5 Lake House Essentials for Iowa Great Lakes Homes
Living at the Iowa Great Lakes, especially in iconic spots like Okoboji, is all about embracing the beauty of the outdoors while enjoying the comforts of home. Whether you're a full-time resident or have a seasonal retreat, lake homes come with unique needs and features that make lakeside living a breeze. To truly enjoy the full experience, it’s important to have certain amenities that complement the lifestyle of waterfront living. From practical storage solutions to ways to connect with nature, here are five essential features for any lake home in the Iowa Great Lakes area.
Outdoor Showers for Easy Post-Lake Cleanup
After a day of swimming, boating, or just lounging by the water, nothing beats the luxury of stepping into a refreshing outdoor shower. This lake house feature is essential for maintaining cleanliness without bringing sand, lake water, or dirt inside. Outdoor showers are practical for washing off after a long day of enjoying the lake and can be designed to blend seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic.
In the Iowa Great Lakes, where the lake activities are central to life, an outdoor shower allows you to rinse off quickly before entering the home, keeping the interior fresh and sand-free. Additionally, an outdoor shower is ideal for cleaning off after a day spent fishing, kayaking, or water skiing—keeping your home’s interior and lake gear clean without needing to track water indoors.
Pro Tip: Build your outdoor shower near a mudroom or entryway, making it even more convenient to rinse off before entering the main home.
Covered Decks and Patios for All-Weather Enjoyment
One of the best features of a lake home is the opportunity to spend as much time outside as possible. But in the Iowa Great Lakes area, where weather can range from sunny and warm to breezy and rainy, where a covered deck or patio is an absolute must. A sheltered outdoor space lets you enjoy the views and fresh air year-round, no matter the weather conditions.
Covered decks are perfect for dining outdoors, hosting guests, or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise over the lake. It also offers shelter during unexpected rain showers or those cool evenings when you want to take in the view without being exposed to the elements. Plus, a covered deck increases your living space and allows for outdoor kitchens, cozy seating areas, and even fireplaces or firepits that are perfect for Okoboji's cool nights.
Pro Tip: Add retractable screens to your covered deck for additional comfort, allowing for a bug-free space that can be enjoyed even on summer evenings.
Boat Storage and Dock Solutions
For lakefront homes in the Iowa Great Lakes, having a safe, secure, and easily accessible place to store your boat is a necessity. A boathouse or specialized boat storage area can ensure your boat stays in top condition year-round while being easily accessible when you're ready for a day out on the water. Boat storage options can include boat lifts, covered docks, or even a more enclosed boathouse.
For homeowners who enjoy water sports or fishing, incorporating a private dock or boat slip is a must. These spaces can be designed to match your property’s aesthetic while providing a convenient way to dock your boat when you’re not out enjoying the water. Plus, a dock provides easy access to the lake for swimming, fishing, or launching kayaks and paddleboards.
Pro Tip: For those who prefer a streamlined look, you can opt for an integrated boathouse with a roof deck for additional outdoor living space, offering a place to relax while keeping your boat out of the elements.
Firepits and Outdoor Entertainment Spaces
Lake life is about enjoying the outdoors with family and friends, and one of the best ways to do this is by creating an outdoor entertainment space. Firepits are a lake house essential, offering a cozy and inviting space for gatherings. Whether you're roasting marshmallows with the kids or enjoying a glass of wine under the stars, a firepit provides a perfect place to unwind after a day on the water.
In the Iowa Great Lakes area, a firepit area can be designed with comfortable seating arrangements, such as Adirondack chairs, and surrounded by landscaping elements that offer privacy and beauty. You can also incorporate string lights or lanterns to enhance the ambiance in the evening. To make it even more enjoyable, consider adding a built-in barbecue or outdoor kitchen near the firepit for lakeside dining.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a more unique take, consider a sunken firepit with stone seating that doubles as a conversation area, creating an inviting focal point for your lake house.
Generous Storage Solutions for Lake Gear and Gear Maintenance
When you live by the water, it's inevitable that you’ll have an abundance of lake gear—boats, kayaks, paddleboards, fishing equipment, life jackets, beach toys, and more. Storage solutions are key to keeping everything organized and easily accessible.
In Okoboji and the surrounding Iowa Great Lakes area, having a designated storage area for all your lake-related items is essential. This can range from a purpose-built garage with extra space for equipment to an outdoor storage shed near the water for quick access. Boat lifts, paddleboard racks, and shelving for fishing rods and other gear can help keep everything in its place and ready for use.
To ensure your outdoor gear stays in good condition, consider adding an area dedicated to maintaining and cleaning your equipment—especially boats. A maintenance station with water access or a specialized space for storing water sports equipment can prolong the lifespan of your gear and keep your outdoor area clutter-free.
Pro Tip: Install weather-resistant storage bins or cabinets on your deck or near the dock to store items like life jackets and beach towels, keeping everything within easy reach and ready for spontaneous adventures.
Building or upgrading a lake home in the Iowa Great Lakes area offers a unique opportunity to blend luxury with practicality. By including these essential features—outdoor showers, covered decks, boat storage solutions, firepits, and organized storage—you’ll create a functional and stylish home that complements the laid-back, outdoor-oriented lifestyle of lakefront living. Whether you’re enjoying sunny days on the water or cozy evenings around a firepit, these must-have amenities will help you maximize the full potential of your lake home in Okoboji and beyond.
At Ten Bears LC, we specialize in designing and building custom luxury homes tailored to your unique needs and the specific demands of lakeside living. If you’re ready to take the next step toward creating your dream lake house, let’s start the conversation!