Surf Ballroom - Take a Step Back in Time

When you step inside the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa you not only take a step back in time, but you also enter the place that will forever be a place of memories. Memories about the Day the Music Died. If you are not sure what that is, this is a post you will want to read.

Stepping inside the Surf Ballroom is like stepping back to the 1950’s. You can almost hear the music of the past and the chatter and laughter of all the people that flocked to this venue. Known for it’s up and coming musical artists that graced the stage over the years leading up to the day the music died.

Read on to learn how iconic this place is and how life changed with the loss of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.

Take a step back in time when you enter the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake Iowa

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History of the Surf Ballroom

The Surf Ballroom holds a significant place in American cultural history as well as in the story of rock and roll. The original Surf Ballroom, located across from its current site on the shores of Clear Lake, opened on April 17, 1933, with a $1 dance on a 90×120-foot hardwood floor. This venue featured a rooftop garden for outdoor dancing, five lakeside windows, and a boardwalk that led to docks. Carl J. Fox, who developed the ballroom, also created two other ballrooms in Minnesota: The Terp (1938) and The Prom (1940). In 1946, Fox sold the venues to Prom, Inc. of Chicago for $1.3 million.

On April 20, 1947, a fire tragically destroyed the Surf, but plans to rebuild were quickly set in motion. The new ballroom opened on July 1, 1948, at a cost of $350,000. The name and design were inspired by the idea of a beachfront club, complete with murals of crashing waves, palm trees, sailboats, and lighthouses. The décor featured bamboo and rattan, giving it a tropical island vibe, and the stage was surrounded by palm trees.

In the early years, the Surf hosted big bands like Count Basie and Duke Ellington, becoming a key venue for national acts. The 1950s brought rock ‘n roll, with stars like The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, and Ricky Nelson performing at the Surf. It was on February 2, 1959, during the Winter Dance Party, that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson last performed here, cementing the ballroom’s place in history.

Since the 1970s, artists like Santana, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Buckcherry, Alice Cooper, Jackyl, ZZTop, and so many more have graced the Surf’s stage. In 2008, the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum assumed operation of the venue, transforming it into a non-profit organization. 2009, the Surf was officially recognized as a historic landmark by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2011, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2021, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated it a National Historic Landmark.

Entering the Surf Ballroom

Walking inside the Surf Ballroom is like taking a step back in time. Back to a time when life seemed simpler. While I wasn’t born until 1971, I just feel like back in the 50’s and 60’s life wasn’t so fast paced and stressful. At least that is what my parents have told me.

However, stepping into the Surf is like taking a step back in time. The decor and feel is just that of the 50’s. When you walk into the doors you see a ticket booth, huge doors leading to the main entry, a coat check and seating for 2100 people.

Surf Ballroom Entry Way Doors leading to the Main Lobby

Coat check inside the main lobby of the Surf — Main Lobb Coat Check

Seating and Dance Floor at the Surf

When you went to the Surf Ballroom it was for a few reasons. One, for the music, two for the dancing and three, to mingle. Check out these pictures of the old booths, that are still there and still in use. If you attend a show now you can either buy a ticket where you just stand, or you can opt to “rent” a booth that seats up to 6 people.

The dance floor is HUGE! This picture shows it with tables on it, but for a regular concert is doesn’t have tables. I think they had those set up for an event they had coming up.

Dance floor at the Surf — Dance Floor at the Surf

Up close of a booth at the Surf Ballroom to show how vintage it is. — Booth up close to show how vintage it is.

The booths had little drawers under them where women could stow their purses and such. However, many bottles of booze were found in the drawers. This was before liquor was allowed.

Drawers under the booths for women to stow their purses. — Drawers for purses and what nots

Decorations at the Surf Ballroom

The walls at the Surf Ballroom are covered with memorabilia from the past. Pictures of musicians, instruments donated by musicians and a lot of pictures with info on the history of the Surf Ballroom.

Here are just a couple of the artists that have played at the Surf (my favorites). There are so many amazing artists that have entertained at the surf over the years.

Cheap Trick with former member Bun E. Carlos (drummer)

Bret Michaels at the Surf Ballroom — Bret Michaels

Dressing Room at the Surf

Back in the day this was probably a great dressing room. However, as times have changed and artists have gotten more popular and more spoiled, this dressing room probably isn’t up to par for most. In fact, we were told by someone at the Surf that a famous country singer was not happy with the dressing room and insisted on being put up in a local hotel to get ready for the show.

The sinks don’t work in the dressing room, and it’s really not big enough for a whole band to get ready in. I am not sure what they do when bands play there. However, most musicians have their own tour buses so probably just use those. Check out the short video and all the pictures of the signatures in the dressing room from bands that have played there over the years.

Dressing room with Beach Boys signature.

Dressing room with Frankie Valli signature

Dressing room with Cinderella signature on the wall.

Winter Dance Party sticker in the dressing room

Dressing room with Faster Pussycat signature

Short video of the Surf Ballroom Dressing Room/ Green Room

Restrooms at the Surf

Everyone has to use a restroom from time to time and the ones at the surf are very dated, but very large for an older venue. Check out the images. They both have a big area when you first enter them that is full of mirrors. Oh how I wish restroom were like this now.

Doors leading in and out of the women's restroom — Doors leading in and out of the women’s restroom

Inside the first part of the women's restroom — Inside the first part of the women’s restroom

Looking at the stalls in the women's restroom — Looking at the stalls in the women’s restroom

Urinals in the men's restroom — Urinals in the men’s restroom

Final Phone Call

This is the payphone where Buddy Holly called his wife and Ritchie Valens called his manager before heading to board the plane.

The Day the Music Died

February 3, 1959 was deemed “the day the music died” and will forever be burned in the memory of many.

After the Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom on February 2, 1959, 3 musicians and a pilot boarded a plane that didn’t make it far from the airport before plunging into a field killing all 4 on board. Pilot Roger Peterson, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper all died February 3rd, 1959.

2 Days before the plane crash, Buddy Holly played in Duluth, MN. (where I live).

There is a memorial at the crash site that is in a farmers field but there for anyone and everyone to pay a visit to. We stopped by there on one of our trips back home from our winter RV travels. It was very cold and windy, but we just had to see the site. It’s very creepy to be standing in the place where 4 people lost their lives. I had a hard time not crying as my heart felt very heavy being here.

Directions – N 43° 13′ 12″, W 93° 23′ 0″ From Hwy 18, go N on N 8th St for 4.7 miles. Turn right (E) on 310th St, then turn left (N) on Gull Ave. Go 1/2 mile to trail marker. Walk along the fence (W) 1/2 mile.