In August 2023, @chelsderks spent a weekend in Storm Lake. “[Storm Lake is] truly such a hidden gem, family-friendly destination with a little something for everyone. Make sure to add it to your list,” she said. Replicate her trip.
Day One
Check into your room at King’s Pointe Resort, home to everything you need for a fun family vacation. Get settled into your spacious suite, then set out to explore the indoor or outdoor waterparks that feature a lazy river, thrilling waterslides and play areas for kids. For more family fun, enjoy a game of mini golf or explore the nearby lakeside trails.
Located nearby, Awaysis Park offers a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. Home to lakeside trails, concessions, modern playgrounds and Storm Lake’s largest beach, Awaysis Park is the ultimate destination for both tourists and beachgoers. Climb the towering lighthouse to soak in astounding lake views, take a watercraft adventure, picnic in the park or stroll the Kolb Memorial Gardens.
Refuel with dinner alongside beautiful views at Regatta, King Pointe’s onsite restaurant. Featuring a stylish dining room designed in tiers, each table is guaranteed a lakeside view. Indulge in hearty favorites like chicken piccata and fettucine alfredo or branch out and try the kitchen’s weekly special.
Day Two
Start the morning with a trip to Storm Lake Bakery, a Midwestern hidden gem. You can’t go wrong with any of the pastries, but the cinnamon rolls, donut holes or melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies are fan favorites. Pick out a few treats or baked goods for the perfect snack on the way home.
Mark your calendars to attend the Wood, Wine & Blues Festival (usually held in late August), one of Storm Lake’s most unique events. The festival hosts six chainsaw artists from around the country to compete in creating masterpiece wood carvings. Enjoy live blues music and the scenery of Sunset Park as you watch wood transform into art, and don’t forget to try delicious cuisine from local food trucks and sample Iowa’s finest wines.
Wrap up the weekend by heading to Smokin’ Hereford BBQ for a mouthwatering barbecue dinner. Home to smoky brisket, burnt ends and a one of Iowa’s best burgers, the whole family is sure to be satisfied. Grab a drink, sit down for a delicious meal, enjoy the country music and be sure to try a few of their five homemade barbecue sauces.
