If you've ever driven along the west side of West Okoboji around Gull Point, you may have wondered about the canals that crisscross the area. These were part of an elaberate dream, called Lakewood Park, by JA Beck and HE Mills to develop this part of the shore in 1911. They envisioned canals and lagoons filled with gondolas surrounded by luxurious homes. They brought in a huge dredge from Indiana to dig the canals, spending $20,000 --- a lot of money in those days. Alas, no one flocked to buy the properties. Mr. Beck built the Crescent Beach Hotel in 1914 to attract prospects, but that too remained off the beaten path for decades. Until the middle of the last century, the muddy, stagnant canals were used by the State Conservation Commission for spawning areas. Gradually, homes were built around the canals; today, it is prime real estate surrounding Gull Point State Park and the modernized version of the Crescent Beach Resort. Further north, the successfull developments at Sandpiper Cove and Okoboji Harbor vindicate the idea of canals on the Iowa Great Lakes. Beck and Mills were just too farsighted for their times.
You'll find the cache near a bridge over one of the canals, a favorite fishing and walking spot for both locals and visitors. Perhaps you'll see the view above.
