Nutty Bar Stand in Arnolds Park

Great ice cream, large portions, amazing prices for what you get. Additionally the root beer is spectacular and ridiculously cheap!Only downside is the cups are too small, and the ice cream melts quickly so you either eat or leak! For someone who enjoys taking their time with eating delicious ice cream, that's a big downside.If that doesn't bother you, it's five stars all the way!

And you may ask yourself, "Well... how did I get here?" I've been enjoying Nutty Bars since the late 1960s and during the times of the old Roof Garden next door.  And if I'm visiting the Iowa Great Lakes like I do every year, I'm here.  This is one of my happy places. Gayle and I were here last week.  We had Lunch "upstairs" at The Gardens (Central Emporium) and enjoyed our modest walk through the new promenade and towards our tasty treat.  I should have ordered the butter brickle, but I'm stuck in my classic ice cream bar ways. We found some shade on a nearby bench on this very hot summer day.  Otherwise, maybe we would have wandered over to the Berkley Bedell State Pier, or sat down at the tables just outside the Nutty Bar parlor.  We'll be back next season to happily start the process all over again. Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.....

The Nutty Bar Stand has been there for decades! A staple snack or treat for kids and families for generations. Fast service. Friendly workers. Great ice cream. Be sure to remember to grab a lot of napkins. If with a young child just assume it will get messy.