Discover the fascinating kaleidoscopes across Pocahontas County, Iowa! Known as a major tourist attraction for Pocahontas, these 11 kaleidoscopes provide a fun day trip for your family and friends. Each one as different colors to represent the history of the community and a unique design inside. You can find the kaleidoscopes at the following locations across the County:

Cooper’s Cove: Near the Campgrounds
Fonda: North Park
Gilmore City: City Park
Havelock: Coming July 2025
Laurens: Sportsman Park
Little Clear Lake: Near the Playground Equipment & Shelter Houses
Palmer: Panther Park
Plover: Coming July 2025
Pocahontas: Gateway Park
Rolfe: Streit Park
Varina: City Park

History of the Kaleidoscopes

These kaleidoscopes were an idea created by Inspire PoCo, a leadership program in Pocahontas County. The project idea was adopted by the Pocahontas County Visioning Committee, led by Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission. The project was able to be brought to life through the 2023 Rural Enrichment Grant, part of Iowa Economic Development Authority and the governor’s rural initiative program. That grant funded the first six kaleidoscopes for Rolfe, Fonda, Pocahontas, Laurens, Little Clear Lake and Cooper’s Cove. In 2024, the Pocahontas Area Rotary Club received a Rotary District Grant and Pocahontas County Foundation Grant to install the Palmer and Gilmore City kaleidoscopes. In January 2025, in celebration of 20 years, the Pocahontas County Foundation funded the remaining three kaleidoscopes for Varina, Havelock, and Plover. A total of 11 kaleidoscopes are installed throughout Pocahontas County communities and parks! Kaleidoscopes have been part of Pocahontas County history as Leonard Olson operated his business, The Kaleidoscope Factory, throughout the county. In 2019 Leonard passed away, but his family and friends have still kept the business open and operating in downtown Pocahontas. The shop is incredibly charming and often draws tourists from across the country to visit Pocahontas.