Emmetsburg's Charm: 10 Must-Dos in Iowa's Irish Capital

1. Robert Emmet Statue

Standing watch over the Palo Alto County Courthouse Square in the heart of the community, the Robert Emmet statue is far more than a local landmark – it’s a rare piece of international history. It pays homage to Emmet as one of Ireland’s most esteemed heroes and the town’s namesake. The bronze statue is also one of only four in the world cast with the same original mold by the Irish American sculptor Jerome Connor. To see another like it, you’d have to travel to Dublin, Ireland; Washington, D.C.; or San Franscisco, California.

In true Irish fashion, plenty of stories surround the statue, including one about it being stolen – by the people of Emmetsburg. When the statue arrived in town, disagreement over its placement resulted in it being stored in a grocery basement for years until it was sold and moved to Minnesota. It was quietly stolen one night in 1958 and brought back to its home where it was officially placed in the courthouse square.
 

2. Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone is a literal piece of Irish lore in Emmetsburg and is located just steps away from Robert Emmet’s statue. It came from the Blarney Castle in County Cork, Ireland, and was a gift to Emmetsburg citizens from the people of Dublin, Ireland as way to honor the community’s strong Irish heritage and their Sister City relationship. Like the stone at the top of Blarney Castle, legend has it that if you kiss the stone, you’ll get the gift of the gab, or the enchanting ability to speak with eloquence, confidence and charming persuasion.

Local lore adds even more charm – Paddy Horan, an Irish citizen and then flight attendant, transported the stone from Ireland to Emmetsburg in her suitcase in 1966. She ended up falling in love and living happily ever after in Palo Alto County.
 

3. St. Pat’s Irish Gift Store

Located across the street from the statue and stone, this Irish-themed gift store is the perfect place to spoil that special Celtic someone. It’s open year-round and has something to celebrate every occasion, from weddings, birthdays and anniversaries to first communions and general parties. Surprise them with the luck of the Irish in the form of Clauddaughs, crosses, plates, hats, jewelry, stationery and even Guinness. If it’s from Ireland, they probably have it, including the blarney. The store is run by the nonprofit St. Patrick’s Association to raise funds for the annual celebration.
 

4. Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Every March, Emmetsburg residents roll out the green carpet for a week-long St. Patrick’s celebration. The weekend’s activities are especially exciting, bringing everything from Irish food, a festive downtown parade, live entertainment, green beer, green horses, bagpipers and shenanigans for all ages. Emmetsburg even gets a wee more Irish with a visit from an Irish dignitary for the celebration.
 

5. Wild Rose Casino

A stop at Wild Rose Casino might just have you feeling lucky. Put the luck o’ the Irish to the test on its 500 slot machines, table games and sports betting opportunities and enjoy live entertainment. You never know, your pot of gold might be waiting.

6. Lakeside Music Events

Live music and lake views make for an excellent warm-weather pairing, and there are several options along the shores of Five Island Lake.

The Shores at Five Island features a Live After Six concert series on select Thursday nights throughout the summer. The live music can be enjoyed from a boat on the water or on the facility’s green space. Event dates are posted here.

You can also catch the municipal band playing at Soper Park every Thursday from Memorial Day to Independence Day. The band also joins food trucks and vendors on select dates for Music & Market in the park.

The Chamber’s annual BestFest celebration, a single-day event held each August, also mixes live entertainment with a street market, food trucks, KidsFest and Brewfest (homebrew competition and Iowa wine/beer/spirits tastings). The day’s festivities wrap up with an evening street dance.
 

7. Recreation

The centerpiece of Emmetsburg’s outdoor recreation, Five Island Lake is a 5-mile-long stretch of glacial-carved waters that offer excellent year-round adventures. The Shores at Five Island features a beautiful waterside nine-hole golf course. Anglers can cast a line right off the public docks, boat ramps and lakeside parks like Sewell Park and Kearney State Park.

Paddlers and swimmers can take to the water to cool off on a hot afternoon – head to the beach at Soper Park to enjoy your very own taste of lake life or let your littles play in the splash pad. For paddling enthusiasts, keep an eye on the Five Island Lake Association’s Facebook page to catch their Clean Water Festival each June, which offers opportunities for kayaking alongside food, prizes, educational sessions and children's activities.

On land, bikers, runners, walkers and roller bladers alike can set off on the Five Island Trail (known as FIT), a flat paved path that’s perfect for a relaxing outing. It starts near The Shores at Five Island and stretches north for several miles and even features a covered bridge crossing. When winter bites, locals layer up for ice skating, hockey, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
 

8. Cabins & Camping

When night falls, retreat to one of the cozy cabins at Five Island Lake Campground. Perched on the lake’s southeast shore, each cabin is fully furnished and includes a full kitchen, heat and AC, patios with fire pits and gas grills, with one sleeping up to four guests and the other spacious enough for nine guests. During your stay, you’re just steps away from boating, fishing, kayaking and lakeside exploration, making it easy to fit both outdoor adventures and low-key cabin relaxation into your itinerary.

For a more rugged camping experience, pitch a tent at Kearny Park Campground, which is nestled in the trees on the lake’s western shore.

9. Shop ‘til You Drop

Spend an afternoon or evening enjoying the shops that make up Emmetsburg’s downtown district. Discover the latest fashion trends at L. Square Boutique; endless décor, accessories, gift items and random finds at Hughes Pharmacy; a curated collection of baby gifts, home décor, women’s clothing and custom products at Blossoming Creations; a variety of Iowa-made décor, apparel and gifts at Ruth & Rubies Market; and affordable preloved clothing and accessories at Once Again Consignment.
 

10. Sample Local Flavors

When your appetite surges, grab a table at Mama Nellie’s Pizzeria and indulge in the hand-tossed pizzas, homemade meatballs, fresh pastas and made-to-order subs. For classic American fare, look no further than Mulligan’s Bar and Grill, whose menu boasts juicy specialty burgers and delicious sandwiches. Or take your taste buds on a cultural adventure at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant and Sum Hing Chinese.

For something on the lighter side, get a nutritious shake or tea from 311 Nutrition, or snack on some buttery popcorn from the Riviera Theatre (there’s no shame in grabbing some to-go!)