Storm Lake is a smaller city within Buena Vista County, Iowa. Several legends surround the origin of the name, including a trapper experiencing a severe storm and a star-crossed couple from opposing tribes who became caught in a storm on the nearby lake. Today, it is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Iowa, with 80% of school-aged children identifying as non-white. The city had a population of 11,269 as of the 2022 census. It is 1,421 feet above sea level and covers 5.38 square miles of land.
One of the more unique places you'll want to visit here is the Living Heritage Tree Museum, an open-air museum dedicated to heritage trees, with descendent trees connected to legendary figures like Joan of Arc and Johnny Appleseed. There is also a historical museum, two art galleries, and two performing arts auditoriums. Sunrise Pointe is a city-run nine-hole golf course, and Storm Lake also has a concert bandshell in Sunset Park.
Dining in town tends to favor quick-bite establishments and American foods, but you can also find other options. La Juanita is a top-rated restaurant that serves Mexican/Latin foods, and Lakeshore Pho is popular with those wanting to enjoy Asian/Chinese dishes. Pizza is big among residents, and Pizza Ranch gets good customer reviews.
Storm Lake hosts the annual Wood, Wine, & Blues Festival during August in Sunset Park. It includes a three-day chainsaw carving event, live bands, food, and drinks that you and your family can attend for free.
During June, head down to Omaha, NE to attend the annual NCAA Men's College World Series. This 10-day event has been hosted here since 1951 and includes street vendors, live music, food, fan festivals, and the best in college baseball.
Travel from Storm Lake to Des Moines in August to attend the Iowa State Fair. Kids can enjoy vet camp, hands-on animal exhibits, and thrill rides, while adults can enjoy live music, food, and RVing at the event.
Black Hawk State Park is a popular destination 35 miles south of the city. Black Hawk Lake is the most southern glacial lake in the U.S. You can boat and fish in the lake or explore 30 miles of trails. Two nearby campgrounds offer various RV amenities.
You can travel 55 miles north of town to Gull Point State Park, providing shore access to Iowa's Lake Okoboji. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming. Three campgrounds in or near the lake offer most RV campsite necessities.
Driving 80 miles to the south gets you to Prairie Rose State Park. Its main feature is a 218-acre lake popular with anglers and swimmers. Several small multi-purpose trails around the park let you explore out of the water. Three campgrounds sit in or near the park, and Harlan is nearby.
A headquarters and visitor center for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is accessible in Omaha, NE, about 125 miles south of the city. The trail crosses 14 states with sections you can bike, boat, or hike through.
Pipestone National Monument sits 145 miles northwest of Storm Lake in Pipestone, MN. This traditional site was used by Native Americans to gather and carve soft red stone for pipe making. You'll find plenty of hiking and sightseeing locations, with shopping and food close to the monument.
The Missouri National Recreational River is about 125 miles west, in Yankton, SD. These sections offer a glimpse of what the Missouri River looked like in its unmodified state. You can fish, hunt, and paddle in the area. Nearby Yankton offers food and shopping.
Sunrise Campground is a popular location in Storm Lake, offering pull-through sites, 30/50-amp electrical hookups, Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly areas. Another pet-friendly facility is nearby Riverside Campground, with full-hookup pull-through sites, Wi-Fi, and showers. One of the best nearby options on RVshare's Fort Dodge RV parks list is John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, offering full hookups and pet-friendly spaces.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Storm Lake, IA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Storm Lake?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Storm Lake from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Storm Lake?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.