The last of 2 reviews for the Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) was 10 years ago? This place is a…read morereal treasure, and this place has always been on my "must go" list when I'm visiting the Iowa Great Lakes. It's located right next to the Okoboji Summer Theatre, with its impressive building sitting on a nice piece of land with a pretty northern view. Gayle and I are members, even though we live way out here in Genoa Nevada. Gayle and I fell in love with the Iowa Art shown here years ago, and as we've contacted some of the artists (particularly Hank Hall and Daniel Ruf), we've grown to deeply appreciate the imagination, professional skill, and great friendships coming from their work. PLAC is a well-regarded anchor for these regional artistic endeavors, via their gift shop, annual auction, and specific exhibits. On the main floor, PLAC has a nice gift shop and a couple nice galleries. The front one changes themes fairly frequently, while the one in the back has featured Russian impressionism for at least the last few years. There's another gallery downstairs and a hallway that features the work of local artists. If I lived in the area more regularly, PLAC offers classes, children's programs, and a fairly impressive live entertainment calendar.

My sister is an artist, so I knew we had to head out and check this one. Very lovely permanent…read morecollection...as well as lovely local artist collections. It was a beautiful building, had friendly staff, and was free when we went!! (Thursdays!) Great way to add a bit of culture to a stay at the lake.

Interesting yarns, fun craft supplies, funky options for cross stitch. Pleasant people to talk to…read more Glad the store is there!!

Cute little craft store. They've got an amazing selection of yarn. The employees are friendly and…read morehelpful.

These guys sell their "antiques" on ebay, but if you really want to see the breadth of all the neat…read morestuff that these guys have collected, take the short trip out of town and visit this place yourself. I have even found stuff from my Father's old gas station in Estherville. The older couple that owns the property are humble and friendly folks who are more than happy to show you around, give you a history of some of the pieces, and help you figure out how to ship it back home.

Will someone please contact me from this place. I have a Indian arrow quiver that was stolen from…read morethere. Its beauty is just like all the other artifacts in the museum. The art work is dead on as the other art work on all the other artafacts in the museum. A pair of moccasin slippers I never seen becouse my great grandmother wore them until there was nothing left. Shame on her. But the Quiver was passed down to me. I now have it and wanted 2 know if i can get in trouble for having it?? I am thinking about returning it 2 its place but i do not want 2 get in any trouble for it. I know none of the authentic artifacts are for sale . My Great Grandad broke into the museum like 60 years ago and took these two items. Thats how the story goes anyways. If someone contacts me i will include photos of the quiver. Call 319-241-4398

This was a really cool find in Arnolds Park! It's a museum full of old currency (money) from the…read morelate 1800s and on. It features lots of old money from different Iowa towns and cities of course, but has currency and change from every state as well. The museum curator (who is from Wisconsin) is also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful as well. He was very friendly and honestly, made the museum experience for us an unforgettable one. Definitely check this out! And it's for the low, low price of FREE to experience as well, though a donation would be nice of course.

Money, Money, Money - Must Be Funny - In the Rich Man's World…read more... The Higgins Museum is a quirky place that I didn't expect to find in the middle of the Iowa Great Lakes Region. It's been on my list for a few years now, and during one of my Gayle-permitted "wandering" times, I decided to stop in and look around. And since my grandfather's bank failed during the Great Depression, this was another personal historical journey that I sometimes like to take. What's inside is the chance to view and enjoy the largest collection of National Bank Note issues on permanent exhibit anywhere in the country. The Higgins Museum opened in 1978, with its stated purpose being the acquisition, preservation and display of the National Bank Notes. There's also a few cool historical displays including a money making machine, a bank teller window and vault, and a bullet safe. Many people regard these notes as America's commemorative paper money. The Landing of Columbus, the embarkation of the Pilgrims, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and other great events of our history are illustrated on the notes of the first charter period. All of the notes honor the towns (including one for Estherville), the banks, and many thousands of individuals who played key roles in the development of our country and its resources.

Mac's Top Hat hosted my 45th High School Reunion party last August (2019). It was great event,…read morewith a bonus that Gayle and Laurie (Gator's Wife), hit it off and had a great conversation, while he and I enjoyed our classmates. The only caution is that Mac's was Cash Only at the time. There's a nice bar area up front, a larger room for groups in back, and a small outdoor patio. They do food occasionally, and if you're into neighborhood bars, this is a great place to hang out.

It's a real bar. Not many good ones left but this is one of them. No pretense, good drinks, cold…read morebeer and friendly patrons.

Gayle and I had a fine time at the Clay County Fair last Sunday. Has it really been 12 years since…read moreI last attended? What did we experience? - Farm Equipment - Lots of that! - Farm Animals. Apparently a high school classmate's grandkids won a bunch of blue ribbons in the cattle barn. Besides that we observed pigs, horses, and the like. Gayle's favorite was the "petting barn", especially the baby pony. - Fair Food. It not being good for you is besides the point. Our choice of Lilly Fries was just OK, with the cinnamon roll with soft serve being our favorite. - Adult Beverages. As far as we could tell, only the big tent near the entrance and a Bar further back within the fair served it. I enjoyed a nice West O Beer, while Gayle struggled with only 2 choices - A sweetish Moscato and a house red. I think I heard "I just can't..." a few times. - Art. We stopped by the "Art Barn" to say hi the Lissa and Perry. Gayle was surprised that I didn't buy anything, but I already have a number of their pieces. - Stuff. There are several buildings stuffed with these and other exhibits. One's mind gets numb after awhile. - People Watching. The fair was well attended, but not really crowded. I did run into a guy with a Fulham jacket leading to a nice discussion about English football. - Politics. I really wanted a Rob Sand yard sign for the Lake Cabin, but they had already run out. Gayle and I left wondering how badly the local Dems wanted to enhance the campaign. - Fluffy! We attended and very much enjoyed the evening Grandstand performance of Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias and some equally funny opening acts. If we would have been at Cabin a few days more, I would have come back.

They were very rude and disrespectful when I was trying to get a stamp on my hand all I wanted to…read moredo was go back to the car to change out of my hot pants and the ladies in the ticket booth, the lady under the tent to go through. We're all being very mean and judgmental, and looked me up and down like I was a lower ranked human.

I love this gift and souvenir shop at OKOBOJI / Arnold's Park. I think it has the best selection of…read moreclassy, nice items including beach bags, sweatshirts, pillows, sundresses and more. They every had a deal for okoboji T-shirts 2 for $30. Perfect for a gift for Dad who needs new fresh T's! They even have a new dog section!! Dog scarves, leashes, collars, etc all with Okoboji written on them. So cute! The store is always clean and the customer people there are always friendly and folding or straitening something!! Go here for your Okoboji goods and more.

Books'n Things has now been around for several Summer Seasons. As time and the digital revolution…read morehave progressed, there are less Books here and many more Things. I make it a point to stop and look around every time I'm in Town. The best time is near the end of the Season when all the seasonal stores run sales. They have a nice selection of clothing and gifts, many of which Gayle and other family members have actually liked!