The Atlas Obscura Guide To Clear Lake

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Clear Lake, Iowa

Updated February 27, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Clear Lake

Clear Lake, Iowa

The Day The Music Died Memorial

A giant pair of thick black glasses mark the tragic demise of a trio of rock and roll legends.

Clear Lake, Iowa

Surf Ballroom

The last location where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson played before their tragic deaths.

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Britt, Iowa

The Hobo Museum

An old town theater converted into a celebration of the hobo legacy.

21 miles from Clear Lake

Group picture at a recent Hobo Convention.

Britt, Iowa

National Hobo Convention

Largest gathering of hobos in the country has been meeting annually since 1900.

21 miles from Clear Lake

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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

4 Pop-Culture Marvels in Iowa

Iowa is the pantry of America, giving over the vast majority of its land to agriculture and producing more corn and pork than any other state. But the state has also proven fertile ground for pop culture, as well. The landscape has inspired movies, films, songs, paintings, and novels while spawning movie royalty in the form of a certain Duke. Bask in the wonderful corniness of these four pop-culture touchstones in the Hawkeye State.

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