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 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
Read More
Latest Blog Posts
Feel Good Friday
A weekend of fall fun at the Lake! BY: RACHEL WUMKES It’s easy to feel all warm and squishy today, knowing the incredible weekend that lies ahead. Today, on Harvest Festival Eve, I hope you all drink plenty of fluids and get an ample amount of rest. The fun starts...
Fall Friday Vibes
Another fabulous week at the Lake! BY: RACHEL WUMKES What a week, right? We started out by enjoying the tail-end of summer hanging on for dear life. Poor thing just didn’t want to let go, and I don’t blame her. I mean, we sure do know how to do summer at the Lake! ...
It’s the First Day of Fall, Y’all!
North Iowa fall fun BY: RACHEL WUMKES Today marks the autumnal equinox – also called the September equinox or fall equinox. This means it is the official start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. All very technical,...
Clear Lake Area Concert Association Kicks off New Season
Music Makes the World go ‘Round BY: RACHEL WUMKES Formed in 1979, the Clear Lake Area Concert Association (CLACA) provides quality musical performances at a reasonable price. Catering to both young and old, they host a variety of live entertainment for all those who...
Garden Fiesta at Central Gardens
A Celebration of Latino Culture BY: RACHEL WUMKES This weekend marks one of the biggest events of the season for Central Gardens. Their grounds will be transformed from an oasis of peaceful tranquility to a celebration of Latino culture! Bright colors will bring...