80 Years Of Sweet Treats
An iconic Okoboji tradition! Summers aren’t complete in the Iowa Great Lakes area until at least one Nutty Bar has been savored. The mouthwatering ice cream has been a fan favorite since 1945, drawing guests to its doors for the past 80 years.
For 80 summers, the Nutty Bar Stand in Arnolds Park has become more than just a stop for a treat—it’s been a cherished Okoboji tradition, passing from generation to generation like a favorite family recipe.
The now-iconic ice cream bar, coated in chocolate and peanuts, made its debut in 1945 on Lake Street— thanks to local entrepreneur Nina Brown. Nina sold her homemade Nutty Bars and root beer floats from a modest stand near the Benit Amusement Park, where the current ticket booth stands today. Facing West Lake Okoboji, her small counter with bar stools quickly became a popular stop for visitors seeking a cool refreshment.
Nina’s husband, Tom, worked nearby operating the amusement park’s little train, and the couple's presence became a staple of the summer scene. Families would stroll or boat over to grab a sweet treat and enjoy it by the lake—a scene that would repeat itself for decades to come.
In 1964, Ted and Sylvia Carpenter, along with Sylvia’s sister Anna and her husband Clifford Pike, purchased the Nutty Bar Stand. Ted, who delivered milk for Blue Bunny Dairy at the time, heard the stand was up for sale and jumped at the opportunity. Together, the couples ran the business with dedication, open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Anna opened each morning, Sylvia took the evenings, and both were on hand on Sundays.
They worked within a strict concession system set by Eldo Benit, who owned the surrounding buildings and rides. Each stand in the park held a monopoly on its offerings: the Carpenters and Pikes had exclusive rights to root beer, Nutty Bars, and sundaes.
Over their 19-year tenure, the Carpenters and Pikes sold Nutty Bars by the thousands. Originally sold in three different sizes for 10, 15, and 25 cents, the Nutty Bar grew in both popularity and price, eventually being sold for a single size of 75 cents. Supplies were purchased annually during a trip to Milwaukee—tons of peanuts and sugar, and over a thousand pounds of chocolate.
Innovation wasn’t lost on them either. Clifford Pike invented a machine to insert two sticks at once into the ice cream; a game-changer that made production faster and more precise. Ice cream was sliced into squares using a tool similar to a cheese cutter, dipped into hot chocolate, rolled in peanuts, and placed into freezers to set overnight.
Even then, the Nutty Bar was more than a treat—it was a moment. People drove up in cars, boated in from the lake, and shared their ice cream on docks or during sunset cruises. Visitors told stories of first dates, family traditions, and simple joys connected to the little stand by the lake. Sylvia and Anna even dispensed Band-Aids, diapers, and returned forgotten wallets by mail. The question they heard most? “Where’s the bathroom?”
That same sense of heart and humor remains alive today with current owners Kira and Michael Jensen, who purchased the Nutty Bar Stand in 2016, when longtime owner Doug Frederick approached retirement. Kira had worked for Doug during high school and college and brought not only experience but passion for the stand and its history.
“With Michael’s business-savvy and my history of working here, Doug knew we would honor the shop’s tradition,” Kira said. “We love that we have the opportunity to continue the 80-year tradition forward.”
The Jensens reopened in the summer of 2017, after completing winter renovations. Nostalgic murals now adorn the walls, and behind-the-scenes efficiency improvements help meet the summer rush. The freezers, however, are originals. “They are workhorses!” Kira laughed.
Their commitment to tradition is matched only by their innovation. In 2019, they began offering rotating specialty Nutty Bars—flavors like Confetti and Butterfinger (now permanent additions), Peanut Butter and Cookies 'N Cream Cluster also join the classic option. The Nutty Bar Stand serves more than 3,000 pounds of chocolate each season and uses 55,000 pounds of ice cream, which comes shipped in 1.75 quart size boxes and then gets hand cut into the blocks used for Nutty Bars.
During peak times, the stand sells a Nutty Bar nearly every minute. A staff of 35 keeps things running smoothly, with specially trained employees crafting Nutty Bars, bananas, and drumsticks. Certain recipes and techniques—like their homemade root beer—remain closely guarded secrets.
Kira’s favorite part? Seeing familiar faces return year after year.
“There are some I served 20 years ago!” she said. “Now, those newlyweds have kids. The people connections are one of the best things about the Nutty Bar Stand.”
She hears stories of first dates, post-wedding treats, and summer milestones—all tied to this timeless stop on Lake Street.
“It’s so joyous to hear their stories. Though I always say, Nutty Bars can be super messy for that first date!” she added with a laugh.
As the Nutty Bar Stand celebrates 80 years, one thing remains unchanged: its ability to deliver not just a delicious treat, but a shared memory. And for just $4, anyone can embrace a slice of Okoboji’s sweetest tradition.
Do you have a favorite Nutty Bar Stand story or tradition? Kira would love to hear it! Send your story over to her at kira@nuttybarstand.com.
