Arts and Culture
Storm Lake is home to one of the Midwest's most thriving arts communities. Visitors lose themselves in galleries. Applause roars as audiences spring to their feet when the curtain closes on a concert or play. And sculptures dot the streets and parks.
The community believes in the power and importance of the arts...its ability to inspire, entertain and educate.
Santa's Castle
Everyone's a kid when they visit Santa's Castle. With the purchase of four animated elves in 1962, Santa's Castle began acquiring one of the largest displays of antique, animated Christmas characters. The collection is on display in Storm Lake's historic Carnegie Library, delighting kids of all ages.
Hours in Season:
Thanksgiving Weekend
Thursday: 2:00-5:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 1:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00pm
Sunday: 1:00-4:00pm
November 30-December 20
Weekdays: 6:00-8:00pm
Saturdays: 1:00-8:00pm
Sundays: 1:00-4:00pm
December 21-23: 1:00-4:00pm & 6:00-8:00pm
Christmas Eve: 1:00-4:00pm
Closed Christmas Day
December 26-30
Weekdays & Saturday: 1:00-4:00pm & 6:00-8:00pm
Sunday: 1:00-4:00pm
Admission: $4 for Adults and $2.50 for children
Location: 200 E 5th St, Storm Lake, IA
Phone: (712) 749.9247
**Call anytime throughout the year to make a special tour appointment.
Witter Gallery
Ella Witter, daughter of one of Storm Lake's founding fathers, believed that art and art education were critical to a community's success. After graduating from Chicago's Art Institute and studying with Hans Hoffman and Diego Rivera, Witter returned to Storm Lake. In 1972, she donated the facility - Witter Gallery - that houses much of her collection. The gallery displays several exhibits each year - all free to the public.
Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 1:00-5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-2:00pm
Tours by Appointment during nonregular hours
Location: 609 Cayuga St, Storm Lake, IA
Phone: (712) 732.3400
Website: www.thewittergallery.org
Buena Vista University
One of the nation's top private, liberal arts colleges calls Storm Lake home. Buena Vista University, its beautiful, state-of-the-art campus nestled on the shores of the lake, captivates students and visitors alike. The American Heritage Lecture series has hosted speakers known worldwide - Mexican President Vicente Fox, former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretaries of State Madeline Albright and Colin Powell. Edge-of-your-seats sporting events and an enlightening arts and cultural events program are only a few of the experiences visitors enjoy at BVU.
Location: 610 W 4th St, Storm Lake, IA
Phone: (800) 383.9600
Website: www.bvu.edu
Storm Lake Public Library
The Storm Lake Public Library is dedicated to identifying and meeting the community's educational, informational and recreational needs by providing access to materials, services, and programming. It seeks to promote literacy and provide opportunities for lifelong learning in a global and technological environment.
Location: 609 Cayuga, Storm Lake, IA
Phone: (712) 732.8026
Website: http://www.stormlakepubliclibrary.com/