Lakeside Living, Robust Community
Storm Lake, Iowa
Fun places to explore, natural beauty, a safe community. Storm Lake, Iowa, is all of this and more! Not only is this a great place to learn, it’s the perfect place for self-discovery. Start here and go confidently wherever your path leads.
Take me to:
The Lake
The fourth largest glacial lake in Iowa, Storm Lake covers 3,097 acres and is well-known for walleye fishing. The shores of the lake are the perfect place to study!
Parks and Trails
The lake is surrounded by six beaches, nine parks (three of them located directly next to campus!) and miles and miles of trails for walking and cycling.
A Safe Iowa City
The National Council for Home Safety and Security named Storm Lake the 13th safest city in Iowa on its most recent list, based on safety and crime statistics.
Diverse and Vibrant
Storm Lake is thriving, with residents from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. We are a community that is welcoming to everyone... including you!
Check out all that Storm Lake has to offer! Storm Lake Guide
Jump Right In!
Things to Do
Storm Lake is the perfect college town! Check out King's Pointe, an amazingly fun indoor/outdoor waterpark, three golf courses (and miniature golf!) within a five-minute drive, and a multiplex movie theatre. Plus, you’ll find forty-nine specialty shops located within walking distance of campus, mixed with the convenience of several national chains. You'll love exploring our community!
Places to Eat
Storm Lake offers more than 30 dining options within a five-minute drive of campus! Whether you’re hoping to satisfy a late-night burrito craving at an authentic restaurant, or dig into a delicious burger, our town has it all.
We asked BVU students where they like to go to eat in Storm Lake... and here are just a few of the places they told us about!
La Juanita
With an affordable menu, late-night snacks, and daily specials, La Juanita is a student favorite! The restaurant serves burritos, tacos, fajitas, chimichangas, quesadillas, and so much more—earning its reputation for authentic and delicious Mexican food.
Storm Lake Bakery
The Storm Lake Bakery is known for many delicious baked goodies—especially donut holes, which were named to Travel Iowa's 2021 list of "Iowa's Best Donuts!" Other popular items include rolls, cookies, muffins, bread, and a variety of other treats.
Smokin’ Hereford BBQ
With free peanuts, screens on every wall to catch the game, and amazing smoked meats, Smokin’ Hereford has become a favorite among BVU students. The restaurant's notable menu includes the Hereford Burger, named Iowa's Best Burger by beef experts.
Lakeside Living: BVU students have their very own house right on the shores of Storm Lake. Outdoor Rec House
Beaver-Owned Businesses
The city is full of BVU alumni and friends who want to help you make a difference! Our students take advantage of internships, careers, and local service opportunities offered by Beavers in our community.
BozWellz Pub & Eaterie
Quest Wealth Management (Ameriprise Financial)
Family Dental Center
Foot & Ankle Clinics
Lake Animal Hospital
Redenbaugh Chiropractic
Vision Care Associates
Stille, Pierce & Pertzborn
A. Bowles Investment Group
Arby's
Central Bank
L&G Products
Mangold Environmental Testing Lab (MET)
Mr. Dan Connell, Attorney
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Prairie Fabrication
Redenbaugh & Mohr Law Offices
Roth Law Office
Storm City Auto Parts
Talk To Me Technologies, LLC
Thompson & Associates, Inc.
Trusted Energy
Cherry Corner Agency
Sports Rehab & Professional Therapy Assoc
Coffee Tree
Hamilton Law Firm, PC
Harper Moon Photography
The Daily Apple
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Find out more about attending college at Buena Vista University, right on the shores of Storm Lake.
