Buena Vista County Historical Attractions

Buena Vista C= ounty Tourism invites you to visit the many hidden treasures of historic attracti= ons in Buena Vista County. Important contact information is provided giving you= the most updated details available for each site. Please call ahead and make you travel plans today!

*Albert City Historical Museum and Chicago Milwaukee and Pacific Railroad

Sea= rch for bullet holes in the wall of the railroad depot lobby, where a bank robb= er was killed while resisting arrest. Visit a priceless antique car collection. Re–live life in a historic turn of the century home or go to school i= n a one room schoolhouse. Great family adventure! 212 N. 2nd St. in Albert City. 712.843.5684

Barn Quilts T= our – www.bvbarnquilts.com

*Brooke Creek= Bridge – 470^th Street over Brooke Creek, Sioux Rapids

= &nb= sp; = http://www.siouxrapids.com/<= /a>

Buena Vista County Historical Society

Rotating exhibits reflecting the counties communities. An indoor main = street exhibit complete with livery, barber shop, lawyer’s office, general store, Historic Halverson House, pharmacy and bank. Also visit a restored country school and log cabin. 60-minute tour, = $2.00 each. 214 West 5th Street in Storm Lake.= 712.732.4955. = www.stormlake-ia.com/bvchs=

*Chan-YA-Ta Site – Address restricted, Linn Grove, Site of Mill Creek Culture. Display at the Buena Vista County Historical Society. 712.732.4900. www.linngrove= iowa.org

*Harker<= /span> House

Tak= e a step into time while visiting this 1875 Victorian built French (Mansard) St= yle home with open porches and an imposing widow’s walk. Filled with original furniture which has been preserved over the years. 328 Lake Avenue in Storm Lake= . Call 712.732.3267 for tours.=

Historic Hanover Village

Dan= ce to the Beer Barrel Polka in H= anover! Located on Buena Vista County Road M27 and 20th Avenue, this recreation of Ger= man heritage comes to life with polka bands, home made cooking and hands on demonstration of century old customs and traditio= ns. Last Sunday in August is the annual Polka Fest Celebration. Contact = vwinterhof@ilechsi.com or 712.225.1980.

*Illinois Cen= tral Passenger Depot – Storm Lake – South of West Railroad Stree= t

= &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = between Lake and Michigan Avenue.=

Linn Grove &#= 8211; National Scenic By-way - The Glacial Trail Scenic By= way is a 36-mile loop that touches the four corners of Cherokee, Clay, Buena Vista= and O'Brien counties. It begins southeast of Sutherland near the intersection of Iowa Highway 10 and County Road M-12. www.linngroveiowa.org

Marathon Historical Society

Ride the rails with the L.M. &= amp; O. Railroad Museum featuring a fully–equipped depot, restored caboose, railroad memorabi= lia and a railroad yard. 508 S. Neptune St. 712.289.6481 or 712.289.2246

*Metcalf House – http://www.metcalfhous= e.com/

*Newell’s = Allee Mansion

Step back into time with a visit to the Queen Ann Victorian 189= 1 Allee Mansion painted 12 = shades of a true Victorian color scheme. Stand in the round turret, climb the open stair case and gaze through the stained glass windows. Learn about a true Victorian life style. Group tours, luncheons and teas served. www.newellhistorical.org

*Santa’s = Castle

Merry Christmas all year round! One of the largest operating collections of antique Christmas displays in the Midwest exhibited in the historic Carnegie Library building in Storm Lake. East 5th and Erie St. in Storm Lake. 712.732.924= 7. www.santascastleonline.com

Sioux Rapids Area Historical Association

Step into the oldest home in the area where the county’s first settler, Abner Bell, staked his claim. Walk through a fur= nished turn-of–the–century household and review military history with uniforms and gear. Visit the Sioux Theater Building and recall going to the movie on Saturday night! 3rd and Main in Sioux Rapids.= 712.283.2344 or 712.283.2165= www.siouxrapids.com

Threshermen and Collectors Show=

Bring the family = and don’t forget Grandpa! Albert City event, held 2<= sup>nd weekend in August, includes demonstrations of antique farm implements, and a blacksmith shop, barn, general store, and one-room school 5015 210Ave. Hwy = M54. 712.843.2076

http:/= /www.albertcitythreshermen.com/.

*Noted on Nat= ional Register of Historic Places

Other impo= rtant links offering valuable information and updates:

Buena Vista County Court House - www.co.buena-vista.ia.us

Storm Lake United - www.stormlakechamber.com

Western Iowa Tourism - www.visitwesterniowa.com