Surf Ballroom

Surf Ballroom is a theatre or event venue in Clear Lake, IA, part of the Minneapolis–St. Paul guide. Cost: under $25.

460 North Shore Dr · Clear Lake, IA

Why you should go…

The Surf reopened in 1948 after a fire, rebuilt across the street from the 1933 original, and a 1990s renovation restored its 1948 look, with ocean murals, bamboo and rattan furniture and fake palm trees beside the stage. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson gave their last performances here on February 2, 1959. A self-guided tour covers artifact exhibits and the 6,300-square-foot dance floor, and the ballroom still hosts concerts.

#music history
#historic ballroom
#buddy holly
#concert venue
#rock and roll museum

What's around here?

The closest stops to Surf Ballroom, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Museums
Quirky Fun
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Sightseeing
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Pose between the legs of a giant fiberglass Jolly Green Giant standing in a small park just off Interstate 90 in Blue Earth.
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Sightseeing
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55 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Tours
Outdoor Adventure
Niagara Cave
Under $25
A 200-foot-deep limestone cave near Harmony with an underground stream and 60-foot waterfall.
72 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours
Theatre & Events
Iconic
Guthrie Theater
$25–$50
World-class theater on the riverfront, wander its cantilevered Endless Bridge for free Mississippi views.
127 mi awayMore like this
Theatre & Events
Family Favorite
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
$25–$50
Duluth's waterfront arena and convention complex on Harbor Drive, home to AMSOIL Arena, Symphony Hall and the William A. Irvin ship.
259 mi awayMore like this