Think you know rural Iowa? Think again.

Clear Lake is often known as a lake-resort destination—but agritourism runs deep here, woven between our music legacy, vibrant downtown, and the fields that have shaped generations. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or looking for unique group experiences, we invite you to explore the surprising ways agriculture and innovation intersect in our community.

What is Evolution of the Heartland?

Evolution of the Heartland is a statewide initiative that encourages travelers to ditch the interstate and take the road less traveled. These immersive tours spotlight rural communities where agriculture isn’t just tradition—it’s innovation in action. From family farms to cultural icons, you’ll meet entrepreneurs who are growing more than crops—they’re growing community.

While a full-day guided tour was planned for Clear Lake, the concept lives on—and we encourage you to create your own agritourism experience using the ideas below.

Build Your Own Agritourism Adventure in Clear Lake

Here are a few stops that offer a glimpse into Clear Lake’s agricultural roots and small-town ingenuity:

The Surf Ballroom & Memorial Crash Site
Music and farmland come together at this iconic venue. Walk through history at the Surf Ballroom—site of the final performance by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. Just outside town, you’ll find the crash site memorial located on active farmland. It’s a powerful reminder of how Iowa’s rural landscape holds national cultural significance.

Mossycup Farms
This is Iowa agriculture, reimagined. Jesse and Laura at Mossycup Farms blend chemical engineering backgrounds with heritage farming to raise pasture-raised pork and poultry. They also create organic lard-based goods and nutrient-dense foods for modern wellness. Tours and pop-up events are occasionally offered—follow them for future opportunities to visit.

Central Gardens of North Iowa
A blooming haven in the heart of Clear Lake, Central Gardens offers 20+ themed spaces that celebrate plants, pollinators, and community pride. Many local food and farm experiences take place here, including tastings with Healthy Harvest of North Iowa and seasonal pairings with 173° Craft Distillery.

Lake Time Brewery
Cap off your agritourism experience with handcrafted brews made right in downtown Clear Lake. See how a small-town brewery makes a big impact—locally loved and rooted in community.

Ready to experience the evolution of Iowa agriculture?
Clear Lake is a place where the prairie meets progress, where lake life and ag life thrive side by side, and where the rural American dream is still being redefined. Whether you’re here for the weekend or planning a group tour, there’s always more to discover.