Storm Lake’s Casino Bay Marina is officially on the market for new ideas, and Buena Vista County is inviting proposals.
The county conservation board is officially seeking proposals to lease and operate all or portions of the Casino Bay Marina — located at 207 West Marina Road on the southwest shore of Storm Lake — marking the first wide‑open commercial opportunity since Buena Vista County took ownership of the property in late July.
It’s also the county’s first formal Request for Proposals (RFP) since an earlier effort in 2024 and 2025, when a marina subcommittee explored interest from private vendors for restaurant, concessions or full‑service marina operations. That process drew limited interest, and unresolved questions about the property’s transfer timeline prevented the county from moving forward. With ownership now finalized, county leaders say the conditions are finally right for a full commercial search.
The new RFP invites qualified individuals, businesses, organizations and development teams to pitch ideas ranging from food and beverage service to marina retail, boat or paddlecraft rentals, bait and tackle, marine repair and services, event or meeting space, outdoor recreation businesses or other tourism‑focused concepts that fit the lakefront setting. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Oct. 2.
The move follows years of discussion — and at times disagreement — over how the marina building should be used. County leaders have long debated whether the site should serve as a public gathering space, a nature center or a hybrid of both. Public surveys in 2025 showed strong support for keeping the building open for events and community use, while conservation officials emphasized the need for workspace and programming. As the transfer process dragged on, the county continued maintaining the site, adding a bait shop, improving docks and completing compliance upgrades.
With the land patent finalized this summer, the county now owns roughly 17 acres of marina property, including the main building, boat slips, parking areas, shoreline access and public restrooms. Under state law, the site must remain open for public recreation.
Conservation Director Greg Johnson told supervisors last month that the timing is ideal: major pavement and stormwater improvements begin later this month, and the conservation board is ready to see whether private operators are truly interested in bringing new life to the marina.
The RFP allows proposers to seek the entire facility or specific buildings and operational areas. The conservation board says it is open to private investment and improvements, and that selection will be based on the quality and feasibility of the concept, experience, financial capability, public benefit and long‑term return to the county — not just the amount of rent offered. Top‑ranked proposers may be invited to interviews before any final lease terms are negotiated.
A site visit for interested parties will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15 at the marina. Full RFP materials, property details and submission instructions are available at bvcountyparks.com and through the Buena Vista County Conservation Board. Interested parties may contact the conservation board by email at marina@bvcountyparks.com or by phone at 712‑295‑7985.
