5 Must-Have Outdoor Living Spaces for Your Lake Home
Living in the Iowa Great Lakes region is all about enjoying the outdoors—whether you're sipping coffee with a sunrise view over East Lake Okoboji or hosting friends for a summer barbecue by West Lake. When building or renovating a custom lake home in Okoboji, Spirit Lake, or the surrounding areas, outdoor living spaces should be just as thoughtfully designed as the inside of your home.
Here are five must-have outdoor features that will elevate your lakefront lifestyle and make the most of every season.
1. A Spacious, Lake-Facing Deck
A deck is the heart of any lake home. It’s where morning routines begin, evening meals are enjoyed, and guests naturally gather. A well-designed deck adds usable square footage and extends your living space outdoors. When positioned with the lake in mind, it also offers stunning views, natural light, and a front-row seat to lake life.
Whether you choose composite decking for low maintenance or natural wood for rustic charm, consider features like built-in seating, privacy walls, or a covered pergola to add function and style. In Spirit Lake and Okoboji, a deck with west-facing exposure can be especially appealing for sunset views over the water.
2. A Cozy Fire Pit Area
After the sun sets over West Lake Okoboji or Big Spirit Lake, a fire pit becomes the perfect gathering place. Whether it’s roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply relaxing by the fire, this space brings warmth and comfort to your outdoor experience.
Fire pits can be custom built from stone or concrete to match your home’s style, or they can be portable for flexibility. Consider adding a circular seating area with Adirondack chairs or built-in benches, and use crushed stone, pavers, or flagstone for the base to keep it clean and safe.
3. A Private Boat Dock
For most lake homeowners in the Iowa Great Lakes region, a private dock isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you're into boating, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, having your own dock provides easy access to the water and enhances your overall experience.
Design your dock with safety and convenience in mind. Add bumpers for boat protection, railings where needed, and lighting for early mornings or evening cruises. Some homeowners also include benches, storage lockers, or a covered boat lift to keep everything organized and ready to go.
Local regulations may apply to dock construction, so it’s important to work with a local expert familiar with DNR requirements and shoreline guidelines in Okoboji and Spirit Lake.
4. An Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area
Outdoor meals are part of the lake life rhythm, especially during warm Iowa summers. An outdoor kitchen makes entertaining easy and enjoyable, allowing you to cook and serve without running back and forth inside.
From built-in grills and sinks to refrigerators, pizza ovens, and prep stations, you can customize your outdoor kitchen to match your lifestyle. Pair it with a shaded dining area, like a pergola or pavilion, and you’ll have the perfect setting for everything from casual lunches to evening dinner parties by the lake.
5. A Covered Porch or Screened-In Patio
Rain or bugs shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors. A covered porch or screened-in patio gives you a sheltered spot to relax while still being connected to nature. It's especially useful for windy days around East Lake Okoboji or for extending your outdoor use into the shoulder seasons.
Add ceiling fans, lighting, or even a stone fireplace to make this space usable spring through fall. This feature also increases the livability of your home, giving you year-round versatility and comfort.
Make the Most of Lakefront Living
When you live in the Iowa Great Lakes, your outdoor space becomes just as important as your indoor space. Whether you're entertaining guests, enjoying family time, or soaking up the peace of the water, these five outdoor features can turn your lake house into a true retreat.
At Ten Bears, LC, Randy Walters specializes in building custom lake homes that are designed to maximize views, functionality, and outdoor enjoyment. If you’re building or remodeling in Okoboji, Spirit Lake, or anywhere around the Iowa Great Lakes, we’ll help bring your vision to life.
Contact us today to start planning your dream lake home—inside and out.