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.
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 18, 2023
Earth Day
April 16 - 23, 2022
TRI Clear Lake
May 28, 2022
Thursdays on Main
Starting June 2, 2022
4th of July
June 29 – July 5, 2022
Harvest Festival
October 1, 2022
Christmas by the Lake
December 3, 2022
Event Blog Posts
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Latest Blog Posts
4th of July: A Food-Lovers Dream
Count Memories… Not Calories BY: RACHEL WUMKES There are so many things to love about the 4th of July in Clear Lake. The parade down Main Avenue. Evans United Carnival in the park. Enjoying an afternoon in the Bingo tent with friends. Appreciating an evening of...
Clear Lake’s 4th of July Extravaganza!
Here we go again, folks. BY: RACHEL WUMKES The countdown to the biggest, best, most amazing celebration in all North Iowa is only days away. Five of them, to be exact. The Clear Lake 4th of July Extravaganza kicks off the weeklong festivities on Wednesday, June 29th...
A Photo Phenomenon
Say Cheese!! BY: RACHEL WUMKES **original post on June 21, 2019** While the word ‘selfie’ has only been in existence for a few years, it appears the selfie itself has been around for ages. Since 1839 to be exact! Funny, I thought the fascination with pictures or...
Summer Solstice 2022
The official start to summer in Clear Lake! BY: RACHEL WUMKES If you were awake with the birds this morning, you may have noticed the sun peek over the horizon rather early. That is because today is the summer solstice, the longest day and shortest night of the year...
Live from Clear Lake
It’s a summer of music!! BY: RACHEL WUMKES There’s something to be said about listening to live music. Whether you’re at a stadium concert, a local dive bar, or hanging out on a patio on a warm summer night. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood. And why is that? I’ve...