In the photo below, I’m not sure what BFI stands for. Could it be Battallion Format Inspection? These were military style camps.

The mysteriously beautiful Lakeside Labs (along the shores of West Lake Okoboji) got a closer look by me last week, on 2 separate visits.

For 12 years now, (since we’ve owned a lakehouse), we’ve traveled along HWY 86 on the west side of the lake. These rustic stone structures have always beckoned. “Just what is this place?” I wondered.

One time in years past, Amy and I, with a few kids, drove in and got a brochure. It was interesting, but we didn’t make time to ever go again.

Now, I was inspired to go for two reasons:

1. Our neice, Kelly, had taken her preschool class there and sent me this pic with all of the red leaves. It was a gorgeous setting. And the kids were so cute and happy there!

2. The Okoboji Writers Retreat, which I attended, was held there in September. I got a taste of its layout by walking between the buildings where sessions were held. I wanted to go back for a closer look.

Ideal autumn conditions, such as a chill in the air, lots of sunshine, and very little wind told me that this was the time to go!

I drove in and easily knew where to park. It was almost abandoned at this time of year.

I took off on the nearest trail. It’s funny, I thought the buildings were the main attraction, but the botanicals pulled me in more. Crunching through the fallen leaves reminded me of walks to school in elementary grades, along N. Carroll St., in Carroll, IA.

Areas of wild grasses, native plants, and huge oak and cottonwood trees (which are my favorite, when the wind blows through them) wowed me.

Then, the peacefulness came. I relaxed so much, as I discovered trails to the water, old bridges over dry creeks, and stone steps.

What is limnology? After seeing this sign, I looked it up. It’s the study of inland waters as ecosystems: their biological, chemical, and physical features.

The oldest building at the Labs is The Main Cottage, built in the 1800’s as a summer home. Fascinating!

The Lakeside Labs started in 1909. It was founded by Dr. Thomas MacBride for “The study of nature in nature.” It is a field station of Iowa’s 3 state universities.

These stone buildings, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a project of Roosevelt’s New Deal during the Depression, to put single men (between the ages of 18 and 25) to work on public lands. These were military style camps, such as this photo found online:

An interesting side note is that several celebrities worked in these camps across the country, such as actors Walter Matthau and Raymond Burr, and American league baseball hall of famer Stan Musial.

Diatoms; one of many things I learned about while hiking around here.

Thanks for reading, and touring part of The Lakeside Labs with me.

Shirley