Discover Buena Vista County

Lakes, trails and nature experiences

Buena Vista County combines a distinctive lake landscape with natural areas and places where the region’s history comes to life. Storm Lake, a 3,200-acre natural lake, is at the heart of many travel ideas. The Lake Trail runs from Frank Starr Park in the west to Sunset Park in the east and lies mostly along the lakeshore. The trail is illuminated at night, and adjacent parking areas are available along its route. This makes it possible to include the lake in your daily itinerary without committing to just one way of exploring it.

The water itself also offers a variety of opportunities. Storm Lake is stocked with walleye every year; channel catfish, white bass, largemouth bass and crappies are also caught there. Those who prefer to explore landscapes on foot will find miles of trails through wooded areas in Buena Vista Park. The Buena Vista County Conservation Board manages a total of 17 areas encompassing more than 1,200 acres of parks, wildlife areas, historic sites and natural areas. When weather conditions permit, the Parks Department also prepares a cross-country ski trail through the area of Sunrise Pointe Golf Course and Sunrise Pointe Campground.

History to see and experience

The Buena Vista County Historical Society Museum is located in a historic building where Model T vehicles were once assembled. Exhibits include a walk-through Main Street attraction, a pioneer barn, a rare collection of artifacts from the prehistoric Mill Creek culture and a genealogy library. The Harker House preserves 95 percent of the original furnishings of the family that built the structure; the house is open for tours on a regular schedule.

The Allee Mansion offers further insights into life in the past. This “living museum” uses interactive demonstrations in which guides dressed in Victorian clothing explain life around the turn of the century. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, while the Newell Historical Society has worked on its restoration and preservation for more than 30 years. Hanover Historical Village includes, among other things, a restored general store, an old-fashioned barbershop, a two-story machinery barn, a historic house, a working mill building and a barn with agricultural exhibits.

Storm Lake complements these historic attractions with public art. The Storm Lake Lighthouse Project features molded fiberglass lighthouses located in parks and public places throughout Storm Lake. A lighthouse at Awaysis Beach on the lakeshore can be climbed and offers views as well as photo opportunities. Santa’s Castle is housed in Storm Lake’s historic Carnegie Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The collection began in 1962 with the purchase of four animated elves and grew into one of the largest and most valuable displays of antique animated Christmas figures in the world.

Events and special occasions for travel

The Hanover Festival takes place annually at Hanover Historical Village and combines polka and old-time music with demonstrations, games and a petting zoo. The Albert City Threshermen & Collectors Show takes place every year on the second full weekend in August. Dates like these can strongly shape the character of a trip, so before choosing your vacation rental, check whether your stay coincides with a desired event period.

For further opportunities to observe nature, the “Birds of Prey” program features live birds of prey. Sturchler Pit, also known as Newell Pit, is managed for a high density of channel catfish. The trail network is also part of regional development efforts: the Buena Vista County Trails Advisory Council supports the development, construction and promotion of a system of trails and trail routes within the county, as well as their connection to neighboring counties.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When searching for a vacation rental in Buena Vista County, it is worthwhile to first determine the focus of your trip. Travelers who want to combine the lake, the Lake Trail and Storm Lake’s public art will plan differently from those who want to prioritize historic houses, museums or events. If nature and varied activities are important, the conservation areas, wooded trails and seasonal offerings should also be taken into consideration. As a specific lodging option, Buena Vista Park offers rental accommodations in cabins and a lodge. For your own selection, you should then check which location suits your planned excursions and preferred pace of travel.

For further research on an important destination in the region, you can visit Storm Lake. Other destinations in the overview include Story, Jefferson County, Cherokee County, Howard County, Black Hawk, Montgomery County and Mahaska County.

To the main travel overview: Iowa.