This review is for the museum and the historical part of the place. The Surf Ballroom is best remembered as the final place that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper performed just hours before the tragic fatal plane crash. The place is not just a museum and landmark but it is mostly an events place as well as still being a music venue! The museum is self-guided and free, though donations are encouraged. They also have a souvenir shop so be prepared to spend some $$. But plan on at least an hour just looking around if you're a rock and roll history geek like me. Several photos on the wall and memorabilia. You'll be very surprised on who has played here - from the 1940s big bands to modern-day rock and pop/country acts. Be sure to step onto behind the stage as well as the green room. I could go on, but be sure to check this out for yourself sometime. Yes, the location is in central-northern Iowa, one of the least visited spots in the USA. It's between the Twin Cities and Des Moines, but driving all the way to Clear Lake to check this out is, in my mind, worth it. Check it out! read more

Surf Ballroom & Museum - selfie time - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

Wow...so much history here! I had no idea what I was walking into here...its definitely a must do for anyone with a love for music. read more

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The Surf Ballroom Experience was fantastic! Our tour guide, John, was very knowledgeable and really too the time to explain all parts of the exhibits. Highly recommended stopping in and taking the tour. read more

Surf Ballroom & Museum - Surf Ballroom stage and dance floor - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

Dad and I visited the Surf Ballroom & Museum as part of recent Father-Son road trip. When we arrived, ZZ Top was on the Marquee as future act, but for this midweek morning, we had to settle for a walkthrough tour of the ballroom and museum. Our experience was well worth the trip. To many, the Surf Ballroom is an American cultural icon as well as an important historical landmark. The original Surf Ballroom was located across the street from its current location on the shores of Clear Lake. After the fire of April 1947, the current Surf Ballroom reopened on July 1, 1948 at a construction cost of ~$350,000. The Surf got its name (and motif) from the desire of the original owners to create a ballroom that resembled an ocean beach club. Back then, ballrooms were host to the primary form of entertainment -- dancing. The Surf Ballroom was one of the first ballrooms in the state to feature rock 'n roll, and the big name rock acts featured here made it a "must-play" venue on the performance circuit. This was the case on February 2, 1959, when the Winter Dance Party was held featuring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, Dion & The Belmonts and Frankie Sardo. It was this fateful show that made the most lasting mark on the Surf Ballroom. The Day the Music Died. Both Dad and I commented how good the "bones" were on this old girl, including the stage (and green room), the dance floor, the big booths, the bars, and the picture (and instrument) displays of artists who have played here. Dad reminisced on similar (and long gone) venues that he and Mom had enjoyed as they danced the night away. In my own day, that place was the Roof Garden in Arnold's Park, which has now been replaced with a similar, but less historical venue. Call me grateful that places like this are still around. read more

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Every thing is amazing, the history, the nostalgia, the old school design that was left alone. read more

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What an amazing experience! This was a dream trip for me, I'm a big rock 'n' roll fan. Seeing "La Bamba" when I was a kid, I knew I would have to make the trip out to the Surf Ballroom. I was amazed how well preserved it was, they really tried to keep the same vibes from all those years ago. You can freely walk around, although they ask you not to sign your name in the green room as it is reserved for artists only. Is very somber to know this was the last place where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper last played before their fateful plane crash. This is American history, definitely worth a trip! read more

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Amazing tour of the Surf Ballroom and Experience center! Such cool history. Definitely recommend. read more

Surf Ballroom & Museum - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

Cool history...lots of pictures, signed instruments, and the whole place is largely unchanged from 50 years ago. Donations accepted and they provide a pamphlet with lots of good information. You are free to wander about anywhere in the building, and it's been well kept up. Interesting to see the difference in our country when you see what was a standard seating booth vs. what it is now. I am 6' and about 170 pounds, and I fit in the booth, but 6 of me in there would be snug! Combine this with the short drive to "Where the Music Died" for a complete experience. read more

Very well preserved. You feel like you have stepped back in time the moment that you enter. The music and lighting gave me chills bumps. They have nice little museum and they leave a map to the crash site. read more

Any true fan of rock and roll needs to visit the Surf Ballroom!! Many know the story of the day the music died, but there is sooooo much history here. So many artists have played here since it opened. Just standing in the middle of the dance floor and imagining what it was like to be in attendance the night of February 2, 1959 gave me chills. There are tons of artist photos from years gone by, plus displays of guitars. The original seats and booths are still there, as is the green room, which is filled with signatures all over the walls. The tour is self-guided and you're able to take your time to absorb it all. There's also a nice gift shop. It's really like stepping back in time! I highly recommend this attraction. The staff couldn't have been nicer. Thank you! read more

Came here for a concert. The facility is quite dated but full of history! I love that you can view all the memorabilia while you're waiting for the show to start. Seating is a little cramped. I'm glad we had floor seats close to the stage and not the booths. Some booths were blocked by pillars. read more

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Toured the (new) Surf Museum and the Ballroom. Totally worth the trip. I want to get tickets to the Winter Dance and bring my hubby (who grew up in this music era). Jada, the resident archivist at the ballroom, gave us a tour of the whole place. She was VERY knowledgeable and made our visited all the more special. read more

Charming, historical and a great venture! The only word of warning -- I had a purse that was 1/2 inch too big and my hubby was forced to run it back to the car -- meanwhile two individuals who knew the female guard were allowed in with non-clear purses larger than mine. Frustrating to say the least, but wouldn't ever stop us from the 3 hour drive to attend concerts there. read more

We were beyond excited to come here. Last time we passed through it wasn't open. We kept checking for when there'd be a concert we'd enjoy and when we found one we went. This was quite some time ago so I can't tell you details but it was fun, the space and sound was good, employees friendly, nice gift shop, but most importantly, the historic significance is really interesting... harkening back to the days of yore. read more

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Great music entertainment and museum. It is a walk through history. We have seen many great shows here

Perfect venue for concerts, larger receptions and the place just oozes musical history of all sorts. Great concerts top to bottom....Summer concert series can't be beat, and the big-name concerts are generally knock your sox off good. One jarhead, I'm the boss, in your face, security guy is the only reason that the Surf doesn't get a 5 star (or 6 if it were possible) rating. read more

An historic joint that hasn't been altered or updated. You can actually feel the musical history that's passed through while your there. The booths are original. The wood dance floors, the box office, the bars themselves are all as they were back in the day before my time but I can feel and appreciate it's history. One of my top favorite spots to see music. read more

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Visited the Surf Ballroom on Friday June 3rd, as we were attending a Herman's Hermits concert that eve. The weather could not have been better, and we spent the afternoon walking the shops in downtown Clear Lake. Walked along the lakeshore (we've been there many times) and walked to the venue to see if we would be allowed in. Now, keep in mind, on a concert day, particularly in the afternoon, you would likely not be allowed in to the museum / ballroom area, as they would be preparing for the concert. And on this day, this was the case. But ... we had just recently been to the Surf Ballroom on an "off day," and we nearly had the place to ourselves. There is a $5.00 donation requested for admission. So, what are you going to see at the Surf? Well, I'm including a pic the I took during the concert, and man, did we have fun. The audience knew all the songs, and Peter Noone was SO gracious. Thanked and thanked everyone for coming out after all these years. And yes, we stood the entire concert. Hell, we're 68 years old, and we had a great time! If you're unable to stand for the duration of a concert, check their website at surfballroom.com. There you will find all the information you'll need about table with seating rental, etc. for various events, and yes ... seating MAY vary from event to event. But, let's get back to the museum visit we did earlier (the place was deserted.) The coolest thing I saw was the backstage dressing room, where artists have added their signatures to the walls and ceiling over the years. Another neat thing was a pay phone used by Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly on that fateful night so many years ago. (Pics.) 5 stars for the Surf Ballroom and Museum. We've visited and attended concerts before, and we'll return. Listen folks, this place is a true part of rock and roll history. read more

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My husband and I both loved the stop in Clear Lake. Surf Ballroom made me really feel as I messed out on a great era of music and dancing! Loved the bathroom I could picture coming out from using the restroom to the full length mirror to adjust my dress apply my lipstick and head out again to swing around the dance floor. Loved the history! Hope to return for a live event someday! read more

Surf Ballroom & Museum - This was heartbreaking, to know some used this phone to talk to loved ones for the last time. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

This place has been on my bucket list since I was a teenager. Finally made it! The place opens at 10 but I showed up at 8 to take a few pictures of the outside before people started showing up. The gal inside unlocked the door for me at 8:30 which I thought was VERY nice! Got a lot of pictures of this historic old venue. It's truly amazing. They still have the rotary phone in a wooden booth that Buddy Holly used to call his wife just before that fateful crash. I would love to go to one of their concerts but I'll probably be long dead before that happens. I am so thankful that I got to finally see the place though. What a trip through the time machine! read more

This is the best museum I have been to in a long time. I liked learning the history of not only the people who have performed there. But the list of people who had performed there. The staff was super friendly. I had a great time. read more

The surf ballroom in clear lake Iowa is a magical place to say the least, as soon as you walk in and walk through the place you can feel how powerful this place is. Easily one of my favorite places on earth. Thanks for everything Surf ballroom and thanks to the people keeping it up and running after all these years read more

Sadly they changed the hours without updating anything online. Sunday hours are 1-4 in summer but came by to find temporarily closed all Sundays. Call before coming out of your way. read more

Surf Ballroom & Museum - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

What an experience. My father lives in Des Moines and as we were catching up, he was telling me what he'd experienced and in passing talked about how moving the Surf Ballroom was. "What's so big about a ballroom?" I asked my father. He told me that was where Buddy Holley, Big Bopper and Ritche Valens last performed prior to their ill-fated and fatal plane crash just an hour after the show. I love music history and since I was driving from West Des Moines up to Minneapolis, I noticed that Clear Lake, the city where this occurred was right in my path, so I visited. As you exit highway 35, the first thing you'll notice is a sign that points left "1 mile" to Clear Lake (to the Surf Ball room) and the next thing you notice is the sign pointing right 1 mile to the Airport. It immediately made you envision how fast of a drive it was for Buddy, Big Bop and Ritchie to be taken to the airport. The Surf Ballroom looks very well preserved. As you walk in, you feel as if you are back in the 1950s as the interior is dim and very classic 1950s looking. The first thing you see as you enter is the poster: "2/2 Clear Lake Winter's Ball Concert feature Buddy Holley...." Then surrounding that sign are the only known pictures taken at that final concert by a young woman at the time who didn't see the "no camera's allowed" sign and took 7 pictures. Aside from the ball room are intriguing artifacts that preserve the memory of these artists and of that historical concert. What always amazes me was that by 1959, Buddy Holley was internationally famous and yet here he was, touring a bunch of small cities in intimate venues to fans. He wasn't playing at stadiums gauging fans who really couldn't afford to go to the shows in the first place, but rather, he was playing in the middle of nowhere charging a $1.25 cover charge plus an extra $1 advance fee. When I think of Don McLean's song "American Pie", this what I think he meant when he said it was "the day the music died." He was referring to the innocence of music. Today, if you see an important band, you will pay as much as $50 for a t-shirt that cost $1 to make in a sweat shop in Bangladesh. The ticket itself, could easily cost over $100 and just to see a bunch of ants playing in a stadium venue that holds cities 10 times the size of Clear Lake, Iowa. When you factor in the cost of food and drinks, going to a concert today could easily cost a teenager upwards of $500 if they aren't careful. Somehow, as time's evolved, music has been secondary and making the buck has taken precedent at the expense of the fans. This will be an experience I'll keep close to my heart. Other artifacts here include a handwritten note by Ritchie Valen's grandmother of the "La Bamba" song lyrics, a letter from Buddy Holley about recording in Nashville, and the pay phone used by Buddy Holley to speak to his wife (though his wife went on record indicating he never phone her that night) and Ritchie Valens spoke to his manager in Los Angeles. I will never forget how the Surf Ballroom smelled like: it smelled like the 1950s. What a timeless place. Finally, if you have time, visit the actual site where the plane crashed. It's at the intersection of Gull Avenue and 315th St in the middle of farmlands. You'll see a huge black spectacles marker and a path that leads to a shrine 1/4 mile up that honors these three stars and the pilot who died instantly at the scene. read more

Best venue outside of Red Rocks in Morrison Colorado. Saw Buddy Guy and one more place checked off my bucket list.

Beautiful place! Historic, fun and full of nostalgia! I love to bike in this town and Clear Lake.

We recently attended the Candlebox concert there, so this is a review of the Ballroom, not the Museum. The Ballroom itself is absolutely gorgeous. The décor is kept as true to the 1940's-1950's as possible and it's definitely a site to see. Some things of note: You can reserve booths. We did not know this until we actually arrived at the concert. For an extra $15-20, the cost is well worth it (unless you want to stand). You can reserve these in advance, or at the show if there are booths left (we did this with no problems). This guarantees you a place to sit. That said, the booths were built in the 1940's when people were as big as a whisper. They are a TIGHT fit for someone of average size. For someone bigger, they are super tight (but manageable). You will be scanned/wanded upon entrance. Your belongings are placed in a plastic box (sort of like going through the airport) and you are scanned front and back with a wand. Easy peasy, just don't bring anything you shouldn't and you'll be fine. Purses and bags are searched. Anyone under 40 needs an ID to buy beer. read more

I mean if in town you have to go! This will really take you back in time. So many stars have sang here. Go see the Pictures Update your Instagram and enjoy this darling town! read more

Amazing that a place with so much rock and roll history is still going after so many years and present in such a small town! This place is seriously rad! We came over for a small festival and immediately wanted to come back for bigger show. The digs inside are a bit of a blast from the past, but fit really well with the place. Upon entering, you'll find the original wallpaper decor -some lovely pineapples - fully restored. To the right is a hallway of signed pictures of many of the celebrities that have graced the hall. It's an incredible walk down the boulevard of history! The showroom has the original floor and is in a sort of U shape around the stage. The booths are original and pretty legit. There are areas under the tables to "hold your purse" that have long been a place to stash liquor so if you're so inclined, that's available... If you've got the opportunity, ask if you can see the sign room to the left of the stage. Everyone who plays here gets to sign the wall and it's pretty sweet. From Buddy Holly to ZZ top, if you've heard of them, they've probably played here. Behind the ballroom (opposite the stage) is another room with memorabilia up the yang and again, it's very impressive. Great place for a show or event if it's held here and absolutely worth seeing if you're around. For an even better journey down memory lane, check out here and "Where the music died" just north of town. read more

Famous for being the site of the February 2 1959 last concert of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens before their ill-fated flight and crash in a field just outside of town.You can take a self-guided tour or they have a guided tour. Call ahead for hours of operation. The Ballroom still has concerts and has been restored When in town ask for directions to the crash site AKA, "Where The Music Died". read more

Surf Ballroom & Museum - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Clear Lake, Iowa

They won't allow you to have a camera at all despite what their website says. I have no idea why though

Ticket ordering had a malfunction on the website. Had to call. Security is extremely restrictive and invasive for such a venue. They had an issue with a key ring tool that would have been allowed through any other security checkpoint, including at airports. Was harassed leaving an event with an unopened bottle of water. Very offended in the totalitarian way the Surf treats its patrons. Will not recommend under current managemen. read more

So Bye Bye Miss American Pie .... Yes, the Surf Ballroom was the last place they played before the music died. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper (JP Richardson) may have died in a plane crash on February 2, 1952, but their spirits live on at The Surf. If you are anywhere within 100 miles of this place, it is worth a visit. They have preserved the history, the spirit and the flavor of the era for folks like me who remember Buddy Holly, etc. and for new generations. We had full access to explore the ballroom, including going in the green room and up on stage. There are so many mementos of not only that infamous night, but also of other great performers who graced the stage over the years. It was quite impressive as well as educational. The Surf Ballroom is still a performance venue, but during the day it is open to the public (free admission) to explore and enjoy. I highly recommend a visit. read more

My first visit to the Surf with the parentals to see one half of the Jan and Dean duo (RIP Jan). On a whim, we decided to hit the Surf post dinner. At $20 per person ($15 in advance - but we were being wild and spontaneous, so the increased price) we were treated to and hour and a half of classic music, a great show (the band AND the folks dancing) and an evening of entertainment in Clear Lake, IA. While the acoustics are not state of the art, the venue is pretty amazing. They've done a great job of maintaining enough of the history where you are transported back in time. There are very few of these classic ballrooms in existence and you can imagine what it would have been like back in the day. If only I had cruised up in the 40 Ford (and not the Subaru), was wearing a poodle skirt (and not my yoga pants and tank top) and was sippin' on a pop instead of a beer....oh wait, strike that last bit. If in town, go to there. It's completely OK to wander in with mouth agape with camera poised and clicking away to capture the nostalgia. The only odd bits of the evening...purchasing drink tickets to trade in for beverages (water, soda, beer, mixed cocktails) and the popcorn. Was popcorn a thing back in the day?! PS - I appreciated that this show was family friendly...so entire families could hang out together. The show was done by 10:30, so we were all in our PJs at a respectable hour:) read more

This review is purely on the museum aspect of the Surf Ballroom. When I arrived on a Wednesday morning, I thought I would snap a few pictures of the building exterior and be on my way. I had no idea that when I pulled on the front door that it would open! So inside I went and then I was transported in time back to the days when Buddy Holly, and his 1950's crew were touring the midwest. The interior has nearly been preserved to its original decor right down to the original booths in a U-shape around the perimeter of the dance floor and the stage in three tiers to allow for optimum seating and dancing. You can look all around the dance floor, the booths, the stage, the original stage and even the dressing room. The green room is worth your gander because the walls are signed by the musicians who have performed there. A sign gently reminds visitors that the walls are a historic area and to please not autograph them yourself. The sign over the refreshment areas shows pop is $3. I'm used to the word soda, so I got a kick out of seeing that signage. In the bar area, the walls are decorated with guitars of the famous musicians who have played there, including BB King and ZZTop. They have a violin from Charlie Daniels as well. The walls are covered in the history of who has performed there over the past sixty decades and I wasn't even aware that they still host musicians and bands there. Although the museum aspect is free, there is a box for donations for the preservation and it is totally worth dropping in a $5 bill. There is a small gift shop area and getting a tee shirt seemed like the thing to do. After you get your fill here, you're probably thinking you should figure out where the actual crash site is and see the memorial to Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens. And you may not know where the memorial is. No problem, the sweet lady in the office that greeted me gave me a half sheet of pre-printed paper with the directions! It's about 5 miles away, but also worth your stop! I was amazed at how good the interior looked and that they still hold concert performances there! If I lived in the area, I'd totally want to see a concert even with the modern day musical acts just to say that I'd seen a concert there. But if you happen to be traveling in the area, this is worth a stop to see how they have preserved history!!! read more

What a great surprise. As a 56 year old music fan, I stumbled upon this when I crossed "Buddy Holly Place" on Highway 18. Such a great piece of Americana! Worth going there to "see" the last place that Buddy Holly played, but beyond that, just a neat look back to the 40s & 50s and a time gone by. Great to see that other performers treat the place with reverence and have gone there to play as well. Worth the detour off I-35 for a 30-45 mins tour and visit. Thanks to Kathy for being a great hostess; very informative. Worth the detour off I-35 for a 30-45 mins tour and visit. read more

This review is simply on the museum aspect of the Surf Ballroom. This place is just so neat and a special little place for the history of music. I was so impressed that a business that was previously burned down to still have awesome artifacts in such great conditions. The inside is certain a flashback and definitely makes you feel like you have stepped through a time machine in the greatest way possible. Unfortunately I had arrived a few minutes before the building closed so I wasn't able to really enjoy the surroundings, but I definitely intend on making a second trip out to give myself a little more time to see all the eclectic items inside. And possibly even come back to see a show or two. read more

I made a special trip to see this classic piece of history. I was taken back in time and it was absolutely wonderful. I took so many pictures to share with my family. This piece of precious history speaks volumes. You have got to make the trip to see this place. If only these walls could talk. Oh my what a story they would have to tell. A definite must see. read more

Very nostalgic.this is a must see. For those familiar with the history of rock and roll this facility Will bring back many memories. Photos articles and memorability surround the building. If you have a chance to be there for a performance you will find that the sound if excellent. read more

I really enjoy watching concerts here, especially when they get some of the legendary singers and bands from the 50's and 60's which they do quite often. At one time I came down here three years in a row for 50's in Febuary. This is an event they hold here every year in honor of Buddy Holly, who along with Ritchie Valens and JP Richardson (Big Bopper) performed here just before they died in a plane crash at a nearby cornfield back in 1959. Well in my opinion there would be no Rock n Roll if not for Buddy Holly, he's one of the best musicians in history.I only stopped going because you now have to buy tickets for the entire weekend, and while Clear Lake is a nice place to be in the Summer, it is the coldest, windiest place in the middle of Winter, so I really can't see myself wanting to stay in this area for prolonged periods of time. I've beared the cold to see the wreck site which is about 5 miles from the ballroom, there is a plaque marking the spot. You have to walk a long ways in from the road so dress up or you might die there too. Some 50 years ago and it is still considered one of Rock n Roll's biggest events, even called the day the music died. It's a cool place, all the history, the tons of photos and personalized autographs from famous people hanging on the walls. There also just aint many places you can dance while at a concert anymore, and there absolutely aren't many places from this era left. This is definetely the most famous old ballroom near the Twin Cities, it's not even as far as Duluth. My only concern is that while I'm into it, at the shows I've wen't to here I don't think more than 25% of the people were of my age. I hope they got a plan for after all the old people that they currently focus on entertaining die. While I like chatting with seniors most of the time, you really gotta think of ways of marketing this great old tyme music to younger people. No I don't mean making a silly rap version of the songs like some people attempt to do. There are many amonst us who like Rock n Roll and just don't wan't it to feel like a nursing home karoeke contest. Another thing is that while the concessions at the ballroom are dirt cheap, I'd be happy to pay extra for more variety and quality. After all it's a night out that I'm sure only happens once or twice a year for most people. As it is now I think your best off eating at the Half Moon Restaraunt next door to the Surf before seeing a show, the steak there is really good. read more