situated within the rolling, fertile prairie of Northwest Iowa are rural communities that thrive on home-style goodness. These small Buena Vista County cities offer: hospitality, friendliness, scenery and tourism. Where else in Iowa can you visit Santa’s Castle, featuring a remarkable collection of Christmas memorabilia, or Keith’s Arab Heritage Museum with authentic artifacts from the Middle-East? Take a day, weekend, or a lifetime and spend it with some of the friendliest people on earth — the agricultural communities of Buena Vista County!

Albert City

Albert City is a Swedish community that was established in 1899. A Swedish Dala Horse welcomes you to this city of 709. The community includes three churches, a large grain terminal, progressive school, new library, several parks, a swimming pool, a museum on the National Register of Historic Places, an active main street, fire department, EMT crew and an annual Albert City Threshermen’s Show. Valkomen (Welcome) to Albert City.

Alta

Alta was incorporated in 1878, and is located on Highway 7. A major portion of the community’s income results from farming activities. The Alta Community School System has one elementary school and one junior-senior high school. Alta’s public library was founded in 1911 and has been tax supported since 1919. Alta has multiple recreational, sporting and entertainment facilities. The home of the Buena Vista County Fair, its raceway provides weekly auto races during the summer months. Two golf courses are available. This region of Iowa is home to one of the largest wind farms in the world, with 259 turbines over 200 feet tall on "Buffalo Ridge."

Newell

Newell is a small town that reflects a family-focused quality of life. Recreation facilities are the heart of the community. There is golfing, swimming, a city park full of playground equipment, and a large shelter house available for family gatherings and celebrations. A beautiful arboretum features a variety of native Iowa trees and grasses, with a walkway and a gazebo. Newell is also home to the historic Allee Mansion and Keith’s Arab Heritage House, both offering a wealth of historic information to small groups or bus tours. Newell has excellent school facilities, five churches and several civic groups which knit rural and town activities together. The first weekend in August the town celebrates Newell Pride Days.

Hanover

The village of Hanover was a rural German community that has recently restored a 1930’s General Store, machine shed and mill house. Tours are offered through this community. Take in the late August celebration with home-cooked foods and local Polka bands for entertainment.

Linn Grove

A quiet rural community located on the Little Sioux River, Linn Grove boasts to be one of the best fishing spots in the area. The Linn Grove Dam makes a perfect spot for fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. The Buena Vista County Conservation Park offers shelter houses, trails, picnic areas and an abundance of wildlife and scenery. Great for a family outing, day camp or a winter sledding party.

Marathon

Marathon has a Railroad Museum and Historical Site for visitors to enjoy. The community is well known for its certified and sanctioned Marathon to Marathon, attended by runners from all over the world during the month of June. The town offers a Community Center, tennis courts, ball field and the beautiful Marathon-Poland Park.

Rembrandt

Rembrandt was founded in 1901 and boasts that it is "The only Rembrandt in the USA." Living in a comfortable, rural setting, residents here focus on family, friends and neighbors. The community offers two active churches, softball and baseball diamonds teeming with activity, and a park with playground, shelter and grills. A town highlight is the Fourth of July celebration featuring a homemade pie auction and a spectacular fireworks display.

Sioux Rapids

Hidden in the Iowa hills, this community enjoys a wealth of outdoor opportunities. The Gabrielson County Park offers Gustafson Lake for fishing, sandy swimming beaches and picnic areas. There is a playground for the children and family activities. The first settler in Buena Vista County located in this area, and the community displays the original cabin.

Abner Bell was the first to call Sioux Rapids his home. This landmark, along with an 1875 country schoolhouse and the old Sioux Rapids Theatre Museum, make up a complex of historic buildings for the community. The town also includes the beautiful Hansen House Bed and Breakfast available for overnight visitors.

Storm Lake

Positioned on the shores of Storm Lake is a city rich in culture, diversity and the good life. Historic landmarks, museums and great shopping are just a few of this county seat’s unique attributes. Scenic Storm Lake is 3,200 acres of year-round recreation. Many public parks surround the lake, as well as a modern campground and the ever-popular bike/hike trail. State-of-the-art Buena Vista Regional Medical Center provides healthcare for Buena Vista County. In addition to a quality public school system, Storm Lake is fortunate to have two parochial schools, Iowa Central Community College and the beautiful campus of Buena Vista University. There are many events the community celebrates every year, from The Great Iowa Balloon Race, on Labor Day weekend, to the Star Spangled Spectacular 4th of July Celebration.

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