Iowa Great Lakes - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Spirit Lake Massacre Log Cabin, also known as the Gardner Log Cabin, is located in Arnolds Park, Iowa, United States. Rowland Gardner had led a group of settlers into the region in 1856, and he built this cabin in July of that year.

Elinor Bedell State Park is situated in northwestern Iowa, near the city of Spirit Lake. It is part of the Iowa Great Lakes region, known for its scenic landscapes and recreational opportunities. The park encompasses a certain acreage of land and likely features a mix of natural habitats, including woodlands, prairies, and lakefront areas. Parks in Iowa often provide outdoor spaces for various recreational activities.

Pikes Point State Park is located southwest of Spirit Lake, Iowa, United States. It is a small park on a point of land that projects into West Okoboji Lake. It provides space for picnicking, including a shelter listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a playground, a swimming beach, boating and fishing on the lake.

Marble Beach State Recreation Area is a public recreational area located in Iowa, offering outdoor activities in a scenic setting. It is situated in the Iowa Great Lakes region, near the city of Spirit Lake. This region is known for its interconnected lakes and picturesque landscapes.

West Okoboji Lake is one of the prominent natural glacial lakes situated in the Iowa Great Lakes region in the northwestern part of the state. It is part of the Iowa Great Lakes, a popular resort area in northwest Iowa. It is located near the city of Okoboji and is known for its clear waters and scenic beauty.

The cabin is associated with the Gardner family, particularly Abbie Gardner Sharp. Abbie Gardner was a survivor of the Spirit Lake Massacre that occurred in March 1857 during tensions between settlers and Native Americans. The Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin is situated in Arnolds Park, a town in Dickinson County, Iowa. Arnolds Park is part of the Iowa Great Lakes region.