History:

In 1915, the very first camp meeting was held on the grounds of Okoboji United Methodist Camp.  This first camp meeting surpassed all expectations and eventually grew into the year-round camping and retreat ministry we enjoy today.  Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp has a rich history of touching many lives and continues to be a part of people's faith journeys.

History Highlights: 

·        Camp property was recommended for purchase in 1915 by a commission from the Sheldon District of the United Methodist Church.  The purchase price was $15,000.  At the time of purchase, the site was less than one mile from the popular West Okoboji Station of the Rock Island Railroad, and two and a half miles directly west of Spirit Lake.

·        Okoboji's first building was the Tabernacle, constructed in 1915 as a gathering area for the very popular Northwest Iowa Camp meeting that eventually became the Northwest Iowa Bible Conference.  On September 30, 1926 the Tabernacle was demolished by a tornado.  In 1927, a new brick building was constructed in the same site at a cost of $8,000, just in time for that year's camp meeting.  A large sign, "Methodist Camp", was placed on the east side and is still visible from the road today.