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 15, 2025
Earth Day
April 17 - 19, 2025
TRI Clear Lake
May 24, 2025
Thursdays on Main
Starting June 5, 2025
4th of July
July 2-6, 2025
Harvest Festival
October 4, 2025
Christmas by the Lake
December 6, 2025
Event Blog Posts
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Latest Blog Posts
Clear Lake Events June 18-24, 2025
All events are free unless noted Exhibition: It's All About Balance by Joan Webster-Vore Joan Webster-Vore produces mixed media work in response to...
Evolution of the Heartland Comes to Clear Lake!
Think you know rural Iowa? Think again. On August 8, 2025, Clear Lake is proud to host an Evolution of the Heartland immersive tour, and we’re flipping the script on what it means to experience agriculture, entrepreneurship, and small-town innovation. While Clear Lake...
Clear Lake Shines at the 2025 iTIP Awards
Clear Lake, Iowa tourism awards were front and center at the 2025 Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) Conference, with three standout honors celebrating the people, places, and organizations that make Clear Lake a must-visit destination in the Midwest. Here’s a...
Clear Lake Events June 11-17, 2025
All events are free unless noted Exhibition: It's All About Balance by Joan Webster-Vore Joan Webster-Vore produces mixed media work in response to...
Honoring a Legacy of Service: Mayor Nelson Crabb honored as 2025 Grand Marshal
By: Ashley Weiss As fireworks light up the sky this Independence Day in Clear Lake, the community will also shine a well-deserved spotlight on a leader whose dedication has helped shape the heart of the city. The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to...