Lower Gar Lake Real EstateLower Gar Lake is one of the Iowa Great Lakes, a chain of connected lakes that begin at the Minnesota border and continue southward. The lakes in the chain include Big Spirit Lake, Upper Gar and Lower Gar, Minnewashta (once known as Middle Gar), West Lake Okoboji and East Lake Okoboji. Together, the lakes cover over 10,000 acres of water surface, and offer a wide variety of outdoor activities in all seasons. In addition to the Great Lakes, there are over a dozen other lakes within an easy drive of the Upper Iowa Great Lakes region.All of the Iowa Great Lakes are natural lakes carved by the glaciers that covered the central part of the United States about 14,000 years ago. Of these lakes, Lake Okoboji West has the distinction of being the deepest natural lake in Iowa and Okoboji East the longest. Lower Gar Lake is the last in the chain, connected to the others by Lake Minnewashta, whose name means ?beautiful waters? in Dakotah. Lower Gar Lake covers 242 acres, and has a maximum depth of about 6 feet. The broad, shallow lake is in Arnold?s Park, Iowa, which also houses one of the state?s oldest amusement parks. Arnolds Park is home to one of the nation?s oldest wooden roller coasters, The Legend, built in 1927 and refurbished in 1989. In addition, Arnold?s Park also houses a second steel roller coaster, and 15 other rides to offer a fun afternoon for a family or couple. Because Lower Gar is more sheltered than the upper lakes in the Great Lakes chain, it?s a popular alternative for fishing and boating when the wind makes the other lakes unsuitable for those activities. The lake is deep enough to allow speed boating and water skiing, and shallow enough that the wind and climate ?mix? the water to keep a steady supply of fish biting. The greater portion of the lake?s western edge is privately owned. The northeastern and eastern shores are highly developed with housing, commercial land and a golf course. In the summer, outdoor activities include hiking and biking on one of the many state nature trails that cut through the prairie surrounding the lakes, as well as boating, water-skiing, jet skiing, para-sailing and nearly any other variation of water sport imaginable. Spend a morning underwater with scuba gear and explore the 47 species of fish and aquatic wildlife that populate Lower Gar and the other Great Lakes, then rent a paddleboat for a lazy afternoon of drifting and paddling in the sun. When night falls, you can attend a local theater, visit the amusement park or hang out around the camp fire at any one of dozens of national park or private campgrounds. In the winter, the area offers snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing, as well as the famous University of Okoboji Winter Games, held at the nation?s most famous fictional university. Hundreds of acres of national park land and wildlife preserves offer unparalleled opportunities for birdwatchers and hunters alike, and an entire network of state trails provide a full range of hiking from casual strolls to challenging workouts for experienced hikers. Lower Gar Lake is both a wonderful place to visit and vacation, and the perfect place to settle down and raise a family. Whether you?re the outdoorsy type, or a confirmed homebody, Lower Gar Lake offers activities and atmosphere to suit you wonderfully. |
Contact Okoboji Real Estate for questions on residential real estate, community info, or any other questions. We offer real estate info in and around the Okoboji, Spirit Lake, and Iowa Great Lakes.
3plains LLC & Re/Max Results 2100 Ford Parkway #201 St. Paul, MN 55116 c/o Matt Barker A licensed real estate agent in MN. (612) 366-1527
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