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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Kites in the Sky

Color the Wind

February 15, 2025

Earth Day Green Expo

Earth Day

April 17 - 19, 2025

Clear Lake Triathlon Swimmers in Water

TRI Clear Lake

May 24, 2025

Thursdays on Main photo of the crowd on Main Avenue

Thursdays on Main

Starting May 30, 2024

Clear Lake's 4th of July Fireworks

4th of July

July 3-7, 2024

Harvest Festival Grape Stomp Teams

Harvest Festival

October 5, 2024

Christmas by the Lake lighted parade down Main Avenue

Christmas by the Lake

December 7, 2024

Clear Lake Event Blog Image

Event Blog Posts

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Latest Blog Posts

Light Up the Night at the Lights On 5K

Light Up the Night at the Lights On 5K

Get ready to shine, Clear Lake! On Thursday, December 5th, the 12th Annual Lights On 5K Run/Walk will light up the streets with holiday cheer—and you’re invited. This community event hosted by One Vision combines festive fun with a great cause, so gather your family,...

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2025 Clear Lake Calendar

2025 Clear Lake Calendar

Plan Your Year with the 2025 Clear Lake Calendar! Get ready for a year full of fun and excitement with the 2025 Clear Lake Calendar! Featuring 12 beautiful images...

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Light Up the Season at Clear Lake’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

Light Up the Season at Clear Lake’s Tree Lighting Ceremony

Clear Lake’s 2nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Kick off the holiday season at Clear Lake’s 2nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 6th, at 5:30 PM at the City Park Bandshell. This event leads into the Christmas by the Lake festival happening downtown the...

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