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 May 30, 2024
4th of July
July 3-7, 2024
Harvest Festival
October 5, 2024
Christmas by the Lake
December 7, 2024
Event Blog Posts
Read More
Latest Blog Posts
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...
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...
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...
Clear Lake Events October 10-October 16, 2024
All events are free unless noted Growth Paradox: A Collection of Drawings and Sculptures by Katie Walberg This exhibition features a diverse...
Clear Lake Events October 3-October 9, 2024
All events are free unless noted Lake Area Quilt Guild Annual Show Experience vibrant fabric creations and intricate designs come to life. This year’s...