Lakes 71 Construction

Iowa’s Great Lakes region provides a unique playground for Iowans and visitors from around the U.S. and the world. Getting around the region is about to get safer as a project from the Iowa Department of Transportation and the city of Arnolds Park is set to begin in 2023.

Starting in 2023, we’ll be replacing the pavement on U.S. 71 and the sidewalks from Okoboji Grove Road in Arnolds Park through Okoboji View Avenue in Okoboji. The safety updates include the replacement of the barrier rail that separates vehicles from pedestrians on the causeway.

The project is scheduled to be completed in four phases over two years. Road work will occur during the Iowa Great Lakes region’s “off-peak” tourist season (before Memorial Day and after Labor Day).

Spring 2023 construction (Stage 1 of 4)

Begins March 13, 2023, and will be completed before the 2023 Memorial Day weekend.
Will include intersection reconstruction in Arnolds Park and Okoboji. All intersection construction will be half at a time, to avoid closure of the entire intersection.

• Spring 2023 Staging (presented at kickoff meeting)