stay and explore at the shore

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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 in Clear Lake

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.

Where to Play in Clear Lake

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 in Clear Lake

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.

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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 17, 2024

Earth Day Event Kid with a Globe

Earth Day

April 16 - 22, 2023

Clear Lake Triathlon Swimmers in Water

TRI Clear Lake

May 25, 2024

Clear Lake Thursday on Main Live Music

Thursdays on Main

Starting June 2, 2023

Clear Lake's 4th of July Fireworks

4th of July

July 3-7, 2024

Adults Enjoying the Clear Lake Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival

October 7, 2023

Christmas on the Lake Ornaments on Display

Christmas by the Lake

December 2, 2023

Clear Lake Event Blog Image

Event Blog Posts

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Latest Blog Posts

Shop Local

Shop Local

Holiday Edition 2023 BY: RACHEL WUMKES I know, I know.  I may be a bit advanced in my whole “holiday shopping” blog post.  Then again… just a few short days ago was September 25th.  Do you know what that means?  Only THREE MONTHS until Christmas Day.  Yikes, right? ...

The Time Has Come… to Start Planning for Harvest Festival!

The Time Has Come… to Start Planning for Harvest Festival!

Best. Day. Ever. BY: RACHEL WUMKES It seems like a bit of a difficult concept to grasp, given that I seemed to blink and summer disappeared.  Still, the fact remains... our beloved Harvest Festival is just around the corner! It’s time to start planning, friends.  Have...

It’s the First Day of Fall, Y’all!

It’s the First Day of Fall, Y’all!

North Iowa fall fun BY: RACHEL WUMKES Today, we're celebrating the 2023 autumnal equinox, also known as the September equinox or fall equinox. This marks the official start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere and the commencement of spring in the Southern...

Geocaching at the Lake

Geocaching at the Lake

Fun for everyone! BY: RACHEL WUMKES One of the reasons geocaching has gone from a small hobby to huge treasure hunts is because anyone can participate.  It is a fun activity that knows no age limit, making it enjoyable for both the young and the young at heart.  The...

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