Arnold's Park Debuts Beautiful Mural Celebrating Parks History

The 2024 summer season is now officially underway at Arnold's Park on Lake Okoboji, and the next time you visit this area's popular amusement park you might notice something new inside.

New this season is a very colorful-looking mural designed by a talented group of eighth graders from Okoboji Middle School, together with a professional muralist named Lili Lennox, that celebrates the rich history behind Arnold's Park.

The next time you visit Arnold's Park, Dakota News Now reports, guests will now be treated to a train ride that features a journey through the past, present, and future of the region's storied amusement park located an hour and a half east of Sioux Falls.

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Jon Pausley, Arnolds Park Amusement Park CEO told Dakota News Now, “This really came from the students, so we told them about the history of the trains and how trains really started the tourism up here at Arnolds Park. And they said, how do we represent the past to now?”

According to Okoboji Middle School 8th grade student Cooper Boone, “We came up with it fading from past features to newer features of the lakes area. The main rides around here, so like the Queen, we have the old Queen, and the newer Queen. We have the legend in the mural and just older main parts of the lakes.”

The Okoboji Middle School students started on this mural project last November, and it took the students about nine months to complete it.

The new mural will now be a permanent fixture at Arnold's Park going forward.

To see this unique new piece of artwork, simply take a train ride the next time you and your family stop by Arnold's Park on the banks of Lake Okoboji.

Source: Dakota News Now

Twelve South Dakota Places to Put on Your "Must Visit" List!

Make the most of summer in South Dakota and visit these spots that speak to why SD is great!

A lot of them you might have visited, some you haven't for sure, and some are old favorites that maybe you haven't been to in a while. So, while there is still a little time or even one more weekend, and gas prices are down a bit - - try and make it to one of these great places.

What can be found in these 12 locations?

What can't? Camping, fishing swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and tons of other great outdoors-type activities. Historical, educational exploration, hobby interests, kids activities, just plain old beautiful scenery, and- - to use an overused phrase- -lots more!

With all of that in mind, let's dive in!

Gallery Credit: Patty D

Detour Dining: Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurants You Must Try in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa

Beyond the well-traveled tourist paths, there’s a whole different world of food exploration throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. From tiny restaurants in historic towns serving up generations-old recipes to small town dive bars that not only have cheap, cold beer, but unique and unexpected homemade dishes.

We’ve created an exploration of off-the-beaten path restaurants nestled in the charming landscapes of the tri-state area. Take a detour from the ordinary and discover the extraordinary flavors as you travel the roads not-so-often traveled.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown / Townsquare Media

Source: Arnold’s Park Debuts Beautiful New Mural Celebrating Parks History

Filed Under: Arnold's park, Lake Okoboji

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