National Register of Historic Places listings in Buena Vista County, Iowa facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special places in your community? The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are important because of their history, architecture, or what they mean to a community. These places are recognized and protected so future generations can learn from them.
This article shares a list of 10 amazing historic places right here in Buena Vista County, Iowa. Each one has a unique story and helps us understand the past of this area.
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Discovering Buena Vista County's Historic Treasures
Buena Vista County is home to many interesting places that have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Let's explore some of these special spots!
Historic Homes and Buildings
Jesse J. and Mary F. Allee House
The Jesse J. and Mary F. Allee House is a beautiful old home located in Newell, Iowa. It was built way back in 1891, which means it's over 130 years old! Imagine all the history and stories held within its walls. It's a great example of the homes built in Iowa during that time.
Harker House
The Harker House is another historic home, found in Storm Lake, Iowa. This house was built even earlier, in 1875! It's a significant landmark in Storm Lake and shows us what homes looked like in the late 1800s.
Danish Lutheran Church (Alta, Iowa)
The Danish Lutheran Church in Alta, Iowa, is a special place of worship. It was added to the National Register in 2011. Churches often play a big role in a community's history, and this one tells a story about the people who settled in Alta.
Storm Lake Public Library
The Storm Lake Public Library building, located in Storm Lake, Iowa, has a fascinating history. It was built with money from Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman who helped fund thousands of libraries across the country. While it's no longer used as the main public library, it stands as a reminder of how important reading and learning were, and still are, to the community.
Storm Lake High School
The Storm Lake High School building, also in Storm Lake, Iowa, was added to the National Register in 2017. Schools are central to any town, and this building represents many years of education and growth for students in the area.
Transportation and Industry Landmarks
Chicago, Milwaukee and Pacific Railroad-Albert City Station
Train stations were once bustling hubs of activity, connecting towns and people across the country. The Chicago, Milwaukee and Pacific Railroad-Albert City Station in Albert City, Iowa, is a reminder of the important role railroads played in developing Iowa. It was listed in 1976.
Illinois Central Passenger Depot-Storm Lake
Another important train station is the Illinois Central Passenger Depot in Storm Lake, Iowa. This depot, added to the list in 1990, also highlights the history of train travel and how it shaped the town of Storm Lake.
Brooke Creek Bridge
Bridges are vital for travel and trade. The Brooke Creek Bridge, located near Sioux Rapids, Iowa, is a historic bridge that was built over Brooke Creek. It was recognized in 1998 for its engineering and historical importance in connecting communities.
Ancient Sites and Entertainment
Chan-Ya-Ta Site
The Chan-Ya-Ta Site, located near Linn Grove, Iowa, is a very old archaeological site. It's on the left bank of Brooke Creek. This site gives us clues about the ancient people who lived in this area long before modern towns were built. It was added to the National Register in 1978.
Sioux Theatre
The Sioux Theatre in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, is a historic movie theater. Movie theaters have always been a popular place for entertainment and community gatherings. This theater was added to the National Register in 2012 as part of a special study on historic movie theaters in Iowa.
| Name on the Register | Image | Date listed | Location | City or town | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jesse J. and Mary F. Allee House |
 |
(#92000271) |
2020 640th St. 42°35′21″N 95°00′35″W / 42.5893°N 95.00975°W |
Newell | Historic home built in 1891. |
| 2 | Brooke Creek Bridge |
(#98000754) |
470th St. over Brooke Creek 42°50′11″N 95°17′08″W / 42.836389°N 95.285556°W |
Sioux Rapids | ||
| 3 | Chan-Ya-Ta Site |
 |
(#78001209) |
Left bank of Brooke Creek, southwest of Linn Grove 42°52′22″N 95°18′11″W / 42.872778°N 95.303056°W |
Linn Grove | |
| 4 | Chicago, Milwaukee and Pacific Railroad-Albert City Station |
(#76000737) |
212 N. 2nd St. 42°46′53″N 94°56′54″W / 42.781389°N 94.948333°W |
Albert City | ||
| 5 | Danish Lutheran Church |
(#11000814) |
113 W. 4th St. 42°40′18″N 95°18′16″W / 42.671667°N 95.304444°W |
Alta | ||
| 6 | Harker House |
 |
(#90001855) |
328 Lake Ave. 42°38′27″N 95°12′04″W / 42.640833°N 95.201111°W |
Storm Lake | Historic home built in 1875. |
| 7 | Illinois Central Passenger Depot-Storm Lake |
 |
(#90001300) |
South of W. Railroad St., between Lake and Michigan Aves. 42°38′35″N 95°12′06″W / 42.643056°N 95.201667°W |
Storm Lake | |
| 8 | Sioux Theatre |
(#12000030) |
218 Main St. 42°53′36″N 95°08′59″W / 42.89322°N 95.149811°W |
Sioux Rapids | Movie Theaters of Iowa Multiple Property Submission | |
| 9 | Storm Lake High School |
(#100000485) |
310 Cayuga St. 42°38′24″N 95°11′55″W / 42.640046°N 95.198560°W |
Storm Lake | ||
| 10 | Storm Lake Public Library |
_20120930_IMG_8844.JPG) |
(#83000346) |
E. 5th and Erie Sts. 42°38′39″N 95°11′57″W / 42.6442°N 95.1993°W |
Storm Lake | Carnegie-funded library building (no longer used as public library). |
