stay and explore at the shore
EAT
PLAY
STAY
Welcome to Clear Lake, Iowa
Clear Lake, Iowa, is a beautiful small town situated on a natural spring-fed lake in northern Iowa midway between Des Moines and Minneapolis. As a major stop on I-35, you’ll find a large selection of quality restaurants and accommodations, as well as a marina, state parks, and historic attractions. See firsthand what it means to live the lake life – from relaxing on the beach and water skiing to year-round fishing and sailing. Whether you are here for a weekend or looking to make Clear Lake your home, you are sure to enjoy all that our town has to offer.
What to Eat
While our town may be small, there’s no shortage of delicious food to enjoy. Delight in a signature sandwich from the award-winning Starboard Market. Partake in authentic Italian pasta or hand-stretched, made-to-order pizza while enjoying a view of the lake at Ge-Jo’s By the Lake. Experience genuine Irish hospitality, crowd-pleasing food or an ice-cold beer at Bennigan’s. Kick off any day of fun with a homemade, gourmet donut from South Shore Donut Co. With so many wonderful options, there’s a flavor to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
What to Do
There’s always somewhere to go, something to do or somewhere to see in Clear Lake. Take a moment to remember rock ‘n’ roll legends at the Surf Ballroom. Play a round with friends on our beautiful golf courses. Enjoy a ride on the Lady of the Lake. Go hunting, fishing or sport shooting. Shop the local small businesses. Cruise around the lake in your boat, and so much more. Clear Lake offers a little something for everyone.
Where to Stay
No matter what type of trip brings you to Clear Lake, there’s a wonderful place for you and your family to stay. You’ll find nature-centered campgrounds with modern amenities, charming bed and breakfasts, comfortable hotels, and a variety of available vacation rentals to choose from. You’ll enjoy your stay that much more knowing you have a wonderful place to rest at the end of each day.
Featured Events
In Clear Lake, there are all kinds of events to enjoy throughout the year. Check out Color the Wind, which is known as the Midwest’s largest and most colorful winter kite festival. Celebrate the 4th of July with our large festival, parade, craft show, and fireworks display. Enjoy everything Clear Lake’s Main Avenue during Thursdays on Main in the summer or at the annual fall Harvest Festival. Immerse yourself in holiday traditions with Christmas by the Lake. There are also other fun things to do throughout the year, like 5K races, car shows, live music, and so much more.
Color the Wind
February 17, 2024
Earth Day
April 18 - 20, 2024
TRI Clear Lake
May 25, 2024
Thursdays on Main
Starting May 30, 2024
4th of July
July 3-7, 2024
Harvest Festival
October 5, 2024
Christmas by the Lake
December 7, 2024
Event Blog Posts
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Latest Blog Posts
Boost Your Project: Apply for the Clear Lake Tourism Marketing Grant
Are you spearheading an initiative that will increase tourism to Clear Lake, Iowa, igniting economic growth in the region? If so, the Clear Lake Tourism Marketing Grant is here to expand your impact. Clear Lake Tourism is thrilled to continue our grant program in...
Clear Lake Breaks Ground on Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment Center and Surf District Revitalization
Construction is underway for the Surf Ballroom Music Enrichment & Immersive Center and new Surf District gateway feature and streetscape improvements in Clear Lake, Iowa. On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the City of Clear Lake and the North Iowa Cultural Center &...
Clear Lake Events This Week
Clear Lake Events Thursday, April 18 – Wednesday, April 24, 2024 Click here to visit our full events calendar Clear Lake Earth Day Green Expo & Market is tonight! Two popular perennial spring events have combined to blossom into an even larger celebration...
Celebrating Our Amazing Volunteers During National Volunteer Week!
At the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, we are buzzing with excitement as we gear up to celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 21-27, 2024! This week is not just about marking days on a calendar; it's a celebration of a vital part of our organization – our...
Clear Lake Events This Week
Clear Lake Events Thursday, April 11 – Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Click here to visit our full events calendar Save the date! Thursday, April 18 Green Expo & Market Two popular perennial spring events have combined to blossom into an even larger celebration...