"GMA" Goes to Iowa for University of Okoboji Winter Games

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

Big crowds brave the cold weather at the University of Okoboji Winter Games

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

Battle Of The Bartenders Another Huge Success

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.

University of Okoboji Winter Games begin with Battle of the Bartenders

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.

Butch Parks
March 4, 1944 — January 6, 2026

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 Okoboji holds annual ‘Boatloads of Toys’ fundraiser

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.

Iowa Great Lakes fixture, ‘Fish Shack,’ served its last drink on West Lake Okoboji

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

Longtime Okoboji businesses to change hands

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

Okoboji marina raises money for Spencer flood relief

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

Shake the Lake

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 for October

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

Profile: Parks Marina in Okoboji, Iowa

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.

Passionate Spirit: Debbie Parks doesn't believe in going halfway

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

Key West meets Northwest Iowa: No shirt, no shoes, no problem-o at Barefoot Bar

It's early May and Debbie Parks said the palm trees are already swaying away at the Barefoot Bar.

Barefoot Bar the remedy for Full Moon Fever

OKOBOJI, Iowa | When the full moon rises above East Lake Okoboji, the place to be is the Barefoot Bar, a slice of Florida with its palm trees and tiki hut bars