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Step into music history at the legendary Surf Ballroom & Museum in Clear Lake, Iowa. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a curious traveler, or a first-time visitor, our venue offers a powerful and immersive experience that celebrates the lives and legacies of the artists who made it iconic. Explore exhibits, walk the stage where legends performed, and discover the lasting impact of a moment that changed music history forever.

Surf Ballroom » Visit

Surf Ballroom

Tour the historic Surf Ballroom—where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson played their final show. This fully restored 1948 dance hall features original architecture, memorabilia, and a stage that continues to host live music and events year-round.
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Three Stars Memorial Site

Located just outside of Clear Lake, the Three Stars Memorial honors the lives lost in the tragic 1959 plane crash. Visitors can pay tribute at this meaningful site dedicated to the enduring legacy of Holly, Valens, and Richardson.
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Carl Fox House

Visit the Carl Fox House, the former home of the Surf’s original manager. Now part of the Surf experience, the house offers insight into the behind-the-scenes history of the ballroom, its community roots, and the man who helped build its legacy.
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Group Tours

Bring your group for a guided tour of the Surf Ballroom & Museum! Perfect for schools, clubs, or tour groups, our team offers educational and customized experiences for groups of all ages and sizes. Booking required.
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The Surf’s New Hub for Music Education and Discovery

MEC Immersive Experience Tours

Opening in September 2025, “Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience” will bring music history to life inside the historic Surf Ballroom, honoring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. This first-of-its-kind immersive museum will feature vivid storytelling, rare archival content, and digital projections right where the music happened, celebrating the venue’s ongoing legacy.

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