Lodge and shelter under construction in Kenue Park

Construction is progressing quickly on the new lodge and open-air shelter in Kenue Park in Okoboji.

Asbestos was removed from the former County Home building previously on the site, and it was demolished in 2018.

“We researched renovating the former County Home building, but it wasn’t financially responsible, so the Dickinson County Conservation Board decided to start from scratch and demolish the structure,” said Kiley Roth, community relations coordinator for the Dickinson County Conservation Board.

Poppema-Sikma Construction broke ground on the donor-funded building in July.

The approximately 6,000-square-foot lodge and outdoor shelter face east and will feature a 2,900-square-foot open area, catering kitchen and restrooms. The main room will seat up to 175 people, and the covered shelter will seat 60.

“We have been asked quite often if people can rent the Dickinson County Nature Center in Kenue Park for gatherings and parties, but we do not do private rentals at the nature center, because there just isn’t room with our many interactive and educational exhibits,” Roth said. “This new lodge and shelter will provide a much-needed gathering space for the community, and we’re so grateful for the donation to the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County that made this facility possible.”

Both the lodge and outdoor shelter will be able to rent together or singularly through the Dickinson County Conservation Board. The open shelter will be available for public use when not rented.

Rates for the building have not yet been set, and the opening date has not yet been finalized. No reservations are currently being taken for the new facility.

More information will be released on our website as construction progresses.