Cities and Towns in Dickinson County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Dickinson County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Dickinson County was formed from Kossuth County. The city of Spirit Lake is the county seat. With FIPS code of 59, Dickinson County has a population of 17,851 and area of 381 square miles (987 km²).
List of all cities in Dickinson County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arnolds Park, IA | 51331 | 712 |
| Crandalls Lodge, IA | 51360 | 712 |
| Egralharve, IA | 51360 | 712 |
| Lake Park, IA | 51347 | 712 |
| Methodist Camp, IA | 51360 | 712 |
| Milford, IA | 51351 | 712 |
| Montgomery, IA | 51360 | 712 |
| Okoboji, IA | 51355 | 712 |
| Old Town, IA | 51351 | 712 |
| Spirit Lake, IA | 51360 | 712 |
| Superior, IA | 51363 | 712 |
| Templar Park, IA | 51360 | 712 |
| Terril, IA | 51364 | 712 |
| Triboji Beach, IA | 51360 | 712 |
| Wahpeton, IA | 51360 | 712 |
| West Okoboji, IA | 51351 | 712 |
Major Cities and Towns in Dickinson County, Iowa
Spirit Lake
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.65 square miles
- Population: 5,439 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51360
- Latitude: 43.4222° N
- Longitude: 95.1027° W
Location and History
Spirit Lake, the county seat of Dickinson County, is located in northwestern Iowa along U.S. Highway 71 and near the Iowa Great Lakes. The town was founded in 1857 and named after the nearby lake, Spirit Lake, which is the largest of the Iowa Great Lakes. Spirit Lake was the site of the Spirit Lake Massacre in 1857, a tragic conflict between settlers and Native Americans. The town grew as a center for tourism and agriculture, with the region’s lakes becoming a popular destination for boating, fishing, and vacationing. Today, Spirit Lake thrives as a resort town and serves as the hub for commerce and recreation in the Iowa Great Lakes region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Spirit Lake is part of the Spirit Lake Community School District, with Spirit Lake High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include Arnolds Park Amusement Park, a historic lakeside attraction offering rides, games, and live entertainment. Spirit Lake is also home to the Dickinson County Nature Center, which provides educational exhibits and trails for exploring local ecosystems. The town celebrates its history and natural beauty with the annual Okoboji Winter Games, a winter festival that draws thousands for ice skating, snowmobiling, and other winter activities on the frozen lakes.
Okoboji
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 7.16 square miles
- Population: 768 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51355
- Latitude: 43.3953° N
- Longitude: 95.1292° W
Location and History
Okoboji is located along the western shore of West Okoboji Lake, one of the Iowa Great Lakes, in central Dickinson County. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after the lake, which in turn derives from a Native American word meaning “reeds and rushes.” Okoboji has long been known as a summer resort destination, attracting visitors from across the Midwest for its clear blue waters and recreational opportunities. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular activities in the area, and the town’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, especially during the summer months.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Okoboji is part of the Okoboji Community School District, with Okoboji High School serving the surrounding area. Key landmarks include Arnolds Park Amusement Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., which has been entertaining visitors since 1889. Okoboji also offers scenic beauty with West Okoboji Lake, known for its deep, clear waters, and is home to several luxury resorts and vacation homes. The Maritime Museum and Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park provide cultural enrichment and a venue for outdoor concerts and events. The town also hosts the annual Okoboji Blue Water Festival, celebrating environmental awareness and water conservation.
Milford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.95 square miles
- Population: 3,321 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51351
- Latitude: 43.3247° N
- Longitude: 95.1539° W
Location and History
Milford is located in southern Dickinson County, along U.S. Highway 71 and near the southern shores of the Iowa Great Lakes. The town was founded in 1869 and initially developed as a farming and trade center. Milford’s proximity to West Okoboji Lake and other lakes in the region helped boost its status as a gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes, making it a popular destination for tourists and vacationers. Milford continues to serve as both a residential community and a recreational hub, providing access to lakeside activities while maintaining a strong agricultural presence.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Milford is part of the Okoboji Community School District, with Okoboji High School located in town. The Milford Pioneer Theatre, a historic cinema, is a key local landmark that has entertained residents and visitors for decades. The town’s proximity to the Iowa Great Lakes makes it a prime spot for water-related recreation, including boating and fishing. The nearby Lakeside Laboratory, a research and educational facility, offers educational programs and ecological research opportunities. Milford’s annual Pioneer Days festival celebrates the town’s history with parades, games, and community activities, drawing visitors from across the region.
Arnolds Park
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.65 square miles
- Population: 1,110 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51331
- Latitude: 43.3678° N
- Longitude: 95.1381° W
Location and History
Arnolds Park is located on the shores of West Okoboji Lake, in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes region. The town was named after Wesley Arnold, an early settler who recognized the area’s potential as a resort destination. Founded in the late 19th century, Arnolds Park quickly became a hub for tourism, especially after the establishment of Arnolds Park Amusement Park in 1889. The park, still in operation today, is a key attraction, making Arnolds Park a favorite summer destination for generations of Iowans and Midwesterners.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Arnolds Park is part of the Okoboji Community School District, with Okoboji High School serving local students. The centerpiece of the town is Arnolds Park Amusement Park, which has been drawing families and thrill-seekers for more than a century. The park offers roller coasters, carnival games, and live music, providing entertainment throughout the summer. Other landmarks include the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, which preserves the region’s boating and lake history, and the Queen II, a replica steamboat offering scenic cruises on West Okoboji Lake. The town hosts an annual fireworks display over the lake for the Fourth of July, drawing thousands of visitors.
Lake Park
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.36 square miles
- Population: 1,167 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51347
- Latitude: 43.4508° N
- Longitude: 95.3264° W
Location and History
Lake Park is located in northwestern Dickinson County, near Silver Lake, a smaller lake west of the Iowa Great Lakes. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after the nearby lake. Lake Park developed as a small agricultural town, with its economy centered around farming and livestock production. In recent decades, the town has become known for its recreational offerings, particularly its proximity to Silver Lake, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lake Park is part of the Harris-Lake Park Community School District, with Harris-Lake Park High School located in town. The town’s key landmarks include Silver Lake, which offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, and Silver Lake Park, which provides a campground, beach, and picnic areas for residents and visitors. The annual Lake Park Silver Lake Days celebration features a parade, games, and community activities, celebrating the town’s history and its connection to the lake. The town also has a vibrant arts community, with local artists and craftsmen showcasing their work at various events throughout the year.
Terril
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.60 square miles
- Population: 334 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51364
- Latitude: 43.2870° N
- Longitude: 94.9697° W
Location and History
Terril is located in southeastern Dickinson County, about 10 miles southeast of Spirit Lake, along Iowa Highway 9. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was named after H. Terril, an early settler in the area. Terril developed as a small agricultural community, with farming and grain production forming the backbone of its economy. Though small in size, Terril has retained its agricultural roots and continues to serve as a quiet rural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Terril is part of the Graettinger-Terril Community School District, with students attending Graettinger-Terril High School in nearby Graettinger. The town’s key landmarks include Terril City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and a space for local events. Each year, the town celebrates Terril Days, an event that features parades, games, and live entertainment, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate the town’s rural heritage. The surrounding farmland provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting and hiking, contributing to Terril’s quiet, agricultural lifestyle.
