The Nutty Bar

One thing you will learn about my husband and me, is that we love snacks, and we love our sweets, especially when we’re on vacation! After eating breakfast, we begin sightseeing, walking past businesses, shops,

One thing you will learn about my husband and me, is that we love snacks, and we love our sweets, especially when we’re on vacation! After eating breakfast, we begin sightseeing, walking past businesses, shops, and boutiques. All the while, “Snack time” is always on our mind.

We came upon The Nutty Bar after spending a couple hours walking around museums. Located along the Arnolds Park boardwalk, we loved the convenient location. Sitting out on their outdoor patio, people watching, and smelling the fresh scent off the Okoboji Lake.

75 years and counting

Opening in 1945, The Nutty Bar has been around for 75 years now. Locals return throughout the year knowing they can still get that same great tasting treat they remember from their childhood. Tourists love the story behind this local treasure, and whether patrons are visiting for their first time, or familiar faces making their weekly or daily outing, everyone can find a common goal, which is supporting one of the most iconic local establishments in the area.

First impressions

Walking in, there is a nostalgic black and white picture on the wall reminiscing on what life looked like in 1980s America. On the wall behind the register are vintage looking t-shirts, with different designs and colors hanging on the walls. But they also sell stickers, coffee mugs and aprons. Unfortunately, they were running low on t-shirt sizes after the Forth of July customer traffic, but this just means we’ll have to come back soon so I can buy some souvenirs.

The day we visited their daily special was a Mint Nutty Bar, and since we both like mint ice cream that’s what we got. We did notice their plethora of ice cream flavors, popsicles, sundaes and even root beer floats! What a wonderful respite from the Summer heat.

Plan your visit

Not knowing that this has been an iconic staple in the Arnolds Park and Okoboji area, we were delighted to find out they were and still are going strong to this day. I hope you are able to enjoy The Nutty Bar, try one of their fudgesicles, and support this local business.

Be sure to visit their website (https://nuttybarstand.com/) to view their entire menu, and check out their facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/nuttybarstand/) to keep up on daily and weekly specials.

712-332-2243
37 Lake St
Arnolds Park, IA 51331