Before refrigeration, winter in Clear Lake wasn’t just a season, it was an industry. For decades, thick ice cut from the frozen surface of Clear Lake was harvested, stored, and shipped across Iowa to keep food fresh through the summer months. At its peak, the ice harvest here was one of the largest in the region,...
Canadian Buddy Holly fan makes somber pilgrimage to Clear Lake by Dustin A. Woods Back in grade school when other kids were listening to songs like “Baby Beluga” and “Wheels on the Bus,” I was poring over my parents’ classic record collection. Sitting through dusty old boxes of vinyl, I would scrounge and try to find, as...
The Surf Ballroom & Museum invites visitors to experience Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience — a first-of-its-kind, permanent installation honoring the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson that opened in September 2025. Housed in the Music Enrichment Center...
Updated April 8, 2026 What’s New at the Lake This Summer Planning a trip to Clear Lake this season? There’s plenty that’s new since your last visit. From new places to eat and shop to to new owners, updated spaces and outdoor experiences, here’s what to check out while you’re in town. A New Front Door for Visitors Clear...
A Historic Treasure Gets a Fresh Look in Clear Lake, Iowa Near the shore of Clear Lake, across from the historic seawall, City Park has been a cornerstone of the community since its establishment in 1856. The park remains a place where families, visitors, and community members come together to enjoy the outdoors all year...
Clear Lake, Iowa, is a bucket-list destination for Midwest anglers. This 3,684-acre glacial lake offers exceptional fishing year-round, with public accesses, a fish cleaning station, and tournaments that draw serious anglers and casual fishers alike. Recently, fishing guide & social media influencer Tom Boley caught...
Clear Lake, Iowa turned up the volume on its rich musical heritage. Now open, the all-new Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center offers an unforgettable, immersive journey through the sounds and stories that shaped American music. Located right next door to the legendary Surf Ballroom & Museum, this state-of-the-art...
