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
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Latest Blog Posts
Springtime at the Lake!
Fresh beginnings. New life. All the fun. BY: RACHEL WUMKES Springtime at the Lake is one of my favorite seasons. New life begins to sprout, opening up a world of possibility for the upcoming season of sun and fun at the lake. With the completion of Spring Break week,...
St. Patrick’s Fun at the Lake 2023
Kiss me, I'm Iowish! Clear Lake has a ton of fun lined up for St. Patrick's Day Weekend 2023! Thursday through Sunday, celebrate with delicious food, fun activities, and 8 opportunities to enjoy live music at the lake. Talk about the luck of the Irish! Stop into the...
Spring Break in Clear Lake
You can have all the fun right here! BY: RACHEL WUMKES Spring break means so many different things to various people. Students are likely bouncing off the walls with excitement knowing they have an entire week free from the confines of books and homework. And while...
North Iowa Student Art Exhibit
Student Art on Display through March 18th! BY: RACHEL WUMKES If you haven’t been over to the Clear Lake Arts Center recently, you simply must go now to check out the North Iowa Student Art Exhibit. The exhibition will be on view in the Hanson Gallery through...
The Chamber & City Connection
Who we are and what we do! BY: RACHEL WUMKES A common misconception amongst the general public is that the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Clear Lake are one in the same. This incorrect Chamber and City connection causes a few "eye twitch" moments for us! After...