Vacation rentals in Clear Lake

Clear Lake, Iowa is known for its small-town community of friendly people, lake activities, nature, and charming downtown district. The year-round destination offers a number of summer activities as well as winter sports options. It’s the perfect place for a summer vacation with your family or significant other, or for a winter sports getaway with a group of friends. Spend your time here enjoying the lake, trying great restaurants, and shopping at fun boutique shops.

Experience the Midwest charm of Clear Lake from a cozy vacation rental, perfectly suited to your travel needs. Clear Lake rentals range in size, style, and location, offering a little something for every type of traveler. Book a rental near the charming historic downtown district within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and cafés. Or, stay in a natural area closer to the lakeside, where you can enjoy peaceful views from a private balcony. Rentals in Clear Lake often include high-speed internet, air-conditioning, heating, and washer/dryer. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

Clear Lake is situated in northern Iowa, just a 30-mile drive south of the Minnesota border. The closest major airport is Rochester International Airport. It is a 91-mile drive south of the airport to reach Clear Lake, and the journey takes around 1.5 hours. Waterloo Regional Airport is another nearby airport, yet it is a bit smaller and only offers domestic flight options. Clear Lake is located 87 miles north of Waterloo Regional Airport, and the drive takes around 1.5 hours.,

The city of Clear Lake is walkable in certain areas. The downtown area is the most walkable, with many shops and restaurants just a short distance from each other. Any areas outside the downtown district require a car to reach. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are available. It is highly recommended to have a private car during your time in Clear Lake. Car rentals are available at both airports and in Clear Lake.

Start the day off right in Clear Lake with an excellent cup of coffee and a light breakfast at Cabin Coffee. The small, cozy café even has a fireplace inside. Grab a delicious breakfast sandwich and your morning cup of joe before you begin exploring the rest of what the city has to offer! Another fun spot to try is South Shore Donut Co. for mouthwatering homemade donuts. It’s the only gourmet donut shop in the area and there’s an impressive selection of options, which includes flavors like cookie dough, birthday cake, and French toast!

Couples will find no shortage of fun ways to explore Clear Lake. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the vibrant colored Central Gardens of North Iowa. These beautiful gardens are best visited from May through September, when the blooms are thriving and abundant. Get out on the water with a “Lady of the Lake” boat tour. The reasonable $15 boat tour fee includes drinks and snacks, as well as a professional guide who will teach you countless fun facts about the lake throughout the ride.

Clear Lake is home to a wonderful historic downtown district. Walk through the Main Street area and explore the side streets as well. You’ll find a fun collection of shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and more! Spend a few hours browsing the shops, buy some souvenirs to take back home, and grab a cold beer to enjoy on a patio bar.

If you find yourself at Clear Lake during the warmer months, a visit to Clear Lake State Park is a must. Bring your bathing suits and beach towels and head to the golden sandy beach on the lake to sunbathe and swim. Kids can enjoy building sandcastles and running around the 900-foot shoreline.

Rock music icon, Buddy Holly, died in a plane crash at the age of 22 in Clear Lake. His plane crash site is a popular landmark in Clear Lake and is still regularly visited to this date by fans of the young icon. The site is located just west of 315th Street and Gull Avenue.

The Clear Lake Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday morning from May through October. Stop by to meet the local farmers, browse the many kiosks, and pick up some fresh produce. You’ll find a number of goods and products here, from honey, to freshly baked treats, to fruits and veggies, handicrafts, and more!

Rent kayaks, stand-up-paddleboards, canoes, or a fishing boat and head to the peaceful waters of McIntosh Woods State Park. You can also swim at the lake here. Fishing is popular and can be done either from the shores or from a fishing boat.