What to Do

Swimming

Jump right in! Put your toes in the sand at one of our beaches, cannonball off a dock or brave the flume slide at the aquatic center. Find out where you can swim all year long!

Clear Lake Beaches

• Clear Lake City Beach
  Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department
  641-357-7010
  Clear Lake’s City Beach is maintained by the Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department and offers unsupervised swimming. The area includes a splash pad, bath house, and a park with playground equipment.
• Clear Lake State Park Beach
  2730 S. Lakeview Dr.
  641-357-4242
  A 900-foot sandy beach is located close to a picnic area and shelters. The beach offers unsupervised swimming and a concrete path runs the length of the beach for the mobility impaired. It’s maintained by the Iowa DNR.
• McIntosh Woods State Park
  1200 E. Lake St. (Ventura)
  641-829-3847
  The park features a peninsula, which includes an unsupervised beach popular for swimming. It’s maintained by the Iowa DNR.

Clear Lake Public Accesses
There are a several public accesses to the lake, most with docks. All docks at public accesses are privately maintained and constructed, so please use them as a guest. Street signs appear at the entrance to each access.

• 16th Avenue South and South Shore Drive
• Behind 1513 S. Shore Dr.
• 15th Avenue South
• 14th Avenue South
• 13th Avenue South
• 8th Avenue South
• 7th Avenue South
• 6th Avenue South
• 5th Avenue South
• 12 docks are located on North Lakeview Drive (North of Sea Wall)
• 5th Avenue North
• Beach Drive
• Mars Hill Drive
• North 9th Street
• Highland Drive

Indoor & Outdoor Pools

• Clear Lake Aquatic Center
  1420 2nd Ave. S., Clear Lake
  641-357-2007
  The Clear Lake Aquatic Center features a 7,800-square-foot outdoor pool and bathhouse facility. It has zero-depth entry, eight competition swimming lanes, floatables, geysers and spray fixtures, one- and three-meter diving boards, a 42-inch open flume slide and a 32-inch closed tube slide. The pool is operated by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and is open Memorial Day through mid-August.
• Boyer Pool
  One Vision
  1200 N. 9th St. W., Clear Lake
  641-355-1240
  One Vision operates a heated, indoor Olympic-length pool, which is open to the general public. Pool proceeds go to support One Vision’s services for people with disabilities. The length is 25 yards, and the depth inclines from three feet on each end to five feet in the middle. Lap lanes are available. The pool is accessible with shallow stairs and an electric lift. Air and water temperature is kept at approximately 85 degrees for comfort. Whether it’s for therapy, exercise or recreation, Boyer Pool offers a great year-round facility for the community and those served by One Vision.

  Public swimming hours:

• Early morning lap swim from 6 to 8 a.m. weekdays
• Open swimming from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday

Sailing

Clear Lake is considered to be one of the top sailing lakes in the Midwest. With an elevation nearly 100 feet above the surrounding countryside, winds are typically present on even the calmest of days. The 3,684 acre lake measures approximately 7 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.

Every weekend, Memorial Day through Labor Day, sailboat races are held on Clear Lake. Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 1p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Clear Lake Yacht Club (CLYC) was founded in 1935 to promote pleasure and competitive sailing for all ages. The Club organizes several sailing fleets, including Optimists, X, MC, M17, C, E, Cougars and Hobie Cats each season, giving sailors ample opportunities to compete and test their skills each season.

The CLYC participates at the regional and national level in regattas throughout the summer, both on Clear Lake and other lakes. Clear Lake Yacht Club is a member of the US Sailing, Inland Lakes Yachting Association, Interlake Yachting Association, Hobie Class Association Division 7 and Yacht Clubs of America (YCA).

Membership in the CLYC includes racing, and non-racing (social) members. It is a great way to connect with others who share a love of sailing.

CLYC’s Sailing School is offered in the summer for kids and adults. Head instructors and senior instructors are certified by the US Sailing program, with a water safety component as part of the certification. Everyone is invited to participate; you do not need to be a CLYC member, or even a permanent resident of Clear Lake. Scholarships are available.

Sailing Camp is a four-day program designed for the beginner and intermediate sailor. Each student will receive specific instruction customized to his/her experience level. Topics will include boat parts, boat safety, and basic boat-handling skills. During these classes, instructors are generally in the sailboats with students. Students may receive training/instruction in a variety of boat types, including Optimist, X Scows, 420 Class and Hobie type boats.

Optimist Racers and X fleets hold instruction and racing twice a week over seven weeks. All racing will be scored and fleet trophies will be awarded. Skills taught will include tactics, racing rules and courses. Students that do not provide their own boat may rent a club boat for a nominal charge.

Adult sessions are held in the evenings. For more information and online registration, visit the Sailing School website.

Boating & Watersports

To really experience Clear Lake, you have to get on the water. Whether you’re bringing your boat or are looking to purchase or rent, these resources will help you plan your visit.

Boat Rentals and Marina

• Clear Lake Adventure Rentals
  712 Highway 18 E
  641-357-3535
  Offering boat rentals as well as a full-line of watersport equipment, like paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, float pads, ski tubes, wake boards and bikes.
• Clear Lake Boats
  Showroom and Sales Office: 1604 S. Shore Dr., 641-357-5571
  Marina: 15296 Raney Dr., 641-357-0961
  Clear Lake Boats rents a variety of boats for summertime enjoyment. Ski boats, pontoons and personal watercraft are all available. It is recommended to call early to reserve equipment, especially for weekend use.
• Lake Dream Marine
  601 E Lake St., Ventura
  641-231-9717
  Offering pontoon, kayak, paddleboard and float pad rentals.
• Lake Time Boat Club
  641-231-1414
  Members can enjoy the benefits of boating without the hassles of ownership! With an array of boats available, you can easily reserve your times online or through its mobile app.
• Muskie Rentals
  700 E Lake St., Ventura
  641-512-1884
  In addition to boat slips, Muskie Rentals offers pontoon & kayak rentals.

Boat Slips:
There are 10 boat slips on the City Dock located at the end of Main Avenue for guests to tie up their boats for a limited time to enjoy downtown Clear Lake.

• Clear Lake Boats
  15296 Raney Dr.
  641-357-0961
  Clear Lake Boats has more than 80 slip rentals available at its marina on the south side of the lake. Its slip service includes a refueling dock open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, all season long, as well as restrooms, refreshments and free Wi-Fi.
• Lake Dream Marine
  601 E Lake St., Ventura
  641-231-9717

• Muskie Rentals
  700 E Lake St., Ventura
  641-512-1884
  Boat slip rentals are available at the Muskie Lounge restaurant in Ventura.
• Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department Public Access Docks
  641-357-7010

Boat Launches:

• Main Avenue near City Park
• Tourist Park area off South Shore Drive in the 1600 block
• Bayside area just off South Shore Drive near PM Park
• McIntosh Woods State Park in Ventura
• Lynn Lorenzen Park in Ventura (the best launch when water level is low)

Important Boating Numbers:

• Lake Patrol 641-357-5000
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources 641-357-3517

Click to view Boating Regulations

Movies

Lake Theater
4 N. 4th St.
641-357-2414
The historic Lake Theater has been a downtown institution since its start as an Opera House in the 1890s.It was damaged by a fire in the 1920s and reopened as a movie theater in 1936.In 2012, the theater went digital and upgraded its sound system. Betty and Gene Sherman, with help from their sons John and Bob, owned and operated Lake Theatre from 1976 to 2016. Aaron and Erin Donaldson purchased the theater in April 2016 and since then, they’ve strived to maintain the legacy the Lake Theatre provides the community of Clear Lake while continuing to make improvements so future generations can make memories at the theater with small-town charm.

Showtimes are generally 7 p.m. Fridays; 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sundays. Call for current showings or like them on Facebook. The theater is also available for special events.

Movies in the Park
Event Series, June through August
City Park, Downtown Clear Lake
641-357-2159
Watch a movie under the stars with the lake as your backdrop at 9 p.m. Thursdays during the summer. Stop by Lake Theatre before showtime to grab your favorite movie treats or bring your own and enjoy the movie in the park from a park bench or your own chair or blanket. Free admission.

Movies in the Park are part of Thursdays on Main which runs from mid-June through mid-August. For event schedule, follow Thursdays on Main on Facebook.

Courts, Diamonds, Tracks & Fields

Horseshoes, trails, sand volleyball, basketball, tennis courts, and more!

Equipment Rentals
To reserve any of the Parks and Recreation Department equipment below, email rmiller@cityofclearlake.org or call Parks and Recreation at 641-357-7010. Advance reservations are needed.

Volleyball: Portable volleyball kits (volleyball and net) with $25 deposit.
Horseshoes: Two sets available for rental at $25/set deposit.
Dodge balls: $10/ball deposit.
Snowshoes: 2Two adult sets and two child sets available with $50/set deposit.

Baseball/Softball Diamonds
Marian Park, 2nd Avenue S. and 2nd Ave. SE
Pine Tree Park, 2300 S. Shore Dr.
Lions Field, 1000 N. 8th St.
Youth Athletic League Diamonds, 1000 N. 8th St.

Basketball
Country Club Heights Park
515 18th St. W. (Basketball Hoop)

Outdoor Lighted Courts
220 N. 20th St.

Lions Field Outdoor Courts
North 8th Street and 10th Avenue North

Horseshoe Pits
MacGowan Park, 201 10th Ave. N.
Five pits available. Bring your own shoes or reserve one of two sets from Clear Lake Parks and Recreation, 641-357-7010.

Public Track
Lions Field, North 8th Street and 10th Avenue North
All-weather 400 meter track. Rollerblades, bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the track. Please, no pets.

Soccer Fields
Outlet Recreation Complex
12th Avenue South
Five regulation and three youth. Seasonal.

Clear Lake High School Field
1st Avenue North and North 20th Street (south of the Clear Lake High School)

Sand Volleyball
Pine Tree Park
2300 S. Shore Dr.
One court. Seasonal.

Tourist Park
1600 S. Shore Dr.
Two courts. Seasonal.

Tennis Courts
220 N. 20th St.
Six lighted courts. Seasonal.

Trails
Outlet Recreation Complex, 12th Avenue South
This paved trail is 3600 feet (0.68 mile) from end to end. The complex is pet-friendly, but please pick up after your pet.

Hunting & Sporting

Iowa hosts more than 250,000 hunters annually. These hunters make 3.5 million visits to Iowa’s 340 public hunting areas. Deer and pheasants are a popular draw, but plenty of opportunities exist to pursue waterfowl and other small game.

Click for Iowa’s Hunting Regulations.

Click for Non-Resident Hunting information.

Public Wildlife Management Areas
Public Wildlife Management Areas around Clear Lake are available for public recreational use all year round. These areas are managed to provide food, winter cover and secure nesting habitat for resident and migratory wildlife species, and to provide public hunting opportunities. Although hunting and trapping are the primary recreational activities available on these areas, bird watching, hiking, mushrooming and nature study are allowed, preferably when hunting and trapping seasons are closed.

• Bailey Creek
  P,W 159 acres; 1/5 Wetland, 4/5 Upland
  One mile west of Thornton on Highway 107, half mile north on Eagle Avenue, one mile west on 130th Street
• Beaverdam
  P,W 151 acres; 1/4 Marsh, 3/4 Upland
  Three miles north of Thornton on Highway 107
• Clear Lake Pond
  P,D 41 acres; 3/4 Marsh, 1/4 Upland
  One mile north of Clear Lake on S28, half mile east on 275th Street
• Lekwa Marsh
  P,W 48 acres; 1/4 Forest, 1/4 Upland, 1/2 Marsh
  South side of Clear Lake
• McIntosh
  P,W 217 acres; 1/10 Timber, 2/10 Marsh, 7/10 Upland
  Northeast corner of Ventura on Highway 18
• Sandpiper Hills
  P,W 124 acres; 1/10 Marsh, 9/10 Upland
  Eight miles north of Ventura on County Road S14, one-fourth mile west on County Road B14
• Teal Basins
  P,W 151 acres; 1/5 Marsh, 4/5 Upland
  Six miles north of Clear Lake on County Road S14, two miles east on County Road B20
• Union Hills
  P,W 2,125 acres; 1/5 Marsh, 4/5 Upland
  Four miles north of Thornton on Highway 107, two miles west on County Road B55
• Ventura Marsh
  P,W 156 acres; 1/3 Marsh, 2/3 Upland
  South edge of Ventura on County Road S14
• Wild Goose Marsh
  P,W 991 acres; 1/2 Marsh, 1/2 Upland
  Four miles north of Ventura on County Road S14, one-fourth mile east on 290th Street

Click for Deer Hunting information.

Click for Turkey Hunting information.

Click for Upland Game Hunting (pheasants, quail, cottontail rabbits, & squirrels) information.

Click for Waterfowl Hunting information.

Hunting Licenses

• The Crazy Minnow
  504 Highway 18 E.
  641-357-2248
• Kramer-Ace Hardware
  580 Highway 18 E.
  641-357-7080
• Department of Natural Resources
  1203 N. Shore Dr.
  641-357-3517

Trapshooting

• Ventura Gun Club
  Highway. 18 West, Ventura
  641-829-3364

  The Ventura Gun Club offers hunters a place to practice their sport from early April through mid-September, weather permitting. The club is open Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the public to shoot trap or skeet. Five-stand is available upon request for groups of 10 or more.

  Interested persons only need to bring their own gun. Ammunition is available on site, although shooters may bring their own.

  Membership is not required to shoot. An adult league of trap shooters is open to men and women. In addition, a young shooters league helps those ages 8 and older develop their skills while having fun. Membership packages are available.

Gardens, Parks & Nature Areas

Clear Lake has several City Parks and Nature Areas perfect for relaxing and connecting to nature.

Central Gardens of North Iowa
North 8th Street & 2nd Avenue South
641-357-0700

Formerly Central School grounds, Central Gardens of North Iowa was developed in 2000. Since its inception, it has grown to be North Iowa’s largest public garden, situated on 2.75 acres. The gardens are host to more than 25,000 visitors each season, and numerous private events. It is an inviting place to wander, or bring lunch and relax on the terrace or lawn. The gardens are host to special events, like their popular summer series Fresh on Friday. Group tours are available by appointment.

Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department
641-357-7010
Clear Lake is home to 11 lush parks in all shapes and sizes. City Park is the hub for community events, and is located downtown. The parks can be reserved through the City of Clear Lake’s Park and Recreation Department. Volleyball kits, horse shoes, Frisbees, and softball bats and balls are available to check out through the department.

Clear Lake State Park
2730 S. Lakeview Dr.
6490 S. Shore Dr. (Campground Entrance)
641-357-4212

Clear Lake State Park is located on the southeast shore of the beautiful 3,643-acre Clear Lake, one of the major outdoor recreation features of northern Iowa. The 55-acre park offers a tremendous diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities due to its location on the lake as well as its natural beauty. The park is characterized by gently rolling ground with open, mature groves of oak trees. Several small draws and thickets provide habitat for owls, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, rabbits, many species of songbirds and an occasional deer. Scenic Woodford Island is a 3-acre island managed primarily for wildlife habitat and is an excellent spot for fishing.

Lake Activities
The 900-foot sandy beach offers unsupervised swimming and is a great place for swimmers and sunbathers, young and old.

Clear Lake is a great place for anglers throughout the year. The lake offers good fishing for walleyes, muskies, northern pikes, bullheads, catfish, yellow bass, crappies, and other panfish. Boaters enjoy skiing, jet skiing, sightseeing, wind surfing and sailing.

Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
The park features more than 10 acres of picnic grounds with tables and grills. The shady picnic areas provide a great place for a family cookout. Playground equipment for small children is located in the picnic area adjacent to the campground. An open picnic shelter is available for online reservations.

A day-use lodge is located in the picnic area near the beach. Built in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration, this impressive historical facility is a great place for group events, such as weddings, family reunions, company picnics, and other large group gatherings.

Camping
Clear Lake State Park has one of the most popular campgrounds in the Iowa state park system. The campground contains a modern restroom, shower facilities and trailer dump station. Advance reservations can be made online through the Reserve America system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

180 sites: Standard Electric (162), Standard Full Hook-Up (7), Standard Non-Electric (8), Shelters (2), and Day-use Lodge (1).

McIntosh Woods State Park
1200 E. Lake St., Ventura
641-829-3847

McIntosh Woods is a 60-acre natural refuge located along the northwest shore of Iowa’s second largest natural lake, Clear Lake, and home to the only two yurts in the Iowa state park system. It is also the anchor base for anglers trying their luck on beautiful Clear Lake anytime of the year. In winter, one may cross-country ski, snowshoe or ice fish. Whether you are here to fish, camp, swim, boat, sail, ski, snowshoe, paddle or just relax, we hope you enjoy your stay.

Trails
A 1-mile interpretive hiking trail winds its way through the park with several key features highlighted along the route. The trail takes you through the Mallard Marsh on a walkway above the marsh that leads to a wildlife viewing blind where you can take photos of waterfowl, birds and a variety of wildlife species.

Lake Activities
McIntosh Woods State Park is one of the major boating access points for Clear Lake. A modern boat ramp – the largest on the lake – is present with an extensive paved area for vehicle trailer parking. To enhance angler enjoyment, a modern fish cleaning station is located near the boat ramp area.

The park has a peninsula, which includes an unsupervised beach that is popular for swimmers of all ages.

Picnicking/Shelters
McIntosh Woods State Park is a popular spot for picnickers. The grassy and shaded picnic areas are a fine place for a family cookout. An open picnic shelter has been built near the boat ramp and can be reserved online.

Camping
McIntosh Woods’ shaded campground, complete with electric and non-electric campsites, is a favorite for many and is heavily used by boaters and anglers. A modern restroom and shower building are present, as well as a playground.

53 Total Sites: Standard Electric (45); Standard Non-Electric (4), Yurts (2), and Shelters (2).

Yurts
A yurt is a traditional dwelling of the nomadic people of central Asia. They were found from Anatolia to Mongolia and, in Iowa, exclusively at McIntosh Woods State Park. McIntosh Woods’ visitors may stay in one of two yurts available for rent. The two yurts are unique and extremely popular for overnight accommodations on the lakefront.

Oakwood RV Park
5419 240th Street
641-357-4019

Located just off South Shore Drive, Oakwood RV Park has been hosting campers since 1987. Originally a 50-site campground, a 2002 addition brought the total number of full hook up sites to 90. They are especially proud of the large site that accommodates a 40- to 45-foot RV with a cement patio!

The park is also home to Lakeside Church. This 1890s country church is home to small weddings and Sunday morning worship. They also have a recreational hall available by request.

All sites have sewer, soft water, electricity (three-point hook-up, 30 and 50 amp service), Wi-Fi, restrooms, laundry, and hot showers. Cable and telephone service is available.

Twin Oaks RV Park
5351 S. Shore Dr.
641-357-3337
Located on the south side of Clear Lake, Twin Oaks has 45 campsites, a playground, shelter, game room, restrooms, and showers.

Golf

Spend some time outside on one of our beautiful golf courses. Clear Lake also has mini-golf and disc-golf courses.

Oak Hills Golf Course
518 27th Ave. S.
641-357-2216
Located near the Clear Lake State Park campground entrance, Oak Hills Golf Course is an enjoyable nine-hole par 30 public golf course with gently rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and challenging bent grass greens. The course has excellent drainage and is playable when other courses are too wet. Open for daily green fees, a variety of season memberships are also available. Clubhouse and pro shop with concessions and meals for group or business outings can be provided. Cart rentals are limited.

Veterans Memorial Golf Club
2200 N. Shore Dr.
641-357-4457
Veterans Memorial Golf Club is a nine-hole par 36 course that offers an enjoyable round of golf for all players with beautiful views, wide bluegrass fairways, and well-kept greens. Also enjoy the practice range, pro shop, and clubhouse with full bar.

Located along the north shore of Clear Lake, the golf club came into existence in 1922. It was purchased by the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce in 1945, and the Chamber dedicated it to Clear Lake’s war veterans and named it All Veterans Golf Club. Acquired by the City of Clear Lake in the spring of 2011, the course was re-dedicated to war veterans and took on the name of Veterans Memorial Golf Club.

Pla-Mor Miniature Golf
6801 S. Shore Dr.
641-357-3580
This 18 hole miniature golf course is located just west of the Clear Lake State Park beach entrance.

Disc Golf Course
One Vision Campus
1200 N. 9th St. W.
641-357-5277

The One Vision nine-hole disc golf course is open to the public, free of charge. You’ll need to bring your own discs. The first hole is located at the west end of the north parking lot. If anyone has used discs they’d like to donate for One Vision use, they can be dropped off at the One Vision reception desk. The course was paid for by a donation in memory of Darrell Hier, an avid Clear Lake golfer.