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.
Where 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 21, 2026
Earth Day
April 16 - 18, 2026
Thursdays on Main
May 28 - Aug. 13, 2026
4th of July
July 1-6, 2026
TRI Clear Lake
August 29, 2026
Harvest Festival
October 3, 2026
Christmas by the Lake
December 5, 2026
Weekly Events
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Latest Blog Posts
Clear Lake: A Destination Through the Ages
By: Ashley Weiss, Membership & Engagement Director Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Long before Clear Lake became known for its jam-packed event calendar and the Surf Ballroom & Museum, it was a natural stopping point for explorers and travelers seeking...
Where to Ice Skate in Clear Lake, Iowa
Winter in Clear Lake, Iowa just got a little more magical! The new modular ice skating rink in City Park is officially open, bringing a fun way to enjoy ice skating in Clear Lake right to the heart of the community. What started as a simple “wouldn’t this be fun?”...
America 250: Carnegie Library Legacy in Clear Lake, Iowa
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, communities across the country are reflecting on the places that helped shape everyday life. One of the most enduring of those places is the public library. In Clear Lake, Iowa, the Clear Lake Public Library stands as a...
Clear Lake Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Looking for Valentine’s gifts with a little more heart? You’ll find them right here in Clear Lake, Iowa—where local shops, makers, and service pros offer thoughtful finds you won’t see anywhere else. We gathered these ideas from our Shop Dine Discover Clear Lake...
Member Spotlight: Clear Lake Boats
For more than three decades, Clear Lake Boats has been a trusted part of life on the lake. Owned and operated by the Maulsby family, the business has been a Chamber member since 1991 and is led by President and General Manager Scott Maulsby. As Clear Lake’s only...