Surf Ballroom | IA Art PrintIsn't the Surf Ballroom so iconic? Celebrate it by displaying a mini State Icon of the Iowa landmark in your home or office. Our framed digital illustration honors the historic rock 'n' roll music venue and museum in Clear Lake. The building shown here is of the one that opened in 1948, as the original, which had been across the street, burned down in 1947. The Surf is the last place Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper played before their