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

Join Us for Christmas by the Lake

Join Us for Christmas by the Lake

Get ready for North Iowa's best holiday weekend: Clear Lake’s award-winning Christmas by the Lake! Mark your calendar for December 7th and prepare to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in our cozy lakeside town. This festive event has been described as a...

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Rock the Holidays at the Surf Ballroom

Rock the Holidays at the Surf Ballroom

Get ready to rock your way through the holiday season at the iconic Surf Ballroom! Whether you're in the mood for high-energy performances or festive tunes, the Surf has a lineup of can't-miss concerts to keep the celebration going all the way from Halloween to New...

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Celebrating 20 Years of Harvest Festival: 2024 Highlights

Celebrating 20 Years of Harvest Festival: 2024 Highlights

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for Clear Lake’s 20th Annual Harvest Festival! This year, we welcomed approximately 12,000 attendees, over 100 vendors, and had more than 200 participants in the Champagne 5K. Thank you to everyone who came out to...

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