The Okoboji Project

Latest Episodes:

Let's Set Sail! Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

From transit to competition, sailing has always been a favorite way to experience The Iowa Great Lakes.
Dive deeper into Okoboji's nautical history from every decade on our blog.
Supporting us on Patreon to hear bonus Okoboji Project stories.
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Guests: Steve Avery, C Scow Sailor and Lawyer

Camp Foster Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

How one of the Midwest’s oldest summer camps keeps the flame of tradition alive and fosters growth in every camper.
Explore decades of summer fun with Camp Foster's rich history. Also, please consider donating to Camp Foster to support their incredible work.
Supporting us on Patreon to hear bonus Okoboji Project stories.
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Guests: Andrew Fisher, CEO of the Bedell Family YMCA
Josh Carr, Director of Camp Foster

The Lakeside Laboratory May 29, 2024

Show notes

120 years later, it's a museum, a public park, and a groundbreaking laboratory.
Explore how The Lakeside Laboratory evolved over its history, from the first photos of the lab to contemporary walking guides. Also, please consider donating to Friends of The Lakeside Lab to support their incredible work.
Supporting us on Patreon to hear bonus Okoboji Project stories.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!
Guests: Dr. Mary Skopec, Executive Director of The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory
Sue Richter, Director Emeritus of Friends of The Lakeside Laboratory

The Roof Garden May 22, 2024

Show notes

Louis Armstrong. Johnny Cash. The Beach Boys. The Roof Garden hosted decades of chart-toppers on the shores of West Lake Okoboji -- and inspired generations of musicians.
Explore more photos and stories about The Roof Garden on our website. You can also find our curated Roof Garden playlist on Spotify!
Supporting us on Patreon to hear bonus Okoboji Project stories.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!
Guests: Tom Tourville, Local Music Historian and Writer
Rebecca Peters, Local Music Historian and Writer

Inkpaduta, Abbie, and The Spirit Lake Massacre May 15, 2024

Show notes

Discover the true story behind The Spirit Lake Massacre as two historians share accounts from those who lived through it.
Buy Dr. Beck's book, Inkpaduta: Dakota Leader, on Amazon and Birchbark Books in Minneapolis.
Explore more photos and stories about The Gardner Cabin, one of Iowa's first tourist sites, on our website. And sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!
Supporting us on Patreon to hear bonus Okoboji Project stories.
Guests: Dr. Paul Beck, History Professor at Wisconsin Lutheran College
Mary Dreier, Director of The Dickinson County Museum

What's The Catch of The Day? May 08, 2024

Show notes

True stories (and tall tales!) from thousands of years of Okoboji fishing.
Explore more photos and stories from Okoboji's epic fishing history on our website.
Supporting us on Patreon to hear bonus Okoboji Project stories.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!
Guests: John Grovesnor, Professional Fishing Guide
Mary Dreier, Director of The Dickinson County Museum
Clark Lingbeek, Owner of Lost Gar and Paddlefish Bar
Blain Andera, CEO of The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce

The University of Okoboji May 01, 2024

Show notes

How a mythical university brought a community together… and funded essential services for The Iowa Great Lakes.
Explore more photos and stories from The University of Okoboji on our website.
Supporting us on Patreon to hear bonus Okoboji Project stories.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss an episode of The Okoboji Project!
Guests: Emil Richter and Matt Richter from The Three Sons.
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Welcome to The Okoboji Project! Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

Why do hundreds of thousands of people flock to a little town in northwest Iowa every summer? The Okoboji Project sits down with historians, story-ellers, and local legends to uncover the rich history of The Iowa Great Lakes.
Subscribe to The Okoboji Project newsletter to see bonus content from Okoboji's storied history.