ABOUT US
The Lakes Area Museum Alliance (LAMA) is your gateway to the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Okoboji, Iowa, representing 13 museums nestled in the Great Lakes region! Our alliance is a collective celebration of the vibrant history, diverse traditions, and captivating stories that define our community.
Preserving history. Inspiring community. Sharing stories.

JOIN THE LAKES AREA MUSEUM ALLIANCE
Collaboration and Partnership
Museums in the alliance work together on shared projects, exhibitions, and educational initiatives. We can pool resources, share expertise, and develop programs that we might not be able to do individually.
Education and Preservation
The Alliance works to preserve local history, art, culture, and natural history, and educate the public about these topics. This includes providing educational programs for schools, adult learning, and community outreach.
Tourism and Community Engagement
The Alliance aims to promote the region's museums as tourist destinations, helping to boost local economies. A "museum trail" was created to encourage visitors to explore multiple sites.
Advocacy and Funding
As a group, the Alliance is a powerful advocate for museums and historical sites at the local, state, and national level. The Alliance can also collaborate on grant applications and fundraising events to support their missions.
The Alliance may share resources such as curatorial expertise, marketing efforts, conservation skills, and even loan objects between institutions for specific exhibits.
Resource Sharing






What is the Gold Seal of Transparency?
Our Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid demonstrates our commitment to openness about our programs and the communities we serve. Candid was formed in 2019 when GuideStar and Foundation Center merged. This certification helps donors and volunteers verify our credibility and you can trust that we've shared detailed information about our mission, programs, and impact—making it easier for you to confidently support our work.