Lake City IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lake City, Iowa.
1. Central School Preservation
HISTORIC EDUCATION LANDMARK
Central School Preservation stands as one of the top attractions in Lake City. Visitors can explore this well-preserved historic school building that offers a glimpse into Iowa's educational past. The preservation effort showcases local history and architectural elements from an earlier era.
2. Lake City Country Club
GOLF AND RECREATION
Lake City Country Club offers a premier golfing experience in Lake City. The well-maintained course provides challenging play for golfers of all skill levels amid picturesque Iowa landscapes. Beyond golf, the country club serves as a social hub for local residents and visitors alike.
3. Black Hawk State Park
OUTDOOR NATURE RESERVE
Black Hawk State Park is located approximately 23.6 kilometers from Lake City in Sac County. The park offers visitors opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and enjoying the natural beauty of Iowa. Its recreational facilities and natural landscapes make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
4. Swan Lake State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Swan Lake State Park provides a tranquil escape near Lake City for nature lovers. The park features a beautiful lake perfect for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation throughout the seasons. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails that showcase Iowa's natural beauty.
5. King's Pointe Resort Waterparks
YEAR-ROUND WATER FUN
King's Pointe Resort in Storm Lake features both indoor and outdoor waterparks for year-round enjoyment. The outdoor park offers five adventure slides, a lazy river, diving boards, a splash pad, and kid-friendly areas for younger visitors. The indoor park showcases an undersea theme with towering water slides, a lily pad walk, lazy river, and water playground for all-weather enjoyment.
6. Santa's Castle
HOLIDAY WONDER DESTINATION
Santa's Castle is housed in a 1905 former Carnegie Library in Storm Lake and opens from Thanksgiving through December annually. This beloved holiday tradition features one of the largest collections of antique holiday animation in the country. Children can meet Santa and receive a free signed book, while tour groups may schedule visits during the off-season.
7. Storm Lake Heritage Tree Museum
LIVING HISTORY COLLECTION
The Storm Lake Heritage Tree Museum offers a unique historical perspective through descendants of trees that have witnessed world history. Visitors can enhance their experience by downloading the audio tour before their visit. The museum provides an educational afternoon exploring the connection between nature and historical events.
8. Old Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old Capitol in Iowa City has been restored to reflect its significance as the last territorial capitol (1842-1846) and first state capitol building (1846-1857) of Iowa. Self-guided tours and exhibition galleries showcase Iowa's rich history, culture, and heritage. The building also served as The University of Iowa's first building, connecting visitors to the state's educational foundations.
9. Reverend George B. Hitchcock House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION
The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House was built in 1856 by a Congregational minister and served as a station on the Underground Railroad. In 2001, this historical home received recognition as a National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. Visitors can explore this important landmark that played a crucial role in American history and the journey to freedom for many enslaved people.
10. Sergeant Floyd Monument
HISTORIC LANDMARK OBELISK
The Sergeant Floyd Monument stands as a 100-foot-tall white stone obelisk overlooking Sioux City and the Missouri River valley. It holds the distinction of being the first registered National Historic Landmark in the United States. The monument marks the burial place of Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to die during their historic journey in 1804.
11. Sergeant Floyd Towboat
MISSOURI RIVER HISTORY
The Sergeant Floyd Towboat served as a diesel inspection ship and flagship of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction fleet for 50 years. Visitors can explore the history of Missouri River transportation through rare photos, artifacts, and detailed dioramas. The vessel houses one of America's largest displays of scale Missouri River steamboat and keelboat models, providing an immersive historical experience.
12. Amana Colonies
HISTORIC GERMAN SETTLEMENT
The Amana Colonies represent a National Historic Landmark consisting of seven villages established by German Pietists in the 1850s. Visitors can experience the well-preserved buildings, furniture craftsmanship, and traditional German cuisine that reflect the communal society that once thrived here. The colonies offer a glimpse into a unique religious and social experiment that shaped Iowa's cultural landscape.
13. Blood Run Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Blood Run Site in Granite is recognized as a significant National Historic Landmark in Iowa. This archaeological site preserves the remains of an ancient Native American village dating back several centuries. Visitors can learn about the indigenous cultures that once flourished along the Big Sioux River through interpretive displays and natural landscapes.
14. Farm House Museum
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Farm House Museum in Ames stands as the oldest building on Iowa State University's campus and a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1860, it served as home to the first presidents of the university and later the dean of agriculture. Today, the museum showcases period-appropriate furnishings and provides insight into 19th-century farm life and the agricultural history of Iowa.
15. Raccoon River Valley Trail
SCENIC CYCLING PATH
The Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a scenic 89-mile paved path that passes near Lake City and through several charming Iowa towns. Cyclists, runners, and walkers can enjoy beautiful rural landscapes, bridges over the Raccoon River, and access to small-town amenities along the route. The trail represents one of Iowa's premier recreational corridors and connects visitors with the natural beauty of the region.