Northwest Iowa, Iowa
Immerse yourself in Iowa's sun-drenched Great Lakes Region for year-round recreation. Visit Sioux City landmarks, and retrace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. Experience festival traditions that bring old and young together in celebration.
Explore Northwest Iowa
Sanford Museum and Planetarium
Permanent exhibits on the history and prehistory of Northwest Iowa. The West Gallery holds temporary exhibits on a variety of subjects. The Planetarium was the first in the state of Iowa and includes programs on the seasonal night sky. Programs available by appointment.
Cherokee, IA MuseumsBuena Vista County Wind Farm
Take a self-guided tour of one of the largest wind energy projects in the world. More than 250 turbines, 208 feet tall, sit atop Buffalo Ridge, generating enough electricity to serve 71,000
Storm Lake, IA Structural LandmarksSpirit of the Lakes Excursions
Vintage coach and dining cars take travelers through the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes region. Saturday excursions, dessert and dinner trains. Sunday family excursion with meal. Passengers can choose meals or excursion-only.
Spirit Lake, IA ExcursionsLakes Art Center
Permanent and traveling exhibitions showcasing local, regional and national artists. Foreign and classic film series, interactive gallery, gift shop, and performing arts theater.
Okoboji, IA Art CentersCalhoun County Museum and Machinery Exhibit
A former school houses 34 rooms and displays of antique furnishings, birds and animals, vintage clothing and an old-time post office and bank. Horse-drawn machinery is displayed in two adjacent buildings.
Rockwell City, IA MuseumsIce Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center
LeMars is home to Wells' Dairy, makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream. Family-friendly museum provides a look at the history of ice cream and the history of Wells' Dairy, including a simulated production exhibit. Enjoy the 1920
Le Mars, IA MuseumsPrairie Log House and Country School
1871 log cabin of Scandinavian construction overlooks lake and park. Also visit 1872 Elk Township one-room school and annual flower gardens.
Storm Lake, IA Historic HomesGrand Meadow Heritage Center and Museum
Log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, museum with exhibits of American Indian artifacts and rural life. Heritage festival each September featuring steam threshing, horse-drawn plowing, antique farm machinery, vintage auto show, music and food.
Washta, IA MuseumsLyon County Historical Society Museum Complex
Renovated former Rock Island Depot, caboose, and livery stable. Windmill and Victorian house completely renovated and furnished. Visit a schoolhouse and teacher's house at nearby Lake Pahoja Park.
Rock Rapids, IA Museums