There is a $5 suggested donation to tour the museum.

Yes, we give guided tours for groups of 30+. For more information, visit our Tours Information page.

The Surf Ballroom is located in Clear Lake, Iowa. When coming north or south on I-35 exit off on to Hwy 18, head west until you hit Buddy Holly Place (intersection with The Other Place and Casey's on the corners) take a left cross the railroad tracks. Stay on Buddy Holly Pl until you hit N Shore Dr, take a right on N Shore Dr the Surf Ballroom is on the right.

We do not serve food at the Surf, however there are plenty of great restaurants in the Clear Lake area .

The ballroom is available for rent for private parties - we are a popular venue for wedding receptions, reunions and more! You may call the Surf Monday-Friday (8am-4pm) or go to the rental page to find out more.

The main ballroom has capacity of 2,100 people, with a capacity of 160 people in the lounge area. We are available for weddings, conventions, banquets, and business meetings. The Surf features four bars with an upscale selection of liquor and beer, 30 brands of imported beer and a diverse selection of wine.

The Surf is only two hours from Minneapolis and Des Moines and it is located right off Interstate 35 (exits 193 and 194). For air travelers, the Surf is within 5 minutes of a small airport with service to 3 major airports.

The Surf Ballroom is not available for privately promoted ticketed events, concert bookings are handled in-house.

In short-almost all of it! When walking into the Surf you'll see one of the two original coat checks on the left hand side (the other identical coat check was removed to add a gift shop, office space and handicap accessible restroom facilities). The maplewood dance floor (50 x 90 feet) is original as are the booths surrounding the dance floor. The gray metal reservation boxes attached directly above each booth tables are still used today to identify each booth.

Additionally, the original stage still exists and is used today, however, there have been two expansions to the stage to accommodate the large amounts of equipment used today for concerts. When standing on the stage, visitors can still see the curved lines of the original stage, orchestra pit and the chest high brick wall in front of the stage where people would stand in awe watching the performers.

The telephone that was used by Buddy Holly to call his wife Maria Elena Holly and by Ritchie Valens to call his manager is still located just off of the lobby entrance. Contrary to popular belief, the telephone was not located back stage at any time. In those days, private telephone lines were not common so this public pay phone was used by both the Artists and the general public alike.

The murals along the north and east interior walls of the Surf were painstakingly restored in 1994 by the Snyder family. These original murals depict the seaside Surf beach motif with images of crashing waves.

All the artists pictured on the Surf's walls have performed here at one time or another.

Depending on the season we usually have a couple of concerts a month. To find out who is coming to the Surf, see our Concerts & Events page.

There are a few shows at the Surf that do require ticketholders are 21 or older. If the show does have an age restriction, that is mentioned on the show's information. For ALL shows, those ages 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult to enter.

Lost items found and turned in during an event can be located at the Box Office. Items are held for 30 days, then disposed of if not claimed by their rightful owner at that time.

You may not bring your own food/beverages into the Surf during events. However, we do have a fully stocked bar during concerts and events.

We do not have an ATM on the premise; however we do have credit card machines at all drink ticket booths to better serve you.

No, unfortunately Elvis Presley never played at the Surf Ballroom.