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You know when you’re reading a good book and you can’t wait to get to the next chapter? Butch and I talked a lot about chapters…when Skipper died (you may have met our marina dog), it was a chapter closing. When we started the Barefoot Bar, we opened a chapter! When we sold Okoboji Boat Works, another chapter closed. As we go into August, the most beautiful chapter is opening… how lucky we are to live in Okoboji, the golden sunsets and hot summer nights.

What is the definition of rich? Butch told me one time, “I’m not rich but I know someone who is." He worked hard and we worked hard together. The man never quit!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2026 For more information contact: marketing@parksmarina.com Parks Marina and Humane Society team up for charity poker run OKOBOJI— Dust off your card skills, Parks Marina and the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa are teaming up for a charity poker run Saturday, June 27th. This event is open to everyone, with Parks Marina boat owners qualifying for special prizes. Participants will be able to register and purchase hands that day at Parks Marina b

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26th, 2026 For more information contact: Debbie Parks Owner, Parks Marina debbie@parksmarina.com Two Inaugural Winners of the Butch Parks Memorial Scholarship for the Trades Announced OKOBOJI, Iowa — The inaugural recipients of the Butch Parks Memorial Scholarship for the Trades have been announced, honoring the legacy, passion, and dedication that Butch Parks brought to the trades industry and the local community. Established in memory of Parks, the

Kicking off summer on the Parks Marina Campus!

Oh the sights and sounds of Okoboji in mid-April. The hammering of dock posts, the birds chirping, the water coming alive.

March 2026 Newsletter from Debbie Parks

ABC News’ Mary Bruce reports on the annual tradition that brings thousands of people to Okoboji, Iowa.

It was another cold day Saturday at the University of Okoboji Winter Games, but that didn’t keep folks from attending their favorite activities.

(Okoboji)– The annual Battle of the Bartenders has grown to be one of the highest attended University of Okoboji Winter Games events in recent years, and this year’s event was no exception. Trevor Johnson is a Marketing Specialist with Parks Marina, which hosts the event each year. He says last (Thurs.) evening’s event again raised a significant amount of money for local charities… “So last night we were able to raise $14,300 in one hour and, you know, we’re missing our fear

OKOBOJI, Iowa (KCAU) — The 46th University of Okoboji Winter Games are here! And the festivities kicked off on Thursday night with the “Battle of the bartenders” at Parks Marina. The frigid temperatures didn’t keep attendees from packing into Parks Marina for the 12th “Battle of the Bartenders” competition. “Every year, we kick off winter games with the Battle of the Bartenders,” said Jared Ransom, marketing coordinator of Parks Marina. “Local bars create specialty drinks, an

A funeral service for Butch Parks, age 81 of Okoboji, will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake.

Parks Marina in the Iowa Great Lakes is filling up a boat with toys so kids in the area can have a good holiday season.

It all started as 4 walls and a 10 by 20-foot hole.

Some of the most iconic properties at Okoboji soon will have new owners.

By selling special t-shirts, Parks Marina in Okoboji has raised over $5,000 for victims of flooding in Spencer.

From shore or on the water, it routinely turns heads. Tucked up tight against the docks at Okoboji Boat Works, or meandering across West Okoboji Lake, it’s always a sight to see.

Giving Back recognizes businesses and organizations that are helping our communities. Here’s a look at who gave back for October.

The main attraction of the Okoboji area of the Iowa Great Lakes is its beautiful blue water, and there may be no better place to gather and enjoy the glacier-carved hotspot than Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji.

When Debbie Parks puts her mind to something, she doesn’t go half-way.