Courtesy of the Buena Vista County and Storm Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. Some attractions available for group tours only; please call ahead.

Albert City
Albert City is a Swedish community that was established in 1899. A Swedish Dala Horse welcomes you to this city of 709. The community includes three churches, a large grain terminal, progressive school, new library, several parks, a swimming pool, and a museum on the National Register of Historic Places, an active main street, fire department, EMT crew and an annual Albert City Thresherman’s Show.

Albert City Historical Museum
Phone: 712-843-5684
60-minute tour, $3 each
Visit railroad depot lobby, with evidence of the bank robbery and shooting, antique car collection, historic furnished home, schoolhouse and historic artifacts.

Albert City Thresherman’s Show
Phone: 712-843-2076
Annual show the second week in August that attracts over 10,000 visitors. Early farming equipment demonstrating how farming used to be. Come stay a few hours or all three days.

Alta
Alta was incorporated in 1878, and is located on Highway 7. A major portion of the community’s income results from farming activities. The Alta Community School System has one elementary school and one junior-senior high school. Alta’s public library was founded in 1911 and has been tax supported since 1919. Alta has multiple recreational, sporting and entertainment facilities. The home of the Buena Vista County Fair, its raceway provides weekly auto races during the summer months. Two golf courses are available. This region of Iowa is home to one of the largest wind farms in the world, with 259 turbines over 200 feet tall on “Buffalo Ridge.”

Buena Vista County Wind Farm
Phone: 712-284-1179
30-minute tour, self-guided, free
Self-guided tours of the world’s largest generating wind power project with 259 operating windmills.

Newell
Newell is a small town that reflects a family-focused quality of life. Recreation facilities are the heart of the community. There is golfing, swimming, a city park full of playground equipment and a large shelter house available for family gatherings and celebrations. A beautiful arboretum features a variety of native Iowa trees and grasses, with a walkway and a gazebo. Newell is also home to the historic Allee Mansion and Keith’s Arab Heritage House, both offering a wealth of historic information to small groups or bus tours. Newell has excellent school facilities, five churches and several civic groups that knit rural and town activities together. The first weekend in August the town celebrates Newell Pride Days.

Allee Mansion
Phone: 712-272-4566
60-minute tour, $3 each
Step back into a Victorian lifestyle in the 1891 Queen Ann home of the Allee family. Tour refurbished rooms, open staircase and stain glass windows. Listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Keith’s Arab Heritage Museum
Phone: 712-272-3527
90-minute tour, $2 each
Private museum featuring artifacts that interpret life in the Middle East. Setting in a century old Victorian home. Lectures, demonstrations, native food available at an additional cost and only upon request.

Hanover
The village of Hanover was a rural German community that has recently restored a 1930s General Store, machine shed and mill house. Tours are offered through this community. Take in the late August celebration with home-cooked foods and local Polka bands for entertainment.

Village of Hanover
Phone: 712-434-5410
Admission: $2 for Adults
Restored by the Hanover Historical Society, this 1890s General Store features displays of old time grocery store merchandise. A mill house, machine shed and feed shed make up this site reflecting German heritage. Genealogical information available. Open Sunday 2-5 p.m. or by appointment.

Linn Grove
A quiet rural community located on the Little Sioux River, Linn Grove boasts to be one of the best fishing sports in the area. The Linn Grove Dam makes a perfect spot for fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. The Buena Vista County Conservation Park offers shelter houses, trails, picnic areas and an abundance of wildlife and scenery. The park is great for a family outing, day camp or a winter sledding party.

Marathon
Marathon has a Railroad Museum and Historical Site for visitors to enjoy. The community is well known for its certified and sanctioned Marathon to Marathon, attended by runners from all over the world during the month of June. The town offers a Community Center, tennis courts, ball field and the beautiful Marathon-Poland Park.

LM&O Railroad Museum
Phone: 712-289-0988
60-minute tour, $2 each
Museum features a fully-equipped depot, restored caboose, memorabilia, railroad yard and 1,000-yard track. Take a unique ride on the railroad cars.

Rembrandt
Rembrandt was founded in 1901 and boasts that is it “The only Rembrandt in the USA.” Living in a comfortable, rural setting, residents here focus on family, friends and neighbors. The community offers two active churches, softball and baseball diamonds teeming with activity, and a park with playground, shelter and grills. A town highlight is the Fourth of July celebration featuring a homemade pie auction and a spectacular fireworks display.

Sioux Rapids
Hidden in the Iowa hills, this community enjoys a wealth of outdoor opportunities. The Gabrielson County Park offers Gustafson Lake for fishing, sandy swimming beaches and picnic areas. There is a playground for the children and family activities. The first settler in Buena Vista County located in this area, and the community displays the original cabin.

Abner Bell was the first to call Sioux Rapids his home. This landmark, along with an 1875 country schoolhouse and the old Sioux Rapids Theatre Museum, make up a complex of historic buildings for the community. The town also includes the beautiful Hansen House Bed and Breakfast available for overnight visitors.

Sioux Rapids Historical Museum
Phone: 712-283-2737
30-minute tour
Step back into the early 1940s movie theatre complete with seats and projector. Visit Abner Bell’s cabin, the first settler into the scenic Little Sioux River Valley.

Storm Lake
Positioned on the shores of Storm Lake is a city rich in culture, diversity and the good life. Historic landmarks, museums and great shopping are just a few of this county seat’s unique attributes. Scenic Storm Lake is 3,200 acres of year-round recreation. Many public parks surround the lake, as well as a modern campground and the ever popular biking and hiking trail. State-of-the-art Buena Vista Regional Medical Center provides healthcare for Buena Vista County. In addition to a quality public school system, Storm Lake is fortunate to have two parochial schools, Iowa Central Community College and the beautiful campus of Buena Vista University. There are many events the community celebrates every year, from The Great Iowa Balloon Race on Labor Day weekend, to the Star Spangled Spectacular 4th of July Celebration.

Buena Vista County Historical Society
Phone: 712-732-4955
60-minute tour, $2 each
Rotating exhibits reflecting the county’s communities. An indoor main street exhibit complete with livery, barber shop, lawyer’s office, general store, historic Halverson house, pharmacy and bank. Also visit the lakeside site featuring restored country school and log cabin.

Harker House
Phone: 712-732-3267
30-minute tour, $3 each
Tour the historic 1875 French Mansard cottage home with “widows walk” and open porches. Original walnut furnishings, photographs and clothing on display.

Heritage Tree Museum
Phone: 712-732-3780
30-minute tour, self-guided or guided tours, free
Located in Sunset Park along the beautiful shores of Storm Lake with paved walkways and markers identifying each tree.

King's Pointe Resort
Phone: 712-213-4500
Extreme fun and peaceful views.
From the lakeside hotel to the indoor and outdoor waterparks, enjoy hassle-free vacationing at King's Pointe. The Regatta Grille will whet your appetite with wood-fire grilled fare just steps from the lake.

Santa’s Castle
20-minute tour, $2 each
Located in historic Carnegie Library, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites. Filled with collection of animated Christmas characters from 1920-1930 department store window displays. A “Christmas Wonderland” of entertainment for the young and old.

Witter Gallery
Phone: 712-732-3400
20-30-minute tours, arranged by appointment, free
Art gallery with different exhibits monthly. Exhibition calendars are available.