042625_dis_a01_c 2

! "#$$ %$$&'( $)*$#*!+),$)* -.+/$ "#0, +0%! +)"0#,!*+0) ,$/+! -#0.1
Spring
"0#
2+#/3
+)*0 *4$
Spring
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery
hosts vendor market April 27
– SEE PAGE 5
Set your sights on Birding on the Green
– SEE PAGE 6
DISCOVER! MAGAZINE
!1#+' 26, 2025
Your guide for
enjoying the great
game of golf this
spring in N’West
Iowa
— SEE PAGE 7
,!#& (0.#
5!'$)/!#36
Nature
photography
is subject of
next Kenue
Coffee Hour
– SEE PAGE 21
GUIDE
SUMMER 2025
Picture
PERFECT
$43,000 on the line during Walleye Weekend – SEE PAGE 23
Cast your
54!)5$
Your source for weekend fun in N’West Iowa
FunAtBoji.com

2 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
AnD
ARE BACk!
SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH
REMEMBERING BOBBY VEE
TICKETS: $29 - $39
BOOTHS: $300
SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH
HERMAN’S HERMITS
TICKETS: $39 - $49
BOOTHS: $400
SUNDAY, JULY 13TH
AN EVENING WITH THE
LOVIN’ SPOONFUL
TICKETS: $25 - $35 | BOOTHS: $300
SUNDAY, JULY 27TH
A MAN NAMED CASH
TICKETS: $29 - $39
BOOTHS: $275
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3RD
THE RAT PACK LEGACY
TICKETS: $25 - $35
BOOTHS: $275
FOR UP-TO-DATE CONCERT
INFORMATION
ROOFG ARDE NBALLROOM . C O M
*All ticket purchases subject to $7 processing fee
*DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM
*SHOW STARTS AT 7:30 PM

DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
Contents | 3
5
Event:
6
Nature:
21
23
Round Lake Vineyards
hosts vendor market April 16.
Set your sights on
Birding on the Green.
Nature: Nature photography is
subject of next Kenue Coffee Hour.
Event: $43,000 on the line during
Walleye Weekend.
Screen
new at the box office
Until Dawn
R | 120 min. | ★★★★★
One year after her sister disappeared,
Clover heads into the
valley where she vanished.
Exploring an abandoned visitor
center, they find themselves
stalked by a killer and murdered
one by one – only to wake up
and find themselves back at the
beginning of the same evening.
)% *+), ),,-(
7
Your guide for enjoying the great outdoors with a great round of golf this
spring and summer in N’West Iowa.
Limited release movies are not included in “What’s New.” Only films that receive an average “C” or better rating by
movie critics on both coasts and the Midwest are included in “Good Stuff.”
The Accountant 2
R | 125 min. | ★★★★★
When an old acquaintance is murdered,
Wolff is compelled to solve
the case. Realizing more extreme
measures are necessary, Wolff
recruits his estranged and highly
lethal brother, Brax, to help. They
uncover a deadly conspiracy,
becoming targets of a ruthless
network of killers who will stop at
nothing to keep their secrets.
Sinners
Warfare
The Amateur
I’m Still Here
Heart Eyes
R
147 min.
★★★★★
R
95 min.
★★★★★
PG-13
123 min.
★★★★★
PG-13
136 min.
★★★★★
R
90 min.
★★★★★
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin
brothers return to their hometown to start
again, only to discover that an even greater evil
is waiting to welcome them back.
Warfare embeds audiences with a platoon of
American Navy SEALs in the home of an Iraqi
family, overwatching the movement of U.S.
forces through insurgent territory.
Charlie Heller is a brilliant decoder for the CIA
working out of a basement office at headquarters
in Langley whose life is turned upside
down when his wife is killed in a London terrorist
attack.
Brazil, 1971: a country in the tightening grip of a
military dictatorship. A mother is forced to reinvent
herself when her family’s life is shattered by
an act of arbitrary violence. Based on Marcelo
Rubens Paiva’s bestselling memoir.
For the past several years, the Heart Eyes
Killer has wreaked havoc on Valentine’s Day by
stalking and murdering romantic couples. This
Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe.
good stuff still playing
Side Trip:
!pril has proven to be the month for
newspaper conferences, two of them
fairly close to home, but one a bit more
of an adventure, held in Orlando, FL, at a convention
hotel near the Disney parks.
My husband and I
flew out ahead of the
event to spend the
w e e k e n d e n j o y i n g
sunshine and warm
weather. We arrived
after dark on a travel
day so not much “lay
of the land” until the
next day. In the morning,
we took our coffee
and walked around
the property. The hotel
was L-shaped, with
the guest rooms in one
wing and the convention facilities in the other.
In between those two wings, the space was
laid out with multiple swimming pools and a
bar/snack area. Palm trees, tropical plants and
Jimmy Buffett music gave the pool area a great
island vibe. Beyond the property a thick grove
of trees and brush created separation before
the main road. The entirety of that interior
space was enclosed with four-foot-tall black
metal fencing with vertical supports spaced
every four inches.
Why did I pay such attention to the details of
a fence?
Just one small sign placed strategically as you
stepped from the lobby into that fenced area:
“Please use Caution when approaching the
wetlands. Snakes & Alligators are present.”
Not may be present. Not could be present.
Are present.
The bartender on duty assured us he had not
seen an alligator on the property, but he also
told us that hidden in that thick grove of trees
beyond the fence was a marsh. And where
there’s water in Florida, there are alligators.
We flew home without having seen one. A
successful trip.
DISCOVER! is your guide to all the special
events and activities in the greater northwest
Iowa, southwest Minnesota, southeast South
Dakota and northeast Nebraska areas. It is
distributed free throughout these areas.
Copyright, 2025. Nothing may be reprinted,
photocopied or in any way reproduced without
the permission of the publisher.
Advertising and Editorial:
P.O. Box 160, Sheldon, IA 51201
1-800-247-0186
discover@iowainformation.com
FunAtBoji.com
"#$%!
&!'%($

4 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
HARTLEY
Saturday, May 3, 2025
10:30 AM
HMS HIGH SCHOOL PETRSON FIELD
300 N 8TH AVE W • HARTLEY, IA
Open to Age Groups:
7-12 years old
Participation is FREE!
TOP TWO QUALIFY FOR STATE MEET!
in Clear Lake, Iowa on Saturday, June 14 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Parking
Lot Striping
24 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Serving northwest Iowa, southeast South Dakota
and southern Minnesota.
•Fertilizer & Spraying •Mowing •Fencing
•Spring clean-up •Deck Building
•Landscaping •Hardscaping •Power raking
JEFF’S
Lawn Care
Call 712-324-1090 • Sheldon, IA
Cell 712-324-1090 • jvm81@earthlink.net

.*(’$
/-++
*0$1
This Weekend!
DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
Event | 5
Spring into
+2'-(3
+pring is in the air.
And Round Lake Vineyards & Winery has
the event to give you the perfect excuse to get
out and enjoy some much deserved time away from
home, where many have hunkered down this winter.
Round Lake Vineyards & Winery will be hosting
its annual Spring Market event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday, April 27.
The Spring Market is a shopping opportunity
to get out with friends while sipping your favorite
beverage. You can shop for all the newest seasonal
jewelry, clothing or craft projects.
This is an event that draws in attendees every year.
“We’ve been doing this market for nine years
now. When we started doing it there wasn’t a lot of
options for spring markets in the area. The spring
at Round Lake Vineyards is a beautiful place,” said
Scott Ellenbecker, the co-owners of Round Lake
Vineyards & Winery. “We’ve got nature, and usually
sunshine, to brighten the day for shoppers. Birds are
singing and flowers are blooming as people walk
between buildings having fun with friends. Artists
have spent the winter creating new treasures and
there is just a spring freshness in the air. This is not
just a shopping experience, but an opportunity to
get together with people who want to share a bottle
of wine and look for that special deal.”
There will be plenty of deals to find as there will be
lots of vendors on site.
“We usually have between 25 and 30 vendors.
They will be set up in both the Cellar building and
the second floor or the Winery building. We’ve even
had one or two outside if that is appropriate for their
crafts,” Ellenbecker said. “The vendors range from
home crafters making jewelry or woodworking
crafts. Many corporate vendors selling clothing or
kitchen goods are often on the list, too.”
The kitchen is also open all day long so people
can feel free to take a break from shopping to enjoy a
meal and a glass of wine.
For Ellenbecker, the day is all about finding joy –
enjoying friends, shopping, and good food and wine
in a beautiful place.
“It’s a new season and the beginning of the warm
season to come. If it’s chilly there will be people
ready to sit outside under heat lamps just because
they want to welcome the warmer months ahead.
The spring market may just be an event people are
using as the excuse to get out of the house with
friends,” Ellenbecker said. “The day always ends on
a high note with vendors selling a few things and
shoppers buying a few things. I know we’ll see lots of
people shopping, but the time they spend here with
friends and family will just be a fun day and that’s
what the winery is about.” F
Getting there:
!"#$% Spring Market
!"&'&% Round Lake Vineyards & Winery,
30124 Highway 264, Round Lake,
MN
!"&(% 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 27
)*+$% Free to enter
)*($#)$% 507-945-1100
*(,-(&% www.roundlakevineyards.com
Round Lake
Vineyards &
Winery hosts
vendor market
April 27
KATE HARLOW | STAFF WRITER
Round Lake | Minnesota

APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
6 |
Nature
*$!+ "',!
-$#)%.$!/0
!"#$% &'() | STAFF WRITER
For the
43!./
Set your sights on the first
Birding on the Green
$nother season of bird-watching
is nearly underway in the
Iowa Great Lakes.
The first installment of the annual
Birding on the Green outings is set
for Monday, May 6, at Brooks Golf
Course in Okoboji. It is a free event
held each month through September.
The event is a collaboration
between the golf course and the
Dickinson County Conservation
Board allowing birders a chance to
document bird species they identify
at the Audubon-certified course.
Those interested in attending
meet in the golf course parking lot at
7 a.m. before loading into golf carts
to make their way around the course
with binoculars and cameras at the
ready.
Attendees are advised to prepare
for any type of weather as the event
is held rain or shine and to dress
accordingly.
Once on the course it’s all about
spotting as many avian species as
possible.
In the spring that means a chance
at seeing a variety of migratory species
as they make their way through
the Iowa Great Lakes.
Beginning birders and experienced
veterans are all encouraged
to join the fun, as attendees often
see upward of 40 species during the
spring outing.
Witnessing the excitement when
birders spot certain species is part
of what Amy Heibult, community
At a Glance:
(&$12 Birding on the Green
(&)!)2 Brooks Golf, 1201
Brooks Park Drive, Okoboji, IA
(&)%2 7 a.m. Monday, May 5
-'/12 Free
-'%1$-12 712-336-6352
'%#3%)2 www.dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com/
environmental-education/
relations coordinator with the conservation
board, enjoys most about
the outings every summer.
“I am looking forward to seeing
everyone’s reaction when they spot
birds. I really enjoy when birders try
to compose their excitement as they
move slowly and try to avoid scaring
the birds away,” Heibult said in a previous
interview. “It’s great to see folks
getting excited about wildlife.” F
Okoboji | Iowa

!"#$ %"#$&' ("$ )"*(+,) (#, +, ,’-'%. +"-/
S U M M E R 2 0 2 5
GUIDE
SWING!
YOUR GUIDE FOR ENJOYING
THE GREAT GAME OF GOLF
THIS SPRING IN N’WEST IOWA
APRIL 26,
2025
PAGE 7
0+%&OVER! MAGAZINE

APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
8 |
Golf Feature
Always
)*$!! +,"-) | STAFF WRITER
"#$%#&'(
!he Rock Valley Golf Club has
always been a fun place to play,
but the course keeps evolving to
improve the overall experience.
General manager and superintendent
Brent Vermeer and his staff were
rewarded at the end of the 2024 golf
season when Rock Valley was selected
as the Iowa 9-Hole Golf Course of the
Year by the Iowa Golf Association.
It was the second time Rock Valley has
won the award under Vermeer’s watch,
with the other win coming in 2015.
“I don’t know all the details about
how they go about picking that,” said
Vermeer, who has been the superintendent
at Rock Valley since 2009. “I know
they send out a ballot to IGA members.
I’m guessing that members of our course
and maybe some other golfers nominated
us. Then they review all the nomination
letters and it kind of goes from there.”
The Rock Valley Golf Course sits on
the side of a hill on the south side of the
city. The hill adds to the challenge of the
course, but also provides some of the
most scenic views in the area.
“Going from No. 4 to No. 5 is about 100
feet difference in elevation,” Vermeer
said. “You can actually see the elevator
in Inwood from the tee box on No. 5.”
The layout rolls along the side of the
hill with several elevation changes. The
fairways are lined with mature trees,
demanding accuracy from tee to green.
There is water on holes No. 4 and No.
8, while there is a small creek that runs
through two of the other holes.
“There are a lot of trees,” Vermeer
said. “Back in the day this was all wideopen
farmland so the owners started
throwing trees in the ground. That can
be good and bad for a golfer. It’s not a
long course, but it has a lot of character.
There are some unique views.”
The greens themselves are large with
a fair amount of undulation. The rough
and some mounding do a lot of the work
in protecting the green, but there are a
few bunkers to work around as well.
“The greens aren’t domed, but they
do blend into the apron which can be
difficult,” Vermeer said.
As superintendent, Vermeer is always
looking for ways to improve the look
and play of the course. Lately, his project
has been leveling out tee boxes.
“We’ve been resurfacing some of
them. After several years they just aren’t
as level and flat as they once were, so
we’re working on that,” he said. “It’s
not done yet, but we try to make sure
we do a couple every year. We’ve also
updated the practice range. We made
it a multi-tier tee box. We’ve added cart
paths where we could. We’ve also added
native grass areas around the course
that add to the aesthetics. We have
added senior tees on some of the holes
too.”
The club also features a full service
clubhouse. It is open during the season

DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
| 9
Rock Valley Golf Club wins Iowa
9-hole Course of Year
for meals and to host gatherings.
Rock Valley was subject to a horrific flood last
year, but the course was spared any damage. At
least to the grounds themselves.
“The flood made it over the highway and actually
just touched the edge of the property line before
it went down again,” Vermeer said. “Of course,
many of our members were still dealing with the
aftermath. This place was kind of a ghost town for
a few weeks while everyone was dealing with that.
“It did hurt us not having as many people on
the course, but we aren’t going to complain about
that. In fact, we tried to help out however we could,”
Vermeer said. “We had a fundraiser for the high
school and for Rock Valley Christian School. We
had a free green fees weekend for people who
donated to the schools instead. At the end of the
weekend we split what was donated and gave it to
their foundations.”
Vermeer also found a way to help members.
“A lot of people lost their golf clubs in the flood,”
he said. “I worked with a club dealer, who would
not want to be named in this, but they gave our
members who were effected by the flood a chance
to replace their clubs and bags at 40 percent below
wholesale.”
Rock Valley has also focused on junior golf in the
past few years. It added two club teams last year
that travel to tournaments around the region and
hopes to add a third. The club also hosts junior golf
camps.
It has a unique feature for kids learning the game
it calls Par Valley.
“It’s a goals-related situation,” Vermeer said.
“Each kid starts out 25 yards from a hole and you
play it until you par the hole. Then they go to the
next one. Once they’ve got them all, they move up
to 50 yards and do it again. It goes to 75 and then to
100. Each time you reach a new level you receive a
prize. It’s just kind of a fun way to introduce kids to
the game of golf.”
The course hosts two men’s leagues and two
women’s leagues each week and has a decent
number of tournaments, but Vermeer said he’s
careful with the scheduling to make sure members
and other golfers who want to play the course can
get on regularly.
“We have a great staff here. They are very friendly
and helpful,” Vermeer said. “And our membership
is very generous in helping us out with things we
want to do. We want it to be truly a great experience
for everyone.” F
Rock Valley | Iowa

10 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!

DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
Golf Listings | 11
GUIDE
WHERE TO ENJOY THE
GREENS IN N’WEST IOWA!
Enjoy some time in the great
outdoors with a fun activity.
BROOKS GOLF WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-332-5011
1201 Brooks Park Drive,
Okoboji
Find us online at
brooksgolfclub.com
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 49
18 holes .............................. $ 80
CART FEES
9 holes .............................. included
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 54
18 holes .............................. $ 90
CART FEES
9 holes ...............................included
N
71
Brooks
Golf
Club
OKOBOJI
WEST
LAKE
OKOBOJI
71
EAST
LAKE
OKOBOJI
18 holes ............................ included
18 holes ............................ included
ARNOLDS
PARK
Lakes Premier Golf Course
2025 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
May 26 (Memorial Day) Monday Fun Day
4 Person Best Shot
May 30 Keith Abens Memorial Cyclone Wrestling
Club Fundraiser
June 1 Two-Man Best Shot Tournament
June 6 Camp Foster YMCA 8 Inch Cup
(July 18 Rain Date)
June 8 Couples Best Shot Tournament
June 11 U S Open Draft Night
June 13 4-H Foundation of Iowa 4 Person
June 16, 17 & 19 E H Junior Program Golf Clinics
(a.m. 1 hour clinics)
June 18 Hope Haven Benefit Golf Tournament
June 21-22 1st Annual Emerald Hills Member Guest
Tournament (Men’s or Women’s Teams - No
Mixed Teams) Saturday Noon shotgun,
5:30 Derby, Sunday 9:00 Shotgun
June 24 Two Gal Best Shot, 8:00 Shotgun
June 24-26 33rd Annual EH Junior Golf Camp
(8:00-4:00 Instruction/ Golf)
July 5 Sam Chozen Memorial 4 Person
(U of I Stead Family Hospital)
July 10 PGA Drive - Chip & Putt Local Qualifying
July 12 Colton Baschke Charity 8 Inch Cup
4 Person Best Shot
July 15 Four Gal Best Shot Tournament
July 25 Cattlemen’s Regatta Golf Tournament
July 27 33rd Annual Parent- Child Best Shot
Tournament (9 & 18 divisions)
August 2 7th Annual Beth Huseman Memorial “Beth Ball”
(Sarcoma Foundation) 4 person, 1:00 Shotgun
August 6 3rd Annual American Legion Auxiliary,
18 Holes
August 9-10 Emerald Hills Club Championship Weekend
August 15-16 Morningside College Alumni
(Tee Times)
August 17 Rueben’s Legacy 2 Person Best Shot, 1:00
August 24 Abben Cancer Center Classic (4 Person)
Sept. 1 Iowa / Iowa State Golf Clash
(Reciprocal with Spencer G & CC)
Sept. 5-7 U of O Couples Tournament
(with Okoboji View & Spencer CC)
Sept. 13 EH Eight Inch Cup 4-Person Best Shot
Sept. 14 Hi-Way 71 Cup Matches
Sept. 28 Captain’s Getaway Men’s ABCD Best
Shot (Alzeimer’s Benefit)
Oct. 4 Honest Fellas Open, 1:00 Shotgun
Oct. 5 Three-Person Best Shot
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
EH Fall Classic Four Person Best Shot
EH 2 Person Decathlon (Golf+ 9 different,
additional events)
EMERALD HILLS
GOLF CLUB
Tee Times Call 712.332.7100
Hwy. 71 • Arnolds Park, IA
18-HOLE PUBLIC GOLF COURSE • www.golfemeraldhills.com

APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
12 |
Golf Listings
EMERALD HILLS GOLF CLUB WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-332-7100
808 Highway 71,
Arnolds Park
Find us online at
golfemeraldhills.com
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 45
18 holes .............................. $ 85
CART FEES
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 50
18 holes .............................. $ 95
CART FEES
N
WEST
LAKE
OKOBOJI
OKOBOJI
Emerald Hills
Golf Club
71
EAST
LAKE
OKOBOJI
9 holes .............................. included
9 holes .............................. included
18 holes ............................ included
18 holes ............................ included
ARNOLDS PARK
HAWARDEN GOLF COURSE WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-551-4444
4502 Buchanan Ave.,
Hawarden
Find us on Facebook:
Hawarden Golf Club
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 15
18 holes .............................. $ 20
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 15
18 holes ............................... $ 25
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 18
18 holes ............................... $ 25
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 15
18 holes ............................... $ 25
N
HAWARDEN
10TH STREET
Hawarden
Golf Club
BUCHANAN AVE
MARCUS GOLF CLUB WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-376-4492
700 S. Highway 143,
Marcus
Find us on Facebook:
Marcus Golf Club
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 15
18 holes ............................... $ 22
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 17
18 holes ............................... $ 25
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 17
18 holes ............................... $ 24
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 17
18 holes ............................... $ 25
N
3
C AVENUE
470TH STREET
MARCUS
480TH STREET
Marcus
Golf Club
IBEX
AVENUE
3
OTTER VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-725-2561
2669 Kennedy Ave.,
George
Find us online at
www.golfovcc.com
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 18
18 holes ............................... $ 21
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 16
18 holes .............................. $ 20
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 23
18 holes .............................. $ 28
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 16
18 holes .............................. $ 20
GEORGE
A52
KENNEDY AVE
Otter
Valley
Country
Club
N
ENJOY SOME TIME IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT YOUR LOCAL COURSE

DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
Golf Listings | 13
QUIMBY GOLF COURSE WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-445-2236
1155 Clark Ave.,
Quimby
Find us online at
quimbygolf.weebly.com
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 11
18 holes ............................... $ 15
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 13
18 holes ............................... $ 18
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 15
18 holes ............................. $ 120
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 13
18 holes ............................... $ 18
QUIMBY
GOLF COURSE
QUIMBY
L51
REMSEN GOLF COURSE WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-786-2266
506 W. 5th St.,
Remsen
Find us on Facebook:
Remsen Golf Course
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 18
18 holes ............................... $ 25
CART FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 26
18 holes .............................. $ 38
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 22
18 holes .............................. $ 30
CART FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 26
18 holes .............................. $ 38
REMSEN
GOLF COURSE
REMSEN
L12
3
Saturday, May 3 ....................................................................................................Spring Fling (27 Hole)
Friday, May 9 ..............................................................................................................Kiwanis Fundraiser
Monday, May 12 ................................................................................................................ Ladies 9 Hole
Saturday, May 17 .................................................................................................. 8” Big Cup Scramble)
Monday, May 19 .......................................................................................................................SGOWA)
Sat-Mon, May 24-26 .................................................. Memorial Weekend Veterans Free Green Fees
Mon-Wed, June 2-4 ...........................................................................................................Junior Camp 1
Saturday, June 14 ............................................................................................................... MS Fundraiser
Mon-Wed, June 16-18 .......................................................................................................Junior Camp 2
Sunday, June 22 .................................................................................................. Blake Foster Memorial)
Sunday, June 29 ...............................................................................................................Love Takes Root
Mon-Wed, June 6 - July 2 .................................................................................................Junior Camp 3
Sunday, July 6 ........................................................................................................................Parent/Child
Monday, July 7 ......................................................................................................... Okoboji Junior Tours
bentgrass fairways.
Tuesday, July 15 .................................................................................................. Spirit Lake Booster Club
Mon-Wed, July 28-30 .......................................................................................................Junior Camp 4
Tues-Wed, August 5-6.....................................................................Dakota Tour Okoboji Open Pro-Am
Friday, August 8 .........................................................................................Mammoth Hockey Fundraiser
Sunday, August 10 ............................................................................................................Mixed Couples
Monday, August 11 ................................................................................... Iowa PGA Junior Tournament
Monday, August 25 .................................................................................................................... SGOWA
Monday, September 1 ............................................................................................................ Sportsmans
Thursday, September 4 ..................................................... Spirit Lake High School Cross Country Meet
Saturday, September 13 .................................................................................................Delta Waterfowl
Monday, September 15 ....................................................................................................... Ladies 9 hole
Monday, September 29.............................................................................................................. SGOWA
Sunday, October 12 ............................................................................................................The Chili Bowl
Sunday, October 26 ......................................................... Brooks Gives Back/Customer Appreciation
availability & pace of play
NEW MEMBERS *
25% OFF
ALL MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
*NON-2018 BROOKS GOLF MEMBERS
*NON-2018 MEMBERS
NON-2019 BROOKS GOLF MEMBERS
Enjoy 40 Acre our natural new golf grass carts with driving GPSrange
40 Large acre putting practice green, facility chipping including driving range,
putting green & and chipping practice greens bunker and practice bunker
1201 BROOKS PARK DR. | OKOBOJI, IA
CALL (712) 332-5011
www.brooksgolfclub.com
27 holes = = excellent tee tee time time
availability && pace of of play play

14 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2 Person Scramble ................................................................May 17
Couples Tournament ..........................................................June 28
Senior Open ..................................................................................... July 9
4 Person .............................................................................................July 12
Club Tournament................................................................. August 2
St. Pat’s .......................................................................................... August 9
Sheldon Orabs Booster ............................................. August 16
4 Person 8 in Cup .............................................................August 23
Call the clubhouse to get times/information/sign-up
or get your tournament scheduled today!
GREEN FEES:
MONDAY-THURSDAY
9 holes .......................................$17
18 holes .....................................$25
FRIDAY-SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS
9 holes .......................................$20
18 holes .................................. $28
CART RENTAL:
9 holes .................................... $20
18 holes .................................. $30
WE SERVICE
WHAT WE SELL - NEW & USED
ENJOY OUR ROOF-TOP DECK
Members have reciprocity Sanborn,
Sibley, Lake Park, Spencer Municipal,
Little Sioux, Primghar, Meadowbrook
and Rock River golf courses.
SHELDON
GOLF COURSE
AND COUNTRY CLUB
Phone 712-324-4275
3040 Nest Ave, Sheldon, IA
www.sheldongolf.com
Golf Carts
712-439-1020 702
Main Street Hull, IA
Marcus Golf Club
700 S. Highway 143
Marcus, IA 51035
712.376.4492
Facebook.com/MarcusGolfClub
2025 Tournament Schedule
June 7 – 3 Men Best Shot
June 14 – WesTel Cup
June 21 – Wrestling Fundraiser Tournament
July 5 – 4 Men Best Shot
July 8 – Northwest Iowa Junior Tour Tournament
July 11 – Marcus Chamber Tournament
July 20 – Adult/Child Tournament
July 25 – 4 Women Best Shot
July 26 – Rory Booth Memorial
July 27 – 3 Couple Scramble
August 16 – MMCRU Athletic Fundraiser
August 23 – 8 Inch Cup Tournament
September 3 – Double I Bash
October 4 – Chili Dipper
Green Fees:
Weekdays
9 Holes.....$15
18 Holes...$22
Cart Rentals:
9 Holes….$17.00
18 Holes…$25.00
Weekends
9 Holes.....$17
18 Holes...$24
Friday nights $5.00
Green Fees from 2:00 PM - Dark
Kitchen Hours:
Monday – Saturday 5 PM – 9 PM
Occasional Sunday Breakfast
9 AM – 12 PM Noon
Clubhouse available for rent year-round
for parties, gatherings, meetings, etc.

DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
Golf Listings | 15
THE RIDGE GOLF CLUB WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-722-4866
2595 Ridge Road,
Sioux Center
Find us online at
siouxcenterridge.com
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 30
18 holes .............................. $ 45
CART FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 15
18 holes ............................... $ 25
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 35
18 holes .............................. $ 55
CART FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 15
18 holes ............................... $ 25
N
75
SIOUX
CENTER
75
380TH STREET
20TH STREET SE
The
Ridge
ROCK VALLEY GOLF CLUB WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-476-2427
701 Golf Course Rd,
Rock Valley
Find us online at
rockvalleygolfclub.com
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 20
18 holes .............................. $ 30
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 10
18 holes ............................... $ 10
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 30
18 holes .............................. $ 40
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 10
18 holes ............................... $ 10
N
EAGLE AVENUE
320TH STREET
ROCK VALLEY
18
Rock Valley
Golf
Course
ELMWOOD
AVENUE
2025 Tournament Schedule
May 31 Sibley Builders Orange Ball Tournament – Sponsors
Schnepf Lumber, Ben’s Plumbing and MBN Pallets (9 a.m.)
June 3 Tuesday Night Fun League Begins
June 7 Party by the Pit
June 14 PISS Family Reunion Golf Outing (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
June 19-11 Horse Race Qualifying
June 28 Feast or Famine – Sponsored by: HP Insurance (9 a.m.)
July 12 Kiwanis Golf Tournament
July 13 Horse Race Tournament – Sponsored by:
Dekoter, Thole, Dawson, Rockman & Krikke (12 p.m.)
July 27 3-Couple Scramble
Wednesdays Starting May 28 Ladies League - 4:45 p.m.
Thursdays Starting May 15 Men’s League - 3 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
July 28
August 2
August 4
Senior Women Golf
Adult/Youth Tournament
Osceola Regional Health Center Foundation Fundraiser Golf Tournament
August 16 Men Club Championship
August 23 2-Man 3-Way Golf Tournament –
Sponsored by: Northwestern Mutual – Travis Ten Napel (9 a.m.)
August 24 S-O Booster Club Tournament (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
Sept 8
Sept 14
Sept 27
Senior Women Golf
Greens Keeper Revenge – Sponsored by: 1015 Steak Company (11 a.m.)
Glow Ball/Closing Party – Sponsored by: Iowa State Bank (8 p.m.)
MULLIGANS
700 11th Ave., Sibley • 712-754-2729

16 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
HAWARDEN GOLF
Tournaments & Events Schedule
SAT, MAY 10: HGC 15” 4 Person Scramble
Tournament
TUES, JUNE 3: NW lowa Jr. Tournament
FRI, JUNE 6: Hawarden Chamber
SAT, JUNE 7: Hawarden Fire Department
SAT, JUNE 14: Jace Van Den Berg Memorial
FRI, JUNE 20: Hawarden Hospital Foundation
MON, JUNE 23: Dakota Senior Tour
FRI, JUNE 27: HGC Glow Ball
THURS, JULY 10: Farmers Co-op
FRI, JULY 18: HGC Men’s Club Championship
SAT, JULY 19: HGC Men’s Club Championship
TOURNAMENT DATES
High School Meets
Course Closed at 3pm
April 29 .................................................................Trinity
May 5 ....................................................................Trinity
May 6 ................................................................. Western
May 8 ................................................................. Western
May 13 ............................................................... Western
May
12th ..........................................Women’s League Starts
13th ................................................Men’s League Starts
14th ..................................................1A Boys Sectionals
15th ................................................Men’s League Starts
17th .......................................................4 Person 8” Cup
June
4th ..................................... Adult Kiwanis Tournament
6th ........................................ Hull Chamber Golf Event
8th ...............................................Couple’s Tournament
11th ...................................... Church Fundraiser Event
18th ..................................................... Women’s 8” Cup
22nd................................................1 Man Tournament
July
9th ......................................................... Hull Coop Days
SAT, JULY 26: Eagles Putt Putt
THURS, JULY 31: HGC Women’s League
4 Woman Scramble Tournament
SAT, AUGUST 16: HGC Women’s Club
Championship
FRI, AUGUST 22: Siouxland Energy
SUN, AUGUST 31: HGC Couples Tournament
SAT, SEPT 13: Falcon Wrestling Club
MON, SEPT 15: Dakota Senior Tour
SAT, SEPT 20: Men’s League Ryder Cup
SAT, SEPT 27: HGC Halloween Glow Ball
Fundraiser
DEW DUSTER SPECIAL:
18 Holes & Cart–$20 • Tee Off between 8am & Noon Monday-Friday
CART RENTAL DAILY RATES:
9 Holes–$15 • 18 Holes–$25
WEEKDAY GREEN FEE RATES:
9 Holes–$15 • 18 Holes–$20
WEEKEND GREEN FEE RATES:
9 Holes–$18 • 18 Holes–$25
4502 Buchanan Ave, Hawarden, IA • 712.551.4444 • facebook.com/hawardengolfclub
3037 Hickory Ave, Hull, IA
Phone 712.439.2310
Follow us on facebook for
course and event updates.
13th .............................................Couple’s Tournament
16th .....................................Kids Kiwanis Tournament
18th ...................................................... Shoot for a Cure
25th ................................................... Club Tournament
26th ................................................... Club Tournament
August
1st...................................................Ryder Cup @ OVCC
2nd .................................................Ryder Cup @ RHCC
4th ............................................. Women’s Tournament
9th .......................................................Win, Place, Show
17th .............................................Couple’s Tournament
24th ................................................... 3 Person Shamble
29th ................................................... Lumberyard Days
September
6th .........................................Ryder Cup vs Rock Valley
13th ..................................................................Glow Ball
LEAGUE NIGHTS
Monday Women’s- Closed at 5:30pm
Tuesday Men’s- Closed at 5pm
Thursday Men’s- Closed at 5:30pm
Golf at the beautiful Quimby Golf Club in Quimby. Situated next to
the picturesque Little Sioux River, this 73-acre course includes a
practice putting green, clubhouse, cart storage, and 9 enjoyable and
forgiving holes. Enjoy your golf experience on lush fairways and
challenge yourself with our strategically placed holes.
2025 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 – Good & Ugly Tournament
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 – Watermelon Days Tournament – 8 AM Shotgun
TUESDAY, JULY 22 – 55 & Older Tournament
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 – 65 & Older Tournament
Weekday Fees
9 Holes: $11.00
18 Holes $15.00
GREEN FEES:
CART RENTALS:
Weekend Fees
9 Holes: $15.00
18 Holes: $20.00
9 Holes: $13.00 18 Holes: $18.00
Members of the Iowa Reciprocal Golf Program.
Please call ahead for availability.
Quimby Golf Course, Inc
Quimby Golf Course is located at
1175 Clark Avenue, just off of Hwy 31 in Quimby.
P.O. Box 36
Quimby, IA 51049
712.445.2236

DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
Golf Listings | 17
ROLLING HILLS COUNTRY CLUB WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-439-2310
3037 Hickory Ave.,
Hull
Find us on Facebook:
Rolling Hills Country Club
SHELDON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-324-4275
3040 Nest Ave.,
Sheldon
Find us online at
sheldongolf.com
SIBLEY GOLF COURSE WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-754-2729
700 11th Ave. NE.,
Sibley
Find us on Facebook:
Sibley Golf Course
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 18
18 holes ............................... $ 21
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 21
18 holes .............................. $ 29
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 23
18 holes .............................. $ 28
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 21
18 holes .............................. $ 29
SPENCER MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-580-7280
1320 Fourth Ave.,
Spencer
Find us online at spencermunigolf.com
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 17
18 holes ............................... $ 23
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 12
18 holes ............................... $ 18
GREEN FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 17
18 holes ............................... $ 25
CART FEES
9 holes ................................ $ 20
18 holes ............................. $ 30
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 20
18 holes ............................... $ 32
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 12
18 holes ............................... $ 18
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 23
18 holes .............................. $ 28
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 12
18 holes ............................... $ 18
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 20
18 holes .............................. $ 28
CART FEES
9 holes ................................ $ 20
18 holes ............................. $ 30
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 20
18 holes ............................... $ 32
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 12
18 holes ............................... $ 18
N
N
N
60
71
N
60
SIBLEY
Sibley Golf &
Country Club
SPENCER
71
K52
DIVISION STREET
WASHINGTON AVENUE
Spencer
Municipal
Golf Course
Rolling Hills
Country Club
HULL
71
Sheldon
Golf &
Country
Club
18
SHELDON
18
60
COUNTRY
CLUB ROAD
18
WILLOW CREEK GOLF COURSE WEEKDAY WEEKENDS
CALL TO RESERVE
YOUR TEE TIME:
712-546-6849
935 Park Lane,
Le Mars
Find us on Facebook:
Le Mars Willow Creek Golf
Course
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 22
18 holes ............................... $ 33
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 12
18 holes ............................... $ 18
GREEN FEES
9 holes ................................. $ 22
18 holes ............................... $ 35
CART FEES
9 holes .................................. $ 12
18 holes ............................... $ 18
N
3
75
60
Willow
Creek Golf
Course
LEMARS 3
14TH AVE SE

18 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
605-934-1839
Scan for DAILY
SPECIALS and
Upcoming Tournament
Information!
We have great membership rates and our green fees are the best around!
GOLF ALL DAY for $40
(including cart
Monday-Friday!)
Monday, Tuesday &
Thursday off the course by
4pm due to the golf league!
If golfing isn’t your wheelhouse come to Alcester, SD for a
great meal at The Clubhouse Grille or book your next
event at Morningside Event Center!
Alcester Morningside Event Center • 307 Alcester, SD
THE GRILL IS OPEN
YEAR ‘ROUND
Event Hall &
Boardroom available
for rental
Grill & Event Hall
2025
EVENT & TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
May 18th .......................................................................................... Spring Stableford
May 30th .........................................................................................Couples Fun Night
June 8th ...............................................................................Parent/Child Tournament
June 21st ..........................................................Mid-Summer Amateur Championship
June 27th ........................................................................................Couples Fun Night
July 9th .............................................................................................4-Lady Scramble
July 25th .................................................................................ASB Couples Fun Night
August 30th ....................................................................................Couples Fun Night
Sept 28th .........................................................................................4-Player Shamble
October 12th ...................................................................... 2-Player 6-6-6 Chili Open
2025 GOLF CLUB FITTING DAYS
May 13th .................................................................. TaylorMade from Noon-6:00pm
May 16th ...........................................................................Titleist from Noon-6:00pm
May 21st ................................................................... Callaway from 2:00pm-6:00pm
June 3rd ............................................................................ Ping from 2:00pm-6:00pm
July 8th .............................................................................Titleist from Noon-6:00pm
Weekday 9-holes ...............$30
Weekend 9-holes ...............$35
Green Fees:
Weekday 18-holes .............$45
Weekend 18-holes .............$55
Cart Fees:
9-holes ...........$15
18-holes ......... $25
www.siouxcenterridge.com • 712-722-4866 • 2595 Ridge Road | Sioux Center, Iowa • Just off Highway 75

RIDE IN
style
For all your GOLF CART
SALES and RENTAL
needs CALL US!
Daily & Yearly Lease Rates
around the LAKE and on the
COURSE this summer!
Our carts are PERFECT
to have at your campsite.
DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025 | 19
Travel to the lake, around the campground or use as a golf cart while
hitting up a course while staying at your summer lake house!
BIG enough to seat
your WHOLE FAMILY!
CHECK us
out online!
1609 Avenue E, Hawarden, IA
712-551-1643
www.alphagolfcars.com
AUTHORIZED
DEALER
25 %
off
JUST “FORE” YOU!
Membership & Yearly
Cart Rental for residents living
outside of Plymouth County
DEMO DAYS (call for appointment)
Mizuno: April 30, 2-6pm
Callaway: May 1, 2-6pm
Taylor Made: May 10, 12:30-5pm
XXIO: May 29, 10am-2pm
May 26 ...............Memorial Day/Patriot Day
3 Person Scramble, 6-Somes. Tee Times 7:00am-12:00pm
$30 Member, $40 Non-Member.
June 1 ............ Le Mars Community Athletic Boosters
4 Person Scramble. 12:00pm Shotgun.
June 8 ......... 2 Person Ryder Cup 27 Holes
Tee-Times 7:30-10:00am, $30 Member, $40 Non-Member.
June 22 ............ 3 Couple Scramble 9:00am Shotgun, $75/
Couple, Includes Coffee, Rolls, & Dinner.
July 4 ............... 3 Person Scramble, 6-Somes
8:00am Shotgun. $25 Member, $35 Non-Member.
July 10 ............. Pheasants Forever/Ducks Unlimited
4 Person Scramble. 1:00pm Shotgun. $180/Team.
July 20 ........... Le Mars City Tourney Tee Times &
Divisions. $25 Member, $35 Non-Member.
2025
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
August 3 .......... 6 Red 6 White 6 Yellow You Pick 4 Person
Scramble. $25 Member, $35 Non-Member.
August 23 ....... Gehlen Catholic J-Club Athletic Booster
4 Person Scramble. 9:00am Shotgun.
Sept. 1 ............. Labor Day Amateur 27 Hole Championship
w/Flights. $35 Member, $45 Non-Member. Flights $25/$35.
Sept. 7 ........... 8” Cup, 4 Person Scramble, Tee Times
7:30am-12:30pm. $25 Member, $35 Non-Member.
Sept. 14 ......... College Amateur 4 Person Modified
Scramble. Tee-Times. Pair up with a pair of college stars
from the incoming teams to benefit junior golf.
Oct. 5 ............. Last Bash/Chili Feed 5 Person Sramble.
10:00 Shotgun. $25 Member, $35 Non-Member.
935 PARK LANE ROAD, LE MARS, IA • 712-546-6849

20 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!
GREEN FEES:
9 Holes $20
18 Holes $32
CART RENTALS:
9 Holes $12 per seat
18 Holes $18 per seat
ALL DAY GOLF:
Walking $40
With Cart $65
get
on the go
Check
Out The
Course!
•Okoboji Features
•Okoboji Food •News and Events
•E-Editions •Past Articles
and more!
Please visit our
website for online
tee times and 2025
payment of fees.
•PAR 72 COURSE •6,809 YARDS
•ONLINE TEE TIMES AVAILABLE
•SIX SETS OF TEES
See our full events schedule online
1320 4th Ave, Spencer, IA • 712-580-7280 • www.spencermunigolf.com
2024 IOWA GOLF ASSOCIATION
9-HOLE COURSE OF THE YEAR
COURSE
Tournaments
One Person Best Ball
Sun, April 27 - 12:30 pm
Four Gal Best Ball
Thurs, June 12
Senior (50+) Open
Wed, June 25 - 9 am
Four Person 8” Cup
Sat, June 28 - 9 am
Senior (50+) Two Person Best Ball
Wed, August 20 - 9 am
Fall Finale - 4 Person 8” Cup
Sat, September 27 - 10 am
COURSE
Events
Rock Valley Spirit Club
Sat, June 7
Sweet on Life Tournament
Sat, June 14
RVGC Ryder Cup
Sat, July 19
Club Championship Match Play
Sat, August 2
Member/Guest Tournament
Sat, August 23
RVGC vs. Hull Ryder Cup
Sat, September 6 @ Rolling Hills
Weekday: 9-Holes – $20 • 18-Holes – $30
Weekend/Holiday: 9-Holes – $30 • 18-Holes – $40
Carts & Range Pass:
Cart Rent – $10 per seat • Range Pass – $100 or $5 per bucket of balls
Join Us
for the PAR-fect date night!
Couple’s date night experience open to everyone! Play nine holes and enjoy dinner.
GOLF BEGINS AT 4 PM | CHECK FACEBOOK FOR DATES
MULLIGANS
Home to the Best Patio in Town
Open to the public, offering a full menu
and your favorite drinks!
FIND US ON
FACEBOOK!
nwest
.com /okoboji_magazine
701 Golf Course Rd, Rock Valley, IA | rockvalleygolfclub.com

!"#$ %&'#
(")*+,"#-.
DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
Nature | 21
01(/'#*
perfect
KATE HARLOW | STAFF WRITER
/hey say that a picture is worth 1,000
words.
And the Dickinson County Nature
Center is hoping you point your lens in the
direction of the great outdoors and learn
more about the stories all around us at the
next session of the Kenue Coffee Hour.
The next Kenue Coffee Hour is set to take
place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1, at the
Maser Monarch Lodge.
The Kenue Coffee Hour is a monthly educational
program geared towards adults for
them to come and learn. Each month there
is a new topic and a featured expert who
can give a presentation on the subject and
answer questions. There is coffee and other
hot beverages to enjoy while learning from
an expert.
May’s focus will be on nature photography.
The class is being led by Don Vrchota.
“For May’s Kenue Coffee Hour, our
speaker is Don Vrchota, president of the
Jackson County Birdwatchers in Minnesota,”
said Amy Heibult, the community
relations coordinator with the Dickinson
County Nature Center. “Attendees can look
forward to hearing some of Don’s memorable
experiences while taking wildlife photos
and what made him get into the hobby.”
He might be a familiar face to bird lovers
at the Nature Center.
“This topic was a great fit for Kenue Coffee
Hour as Don also co-leads our Birding
on the Green program with Dickinson
County Nature Center staff. He always has
his camera in hand ready to capture photos
of flighty birds that are difficult to identify,”
Heibult said. “Nature photography is
a great gateway into learning about wildlife.
You may not know what you are taking a
photo of, but the best part is you have a
record of what something looks like.”
Heibult hopes that this class leads to
more people to being willing to grab their
cameras and head outdoors to see what
they can find and photograph. You don’t
have to be a world class photography right
out of the gate.
“I also hope that the audience learns that
At a Glance:
23"/4 Kenue Coffee: Nature Photography-
Don Vrchota
23*#*4 Maser Monarch Lodge at
the Dickinson County Nature Center,
22785 Nature Center Road, Okoboji, IA
23*+4 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1
(&-/4 Free
(&+/"(/4 712-336-6352
&+)1+*4 www.dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com
photography doesn’t have to be glamorous
to enjoy the hobby; that comes with
time. It’s an extremely useful tool for many
aspects of nature-watching,” Heibult said.
She herself is excited to hear all about
Vrchota’s experiences through the lens.
“It will be interesting to hear about
Vrchota’s adventures in his 30 years of taking
photos,” Heibult said. F
Nature photography is subject of next Kenue Coffee Hour
Okoboji | Iowa

22 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!

/$!0 "'1!
,$#)%2$!-3
DISCOVER! | APRIL 26, 2025
Event | 23
Cast
!"#$% &'() | STAFF WRITER
your
chance
$43,000 on
the line during
Walleye
Weekend
At a Glance:
(&$*+ 43rd Annual Walleye Weekend
(&)!)+ Iowa Great Lakes
(&)%+ May 3-4
,'-*+ $15 youth registration, $30 adult registration, $20
for extended contest, $20 for optional largest walleye contest
,'%*$,*+ 712-332-2107
'%#.%)+ www.okobojichamber.com
.t’s been a few years since the last tagged fish
was caught during Walleye Weekend.
Certainly that means someone is due to
reel in a big payday May 3-4 during the 43rd
Annual Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Weekend.
The grand prize this year would be a
whopping $43,000 for anyone lucky enough
to catch one of 10 tagged walleyes from the
chain of lakes during the weekend.
The opportunity runs from midnight, Friday,
May 2, through noon Sunday, May 4, and
includes a variety of prizes in addition to the
main purse.
Prize packages will be awarded for the
heaviest northern pike, heaviest string of five
panfish, heaviest stringer of 10 bullhead and
heaviest string of three walleye (under 19
inches).
Registration for the weekend is $15 for
ages 15 and younger or $30 for anyone ages
16 and older. The optional Biggest Walleye
Tournament returns this year as well for an
additional $20 with those interested signing
up through the FishDonkey App.
Anyone interested can register online at
www.okobojichamber.com as well as in person
at Fisherman’s Factory Outlet, Oak Hill
Outdoor, Kabele’s Trading Post and Stan’s
Bait & Tackle.
Morgan Strauss, director of events for the
chamber, also emphasizes not forgetting
about the optional extended contest, which
for $20 allows the opportunity to win major
cash prizes for tagged walleye caught all summer
long (through Aug. 31).
“If you’re planning to fish at all over the
summer, it’s highly recommended,” Strauss
said. “You can also just do the extended contest
if you can’t make it for the main weekend
and still have a chance at winning a few thousand
dollars for a tagged walleye. There have
been seven tagged fish caught during the
extended period but only two or three of the
people had registered for the contest!”
Concluding the weekend festivities is the
luncheon at the Dickinson County Expo
Building in Spirit Lake beginning at noon
with awards and prize drawings starting at 1
p.m.
In addition to all the stringer awards there
are numerous raffle giveaways for those in
attendance.
“It’s a great kickoff in our shoulder season
to get people to the area and to kick-start a
great summer season,” Strauss said. “It’s also
a great way for us to give back to the community
as well. We donated, I believe, about
$21,000 last year through our grant process
toward outdoor recreation opportunities,
water quality efforts, the lakes protective
associations and things like that. We did a
kayak launch last year and helped with items
like rod holders and new docks. We always
want to thank all the local bait shops for their
time and extra efforts they put in during this
weekend and, of course, all of our sponsors.
It’s just always fun to see all the boats on the
lake after a long winter season.”
And just maybe one of those boats will reel
in the fish of a lifetime. F
Regional | Iowa

24 | APRIL 26, 2025 | DISCOVER!