The natural lake Storm Lake covers 3,200 acres and defines the landscape of Buena Vista County. Historical collections and preserved buildings also offer a window into very different eras: from artifacts of the prehistoric Mill Creek society to pioneer history and life around the turn of the century. Those exploring the region can take in lakeside trails, fishing, cultural sites, and seasonal events as distinct themes.
Storm Lake: Shoreline, Trails, and Art
The Lake Trail runs mostly along the lakeshore in Storm Lake, stretching from Frank Starr Park in the west to Sunset Park in the east. The trail is lit at night, and parking is available along the route. The lakeside route puts the water front and center, while the two park names help orient visitors along the way.
Storm Lake is stocked with walleye annually. Channel catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, and crappie are also caught there. Fishing regulations apply. On the lakeshore at Awaysis Beach, the Storm Lake Lighthouse Project also offers a distinctive sight: the public art installation features sculpted fiberglass lighthouses in parks and public places throughout Storm Lake. Visitors can climb a lighthouse at Awaysis Beach for views and photo opportunities.
Collections and Historic Places
The Buena Vista County Historical Society Museum is housed in a historic building where Model T vehicles were once assembled. Museum areas include a walk-through Main Street attraction, a pioneer barn, and a genealogy library. It also features a rare collection of artifacts from the prehistoric Mill Creek society. Family history research and pioneer history thus meet evidence of a much earlier era.
Santa’s Castle is housed in Storm Lake’s historic Carnegie Library, a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The exhibit began in 1962 with the purchase of four animated elves and grew into one of the world’s largest and most valuable collections of antique animated Christmas figures.
The Allee Mansion is a “living museum” with interactive demonstrations available seasonally. Guides in Victorian clothing explain life around the turn of the century. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992; the Newell Historical Society has been working to restore and preserve it for more than 30 years.
The Harker House retains 95 percent of the original furnishings of the family that built it. Tours are offered on a regular schedule; check the official tour schedule before your trip.
Hanover Historical Village brings together several buildings and exhibits, including a restored country store, an old-fashioned barbershop, a two-story machinery barn, and a historic home. The complex also includes a working mill house and a barn with agricultural exhibits.
Nature and Seasonal Experiences
The Buena Vista County Conservation Board manages 17 areas totaling more than 1,200 acres. These include parks, wildlife refuges, historic sites, and natural areas. In Buena Vista Park, miles of trails wind through wooded areas. When weather permits, the Parks Department grooms a cross-country ski trail through the Sunrise Pointe Golf Course and Sunrise Pointe Campground area.
Events also bring seasonal highlights. The Albert City Threshermen & Collectors Show takes place annually on the second full weekend in August; check the dates for the relevant year before your trip. Hanover Historical Village hosts the annual Hanover Festival, featuring polka and old-time music, demonstrations, games, and a petting zoo. It is also a good idea to check the current date for this festival. The “Birds of Prey” program features live raptors; confirm its availability before your visit.
Cabins and a lodge are available to rent for an overnight stay in Buena Vista Park. Reservations and availability may vary.
Discover more destinations: Storm Lake, Mitchell County, Woodbury, Polk, Scott, Johnson, Howard County, Lucas County
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