With a population of just over 7,000, Clear Lake, Iowa, has more than its share of beautiful sand beaches, lakefront homes, and lots of nostalgia. Every summer, people flock to this town, Iowa’s very own beachside paradise! Clear Lake has been carefully arranged and planned with the lake as its focus, which simply adds to its charm.

Did you know there was a bona fide beach town in Iowa? It's true! Clear Lake is a northern Iowa lake town located between Des Moines and the Minneapolis. People love it here for the laid-back and carefree vibe.
Clear Lake, Iowa/Facebook
The City Park is full of the smells of grilled food and the sounds of kids playing on the lawn. You'll often find live music and total beach vibes in this community park.
The town itself faces the water. There's a park and restaurant patios with beautiful views for the water. Main Street comes to a stop right at the water. It's a great place to shop quaint antique stores and gift shops. You'll find a movie house, and several drug stores. The large hanging baskets overflowing with greenery and flowers are the handiwork of volunteers who water them in the early morning hours.
Clear Lake, Iowa/Facebook
During your visit, you must see the Surf Ballroom.
Clear Lake, Iowa/Facebook
Carefully designed to look like a 1950s beach club, it's the place where Buddy Holly played in 1959. After the concert, his plane crashed in a nearby cornfield, putting Clear Lake in the national spotlight. Don McLean wrote the song, "American Pie" referring to Buddy Holly's death as, "the day the music died." Big-band orchestras and classic rock bands play at the Surf Ballroom all week long.
The lakeside resorts of days past are now beautiful vacation homes.
Clear Lake, Iowa/Facebook
You can find lots of unique places to stay in Clear Lake, Iowa, on VRBO.com. There are two yurts on the lake at McIntosh Woods State Park. Plenty of B&B, motels, and camping at the two state parks here offer accommodations for tourists, as well.

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This gorgeous VRBO, for example, is lake living at its most luxurious. There is a spa-level bathroom, jacuzzi tub, screened porch, working fireplace chef's kitchen, multiple porches, and epic views. for. days.
VRBO
View the VRBO for New Retreat at Clear Clear Lake to learn more!
Fishing is great at the west end of the lake from McIntosh Woods.
Clear Lake, Iowa/Facebook
Clear Lake State Park has a lodge and mature oak trees offer plenty of shade. The beautiful sandy beach here is the ideal place for evening boat watching and lounging by the water.
Some of the best sunset views over the lake are at The Landing Patio Bar & Grill at 1603 Shore Dr.
Todd L./Yelp
Even when you visit this lakeside restaurant during the day, the views are phenomenal!
Lake Landing
The people who live and vacation in Clear Lake dearly love their lake, and it's no wonder why!
Clear Lake, Iowa/Facebook

Have you visited Clear Lake, Iowa, before? What did you think of this darling little beach town? Where is your favorite Iowa vacation destination? Tell us about it in the comments below!

And if you’re interested in making the New Retreat on Clear Lake your home base, be sure to check out its official VRBO listing.

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More to Explore

Clear Lake, Iowa

Sarah M. | October 12, 2022

What are some other lakeside getaways in Iowa?

Iowa might be generally known as all prairies and cornfields, but there are numerous lovely lakes in our state that offer nothing but pure R&R. In Marion County, Lake Retreat is one of our favorite getaways on Iowa's largest lake. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with your family and friends in a peaceful green setting, head over to this sweet cottage right next to Lake Red Rock just outside of Pella, Iowa. The state’s biggest lake offers lovely views and a pleasant, low-key experience for a group of up to 16 people. With six bedrooms, there will be plenty of room for all those you love, whether you're meeting up with friends or having a family reunion. Of course, even if you bring a crowd, you will learn a new definition of “serenity” overlooking the beautiful water just steps away from the front door. You can lie back and relax while the kids have a splashing good time, or join them for a swim! For the hiking enthusiasts in the group, Volksweg Trail is 12.5 miles long and begins just a block away.

If you're looking for more getaways at Lake Red Rock, Horn's Ferry Hideaway offers luxury cabins set in seclusion for the perfect vacation getaway at Iowa’s largest lake where you can boat, fish, or swim until your heart's content. Cabins boast king-sized beds, fully equipped kitchens, Jacuzzis, and other cozy and high-end amenities! What's more, Horn's Ferry Hideaway sits between the 38-acre wooded Gladys Bald Eagle refuge, meaning you just might have the opportunity to view one of these captivating birds in the wild!

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Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA