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 cities of Arnolds Park and Okoboji began in Spring 2023.

With Stage 1 in the books, Stage 2 we’ll continue the mission of replacing the pavement on U.S. 71 and the sidewalks from Okoboji Grove Road in Arnolds Park through Okoboji View Avenue in Okoboji. Stage 2 will introduce a full closure of U.S. 71 at the causeway for four weeks starting September 18 (emergency vehicle access will be maintained).

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).

The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce will host a Stage 2 kick-off event on Tuesday, August 15 at the Pavilion at Arnold’s Park.

Fall 2023 construction (Stage 2 of 4)

Begins September 5, 2023 with a complete closure of the causeway (Ackley St. to Lake Shore Dr.) on September 18. The causeway closure will last four weeks.
Will include intersection reconstruction in Arnolds Park and Okoboji.