Lake Life Review
This summer, we’re doing the hard work for you—sampling our way through some of the coolest sweet spots in the Iowa Great Lakes.
It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. We’re pacing ourselves at one stop a day, because honestly, six treats in one afternoon? Even we have our limits.
Stop 1: Big Acai Bowls – Okoboji
Our ice cream tour kicked off in the Central Emporium at Big Acai Bowls – Okoboji. You’ve probably seen their bright purple truck in neighboring towns, at RAGBRAI, the State Fair, or even the local Farmers Market. They're everywhere
for a reason.
My love affair with acai began at the Clay County Fair, when my family skeptically ordered one small bowl to share from this very truck. Big mistake. It was so good, we abandoned all fried food and went back for our own. Since then, I’ve never strayed from the “original”—acai base with mixed berries, granola, and bananas. (Okay, I do add raspberries sometimes.)
When we visited this time, we had two #alongs: my daughter Lauren and Joy’s daughter Anna. Taylor, one of the friendly faces behind the counter, surprised us with four very different bowls:
- Acai base with berries and peanut butter—a State Fair favorite.
- Ube base with blueberries and cacao drizzle (a made from scratch chocolate sauce). Don’t ask me to explain ube. It’s purple, it’s trendy, and Joy may have found her new favorite.
- Coconut base with pineapple and coconut flakes—tropical and refreshing.
- Pitaya base with a dreamy chai pudding and cocoa nibs. Anna called dibs the moment it hit the counter.
Also worth noting: all bowls come with banana slices and their magical granola. If you’re not a fan of either, request it without—but I honestly don’t know how anyone could say no to that granola.
We all shared bites and opinions. I do 100% still love my go-to with acai base and mixed berries, but I’ll say this: there was no wrong choice. They were all so good!
Whether you're grabbing one as a refreshing dessert, a midday snack, or your whole lunch, these bowls are light, satisfying, and surprisingly filling. Healthy never tasted so indulgent.
Stop 2: The Nutty Bar Stand
Next, we headed to the OG of lake treats—The Nutty Bar Stand, who is celebrating 80 years this summer. This was a nostalgic stop, so Joy and I brought our OGs with us: my oldest daughter Fran and Joy's oldest daughter Charlotte. They were born just 15 days apart and have been friends ever since.
The team—Carly, Addi, and owner Kira—rolled out the red carpet. Since we had already indulged in the iconic Nutty Bar (because, let’s be honest, you have too), Kira shook things up and had us try something different off the menu.
Charlotte got a homemade Drumstick, and I mean homemade. She was the last one eating because the chocolate coating was thick and delicious.
Fran had a cup of Salted Caramel, one of 16 flavors of hard-serve ice cream, topped with a teddy graham. A cute touch that somehow feels completely normal. The ice cream? Wells Blue Bunny, made in Le Mars. Doesn’t get more Midwest than that.
Joy was served the Old-Fashioned Root Beer Float in a frosty mug. Yes, a real mug and yes homemade! Just like the good old days. Now that's the kind of nostalgia you can taste.
And me? I finally branched out. I tried the Butterfinger Nutty Bar. And let me just say—I regret nothing. They also serve frozen bananas, popsicles, and fudgsicles. So, however many days you're visiting the Lakes, that’s how many excuses you have to go back.
Stop 3: Topog
By day three of our sugar tour, my body was fully expecting a treat by mid-afternoon. It had become a habit. What will I do when this review is over? Just casually go about my day without espresso-soaked ice cream? Unthinkable.
Topog is a vibrant coffee house tucked into Queen’s Court—equal parts espresso hub and nostalgic ice cream parlor. You can grab your go-to latte, or let your inner vacationer win and have both coffee and ice cream. Together. In the same cup.
Enter the Affogato—a scoop of ice cream with two shots of espresso poured right over the top. We tried ours with classic vanilla, but you can pick any flavor. Later, we found out from owner Jeremy Morrison (who stopped by to say hello) that his go-to is Peanut Butter Fudge. Who would’ve guessed?
Now, here’s where I confess something: I’m not actually a coffee drinker. I know—that’s basically a sin in some circles. But I am not a stranger to the coffee shops! Give me a chai tea latte, hot or iced, with lavender or vanilla (or both!), and I’m in heaven. So when Jeremy suggested the Affogato, I was… hesitant. But it’s a review, and I’m always game.
Let me tell you: that first bite was a revelation. The sweet creaminess of the ice cream, the bold warmth of the espresso—this is the kind of coffee I can get behind. Even a non-coffee drinker like me had to admit it was rich, smooth, and completely addictive.
We sat outside on the patio, enjoying the people-watching and soaking up the moment. When Jeremy stopped over, Joy and I had practically annihilated our cups. And yet… there was a little espresso-melted goodness left at the bottom. I glanced down more than once, tempted to tip it back and slurp it down, but… manners. I mean, the owner was standing right there. (Trust me, if he hadn’t been, that cup would’ve been bottoms up.)
Topog is the kind of place where everyone finds something they love. Whether it’s a much-needed caffeine boost, a sugary treat, or a light lunch to keep you going, it’s perfect for families—or for anyone who wants to indulge their inner kid. On vacation? Go ahead and splurge—you’re supposed to! And if you live here? Same goes for you. Locals deserve a little treat too.
Stop 4: BonBon's
We powered through the sugar rush and made our way back to Queen's Court for BonBon’s—a beloved spot for locals and vacationers alike. If you haven’t been, prepare yourself.
First, you grab a bowl. That’s where the control ends. Because once you hit the wall of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, you enter full-on decision paralysis.
They offer 8 flavors, and each machine swirls two options together—so you’re looking at a lineup of 12 choices, minimum. Feeling bold? Go for a medley. #along Noah, who is 10 and fearless, loaded up with what looked like every flavor. I asked him what it all tasted like together—expecting chaos—and he just shrugged and said, "Even better all mixed!"
Then it’s on to the toppings bar: crushed candy bars, gummies, syrups, fruit, cheesecake chunks, and yes—even popping boba. Noah tried to convince me to put those on mine. You know, the little juicy spheres that pop in your mouth, which can feel like an explosion. I passed. But maybe next time.
Me? I usually keep it classic—vanilla froyo topped with fresh raspberries and cheesecake bites. But in the name of this review, I got adventurous. I went with Cookie Monster, which happened to mix with vanilla and create something called Doozie. Imagine cookies and cream with a twist. On top? Crushed Butterfinger, Reese’s Pieces, and—because I’m me—cheesecake.
#along Anna came too, and she was in full creative mode. The best part about BonBon’s is that it’s built for imagination. Kids can go wild, adults can relive their childhood dreams, and at the end, you pay by weight. So yes, go ahead—pile it on. You’ll only regret not adding more.
Stop 5: The Frozen Parrot
You think it’s just popsicles? Oh no, my friend. The Frozen Parrot is a full-blown experience.
Owners John and Andrea pour heart and soul into every bite (or lick). Andrea told us she literally wakes up in the middle of the night and has to write down a new flavor to try. That’s passion—and it shows. The display case is a rainbow of creative popsicles and—new just last year—handcrafted gelato.
Normally, I’m a popsicle girl. You pick your flavor, get it dipped in one of the four chocolates, then choose your toppings. They’re colorful, they’re picturesque, and they taste every bit as good as they look. But this time, in honor of this review, I went for the gelato. And wow.
John recommended the Dreamsicle gelato and said, "You just have to." He wasn’t wrong. Imagine the best Dreamsicle you’ve ever had—now turn the dial up to 11. Creamy, bright, and truly dreamy. But I had my eye on the Blueberry Ooey Gooey Cake Gelato. Silky, dense, rich. As I write this, I honestly wish I had a pint in front of me.
Joy and I brought back the OG crew—Fran and Charlotte—who stuck with their first love: popsicles. Charlotte went full s’mores with Toasted Marshmallow dipped in milk chocolate, topped with real marshmallows (torched, of course) and graham cracker crumbles. Fran opted for Blue Raspberry with white chocolate and sprinkles. Total Instagram moment.
Joy chose their award-winning Bing Dream, but she switched things up and used hazelnut chocolate. If you know, you know. The hazelnut version is divine.
Then we got adventurous. John mentioned their spicy drizzle, Tajín. We were skeptical, but he whipped up a Mango popsicle with Tajín just for us. And guess what? It was incredible. Sweet, fruity, with just a kick of heat—perfect after a meal at a local Mexican restaurant. I’m not usually a spice girl, but I’d eat that again in a heartbeat.
As we sat there laughing and licking and dodging brain freezes, John came over and asked, "Which one’s next?" We all groaned and said, "We’re done!"
But let’s be honest. Are you ever really done with sweet treats at the lake?
STOP 6: The Spillway Drive In
And here we are at our final stop—and this one stands apart from all the others. Unlike the rest, which are all in Arnolds Park and the shores of West Lake Okoboji, The Spillway is perched on the south end of Big Spirit Lake.
From the name alone, you know it’s right next to the Spillway—the overflow point where Big Spirit spills into East Lake Okoboji. Right now, the water isn’t quite high enough to be flowing over, but it’s close. That’s the thing about the Spillway: it’s not just a place, it’s an event. Locals and vacationers alike will make a special stop to check to see if it’s “running.”
I am always in to see if the Spillway is "running," especially if it comes with a treat from the Spillway. They’ve got a great selection of frozen sweets—but they also serve food, making it a perfect picnic stop on the shores of Big Spirit Lake. You can grab a meal, head to the nearby beach, or lean against the rail and watch for fish when the water is flowing. It’s one of those iconic summer experiences.
As for the treats? They've got plenty. One of their most popular options is the Flavor Burst ice cream—a swirl of vanilla soft serve with a ring of bold flavor infused around the edges. Joy knew exactly what she wanted: the Green Apple Flavor Burst. The vibrant color and punch of flavor transform plain vanilla into something completely new. And there are lots of flavors to choose from.
I went with the homemade ice cream sandwich—and wow. Two chewy chocolate chip cookies sandwiching creamy vanilla ice cream, all made right in the shop. It was rich, fresh, and absolutely delicious. They also offer sundaes, popsicles, and so much more.
This is the kind of spot that’s worth visiting more than once while you’re here. Come for the food, stay for the view, and don’t forget to check if the Spillway is running. Because if it is? That’s a summer moment you’ll want to see.
The Wrap-Up
And just like that, our sugar tour of the Iowa Great Lakes comes to a close. My body may need a vegetable or two, but my heart is full. These stops—each unique, each packed with flavor and joy—are part of what makes summer in the Iowa Great Lakes so magical.
So, next time you find yourself wandering around the park, follow your sweet tooth. Whether you're here for a weekend or here year-round, there’s always a new treat waiting for you.
Your only regret will be not trying them all.
(But seriously... pace yourself.)