If you’re looking for a low-key place that the whole family will love, you should head to Storm Lake. Glacier Lake is a peaceful spot in Iowa adjacent to a park that offers a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Much of Iowa was once covered by glaciers. As the Laurentide Ice Sheet, which covered much of North America, melted, it left behind glacial lakes. Many of these are now part of the Iowa Great Lakes region in the northwest corner of the Hawkeye State, which is surprisingly one of the best places in the country for retirees to visit. But if you continue south, into Buena Vista County, you’ll find Storm Lake. This 3,200-acre lake is the fourth largest glacial lake in Iowa. It is now surrounded by a small city of the same name, with a population of just over 11,000 people. Storm Lake is a beautiful spot along the water.
Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD) is less than 60 miles east. Although this small airport is located near Ames, one of the top-ranked college towns in the United States, it only receives flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). For more flight options, you can land at Omaha’s Eppley Airport (OMA). Although it is twice as far away from Storm Lake, flights from major airports across the United States land at this larger airport. A stop here also gives you the opportunity to explore Omaha, a city filled with art, history, and Midwestern charm.
Read more: Avoid swimming in these dangerous lakes across the US
Explore Center of Storm Lake
Santa’s Castle at the former Carnegie Library in Storm Lake, Iowa – santascastlestormlake/Facebook
Hunters and trappers first came to Storm Lake in the mid-1850s. Although a small community began to form about a decade later, Storm Lake wasn’t officially incorporated until 1873 with the arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad. Buildings from this period still stand in the city center. The former Ford showroom now houses exhibits from the Buena Vista County Historical Museum. Two separate buildings, a homesteader’s log cabin and a schoolhouse built in 1872, are also part of the museum.
The museum is within walking distance of the Harker House and Buena Vista University. The grand Harker House was the county’s first brick house, built in 1875. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers tours during the summer. Buena Vista University was founded in 1891. This small liberal arts college is located on a lake with beautiful views.
If you visit Storm Lake during the holidays, you should also visit the Old Carnegie Library. The library officially opened in 1906 after the city received a grant from the Carnegie Foundation to build a public library. The building is no longer used as a library, but every year starting on Thanksgiving, it is transformed into Santa’s Castle. Kids will find its vintage animated characters absolutely magical.
Find your favorite spot along the lake
Beautiful sunset near the lighthouse along Glacier Storm Lake, Iowa – cityofstormlake/Facebook
There are many more magical spots along the water’s edge. Storm Lake is lined with parks, many of which are connected by the Storm Lake Bike and Walking Trail. The paved path runs along the water’s edge for five miles. It starts in Sunset Park, which has an open-air concert hall, a beach, and a sailing pier. It’s also home to the free Living Heritage Tree Museum, an open-air museum with plaques describing the trees’ historical significance. The seeds of its Sycamore Moon Tree were planted here after the Apollo 14 moon landing.
As you walk east, you’ll pass Chautauqua and Radio Park. Both are smaller parks with playgrounds for children. They have a completely different atmosphere than Avicis Park, which has fountains, a lighthouse, water sports rentals and the largest beach in Storm Lake. It is located next door to King’s Pointe Resort. This all-season resort features rooms with lake views (from $119 per night). It also has seasonal indoor and outdoor water parks, as well as a restaurant near the floating dock. Pirate’s Pointe Mini Golf is also located across the street from the resort.
Quieter parks such as Little Storm Lake Preserve sit in the northwest corner of the lake. Here you’ll find a discovery center with an observation tower overlooking the marsh. Nearby Frank Starr Park is popular with fishermen and runners. Now all you have to do is choose your favorite spot along this beautiful glacial lake.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Sign up for our free newsletter and learn about the world’s best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as your preferred search source on Google.
Read the original article on Discovery.