys. Wild Child is the "go to" store for people with all budgets, and offers styles that cannot be found anywhere else, and strives to offer unique apparel and toys that are fun, functional and educational.

The Gardens

The Gardens in Arnolds Park

Great food, fantastic lake views, and amazing service. The Gardens has it all. Stop in and have a cold beverage on the deck and listen to some of the best live music in the area. Located in the Central Emporium in Arnolds Park the Gardens puts you in the middle of all the summer action. Make sure to stop in and enjoy one of the best bars in the area!

 

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Brooke Jones

Cell: 641.420.2172

Aaron Jones

Cell: 712.336.4967

Greg Sheeler

Cell: 712.330.1573

Janie Eick

Cell: 712.339.0574

Liz Sandy

Cell: 712.330.1386

Tracy Evans

Cell: 712.330.2748

Kymm Jones

Cell: 712.320.6737

Alex Parker

Cell: 998.765.4312

Charlie Leissler

Cell: 712.229.9809

Ayrshire Homes For Sale

$224,900

Status: Active
35091 South Shore Drive #24, Ayrshire, IA 50515

  241404

 N/A

 N/A

  49,750


Listed by : FARMERS NATIONAL COMPANY, MICHAEL WENTZEL (712.852.2002)

$72,900

Status: Active
1401 Allowa Street, Ayrshire, IA 50515

  241060

 2

 1

  1,088


Listed by : JOHNSON REALTY, JAYDEN JOHNSON (712.852.4921)
Price Decreased

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