Palo Alto County, IA

Explore Palo Alto County

Historic Sod House, Schoolhouse, Post Office

Visit the first schoolhouse in Palo Alto County and a replica of an early sod house. The town's first post office has also been restored. Unique historical displays, veterans memorial.

West Bend, IA Historic Schoolhouses

Victorian Museum on Main

The crown jewel of Emmetsburg's many Victorian homes. Built in 1883 by a prominent member of the community as a wedding gift to his daughter, the home is part of a four-building museum complex.

Emmetsburg, IA Museums

A composite of nine separate grottos portrays scenes from the life of Christ, using stones and gems from around the world. Museum, gift shop, restaurant, campground, playground, shelter house. Sometimes called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Trumpeter swans on the lake.

West Bend, IA Grottos

Lost Island Prairie Wetland Nature Center

Regional nature facility focuses on northwest Iowa's unique and abundant lakes and marshes. Located in a county park, facilities include a natural history exhibit room, a reference library, a self-guided nature trail, and opportunities for fishing, hunting, boating, camping and picnicking.

Ruthven, IA Nature Centers