NEWS & EVENTS

West O Beer donates $1,760 to Historic Arnolds Park

WEST OKOBOJI, Iowa — West O Beer co-owner Matt Matthiesen recently presented a check for $1,760 to Jon Pausley, CEO of Historic Arnolds Park. The West Okoboji-based brewery and pizzeria raised the funds through this year’s sales of a seasonal beer called Tipsy House — a West Coast India Pale Ale brewed to celebrate the history of the legendary Tipsy House at Arnolds Park Amusement Park and to support its restoration and preservation. The historic attraction — which was originally constructed in 1930 — completed its much-needed restoration ahead of the 2025 summer season. Through sales of Tipsy House over the last three summers, West O Beer raised a total of $6,060 for the project.

ABOUT WEST O BEER

West O Beer was founded in 2013 by co-owners Matt and Michaela Matthiesen after the couple gained a decade of experience as home brewers.

“My dad used to brew beer at home when we were kids,” Matt said. “It was always something we wanted to try. Then in 2003, my wife Michaela lined up a home brew session with some friends of ours, and we started brewing on a regular basis. Michaela’s dad even decided to plant three acres of barley and 40 hop vines in his back yard. In 2008, we started a business plan for a microbrewery. All of our plans revolved  around family — not immediate family, but a West O Beer family. We wanted to find other  people out there, an entire team, who all shared our same love for beer — then grow it, and share it with others. We found them, and it worked.”

West O Beer is more than a brewery. The company’s motto — Quality Beer, Committed  to More — speaks to West O Beer’s involvement in the local community and its commitment to water quality and conservation efforts throughout the region.

“Water is the most constant ingredient and flavor in beer,” Matt said. “This ingredient led us to an empty lot in West Okoboji, which was serviced with spring-fed, naturally soft water from West Lake Okoboji. Building on this lot in 2013 was the best decision we ever made. Our water is so important that we donate a portion of our proceeds to help preserve and protect the natural resources of the Iowa Great Lakes Region.”
West O Beer is located at 503 Terrace Park Blvd in West Okoboji, Iowa.

West O Beer announces ‘The Terrace’ outdoor expansion

WEST OKOBOJI, Iowa — West O Beer, a craft brewery located in West Okoboji, Iowa, recently announced plans to expand its taproom to include an outdoor space the brewery calls “The Terrace.”

“We love inviting people into our taproom and brewery to experience everything we have to offer, including craft beer and brick-oven pizzas” West O Beer owner Matt Matthiesen said. “We also know that families and friends come to Okoboji to enjoy the outdoors, and children especially need more space and things to do. This is why we’re so excited to offer that added opportunity with ‘The Terrace,’ named for our location near Terrace Park Beach on the south shore of West Lake Okoboji.”

The new 2,500-square-foot outdoor space, located east of the building’s main entrance, will feature a performance area for musicians and other entertainers, beautiful landscaping, comfortable seating, a children’s play space, outdoor games, paved accessible parking and more.

Matthiesen said construction on the outdoor space will begin shortly. He expects The Terrace to be open to the public in May.

“All of our plans are in place. Right now, we’re just waiting for the contractors to begin,” he said. “Once construction is underway, we’re hopeful to have the space open in May. We also have a few fun things in the works to coincide with the grand opening, so be on the lookout for that announcement.”

For more information, visit www.westobeer.com.

ABOUT WEST O BEER

West O Beer was founded in 2013 by co-owners Matt and Michaela Matthiesen after the couple gained a decade of experience as home brewers.

“My dad used to brew beer at home when we were kids,” Matt said. “It was always something we wanted to try. Then in 2003, my wife Michaela lined up a home brew session with some friends of ours, and we started brewing on a regular basis. Michaela’s dad even decided to plant three acres of barley and 40 hop vines in his back yard. In 2008, we started a business plan for a microbrewery. All of our plans revolved  around family — not immediate family, but a West O Beer family. We wanted to find other  people out there, an entire team, who all shared our same love for beer — then grow it, and share it with others. We found them, and it worked.”

West O Beer is more than a brewery. The company’s motto — Quality Beer, Committed  to More — speaks to West O Beer’s involvement in the local community and its commitment to water quality and conservation efforts throughout the region.
“Water is the most constant ingredient and flavor in beer,” Matt said. “This ingredient led us to an empty lot in West Okoboji, which was serviced with spring-fed, naturally soft water from West Lake Okoboji. Building on this lot in 2013 was the best decision we ever made. Our water is so important that we donate a portion of our proceeds to help preserve and protect the natural resources of the Iowa Great Lakes Region.”
West O Beer is located at 503 Terrace Park Blvd in West Okoboji, Iowa.