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 19, 2022
Earth Day
April 17 - 24, 2021
TRI Clear Lake
May 29, 2021
Thursdays on Main
Starting June 3, 2021
4th of July
June 30 – July 5, 2021
Harvest Festival
October 2, 2021
Christmas by the Lake
December 4 – 5, 2021
Event Blog Posts
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Latest Blog Posts
It’s National Support Your Chamber of Commerce Day!
BY: RACHEL WUMKES To commemorate this fantastic holiday which is celebrated annually on the third Wednesday in October, we’ve put together a bit of a checklist on ways you, too, can support your local Chamber of Commerce. While most Chamber organizations focus solely...
Goodbye to Summer in Clear Lake
BY: RACHEL WUMKES While many of us have already said our goodbyes to sunny, summer days at the Lake, it really hit home this week. Even with the fall decorations donning light posts along Main and the ever-popular Harvest Festival already taking place, I was holding...
Another Fabulous Week at the Lake
BY: RACHEL WUMKES I don’t know about you guys, but it was nice to have a bit of a preview into actual fall weather this week. Even with the humidity and fog, the cooler temps helped propel me into all things pumpkin and goblin. Teenagers and other brave humans are...
It Takes a Village… and then some!
BY: RACHEL WUMKES By now, you should have all recovered from the fun that was Clear Lake’s Harvest Festival celebration. The day, which celebrated its 17th anniversary of this premier event, was above and beyond a huge success. People came out in droves to peruse...
Harvest Festival Eve
BY: RACHEL WUMKES I’m not referring to today as Friday. While Friday normally gives me heart-palpitations of excitement and wonder for the weekend ahead, this week is different. This week is something special, a whole year in the making. This week… it’s Harvest...