The Tiny Beach Town In Iowa You’ve Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

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.

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.

During your visit, you must see the Surf Ballroom.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Even when you visit this lakeside restaurant during the day, the views are phenomenal!

The people who live and vacation in Clear Lake dearly love their lake, and it's no wonder why!

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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