West Okoboji Lake is located to the south and west of the City of Okoboji and northwest of the City of Arnolds Park.

West Okoboji Lake is the largest of a chain of five connecting lakes, which is considered part of Iowa’s Great Lakes. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, West Okoboji Lake is comprised of 3,847 surface acres of water with an average depth of 38 feet and a maximum depth of 136 feet. There are 19.8 miles of shoreline.

Three state parks are located along the shores of West Okoboji Lake, including Pillsbury Point, Gull Point, and Pike’s Point that is located adjacent to the City of Okoboji’s northern city limits. West Okoboji Lake is considered a blue water lake formed by glacial movements retreating north and is only one of three blue water lakes in the world.

More than 47 species of fish can be found in West Okoboji Lake, with approximately 11 species of popular sport fish.

West Okoboji Lake was called "Minnetonka" by the Sioux Indians and translated into "Great Waters." The first settlers decided to use a version of the name "Okoboozhy" for both lakes known today as the "Okoboji" lakes.

West Okoboji Lake was created by the Wisconsin Glacier 14,000 years ago and has a maximum depth of 136 feet, which makes it the deepest natural lake in Iowa. Subterranean springs help provide the cool, clear, blue water of Iowa’s most popular lake.

West Okoboji Lake is about seven miles long and up to two miles in width. Boats can travel to Lake East Okoboji under the Highway US 71 Bridge and a walking bridge.