Discover Storm Lake
12 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Sunset Park
Small lakeside park on Storm Lake offering wide sunset vistas, calm water reflections, shoreline reeds and a short pier — ideal for sunset, blue hour and mirror reflections. Easy roadside parking and paved paths make gear access simple; wheelchair accessible in parts. Visit late spring–early fall for clear sunsets and migratory birds; weekdays avoid local weekend crowds.
Sunrise Park
Small lakeside park on Storm Lake offering wide water views, low skyline and calm reflections—ideal for sunrise shots, migratory waterfowl and seasonal color. Best at dawn for soft light and mirrored water; evenings can work for silhouettes. Easy roadside parking on E Lakeshore Dr, flat accessible paths, no entry fees. Weekdays and shoulder seasons reduce crowds; watch for wind that disturbs reflections.
Harker House
A well-preserved historic Victorian residence on Storm Lake offering ornate architectural details, gables, wraparound porches and period trim ideal for architectural portraits and detail shots. Best light is golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm façades; autumn and early summer add color. Street parking along Lake Ave N; confirm private property or tour hours before close framing the house. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Chautauqua Park
Small lakeside park offering shoreline views, wetland edges and mature trees — great for reflections, sunsets and seasonal color. Easily accessible with on-site parking and no entry fee; paved paths and short trails suit quick shoots and gear setups. Best at sunrise/sunset for soft light and calm water; spring and fall bring migratory birds and foliage. Weekday mornings are quieter. Portable tripod useful for long exposures and low-light shots.
Awaysis Park
Small lakeside park on Storm Lake offering open water vistas, shoreline compositions, and birdlife—great for sunrises/sunsets and reflections. Easy access from Lakeshore Dr with on-site parking and flat walking paths; wheelchair accessible in main areas. Best in early morning for calm water and migratory birds (spring/fall) or at golden hour for warm light and silhouettes. No entry fee; expect local anglers and occasional families on weekends.
Frank Starr Park
Small lakeside park on Storm Lake Trail offering shoreline views, wetlands and mature trees — great for reflections, birdlife and tranquil sunrise/sunset scenes. Easily accessible with roadside parking and short trails; free public entry. Visit at golden hour for low-angle light and calm water; spring/fall bring migration activity. Expect basic facilities and local anglers; weekdays have fewer visitors.
Scout Park
Small lakeside park on Storm Lake offering shoreline, a lighthouse-themed landmark, wetlands and boardwalks — good for water reflections, birdlife and intimate landscape compositions. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and vivid reflections; migration seasons bring many waterfowl. Easy access with roadside parking and paved paths; no entry fee. Weekdays are quieter. Expect variable Midwestern weather; pack insect repellent in summer.
Santa's Castle
Santa's Castle is a whimsical, family-oriented attraction with festive architecture and themed interiors — great for detail shots of vintage decorations, environmental portraits with Santa, and night photos of holiday lighting. Best visited during the holiday season for lights and events; daytime offers even interior light while evenings showcase illuminated exteriors. Site is small and visitor-friendly; parking is available nearby on-street or in local lots. Weekdays and early mornings are less
Mills Park
Mills Park sits beside Storm Lake and offers classic small-town park scenes: calm water reflections, tree-lined paths, picnic shelters, a boardwalk and seasonal wildlife. Best at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm light and glassy reflections; autumn for color and winter for stark compositions. Easy access with roadside parking and no entry fee; paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
Buena Vista County Historical
Small county historical museum in downtown Storm Lake with a brick facade, period signage and indoor exhibits of local artifacts, photos and restored furnishings. Shoot exterior architectural details and storefront context on Main Street, plus intimate interior still-lifes of objects and archival photos. Best light: golden hour for warm facade shots and late morning for evenly lit interiors. Weekdays are quieter; check opening hours and any admission or photography policies. Street parking and a
Witter Gallery
Small community art gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions of regional and contemporary work. Photograph gallery interiors, individual artworks, installation details and visitor interactions. Best visited on weekday mornings or gallery events for dynamic shots; check hours and ask permission for close-ups or tripod use. Street parking on Cayuga St; accessible entrance. Special for intimate, human-scale art documentation and changing exhibits.
Circle Park
Small, tidy municipal park at 100 Grand Ave offering circular walkways, mature trees and lawn perfect for compositional frames, leading lines and portrait backdrops. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and soft shadows; weekdays and early mornings avoid local foot traffic. Easy street parking on Grand Ave, level paths are accessible; no entry fee. Nearby Storm Lake provides additional waterscape options and seasonal fall color.