Clear Lake Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Clear Lake is a charming city located in the state of Iowa, United States. Known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant community, Clear Lake offers a multitude of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the main highlights of Clear Lake is its eponymous lake, which stretches over 3,600 acres and is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, or simply relaxing on the beach, Clear Lake provides ample opportunities to soak up the sun and take in the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the downtown area of Clear Lake is a must-visit. Lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and charming cafes, the downtown district offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban sophistication. Take a leisurely stroll down Main Avenue, explore the local boutiques, and indulge in delicious homemade ice cream at one of the many local creameries.

History buffs will also find plenty to explore in Clear Lake. The Surf Ballroom and Museum is a must-see attraction, known for its significant role in American music history as the site of Buddy Holly's last performance before the tragic plane crash in 1959. The museum showcases memorabilia from that era and hosts regular concerts and events to keep the spirit of rock 'n' roll alive.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities available in Clear Lake. From hiking and biking along the picturesque trails to birdwatching in the nearby state parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Clear Lake State Park, situated on the southeastern shore of the lake, offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the sparkling waters.

Alternative names: Population: 7.6 thous.Area: 13.44 mi²Elevation: 1237 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°8'23"N, 93°22'54"W

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IowaUnited States

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Clear Lake Top Attractions

Clear Lake Attractions - What to See and Explore

Clear Lake offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Surf Ballroom, Fort Custer Maze, Clear Lake Fire Museum, Central Gardens of North Iowa. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Music and shows • Bars and clubs • Concert hall
Surf Ballroom
The Surf Ballroom is a Historic Rock and Roll Landmark at 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, Iowa, United States. The Surf is closely associated with the event known colloquially as "The Day the Music Died" – early rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.
Forts and castles
Fort Custer Maze
The Fort Custer Maze was a 2-mile long maze enclosed within an 1850s western style fort located in Clear Lake, Iowa. It closed in October 2015 after being in operation for 15 years.
43°8'20"N • 93°22'48"W
Clear Lake Fire Museum
History museum • Museum

43°8'24"N • 93°22'41"W
Central Gardens of North Iowa
Garden • Park
Monuments and statues
Buddy Holly Crash Site
On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson.
43°8'8"N • 93°22'54"W
Elks-Rogers Hotel
The Elks-Rogers Hotel, also known as Park Hotel of Clear Lake, was a resort hotel in Clear Lake, Iowa built in 1901.
43°8'19"N • 93°23'7"W
Rogers-Knutson House
The Rogers-Knutson House is a historic building located in Clear Lake, Iowa, United States. Built in 1895, the Queen Anne Victorian house was built for Francis M. Rogers.
43°8'18"N • 93°23'2"W
John L. Etzel House
The John L. Etzel House is a historic building located in Clear Lake, Iowa, United States.

Day trips

Clear Lake – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Clear Lake, it's worth seeing attractions such as: SPAM Museum (Austin), East Side Lake (Austin), St. Augustine's Church (Austin).

42 milesNE
Specialty museum, Museum, History museum
SPAM Museum, Austin
The Spam Museum is an admission-free museum in Austin, Minnesota, dedicated to Spam, a brand of canned precooked meat products made by Hormel Foods Corporation. The museum tells the history of the Hormel company, the origin of Spam, and its place in world culture.
43 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
East Side Lake, Austin
East Side Lake is a 40 acres reservoir in Austin, Minnesota in western Mower County, which is in the southeast part of the state. It is one of two man-made lakes in Mower County, which is one of only four counties in Minnesota without a natural lake. The majority of the lake is only 5–6 feet deep.
42 milesNE
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
St. Augustine's Church, Austin
St. Augustine's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Austin, Minnesota, United States, located in the Diocese of Winona. Completed in 1896, both the interior and exterior have been well-preserved, showcasing a distinct Gothic Revival architecture style. The large sanctuary can accommodate more than 600 people.
43 milesS
Bridge
Washington Avenue Bridge, Iowa Falls
The Washington Avenue Bridge in Iowa Falls, Iowa is an attractive concrete two-span open spandrel arched bridge that brings Washington Avenue over the Iowa River. Originally it carried US 20. It was built in 1934 by the Weldon Brothers for $51,710.55.
35 milesN
Concerts and shows, Theater, Art Nouveau architecture
Bessesen Building, Albert Lea
The Historic Bessesen Building, formerly called the B.B. Theater and Conservatory of Music and later the Rivoli Theater, is located at 224 South Broadway in Albert Lea, Minnesota, United States. It has been used for both commercial and residential purposes.