Iowa's Beautiful Glacial Lake Is Surrounded By Parks And Family-Friendly Recreation

If you're looking for a low-key spot the whole family will enjoy, you should head to Storm Lake. The glacial lake is a peaceful spot in Iowa that's bordered by parks and full of kid-friendly activities.

A lot of Iowa was once blanketed by glaciers. As the Laurentide ice sheet, which covered much of North America, melted, it left glacial lakes behind. Many of them are now part of a region called the Iowa Great Lakes in the northwestern corner of the Hawkeye State, surprisingly the best place for retirees to visit in the country. But if you head farther south, into Buena Vista County, you'll find Storm Lake. The 3,200-acre lake is Iowa's fourth-largest glacial lake. It's now surrounded by a small city, which is home to just over 11,000 people, with the same name. Storm Lake is a pretty spot along the water. 

Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is less than 60 miles to the east. Though the small airport is close to Ames, one of America's best-ranked college towns, it only receives flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). For more flight options, you can land at Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha. Though it's double the distance to Storm Lake, flights from major airports all across the U.S. land at this larger airport. Stopping here also gives you a chance to explore Omaha, a city full of art, history, and Midwest charm.

Storm Lake was first visited by hunters and trappers in the mid-1850s. Though a small community started forming about a decade later, Storm Lake was not officially founded until 1873, after the Illinois Central Railroad arrived. Buildings from this time period still stand in the city's center. A former Ford showroom now houses the exhibits of the Buena Vista County Historical Museum. Two separate buildings, a homesteader's log cabin and a schoolhouse built in 1872, are part of the museum as well.

The museum is just a short walk from both the Harker House and Buena Vista University. The grand Harker House was the first brick home built in the county in 1875. It's now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and tours are offered during summer. Buena Vista University was established in 1891. The small liberal arts university has a lovely spot along the lake. 

If you're visiting Storm Lake around the holidays, you should also stop at the old Carnegie Library. It opened in 1906 after the city received a grant to build a public library from the Carnegie Foundation. The building is no longer used as a library, but it turns into Santa's Castle every year starting on Thanksgiving day. Kids will find its antique, animated characters absolutely magical.

There are more magical spots along the water. Storm Lake is lined with parks, many of which are connected by the Storm Lake Bike and Walk Path. The paved path runs for five miles along the water's edge. It starts in Sunset Park, which has a bandshell, a beach, and a dock for sailboats. It's also home to the free Living Heritage Tree Museum, an open-air museum with plaques describing the trees' historical significance. Its American Sycamore Moon Tree's seeds went to the moon on Apollo 14 before being planted here.

As you walk to the east, you'll pass through Chautauqua and Radio Parks. Both are smaller parks with playgrounds for kids. They have a much different vibe than Awaysis Park, which has a fountain, a lighthouse, water sport rentals, and Storm Lake's largest beach. It's next door to King's Pointe Resort. The all-season resort has rooms with views of the lake (from $119 per night). It also has seasonal indoor and outdoor waterparks, and a restaurant near the floating dock. Pirate's Pointe Mini Golf is right across the street from the resort, as well.

Quieter parks, like Little Storm Lake Preserve, sit on the lake's northwest corner. Here you'll find a Discovery Center with an observation tower overlooking the marsh. While nearby Frank Starr Park is popular with fishermen and runners. Now you just have to choose which spot is your favorite along this beautiful glacial lake.