Buena Vista County Attractions

Vacationers seeking an exciting destination need to look no further than Buena Vista County. The scenery will make you wonder if you're still in Iowa; you won't find a bad view. Small towns dot the map, each one overflowing with history and friendly faces.

 

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, there is so much to see and do you'll be ready to book your next getaway before you leave.

 

Buena Vista Historical Society

 

It's easy to think you've walked back in time when you stroll down the Pioneer Main Street or step in the two-story,

authentic, 1870s log house. The Society preserves and displays the rich history of Storm Lake and the surrounding area in the BV Historical Society Museum.

 

            Hours: Monday-Friday 12:00-4:00pm or by appointment

            Admission: $2 for Adults and $1 for children under 12

            Located: 214 W 5th St

                           Storm Lake, IA

            Phone: (712) 732.4955

 

For more information please visit:

www.stormlake-ia.com/bvchs/ 

 

 

 

 

Albert City

The annual Threshermen and Collectors Show - held the second weekend in August - is more than just a glimpse into the past. Antique tractors and farm machinery from bygone days are assembled, and daily demonstrations provide a look at how farming was done before air-conditioned tractors and GPS. Bring the whole family for the parade and a taste of homemade ice cream.

 

For more information please visit:

http://www.albertcitythreshermen.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Alta

Just six miles west of Storm Lake, Alta is a small town with lots to do. Weekly summer races at the Buena Vista Raceway keep fans on the edge of their seat. One public and two private courses keep the golfer busy - dawn until dusk. Alta is also home to the sleek windmills that power over 70,000 homes each year.

 

For more information visit:

www.altaiowa.com

www.buenavistaraceway.net 

www.lakecreekgolf.com

 

 

Hanover

The Hanover Historical Village is a step back in time. Come see a restored general store, an old-time barbershop, a working mill and a unique two-story machine shed. Agricultural displays and demonstrations are held during Hanover Days every August.

 

            Hours: Tours are available any time by appointment

            Location: 8 miles southwest of Alta, IA at the corner of M27 & C65

            Phone: (712) 434.5410 or (712) 225.1980

 

 

 

 

Linn Grove

Linn Grove - a cozy little town perched on the banks of the Little Sioux River - is known far and wide as the Catfish Capital of Iowa. Some of the best canoeing and bird watching happens in this small Northwest Iowa community. Come see why eagles call Linn Grove home in the winter months!

 

For more information please visit www.linngroveiowa.org. 

 

 

 

Marathon

On foot or by train, visitors flock to Marathon! At the LM&O Railroad Museum, railroad enthusiasts depart from the restored depot for a ride on over 1000 feet of track in a fully refurbished business car or caboose. It's also the finish line for the annual Marathon to Marathon - a nationally sanctioned marathon that draws runners from all over the country.

 

For more information please visit www.marathon2marathon.com. 

 

 

 

Newell

Visitors are captivated by Newell's Allee Mansion - a fully restored Victorian mansion listed on the National Register of Historical Sites. After a trip back in time at the mansion, you can step into another culture at Keith's Arab Heritage Museum - one of the largest, private collections of Middle East artifacts assembled in the area.

 

For more information please visit www.newelliowa.com. 

 

 

 

Sioux Rapids

Sioux Rapids is a favorite destination for outdoorsmen from all over the Midwest. The fishing is some of the best around. Resting in the valley of the Little Sioux River, it boasts one of the most picturesque landscapes around. It's no wonder Abner Bell - the first settler in Buena Vista County - chose to call Sioux Rapids home.

 

For more information please visit www.siouxrapids.com. 

 

 

 

 

 Buena Vista County Wind Farm  

Northwest Iowa is rich, fertile farm ground, and beginning in 2000, planning and construction for another "crop" began. Sprouting from the fields came two of the nation's largest wind farms, producing clean and affordable, renewable energy for nearly 115,000 homes.  For the brochure with a map click here.

 

Buena Vista County Conservation Board Parks and Watch-able Wildlife

Iowa is home to some of the most breathtakingly diverse scenery, and no area showcases that scenery better than Buena Vista County. Follow the River Road as it winds along the Little Sioux or check out some of the amazing parks and preserves that dot the county.

 

For more information please visit http://www.co.buena-vista.ia.us/conserv/coninfo/.