Clear Lake’s music story is about to get even bigger. Thirty-one feet bigger, to be exact.
A $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant is helping bring the World’s Largest Fender Stratocaster to life, adding another must-see landmark to the Historic Surf District. The project features a 31-foot replica of Buddy Holly’s iconic Fender Stratocaster, creating a larger-than-life tribute to one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most influential musicians and the community forever connected to his legacy.
The giant guitar will be free to visit year-round, giving music lovers, road trippers, and families another reason to stop in Clear Lake and experience one of Iowa’s most memorable music destinations.
More Than a Photo Op
When the World’s Largest Fender Stratocaster is complete, it’ll be hard to miss. Standing 31 feet tall, it’s sure to become one of Clear Lake’s most photographed landmarks.
But the real goal isn’t just to create a giant guitar, it’s to spark curiosity.
“As time goes on, we need to be more creative in sharing the story of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens with the next generation. While today’s kids may not immediately connect with The Day the Music Died, they do connect with something extraordinary, like the World’s Largest Fender Stratocaster. That’s the invitation. It sparks curiosity, draws people into the Surf District, and once they’re here, they discover the music, the history, and the legacy that changed rock and roll forever. This isn’t just about building the world’s largest guitar, it’s about ensuring the history continues to inspire generations to come.”
— Chelsy Snyder Anderson
That curiosity is exactly what the project hopes to inspire. Once visitors arrive, they’ll discover that the giant guitar is just the beginning.
Experience the Music
Your visit begins at the Surf Music Experience Center, where you’ll purchase your admission and explore interactive exhibits celebrating the artists, stories, and cultural impact of American music. The experience includes immersive exhibits that bring the history and energy of the Surf Ballroom to life in a whole new way.
From there, your ticket continues next door with a guided tour of the legendary Surf Ballroom. Walk through the historic venue where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper performed their final concert on February 2, 1959. Step onto the famous stage, visit the Green Room, and experience one of America’s most treasured music landmarks through the stories that have made the Surf an enduring icon.
Together, the Surf Ballroom and Surf MEC offer an experience for lifelong music fans, curious travelers, and families alike.
Explore the Surf District
While you’re there, take time to explore the Historic Surf District. Grab a bite to eat, enjoy a drink with friends, or continue your Buddy Holly journey with a visit to the nearby Three Stars Memorial crash site. The Surf District is just four blocks from downtown Clear Lake, making it easy to discover even more of what Clear Lake has to offer. The World’s Largest Fender Stratocaster will become another stop along that journey, giving visitors one more reason to explore both the Surf District and downtown Clear Lake.
Looking Ahead
The World’s Largest Fender Stratocaster is yet another exciting investment in Clear Lake’s music tourism. Alongside the Surf Ballroom, Surf Music Experience Center, concerts, festivals, and community events, it will give visitors one more reason to make Clear Lake part of their travel plans.
Whether you’re visiting for the music, the history, or simply to snap a photo with a 31-foot guitar, you’ll find there’s much more waiting to be discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the World’s Largest Fender Stratocaster be located?
The 31-foot guitar will be installed in Clear Lake’s Historic Surf District near the Surf Ballroom and Surf Music Experience Center, making it easy to experience everything the district has to offer in one visit.
Do I need a ticket to see the giant guitar?
No. The World’s Largest Fender Stratocaster will be a free, outdoor attraction that visitors can enjoy year-round.
What else is there to do in Clear Lake?
There’s plenty to fill a day or an entire weekend. Browse locally owned shops downtown, enjoy lunch on a patio, relax at City Beach, take a cruise on the Lady of the Lake, explore Central Gardens and the Clear Lake Arts Center, or catch live music at one of Clear Lake’s many summer events. The Surf District is just four blocks from downtown, making it easy to experience the best of Clear Lake in one trip.
Can I tour the Surf Ballroom?
Yes! Tickets are purchased at the Surf Music Experience Center and include the immersive exhibits followed by a guided tour of the historic Surf Ballroom.
Where should I stay in Clear Lake?
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or stopping on an Iowa road trip, Clear Lake offers hotels, vacation rentals, campgrounds, and lakeside lodging just minutes from the Surf District.