The vast majority of Iowa's lakes are man-made, crafted by damming up our rivers and re-directing water to reservoirs and ponds where people swim, boat, and fish when the weather is nice. However, if you love natural lakes, you don't have to settle for man-made lakes all the time! Up in the Iowa Great Lakes region, dozens of glacial lakes showcase the beauty of the Hawkeye State's natural bodies of water. Big Spirit Lake is the largest of these Iowa Great Lakes, and you can track down the best beach on Spirit Lake at the beautiful and welcoming Awaysis Park.
Awaysis Park is just west of King's Pointe Resort, and many people consider this swimming hole to be the best beach on Storm Lake.
There's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than to swim in the refreshing waters of Storm Lake. Spend some time in the town, too, and you'll feel welcomed!
It seems like sometimes in the summer, even the most peaceful lakes and swimming holes are packed with visitors looking to cool off. Do you want to get away - and we mean REALLY get away? You might want to head to Lake Sugema in southeast Iowa, only a short distance from the Missouri border. With a peaceful lakefront and a nearby state park perfect for hiking, it may just be the isolated summer retreat you've been looking for. Come along as we show you why visiting the most remote lake in Iowa should be on your travel bucket list.
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You won't find big crowds at Lake Sugema - but this man-made lake is known among its fans as a quiet, isolated retreat perfect for fishing.
After a long day of exploring, return to the shores of Lake Sugema for a cookout and bask in maybe the most serene and remote lakeside getaway in the Hawkeye State.
Have you escaped from the crowds at Lake Sugema and Lacey Keosauqua State Park? What are your favorite natural wonders in Iowa? What about your favorite lakes in Iowa? Do you agree that it is among the best lakes in Iowa? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
If you’d like to explore some really great hikes in and around the area, you can find information and photos about trails to embark upon by going to the AllTrails website.
Thinking about taking a vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
Our state offers some sweltering summer days, and there's no better way to cope than just give in to the heat and go tubing in Iowa with a big group of friends. Our first four suggestions are all on the Upper Iowa River, so if you've been searching for the best lazy river near me, and you're anywhere near the Upper Iowa, you have your answer. But don't worry - there are plenty of others throughout the state. Pack some cold drinks, slather on the sunscreen, and head to any of these awesome lazy river locations to enjoy the steamiest summer weather Iowa has to offer!
First on our list of the best river floats in Iowa is Chimney Rock Campground. This rental business is on the Upper Iowa River in extreme Northeast Iowa. National Geographic's Adventure Magazine recently recognized this area of Iowa. This private farm is located along the "Chimney Rocks" and is open all summer with tubes available for your float.
For outdoor enthusiasts who would like a little longer to explore the Upper Iowa River, White's Riverside Bluffton Campground will help you plan your Iowa tubing adventures. The business also maintains the Bluffton Campground, which has electrical hookups, fresh water, and solar showers.
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3. Hutchinson Family Farm Campground and B&B - Decorah
This working beef and quarter horse farm is also a campground for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Tube the most beautiful part of the Upper Iowa River at the Hutchinson Family Farm Campground and B&B. There's even a "swimming hole" and playground for the kids.
You can rent tubes, canoes, and kayaks from Upper Iowa Resort and Rental. Shuttle service and help planning a river trip are available, as well. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the Upper Iowa River as you float.
Raccoon River Excursions facilitates weekend river floats in Iowa down the scenic Raccoon River near Des Moines. Book in advance for a Saturday or Sunday float that lasts between four and five hours. Launch times are between 9 a.m. and noon.
Rock-n-Row Adventures rents tubing equipment for 3-5 hour floats down the Iowa River. They also provide a shuttle service to the starting point. They are fully insured, and also serve as a campground and music venue.
Enjoy a 3 to 5-hour float down the Des Moines River with Seven Oaks Recreation, passing under the 185-foot-tall Kate Shelley High Bridge. There are many easily accessible sand bars and great scenery, which make for awesome lazy river tubing in Iowa.
Rent tubes and float as far as you'd like. If you love river tubing in Iowa, River Dock Canoe Rental is a fantastic choice. These folks will deliver and pick up your rented tubes at your location along the Wapsipinicon River within 20 miles of the town of Independence at no additional charge on Saturdays and Sundays.
Float the Nishnabotna River through western Iowa on a "Rubber Duck" tube complete with beverage holder. Shuttle service is available. You can even bring your dog on this river excursion. Tubing in Iowa has never been easier than it is with Rubber Duck Outfitters!
Enjoy spectacular scenery, the camaraderie of friends, and the beautiful Iowa waterways from an up-close and personal vantage point. It doesn't get much better than tubing in Iowa on a hot summer day. What are your favorite things to do in Iowa during the summer? Let us know!
