Corridor of Opportunities

Corridor of Opportunities

By Ann Thelen

Businesses and Recreation Thrive in the Vibrant Iowa Lakes Region

Discover a place where businesses thrive and adventure seekers abound; region where sun and snow, water and ice are equally celebrated; atmosphere that sprouts creative and innovative businesses. It’s a quintessential reflection of the masterful way Iowans balance ingenuity and quality of life with rural roots and big-city amenities.

It’s all found in the four-county Iowa Lakes Corridor region. Anchored by Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties, it’s home to a mecca of world-class industries from agriculture to manufacturing.

Flanked by nearly 16,000 acres of beautiful natural lakes, this northwest Iowa area is flourishing with its vibrant business climate and paradise for outdoor fun in every season. Visitors flock here for summer-based activities, but it’s also a bustling gem for winter fun. Whether it’s snowmobiling, ice fishing, hiking or appreciating arts, history and dining out, fun awaits visitors of all ages.

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Cherry Lane Farm

Calvin and Krissy Thiessen began growing microgreens in their basement in 2016. Born out of a desire to grow quality foods that are nutrient dense and have incredible flavor, the couple’s products can be found in restaurant kitchens, northwest Iowa Hy-Vee stores and farmers markets.

Microgreens are young vegetables approximately 1 to 3 inches tall. They are considered baby plants, falling between a sprout and baby green. The Thiessens grow microgreen varieties, such as arugula, pea shoots, broccoli and sunflower, as well as salad mixes.

“We started our business by growing microgreens because they have a high turnaround rate, taking just two weeks to grow,” explains Krissy, who holds a degree in biology but admits they stumbled into the business of growing produce.

Calvin grew up on an acreage and always loved gardening with his father. With a passion for research and a desire to grow food on the couple’s acreage, he dove into learning every aspect of growing microgreens. Beyond the fast growing time, they typically boast 40 times the nutrition of their mature plant counterpart.

“Microgreens are perfect in salads, sandwiches and wraps,” Krissy says. “They are also great on top of avocado toast, pasta or stir-fry. No matter what food you’re enjoying, if you add a few microgreens, it will elevate the dish and add a huge boost in nutrition.”

Beyond co-owning and operating Cherry Lane Farm, Krissy runs the farmers market in Arnolds Park. Recently, Calvin and Krissy started a new business – Prairie Home Delivery – working with vendors from the farmers market to deliver fresh, high-quality foods right to consumers’ doors. The online store offers meat, produce, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, spices and other products.

“We saw the need to include other producers and farmers to create an all-encompassing home delivery system,” she explains. “Supporting these local farmers and producers not only benefits their businesses but encourages them to continue to grow and make food.”

Ruthven Meat Processing

Slightly hidden just north of Ruthven’s giant grain silos, Ruthven Meat Processing is an iconic business serving the region with award-winning custom and retail meat. With dozens of awards from the Iowa Meat Processors Association and numerous Midwest honors, consumers value the exceptional quality provided by owners Chris and Suzie Kraft.

Chris and Suzie Kraft

The company’s locker plant is located at the former building of the Farmers’ Creamery. The historical brick building presently housing the hub of Ruthven Meat Processing was long ago converted to a meat locker. Originally meat was stored in locked boxes within the facility’s large freezer; hence, the term “meat locker.”

Although the traditional lockers are gone from Ruthven Meat Processing, the Krafts provide custom-processed meats to thousands of satisfied customers. The business also features a line of quality fresh and award-winning smoked retail meats at four locations in the Iowa Lakes region.

“Most of our customers are from the local area because we are a licensed, state-inspected facility, which allows us to do custom processing,” Chris explains. “We do everything from whole hogs to quarters of beef, plus provide specialty meats at our retail stores.”

The locker plant was once a farmer's dairy in the small town of Ruthven

Suzie adds, “There is an increasing desire for consumers to know where their meat products originate. It’s fun to be able to highlight local farmers at our store.”

The Krafts are passionate about helping consumers understand more about labeling, country of origin and what to look for in fresh cuts. All this information is essential, Suzie says.

The pandemic brought about changes for the business and created trends that continue to grow.

“During the pandemic, consumers became more aware of meat processing and discovered more ways to buy local products,” she explains. “It’s easy to tell when it’s Iowa beef, for example, because of its rich red color, distinct marbling and texture, and wonderful taste.”

Activities for Adventurers

» OKOBOJI ANNUAL WINTER GAMES

The perfect outdoor celebration, which includes broomball, flag football, soft football, bags tournament, chili cook-off, chocolate classics, polar plunge, fireworks and burning of the greens. This event lights up the atmosphere of the entire town.

» INDOOR WATER PARK

Fun is never weather-dependent! At King’s Pointe Resort in Storm Lake, below-zero days are no match for fast water slides like the Runaway Rebel and stress-free dips in the zero-depth entry pool. Ride inner tubes around the lazy river and enjoy the lily pad walk.

» GEOCACHING

Eight Ranger Rick geocaches are set up throughout Kenue Park and Horseshoe Bend Wildlife Area in Dickinson County, and all visitors need is a smartphone with the geo app to find them. A passport is available at the Dickinson County Nature Center to mark off each geocache that is found.

» TROUT FISHING

The Scharnberg Park in Clay County is a perfect place to catch some trout. Be sure to get an Iowa fishing license, trout stamp and check out other Iowa lakes that are stocked with fish for the winter.

» HIKING

Fort Defiance State Park, near Estherville is 231 acres of wooded valley. During the summer it’s full of hiking paths and in the winter, it’s groomed with multiple paths for cross-country skiing and some paths for snowshoeing.

Stops for Historians & Art Lovers

» IOWA ROCK ‘N ROLL HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

Located in historic Arnolds Park, the museumprovides visitors with an in-depth look at Iowa’srockin’ roots through informative exhibits andartifacts from bands, musicians and radiopersonalities. The exhibits tell stories of thecolorful personalities and pulsating rock and rollmusic that has shaped Iowa’s musical history.

» OKOBOJI CLASSIC CARS MUSEUM

Featuring vintage vehicles and an indoor display of “days gone by” of the Iowa Great Lakes, Arnolds Park and downtown Spencer. Along with a step back in time, visitors can get a glimpse of the state-of-the-art restorations hop that is set up with body, mechanical and interior trim departments.

» INDOOR ART

Numerous local art centers host quality anddiverse exhibits each month, featuring national,regional and local artists. Each offers classes,gift galleries and special events throughout theyear. Local art centers: Arts on Grand – Spencer,Pearson Lakes Art Center – Okoboji, WitterGallery – Storm Lake, Kurio Kastle and A Piece ofWork, Inc. – Spirit Lake.

» ESTHERVILLE METEORITE MUSEUM

On May 10, 1979, a 455-pound meteorite – the largest meteorite that has been known to have fallen in North America – fell to Earth in Emmet County, just a few miles north of Estherville. Portions of the meteorite are on display in Estherville, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.

Destinations for Dining

» SMOKIN’ HEREFORD BBQ

Located in Storm Lake, this BBQ hot spot is home to the Hereford Burger and 2017 winner of Iowa’s Best Burger presented by the Iowa Beef Industry Council. Delicious food all starts at the farm with dedicated Iowans who raise the cattle.

» CARROLL’S BAKERY AND COFFEE SHOP

The bakery, which has been part of downtown Spencer since 1916, has survived World War I, the Depression, the Great Fire of Spencer and World War II. Paul “The Baker” creates goodies that taste just like Grandma made. The bakers work through the night to have a large selection on hand every morning so patrons can fill up a box to take home or to the office.

» CENTRAL PERK COFFEE SHOP

A gorgeous and trendy little stop in Estherville features soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast items and tons of home-baked items.

» PRIME BOJI

A seafood and steakhouse located in Arnolds Park, sources ingredients as much as possible from local farmers markets within a 90-mile radius. Owners Julianna and her husband Tom start most mornings in the kitchen hand-rolling meatballs, trimming meat and chopping vegetables for the day. The couple also owns Ciao Boji, an Italian and Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar in Arnolds Park.