This is such a cute little museum, honestly I didn't read about the stuff, I should have, but I…read morewas there to ride the slide. It's amazing the fun amusement park stuff that they've kept over the years. The slide was so fun. I could have done that all day. I was a giggling mess by the time I made it down. Climbing the stairs was killer, but worth it. the had free admission during winter games. I'm so glad I stopped in to check it out.

My Son specifically asked to come here during our Summer 2013 visit to Arnold's Park. The Museum is…read morepretty cool as various Iowa Bands are featured, and there are neat mock ups of former recording studios and the old Fox Lake Ballroom in Sherburn. I also have a friend whose Husband a member of Sticks and Stones, who were inducted in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Then there are the fond memories of Head East and the Rumbles... Admission is $1 each and well worth the time to wander though this fun and educational slice of Iowa music history. The Kids Are Alright!

The Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum is located next to the Amusement Park and also contains an…read moreIowa Welcome Center and a Gift Shop. The Iowa Rock n' Roll museum and the Queen II Excursion Boat are also a short walk away for those who want to experience a historical Lakes "trifecta". And when I stopped by a few weeks ago, there was also a Victory motorcycle rally and exhibition in progress, which made this area the central place for a lot of interesting things see and do. The Museum itself contains historic memorabilia of the Iowa Great Lakes, which includes Spirit Lake, Big Spirit Lake, and both Okoboji Lakes. It has on display restored wooden boats, historical photographs, and other artifacts. Multimedia presentations have been developed to illustrate the nautical and ecological history of this area of Iowa. Premier exhibits include the Old Okoboji store, a resurrected wooden boat and hundreds of riveting photos of past lakes area vacationers. I'm now old enough to have seen some of these historical exhibits outside of the museum! And when I look at old Fun House pictures of the Sugar Bowl, I wonder how I escaped injury! The other interesting learning experience are the stories of all the water craft that sank on West Okoboji (e.g. #30 Boat), and those of which that are still down there. And every summer that I return, I learn something new.

First time came here on Sunday!! we looked around to find some info and the area events, then we…read morelook around the museum!! I recommend this place and friendly staff!!

These guys sell their "antiques" on ebay, but if you really want to see the breadth of all the neat…read morestuff that these guys have collected, take the short trip out of town and visit this place yourself. I have even found stuff from my Father's old gas station in Estherville. The older couple that owns the property are humble and friendly folks who are more than happy to show you around, give you a history of some of the pieces, and help you figure out how to ship it back home.

Will someone please contact me from this place. I have a Indian arrow quiver that was stolen from…read morethere. Its beauty is just like all the other artifacts in the museum. The art work is dead on as the other art work on all the other artafacts in the museum. A pair of moccasin slippers I never seen becouse my great grandmother wore them until there was nothing left. Shame on her. But the Quiver was passed down to me. I now have it and wanted 2 know if i can get in trouble for having it?? I am thinking about returning it 2 its place but i do not want 2 get in any trouble for it. I know none of the authentic artifacts are for sale . My Great Grandad broke into the museum like 60 years ago and took these two items. Thats how the story goes anyways. If someone contacts me i will include photos of the quiver. Call 319-241-4398

A must see if you enjoy learning the history of the area you are visiting. Nice little info…read morecenter/museum along side the cabin, the cabin itself and family cemetery. Read the story of Abby Gardner's tragic past of her family massacred by Indians and she held hostage. She returned to the area later and founded the museum.

The Gardner Cabin was first known as one of the sites of the 1857 "Spirit Lake Massacre" and later…read morebecame one of Iowa's first tourist attractions. The Cabin is located just outside of the Amusement Park and is an interesting reminder of one of Iowa's tragic Frontier events. Here you can learn the dramatic stories of Abbie Gardner and the Dakota leader, Inkpaduta. The State Historical Society of Iowa owns and preserves the Gardner Cabin and Museum, which has been restored to its 1856 appearance. The park's visitor center features artifacts relating to the period, the European-American settlers and the Sioux. Legends and ghost stories related to the events are recounted still. Psychics have told of contacting the "friendly" spirit of Abigail Gardner. Other people claim that after a visit to the Gardner Cabin, furniture and other belongings were rearranged at their homes. Beside the possibility of receiving some new home decorating tips, I like visiting here as I love history, it reminds me where I'm from, and I enjoy a short break from all the resort activity.

The Dickinson County Museum in Spirit Lake is located at an old train depot. And if you look in…read moreone direction, you can see where the tracks once ran. When I was growing up in NW Iowa, I remember the old Rock Island, which in Estherville included a roundhouse, offices, and tracks running in all major directions. These days, much of that track is either gone or abandoned (including the old main east - west line between Estherville and Spirit Lake. On the other hand, Iowa has done an admirable job turning some of these old rails to trails and preserving some of the heritage in museums such as this. As with the Emmet County Museum in Estherville (which also features a number of other historical buildings), there is a high "stuff" factor that eventually overwhelms you. However, you eventually find a few little references to what you liked about life here that you can hold dear. A more interesting approach is to engage the volunteer docent in conversation. You might get more than you asked for, but in my own case the guy ended up being someone who had done business with my Dad and knew about our family.

A great representation of Dickinson County history --- one piece of several efforts to share and to…read morepreserve local history. Good tour for middle school and up....... Information from towns, current and past. Everyone will find something they like.... whether as a large piece of history -train car or covered wagon, or a document, letter or photo. Take the time to tour, to volunteer or to donate. Great place.

The last of 2 reviews for the Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) was 10 years ago? This place is a…read morereal treasure, and this place has always been on my "must go" list when I'm visiting the Iowa Great Lakes. It's located right next to the Okoboji Summer Theatre, with its impressive building sitting on a nice piece of land with a pretty northern view. Gayle and I are members, even though we live way out here in Genoa Nevada. Gayle and I fell in love with the Iowa Art shown here years ago, and as we've contacted some of the artists (particularly Hank Hall and Daniel Ruf), we've grown to deeply appreciate the imagination, professional skill, and great friendships coming from their work. PLAC is a well-regarded anchor for these regional artistic endeavors, via their gift shop, annual auction, and specific exhibits. On the main floor, PLAC has a nice gift shop and a couple nice galleries. The front one changes themes fairly frequently, while the one in the back has featured Russian impressionism for at least the last few years. There's another gallery downstairs and a hallway that features the work of local artists. If I lived in the area more regularly, PLAC offers classes, children's programs, and a fairly impressive live entertainment calendar.

My sister is an artist, so I knew we had to head out and check this one. Very lovely permanent…read morecollection...as well as lovely local artist collections. It was a beautiful building, had friendly staff, and was free when we went!! (Thursdays!) Great way to add a bit of culture to a stay at the lake.

The Spirit Lake Post Office is a nice little branch that is located on the lower end of the…read moredowntown Arts District and just a block from the library. I have been in and out of this Post Office over the years and except for some internal improvements, this place is pretty much the same as it ever was. My most recent experience was to purchase some postage and send out an envelope. It was a basic task that was done quickly and with friendly down home professionalism.