Posted in Iowa
May 21, 2020
Check These 8 Gorgeous Lakes Off Of Your Iowa Adventure Bucket List
Even though Iowa is a landlocked state, it’s rare for Hawkeyes to spend more than a few weeks without heading to a lake or river. The best lakes in Iowa offer scenery, recreation, fishing, and plenty of opportunities to get in touch with the wild nature of the Hawkeye State.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Lake MacBride State Park is home to miles of trails, a waterfall, and some of the best fishing in the state.
Lake Red Rock is the largest lake in Iowa, and it was formed by a damming project in the 1960s. Today, the lake is hugely popular for all sorts of recreation, and you can get a birds-eye view of the sprawling waterway by climbing to the top of the park's observation tower.
Saylorville Lake may be the most recognizable of any Iowa lake, and many Hawkeye State residents remember the devastating floods that began here in 1993. Today, Saylorville Lake is a popular fishing spot, with more than a dozen different species waiting to be reeled in.
Lake Sugema is an underrated body of water that offers the best largemouth bass fishing in Iowa. Fishermen flock to the shores to drop in their boats and try their luck.
West Okoboji is the star of the Iowa Great Lakes, and with so many recreation opportunities, it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular lakes in Iowa. You can kayak, boat, fish, canoe, and swim here, but many people choose to spend their vacation on one of the privately run party boats that cruise the lake and serve up cocktails and plenty of dancing.
Lake Darling State Park is home to a small and scenic lake that's surrounded by peaceful and quiet hiking trails. It's a popular spot for families to go for a taste of the outdoors. You can even rent a cabin and camp right on the shores!
Black Hawk Lake is one of a handful of natural lakes in Iowa. It was formed by a glacier millions of years ago, and today it's a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and fishing.
Rathbun Lake is the gem of Honey Creek State Park, and you'll find plenty of chances to enjoy the water by boat or by swimming! Honey Creek Resort makes full use of the water and they've created a playground that everyone is sure to enjoy. Read more about Honey Creek's aquapark right here.
What do you think of the best lakes in Iowa? Are there any you think we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USA
Address: Lake McBride, Big Grove, IA 52333, USA
Address: Rathbun Lake, Iowa, USA
Address: Lake Red Rock, Iowa, USA
Address: Saylorville Lake, Iowa, USA
Address: Lake Sugema, Des Moines, IA 52565, USA
Address: Black Hawk Lake, Iowa 51450, USA
Address: Lake Darling, Clay, IA 52540, USA
