Frequently Asked Questions

Are you on the lake?
We are located on West Lake Okoboji in Arnolds Park. Our units are on the waterfront or are located across the street from Fillenwarth owned waterfront.

What is provided in one of your units?
Our units come equipped with a full kitchen or kitchenette(stove or two burner cooktop, refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, pots and pans, silverware, dishes, glasses, dishtowels, dish soap, paper towels,and bug repellent). Additionally, bath towels, bar soap, linens, blow dryer, a telephone with free local calls, iron, ironing board, TV, and VCR are provided in every room. Daily maid service is provided for the units. Each unit has a grill located nearby.

Are your units air-conditioned?
Yes, all units are air-conditioned. This is a big improvement from the 1930's when according to A.T. Fillenwarth, all units were air conditioned by God. To see more Fillenwarth quips, click here.

Do all units have kitchens?
Yes, all units have a kitchen or kitchenette.

Are there linens in the units?
Because all of the linens and kitchen supplies are provided the only extra items to bring are your food and beverages, personal items, and a beach towel.

Do you provide cribs and rollaway beds? Is there an extra charge?
Cribs are provided to you at no extra charge upon your request. We also provide high density foam flip outs instead of rollaway beds at no extra charge to our guests.

What else does Fillenwarth Beach provide?
Each of our guests has access to our canoes, rowboats and paddleboats; you may also take Sun Runner cocktail or family cruises, special cruises on our Sea Ray deck boat, enjoy sailing on our sailboat or take advantage of our free water-skiing. We have a recreation program for both children and adults. We also have indoor and outdoor pools, basketball and tennis courts, and play grounds

What will the weather be when I am at Fillenwarth?
Sunny and warm. (The official Fillenwarth's forecast) - If you really want an accurate forecast, then click here for our weather.

Do I get to drive the boats and sail the sailboat?
Our well-trained staff drives and sails our boats around beautiful West Lake Okoboji.

Do I need to know how to ski to enjoy your complimentary skiing?
No, our ski boat drivers will be able to assist new skiers.

How old do you have to be to ski?
There is no age limit, but more developed children learn more quickly - all guests are welcome at the ski clinics, which are a great way to see if skiing is right for you!

Is it easier to ski with one ski compared to two?
Contrary to the popular belief that skiing with one ski will give the skier half the things to think about, slalom skiing is more difficult than skiing with two skis.

What boats can guests operate?
We provide paddle boats, rowboats and canoes on a first come first serve basis for our guests to enjoy.

Is there a cost for boat rides and activities?
No, there is not a charge for any of the daily boat rides or activities.

How long are boat rides?
Most of our boat rides last 45 minutes to 1 hour - the exception is water skiing. Three people ski every half hour.

How many boat rides can I take every day?
Availability permitting, each guest may sign up for one Sun Runner Cruise, one Sea Ray Cruise, and one half hour skiing trip every day. The sailboat, canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats do not need to be signed up for and may be taken out multiple times.

Where can we park our boats?
Upon arrival you can either park your boats in your parking stall, or tie it to our docks or buoys at the Main Beach at no charge. The buoys & dock space are available on a first come, first served basis.

Where can I park my boat trailer?
There is a limited amount of parking space for each unit and a small area for boat trailers at the Main Beach. If you are concerned about adequate parking, please call and inquire about available space for your unit.

Do you rent jet skis?
No, we do not rent jet skis, but there are several watercraft rental businesses within walking distance.

If my room is at North Beach, can we use all of Fillenwarth's facilities located at the Main Beach?
Yes, our Main Beach docks and facilities are available to any guest staying at Fillenwarth Beach.

May I bring my pet on vacation?
At Fillenwarth, we recognize that your pets are valuable members of your family and deserve a vacation also. Well-behaved pets are welcome.

What are check in / check out times?
Check out time is 12:00 noon - Check in time is at 3:00 pm. If you arrive early, we will try to accommodate you as soon as the room is available.

I want to golf and my children are too small to bring along. Do you offer babysiting?
Yes, we can arrange babysitting for your children. The cost is $8.50/hour for up to 2 children, and $3.00/hour for each additional child.

Where is your beach located?
As West Lake Okoboji is a glacier lake, there are few natural beaches. We have a small 20 foot man-made beach at the Main Beach, ideal for children - and we also have a natural sand beach at Fillenwarth South. The city beach is located 2 blocks away from Fillenwarth's North Beach.

Do you have to rent the units by the week?
No, you may rent the units by the week, weekend, or even just for a day to fit your busy summer schedule.

Who owns the resort?
Fillenwarth Beach is a family owned and operated resort. Ken Fillenwarth is the sole proprietor of the resort - Ken's father A.T. Fillenwarth started the resort in 1918 or 1919 (none of us were alive then). For more Fillenwarth history click here.

How much do your rooms cost?
We have a large variety of units that accommodate from 1 to 18 people. Please contact us at (712)-332-5646 and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members - we will try to help you find a room that will make your vacation memorable.

I see that your rooms are all non-smoking. Are there any areas where I can smoke?
Yes, there are areas outside of the units on either the decks or patios where you can smoke.

Where are you located?
We are located in Arnolds Park on West Lake Okoboji one block north of the Central Emporium. We are an easy walk to many restaurants, shops, nightlife, bike, boat and personal watercraft rentals, a bank and post office. Click here to view our location on West Lake Okoboji.