Nestled just a stone's throw from the iconic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, lies a unique tribute to the music legends forever linked to the venue: Three Stars Plaza. This captivating space serves as a poignant reminder of the "Winter Dance Party" tragedy of 1959, where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson tragically lost their lives.

The Surf Ballroom is a historic venue in Clear Lake, Iowa. It is known for its role in the history of rock and roll music, as well as for its annual Winter Dance Party.

The ballroom was built in 1933 and quickly became a popular spot for dancing and live music. In the 1950s, the Surf Ballroom became one of the first ballrooms in the country to feature rock and roll music. Big-name acts such as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper all performed at the Surf Ballroom.

The Buddy Holly plane crash site is a lonely spot in a giant Iowa field. It is located about 5 miles north of Clear Lake, Iowa, on Gull Avenue, just north of the intersection of Gull and 320th Street. The crash site is marked by a large pair of Buddy Holly's trademark eyeglasses.