Nestled halfway between Minneapolis and Des Moines is a beautiful small town called Clear Lake, situated on a natural spring-fed lake in northern Iowa. With stunning houses lining the lake, a quaint but bustling main street filled with restaurants and shops, and all sorts of lake activities (from relaxing on the beach to fishing and sailing), Clear Lake, Iowa, is the perfect Midwest destination for a summer weekend getaway with family or friends.
While it is a small town, we managed not to run out of restaurants to try and things to do. Side note: we went towards the end of August, and many businesses had just switched from their summer hours, meaning a few places were closed on the days we were there, so I highly recommend checking each business’s hours ahead of time since they tend to vary. But this gives us the perfect excuse to visit again soon! In the meantime, keep scrolling to read about all the details of our summer getaway to Clear Lake.
Where To Stay:
As soon as I came across Lakeside Inn, I knew that’s where I wanted to stay during our trip. When we stepped into the lobby, I knew we had made the right choice. It’s a newly renovated boutique hotel and is the only one located on the shores. Upon check-in, the staff was kind, helpful, and welcoming, and we immediately felt at home. Our room was clean, comfy, and spacious.
We had breathtaking views of Clear Lake from our room’s balcony, where we sat and worked on our laptops. There’s also a bar and grill downstairs (Lakeside Landing) that I wanted to try but ran out of time — next trip!
What To Do:
Walk around downtown — Main Ave is a charming street lined with cute boutiques, and it’s fun to pop into the shops to browse, but there’s something for everyone if you’re looking for a gift or souvenir. Some of my favorites were Lake Lifestyle, Nash & Ivy, and White Barn Picket Fence. Don’t forget to stop by Cabin Coffee Co. (right on Main Ave) for a coffee to enjoy while strolling.
Visit the beach — The beach area on the lakefront provides space for laying out, swimming, and lots of water activities like boating, fishing, and sailing (I want to rent a boat next time!). It’s kid-friendly with a splash pad and perfect for a family outing.
Stroll through Central Gardens of North Iowa — Open from May through October (free admission!). This garden serves as a place to escape for quiet, a gathering for lunch, or even a venue for a celebration.
Cruise aboard the Lady of the Lake — Even though we didn’t get a chance to rent a boat, we got to enjoy a 90-minute ride around the lake on this paddle-wheel boat — a favorite and must, in my opinion! There’s a full bar on board too.
Where To Eat:
Cabin Coffee Co. — We went here almost every morning because we loved it so much! Grab a coffee and cozy up with a book indoors, or head towards the lake for a morning walk. Also, the croissant breakfast sandwich is delicious.
Cancun by the Lake — A two-level Mexican restaurant (I recommend sitting upstairs) serving bottomless chips and freshly made salsa. We ate here twice, and both times service was quick, and the food was good.
Casey’s — It’s a Midwest convenience store chain known for its pizza. Brett swears this is an Iowa staple, and we always have to swing by when we’re in Iowa for some breakfast pizza. They also offer made-to-order subs, freshly baked donuts, pasta, and soft serve ice cream.
Charlie’s Soda Fountain — An Instagram-worthy old-fashioned soda fountain. There’s something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth here, from sodas to soft serve ice cream to malts to sundaes. I loved the Chocolate Coke (ice cream, coke, chocolate syrup).
K & B Emporium — A restaurant and retail store, K & B Emporium has it all. We popped in for a small lunch and wandered around, admiring all the knickknacks afterward. There’s also a fine dining restaurant upstairs, but unfortunately, it was closed when we were in town.
PM Park — This was my favorite between the food and the vibe. Everything I’ve tried here has been a hit, from the cheese curds to the chicken. Sitting outside, you get a beautiful view of the lake; it’s the perfect place to unwind after a fun day at the beach.
Scooter’s Coffee — Another excellent coffee stop with a drive-thru. I always get their blenders which are similar to a Starbucks frappuccino. I’d compare this to Dutch Bros back home in Phoenix.
I hope this Clear Lake, Iowa guide is helpful and convinces you to add it to your summer bucket list next year. If you have any questions or additional recommendations, please leave them in the comments! xo
Check out some of my other travel guides to inspire your next trip:
Bisbee, Arizona Travel Guide
Golden, Colorado Travel Guide
Boulder, Colorado Travel Guide
Thank you to the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own.
This looks like a wonderful place to visit!
What a great post! I especially loved all the pictures 🙂 thanks for the rec!
Really great post! Beautiful pictures!
This looks like an amazing place to visit!
Looks so fun!! You take beautiful pictures!
I am definitely going to add Iowa to my bucket list of places to visit here in the US. The boat ride on the lake sounds like an adventure. The Food Explora in me loves and appreciates the food recommendations. The lake Side Inn looks really homely. Thanks for sharing your travel experiences in Iowa. Pinned for later reference.
you have been to so many places I would have never ever thought to visit! Thank you for adding this to my travel list! Love the decor in the hotel!
Love this tour of Clear Lake Iowa. Looks like a nice place to visit.
Hi Kelly, Loved all that you shared and I can’t wait to vacation! This has been a crazy three weeks and it’s time to get out and explore! This is definitely on my list!
Clear Lake, Iowa looks like such a fun time! Thanks for sharing all of the must see places. 😊
I live just south of the Lakeside Inn. Not only did you do a wonderful job of capturing most of what Clear Lake, Iowa has to offer in the summer your photography was amazing. One thing you missed was the historic Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly performed his last concert.
Next time! And, then you can cruise nine miles east to Mason City home of the world famous Historic Park Inn Hotel, Meredith Willson boyhood home and Music Man museum, River City Sculptures on Parade and much more.
Interesting! I have heard about Iowa and would surely love to visit clear lake.
This is a lovely post. I especially appreciated the beautiful beaches you shared. The pictures are beautiful. 🤗
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Letstakeamoment.com
Lovedd this post. Very informative and just love your photography! Livygx
Sounds like an amazing trip and a nice place to visit!! The boutiques and food sound like fun!
Beautiful place! Never thought there is a cute place like this in Iowa! Definitely will add on my bucket list!
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Thank you for the itinerary, these places look so fun. Oh, that coffee looks so good. I’m pinning it to my travel board. Thank you for the recommendation.
This is SUCH a cute town!!! I loved the soda shop, we have one in my town too and it’s soooo special. You looked stunning! I’m so glad you had a great time.
Looks like a very lovely place! Hopefully one day when I make it from Europe to the States hahah!
Wow. I would love to take a trip to Clear Lake. Such a nice well-written piece, and beautiful images. It’s almost like being there myself :))
Beautiful! I’d love to go!
Thank you for sharing the pics! I’m in the UK but if I was ever in the Midwest I’d love to visit here.
I had no idea that Iowa had such a cute, charming town! I’d sort of written Iowa off but this seems like a great place to check out. I’d love to take a boat tour of the lake, or visit one of those cute coffee shops!
Love this post! I am from a small town in the midwest and I don’t think I have ever been to Clear Lake. Now I want to go! Beautiful pictures!
I like the color scheme of that hotel! Clear Lake looks like such a cute town to explore! I’d love to check out the gardens (even cooler that it’s free!) + that soda fountain is super cute!
This sounds like a place I’d love. Adding to my list for sure. 🙂