For many Iowans, a trip to Okoboji is a longstanding family tradition. Do you remember what Arnolds Park and the area around the lake looked like when you were a kid? These vintage photos of Arnolds Park are sure to take you back in time.
Do you remember taking the steamboat across the lake to get to the amusement park?
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The Queen steamboat was a top-of-the-line vessel when she first took to the water. It was a real treat to travel to the park this way!
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It is truly unbelievable how much the shoreline has changed over the past century. I think the views are a little better now - do you agree?
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State Pier has changed a lot over the years, and this photo from the 1930s shows what it looked like before all of the renovations.
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This photo dates back to 1910! Paddlers took to the lake for a romantic afternoon on the water.
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Way back then, the carousel was pretty… authentic. Did you ever ride the ponies?
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The classic water boat ride was always a favorite. Today, kids can still play in these boats! They’re preserved in the Arnolds Park Museum.
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The smell of the Dodgem Cars building will forever be a memory - I don’t think it’s possible to forget!
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Heading over to the park years ago meant junk food like hamburgers, malts, and fries. Well, it still does… but nowadays, most of us pay a little more attention to what we eat!
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In this picture, sunbathers enjoy the weather and kids are playing with a water see-saw that looks like a blast.
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Many of us have fond memories of our very first concert at the Roof Garden. They’re still putting on great shows to this day!
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Even back then, people complained about the lines! You can see the old Caterpillar Ride in this photo from the 1920s.
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What was your favorite way to spend the day when you hung out in Arnolds Park? Did you love the beach and shoreline, or were you always looking for thrills?
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For more beautiful vintage photos of Iowa life, read 10 Photos From Iowa’s History That Are A Fascinating Window Into The Past.
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Address: Arnolds Park, IA, USA
