Iowa’s Beautiful Glacial Lake Is Surrounded By Parks And Family-Friendly Recreation
If you’re looking for a simple place that the whole family will enjoy, you should head to Storm Lake. The glacial lake is a peaceful spot in Iowa surrounded by parks and full of kid-friendly activities.
Much of Iowa was once covered by glaciers. As the Laurentide ice sheet, which covered much of North America, melted, glacial lakes were left behind. Surprisingly, most of these are now part of a region called the Iowa Great Lakes in the northwestern corner of the Hawkeye State. The best place for retirees to visit in the country. But if you head further south into Buena Vista County, you’ll find Storm Lake. The 3,200-acre lake is Iowa’s fourth largest glacial lake. It is now surrounded by a small city of the same name, home to more than 11,000 people. Storm Lake is a beautiful spot on the water.
Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is less than 60 miles to the east. Although the small airport is close to Ames, One of America’s best college townsIt only accepts flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). For more flight options, you can land at Eppley Airport (OMA) in Omaha. Even though it’s twice the distance to Storm Lake, flights from major airports around the United States land at this larger airport. Stopping here also gives you a chance to explore the city of Omaha. full of art, history and Midwestern charm.
Read more: Avoid Swimming in These Dangerous Lakes Across the U.S.
Explore the center of Storm Lake
Santa’s Castle at the former Carnegie Library in Storm Lake, Iowa – santascastlestormlake / Facebook
Storm Lake was first visited by hunters and trappers in the mid-1850s. Although a small community began to form about a decade later, Storm Lake was not officially incorporated until 1873, after the arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad. Buildings from this period still stand in the center of the city. A former Ford showroom now houses exhibits from the Buena Vista County Historical Museum. Two separate buildings, a farmer’s log cabin and a schoolhouse built in 1872, are also part of the museum.
The museum is just a short walk from Harker House and Buena Vista University. The Great Harker House was the first brick house built in the county in 1875. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places and tours are offered during the summer months. Buena Vista University was founded in 1891. The small liberal arts university has a beautiful lakeside location.
If you’re visiting Storm Lake during the holidays, you should also stop by the old Carnegie Library. It opened in 1906 after the city received a grant from the Carnegie Foundation to build a public library. The building is no longer used as a library, but every year, starting on Thanksgiving, it turns into Santa’s Castle. Kids will find its quaint, animated characters absolutely magical.
Find your favorite lakeside spot
A beautiful sunset near a lighthouse on the shores of glacial Storm Lake in Iowa – cityofstormlake / Facebook
There are more magical spots along the water. Storm Lake is dotted with parks, many of which are connected by the Storm Lake Bike and Hiking Trail. The paved road stretches for five miles along the water’s edge. It all starts in Sunset Park, where there is a band shell, a beach and a pier for sailboats. It is also home to the free Living Heritage Tree Museum, an open-air museum with plaques commemorating the trees’ historical significance. The American Sycamore Moon Tree went to the moon on Apollo 14 before its seeds were planted here.
As you walk east you will pass through Chautauqua and Radio Parks. Both are smaller parks with playgrounds for children. It has a very different atmosphere than Awaysis Park, which has a fountain, lighthouse, water sports rentals and Storm Lake’s largest beach. It is adjacent to King’s Pointe Resort. The all-season property offers lake view rooms (starting from 119 USD per night). There are also seasonal indoor and outdoor water parks and a restaurant near the floating dock. Pirate’s Pointe Mini Golf is also right across the street from the property.
Quieter parks, such as Little Storm Lake Preserve, are located in the northwest corner of the lake. Here you’ll find a Discovery Center with an observation tower overlooking the swamp. Nearby Frank Starr Park is popular with fishermen and runners. Now you need to choose which is your favorite spot along this beautiful glacial lake.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter For access to the world’s best kept travel secrets. Moreover add us as preferred search source on Google.
