Lower Gar State Recreation Area is a picturesque park nestled on the shores of Lower Gar Lake in the Okoboji area. It’s the perfect escape to nature when exploring the Iowa Great Lakes! Be sure to include it in your list of must-do activities when visiting the Okoboji area.
Know before you go.
- Lower Gar Lake is a 251-acre Iowa Great Lake on the southeast corner of the Okoboji area.
- This recreation area is perfect for a lakeside picnic.
- A paved trail runs on the park’s eastern edge along the shoreline.
- Easy access to the lake shore makes the park excellent for fishing.
- A boat ramp is nearby, where Lower Gar and Minnewashta Lakes join, at the east end of Dam road (Minnewashta Lake State Game Mgmt Area).
Things to do at Lower Gar State Recreation Area
• Enjoy a scenic lakeside picnic.
Look no further if you’re searching for a fantastic picnic spot in the Okoboji area. Nothing compares to its shady picnic area with breathtaking lake views! Lower Gar is usually relatively quiet, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle.
Several picnic tables are under mature trees right along the lake.
• Hop on the trail.
The Great Lakes Spine Trail runs along the eastern edge of the Lower Gar State Recreation Area. It’s an excellent place to get on the trail and enjoy a lakeside walk or bike ride throughout the region.
The Iowa Great Lakes Trail extends throughout the Okoboji area and has bike lanes along the highway in some spots. See a trail map here.
• Go fishing
The Iowa Great Lakes are renowned for their excellent fishing, and Lower Gar Lake is no exception. A wide range of fish species and clear lake waters make it a prime spot for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Like the other area lakes, Lower Gar is perfect for fishing by boat or shore!
Lower Gar offers easy access to the shoreline, so it’s an excellent spot for shore fishing. And if you’re bringing your boat, a boat ramp is just north of the recreation area (on the east end of Dam Road).
Things to do nearby
Lower Gar State Recreation Area is less than a mile from Arnolds Park and other Okoboji attractions! In other words, beaches, an amusement park, restaurants, shopping, and other lakeside activities are nearby!
Fishing! The Iowa Great Lakes are ideal for fishing and are considered the best in Iowa. The good news is fishing spots are plentiful in the Okoboji area! Anglers can fish by boat or shore for many fish species, including Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Bullhead, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Crappie, and more!
Kayak or canoe through the canals of Wahpeton, about 5 miles from Lower Gar near Gull Point State Park. See our article on kayaking and canoeing in Okoboji for more information.
The Iowa Great Lakes Recreation Trail stretches along the eastern side of Lower Gar and is the perfect path for a stroll or bike ride in the Okoboji area (see a trail map here).
If you’re looking for a soft-surfaced hiking trail through the woods, head to Gull Barney Peterson Memorial Trail in Gull Point State Park. It’s about 5 miles from Lower Gar, on the western shore of West Okoboji Lake.
Other nearby parks include Gull Point State Park, Pikes Point State Park, Elinor Bedell State Park, and Emerson Bay State Recreation Area. On Big Spirit Lake, check out Templar State Recreation Area, Marble Beach State Recreation Area, and Mini-Wakan State Park.
Visit Lower Gar State Recreation Area Today!
Find Lower Gar State Recreation Area at 647 Dam Rd, Arnolds Park, IA 51331.
Next:
- Top 10 Things to Do in Okoboji
- A Guide to the Best Boat Rentals in Okoboji [+ cruises]
- The Ultimate Guide to Camping near Okoboji in Iowa