Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn't answered here, please call us and we are happy to help anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions
Units
Are You On the Lake?
We are located on West Lake Okoboji in Arnolds Park. Our units are either on the waterfront or across the street from Fillenwarth owned waterfront.
What is provided in one of your units?
All of our apartments and cottages feature luxury bedding and mattresses, air conditioning, heat, color cable TV, DVD player, complimentary in-room wireless internet, linens, except beach towels, blow dryers, combination tub/showers (unless otherwise specified), ironing boards, and irons. Many units are equipped with comfortable sofa sleepers. Kitchens are fully equipped with refrigerator, stove or two-burner cooktop, microwave, toaster, coffee maker with filters, dishes, glasses, silverware, pots and pans, cooking utensils, dishtowels, dish soap, and bug repellent. Units also have telephones with free local calls, bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Patio areas with conveniently located gas grills and outdoor dining area. We provide daily maid service during in season or daily towel exchange with maid service avilable on request during our off season. All of our units are non-smoking.
What else does Fillenwarth Beach provide?
Our guests have access to our canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats. They can also take complimentary cruises on our Sun Runners for both families or adults only, a Million Dollar Home Cruise, History Cruise, sailboat rides, and water skiing with instruction. We have a recreation program for both children and adults with daily activities. We also have indoor and outdoor heated pools, basketball, tennis, sand volleyball courts, and playgrounds. Activities may be limited during our discount seasons.
Are your units air-conditioned?
Yes, all units are air-conditioned. This is a big improvement from the 1930s when, according to A.T. Fillenwarth, all units were air-conditioned by God.
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, beverages, personal items, and a beach towel.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-out time is 12:00 noon. Check-in time is at 3:00 p.m. If you arrive early, we will try to accommodate you as soon as your room is available.
Beginning on Sunday, August 18th and through the rest of our season, checkout time is by 11:00 a.m.
Beginning on Sunday, August 18th and through the rest of our season, checkout time is by 11:00 a.m.
How much do your rooms cost?
With a large variety of rooms that can accommodate 2 to 18 people, different rate seasons, and special holiday and weekend rates, it is best to contact us for rate information. To get a general idea, please download our brochure or see each unit page. Please call 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.
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.
Do you provide cribs or rollaway beds? Is there an extra charge?
Cribs or Pack ‘n Plays 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.
Do you allow pets?
At Fillenwarth Beach, we recognize that your pets are valuable members of your family and welcome your well-behaved pets, subject to our pet policies:
- Guests must advise at check-in if there will be a pet in their room during their stay.
- We will give you a pet sign to put on your door so our associates will know there is a pet in the room.
- You will also be asked to agree to the terms of the policy.
- Pets must be crated when left unattended. We can often arrange pet sitters, with advance notice.
- Excessive barking is disruptive to others, at any time of day. Out of courtesy, you may need to stay with your pet.
- We have pet linens to cover sofas; please ask at the front desk or housekeeping.
- Guests must contact our housekeeping department to arrange for a convenient time to service their room between 9am and 4pm.
- Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets on our property or in the neighborhood.
- Guests are responsible for all property damages and/or personal damages resulting from their pet. Under Iowa law, pet owners are liable for damages and injuries caused by their pets. Please make certain the pet’s shot records are readily available and that your insurance is current when you arrive.
I see that all of your rooms are non-smoking. Are there any areas I can smoke?
Yes, there are designated areas outside of the units where you can smoke.
Do you have parking?
Yes. Each unit has a designated, reserved parking space. The number of parking spaces per unit is based off of the size of unit. We are sorry, but we cannot provide charges for electric vehicles.
Boating and Recreation
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 old do you have to be to ski?
There is no age restriction, 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!
Do I need to know how to ski to enjoy the complimentary water skiing?
No. Our ski boat drivers will be able to assist new skiers.
Is it easier to ski with one ski compared to two?
Contrary to popular belief that skiing with one ski will give you half the things to think about, slalom skiing is more difficult than skiing with two skis.
Do I get to drive the boats or sail the sailboat?
Our well-trained staff members drive and sail our boats around beautiful West Lake Okoboji, weather permitting.
What boats can guests operate?
We provide paddle boats, rowboats, and canoes on a first come, first served basis for our guests to enjoy.
How long are the boat rides?
Most of our boat rides last between 45 minutes and 1 hour – the exception is water skiing. Three people ski every half hour.
How many boats rides can I take per day?
Availability permitting, each guest may sign up for one Sun Runner Cruise, one Million Dollar Home Cruise, one History Cruise and one ski slot per day. The sailboat, canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats do not need to be signed up for and may be taken out multiple times per day.
Where is your beach located?
As West Lake Okoboji was formed by glaciers, there are few natural beaches. We have a small, 20-foot man-made beach at the Main Beach, ideal for children. There is also a natural sand beach adjacent to our South Beach location. The city beach is located 2 blocks away from our North Beach.
If our room is at North Beach, can we use all of the facilities at the Main Beach?
Yes. Our Main Beach dock and facilities are available to any guest staying at Fillenwarth Beach.
Do you rent jet skis?
No, we do not. However, there are several watercraft rental businesses within walking distance.
Where can we park our boat?
Upon arrival, you may either park your boat in your parking stall (or our overflow parking area) or tie it to one of our docks or buoys at no charge. The buoys and dock space are available on a first come, first served basis. There is limited dock available.
Where can we park our boat trailer?
There is a limited amount of parking space for each unit. We do have a designated area in the Cottage Colony, as well as a small area at the South Beach for boat trailers. If you are concerned about adequate parking, please call and inquire about available space for your unit.
Do you offer babysitting?
Yes, we can arrange babysitting for your children. The cost is $10.25/hour for up to 2 children, and $3.00/hour for each additional child.
About Fillenwarth Beach
Who owns the resort?
Fillenwarth Beach is a family owned and operated resort. Ken Fillenwarth was the sole proprietor of the resort until his death in 2014 – Ken’s father A.T. Fillenwarth started the resort in 1918 or 1919 (none of us were alive then). Ken’s daughter, Lynn Fillenwarth, now runs the resort. For more Fillenwarth history, click here.
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 trails, boat and personal watercraft rentals, a bank, and a post office. Click here to view our location on West Lake Okoboji.
Sounds great! How do I get to Fillenwarth Beach?
You can get maps with directions online from our Google Place Page. We have verified our Google Place Page account and have pegged our location correctly on their map. Our physical address is: 87 Lakeshore Drive Arnolds Park, IA 51331
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations need to be made 30 days in advance of your arrival date for units that are equipped for 6 or fewer, or 60 days for units that are equipped for 8 or more or group reservations of four or more units. If enough notice is given for cancellations, your deposit will be fully refunded.
The purpose of our deposit policy is to guarantee that you will take the unit reserved. Fillenwarth Beach does not overbook to cover cancellations. We have more than likely turned away other people for your time period.
The purpose of our deposit policy is to guarantee that you will take the unit reserved. Fillenwarth Beach does not overbook to cover cancellations. We have more than likely turned away other people for your time period.
Come to Okoboji and be our guest!
Fillenwarth Beach is a family-owned and operated lakeside resort on West Lake Okoboji in Arnolds Park, Iowa. Our resort accommodations are fully-furnished cottages, studios, and apartments located on the lakefront or nearby with West Lake Okoboji access.