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

Clear Lake Concert Association Lineup

Clear Lake Concert Association Lineup

Clear Lake Area Concert Association Announces 2024-2025 Lineup! The Clear Lake Area Concert Association (CLACA) is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of performances for its 2024-2025 season! From timeless classics to nostalgic folk, this season is packed with...

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Harvest Festival 2024

Harvest Festival 2024

Get Ready for a Day of Fun, Music, and Fall Festivities! Harvest Festival is just around the corner on Saturday, October 5th, and while the souvenir bags and vendor spaces have officially sold out, there’s still plenty to enjoy at this year’s 20th celebration in Clear...

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Clear Lake Fire Department’s Annual 9/11 Memorial

Clear Lake Fire Department’s Annual 9/11 Memorial

Honoring Heroes and History Every year, the Clear Lake Fire Department hosts a tribute to the lives lost and the heroic efforts of first responders on September 11, 2001. This year’s event, titled "NEVER FORGET," will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6...

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