This place came highly-recommended by several friends and co-workers. Once everyone found out that I was going to Okoboji for my one-year anniversary with my husband, they all either asked “Have you ever been to
This place came highly-recommended by several friends and co-workers. Once everyone found out that I was going to Okoboji for my one-year anniversary with my husband, they all either asked “Have you ever been to Barefoot Bar?” or told me “You have to go to The Barefoot Bar”. So, I knew if I didn’t come back with pictures and a story to tell about my experience, I wouldn’t hear the end of it.
Therefore, after a relaxing day of sightseeing, we made our way out to The Barefoot Bar, situated on East Lake Okoboji, and one of the most popular spots on the entire Iowa Great Lakes region. Specially shipping in tropical palm trees every year, this is exactly what I would assume a tiki bar should look like.
This is Iowa?
Known as the “Key West of the Midwest”, The Barefoot Bar emulates the laid-back atmosphere of the coastal historic town of Key West, and the barefoot logo is easily recognized all around Siouxland and beyond. Their souvenir shop sells t-shirts, key chains and hats, and just like Key West, the glasses your drinks are served in can be taken home as an added bonus souvenir.
After sitting down to relax with our drinks, we ordered our food. I got the quesadilla, and my husband got the grilled chicken sandwich. Later, we walked around the premises, admiring the colorful and comical props. They even have a slide attached to the dock, inviting guests and tourists to take a short ride into the warm waters of East Lake Okoboji.
And just like many lakeside bar and grills owned by Parks Marina in Okoboji, The Barefoot Bar offers a dock-hopping cruise for only $25 and lasting approximately three hours. This, being the most popular cruise choice, might have to be our next boat tour we take of the Iowa Great Lakes.
Plan your visit
With the feeling of a miniature coastal community, The Barefoot Bar practically transports you to the Florida Keys. You could spend all day here, listing to live bands, wading in the water, watching the boat traffic from the upper deck and even partaking in an eventful afternoon boat cruise.
Finally, make sure you check out their website (https://www.parksmarina.com/the-barefoot-bar/) for daily and weekly deals, and their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thebarefootbarokoboji/) for special offers and giveaways.
712-332-7303
24457 178th Street
Okoboji, Iowa 51355
And as a side note, they also have a fleet of these beat-up trucks. Looks like something you’d see in a modern day Mad Max film.
