Things to Do
Ready for an adventure?
Storm Lake offers you an array of things to see and do. Here's a few attractions to check out!
Waterparks
King’s Pointe Resort is home to both indoor and outdoor waterparks, so there’s fun to be had in any weather. The outdoor park features five different adventure slides, a lazy river tube experience, low and high dive boards, splashpad, kids’ island for younger visitors, pool basketball and more. The indoor park boasts an imaginative undersea theme, with both open and closed towering water slides, a lily pad walk, lazy river, water playground and pool basketball. Each waterpark has a concession stand with meals and treats, and plenty of seating for landlubbers.
Golfing
Tee off at beautiful Sunrise Pointe nine-hole course on 40 acres adjacent to the lake and parks system. The course was redesigned with wider fairways and manicured greens. Signature hole #6 doglegs left along a picturesque wetland habitat and opens to a shimmering pond. The clubhouse offers refreshments and multiple sports screens. Carts and rental clubs are available. Ask about footgolf play on select dates.
Mini Golf
Pirates Pointe Mini Golf is the perfect family attraction. Play 18 holes amid pirate-themed grounds featuring a secret cave, a shipwrecked schooner, waterfall and more. Get your picture with our host buccaneer. The course is accessed through Sunrise Golf Course clubhouse, from Memorial Day through October, weather permitting.
Awaysis Beach | Recreational Rentals
Your summer awaysis awaits at this unique Storm Lake park. A vast sand beach perches on a scenic Storm Lake cove, just awaiting your best sandcastle effort. The site also offers a towering lighthouse to climb for an amazing view, a big and modern playground, picnic pavilions, gardens and a fountain, a Great Lawn for play or sport, and access to the city’s Lake Trail system.
Kayaks, canoes and paddleboats can be rented right at the beach through a phone app. Bikes are also available for rent, in front of King’s Pointe Resort hotel next door.
Boating
Storm Lake attracts boating enthusiasts of all kinds. From kayaks to jet skis to pontoon boats to speed boats towing ski enthusiasts, everyone is welcome. A double access ramp is located in Sunset Park near the Sunrise Campground. Boater services, fuel and access ramp are available at Lakeside Marina near Sunrise Park.
Fishing
Fishing is an all-year-around pastime. The lake is stocked annually with walleye, and anglers also pull in channel catfish, white bass, largemouth bass and crappie. A disability accessible fishing pier is available at Frank Starr Park.
Ice Fishing
Storm Lake is one of Iowa’s top ice fishing lakes in Iowa and the fish are hungry during the winter! Grab your safety equipment, bucket of gear, a fishing buddy and go catch some fish! First time on the ice? Check out the Iowa DNR’s Introduction to Ice Fishing Guide or their Tips and Tricks page.
Cross Country Skiing
The Cross Country Ski Trails are built and maintained for the public's use and enjoyment by the City of Storm Lake Parks Department. Weather permitting the Parks Department will groom a ski trail through the Sunrise Pointe Golf Course and Sunrise Pointe Campground area.
Hiking and Biking
The Lake Trail is prime recreation territory in Storm Lake, stretching miles from Frank Starr Park in the west through Sunset Park in the east. Almost all of the multi-use trail is located along lakefront. The route is also used for several athletic events from 5K walk/runs to an annual sprint triathlon. The trail is lit for night use, and has adjacent parking areas all along the route. Bikes are available for rental at King’s Pointe Resort and Lakeshore Cyclery.
Disc Golf
Storm Lake Disc Golf Course is located in Mandeville Park on the Lakeside, Storm Lake border and is joint effort of the City of Lakeside and the City of Storm Lake. The course features nine (9) holes of varying degrees of difficulty that will challenge the more experienced golfer while providing a opportunity for those new to the game to develop their skills.
Historical Museum
Learn all about the community’s colorful past at the Buena Vista County Historical Society’s Museum, located in a historic building where Model T Fords were once assembled. The museum has a new main hall display every season. Permanent highlights include a walk-through Main Street attraction, a pioneer barn, a rare collection of artifacts from the Mill Creek prehistoric society that once populated the region, and a genealogical library. Adjacent is a preserved log home and one-room schoolhouse. Suggested admission $2. There’s lots to see all year around.
Harker House
One of Storm Lake’s early homes has been preserved and is open for tours during the summer season and by appointment. This 1875 Victorian-era Second Empire-style home is listed on the National Historic Register of historic places. The Harker House contains 95% of the original family contents of the influential family that built the landmark. It is located at the corner of Lake Avenue and 3rd Street.
Santa's Castle
The holiday season showplace is a beloved Storm Lake tradition that brings out the child in everyone. A 1905 former Carnegie Library houses Santa's Castle, which is open from Thanksgiving Day until the end of December each year for self-guided tours. The Castle hosts one of the largest collections of antique holiday animation in the country, and children are invited to meet Santa and receive a free book signed by the holiday hero. Tour groups may schedule visits in the off season.
Heritage Tree Museum
This unique tour of history as told by the descendants of trees that stood by quietly witnessing the history of the world is a great place to spend an afternoon. Enhance your visit to the Storm Lake Heritage Tree Museum by downloading the audio tour and doing some research before your visit.
Discovery Center
Nature lovers will enjoy this site carved out of the woodland at Little Storm Lake, near Frank Starr Park. A winding walking trail marked by informative kiosks leads to a three-story-tall observation tower with a scope for close up viewing of the scenery and wildlife of this marsh preserve. A boardwalk leads far out into the marsh, inviting exploration. Free access any time.
Witter Gallery
Witter Gallery is a public art gallery with a new themed exhibit each month. The Witter Gallery also offers youth and adult art classes and programs, and a number of special events throughout the year. Admission is free and there is always something new to see. Located in the Storm Lake Public Library building, 609 Cayuga Street.
Buena Vista University Art Gallery
The Buena Vista University Art Gallery, located on campus in the Social Sciences and Art building, is open to the public free of charge. The gallery supports and expands awareness and encourages dialogue with many innovative exhibits throughout the year. The shows feature art by students and creators from around the country.
Storm Lake Public Library
The Storm Lake Public Library, conveniently located in the downtown area, is a welcoming and comfortable place to browse a vast collection of books, audio books, DVDs, puzzles and more. A teen corner is equipped with games and a video game system. The library also regularly offers film series viewings, reading clubs, a textiles group, Spanish language collection and Storytime events or robot workshops for children. The facility provides a computer lab available to the public and a telehealth facility available by appointment.
Vista 3 Theaters
The Vista 3 is a classical movie theater with state-of-the-art technology and comfort. The Vista dates to 1940 and offers three screens with first-run titles seven days a week. The snack stand offers everyone’s favorites. During the summer and the holiday season, free merchant-sponsored movie series are offered for children.
Shopping
Storm Lake offers an array of shopping choices, including the historic downtown district filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and services. Be sure to visit some familiar names, national chains and some of the area’s most unique shopping destinations.
Music
The Storm Lake Municipal Band is a community tradition, performing free concerts at the Sunset Park Bandshell from spring into early July each year. Concerts are held on Sunday afternoons and feature everything from traditional marches to modern showtunes and movie themes. Concerts are held during many of the summer events with rock and country bands, and during the academic year, the local schools and university offer band, choral and jazz performances open to the public. Several local venues host musical performances of their own.
Events
The community offers a wide array of events throughout the year. A few to check out during your visits include Kids’ Fest, Fiesta Latina, Star Spangled Spectacular, Multicultural Festival, Wood, Wine & Blues, Miracle on Lake Avenue during the holiday season and more. Check the community calendar for the most up to date listings, and follow the City of Storm Lake Facebook page.