Palmer Kaleidoscope

Discover the 11 Life-size Kaleidoscopes Installed in Pocahontas County

The Kaleidoscope Project is complete!

11 life-sized kaleidoscopes now stand proudly across Pocahontas County. Each one is a vibrant symbol of community spirit, creativity, and collaboration.

What began in 2023 as a vision from the Inspire PoCo Leadership class to enhance quality of life, boost tourism, and honor the legacy of Leonard Olson, founder of the Kaleidoscope Factory, has grown into something truly remarkable. The impact has reached beyond county lines, even beyond Iowa, with other communities now inspired to bring scopes of their own to life.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible:

Rich Hessenius & the Kaleidoscope Family • Corey & the Machine Shop • Interstate Powder Coating • Jeff Vial Construction • Kevin Kerns • Bobalee • PCEDC & the Visioning Committee • Iowa Rural Enrichment Grant • Pocahontas County Foundation • Pocahontas Area Rotary Club • Brent Aden • Mary Schroeder with True Value • Each Pocahontas County City • Pocahontas Conservation

Now it’s your turn! Take a county-wide kaleidoscope road trip and explore the unique colors and designs that reflect the history and pride of each community:

Kaleidoscope Map

📍Rolfe

📍Fonda

📍Pocahontas

📍Laurens

📍Little Clear Lake

📍Cooper’s Cove

📍Varina

📍Gilmore City

📍Palmer

📍Havelock

📍Plover

You can find more about the kaleidoscopes right here on our website. We hope you and your friends and family will take a day to discover Pocahontas County through our kaleidoscopes and all of the wonderful aspects our county has to offer!

#DiscoverPoCo #eatlocal #shoplocal #playlocal #staylocal

Trip Ideas Posted August 6, 2025

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