Clear Lake, Iowa

Things to Do in Clear Lake, Iowa

Events, attractions, recreation, and local favorites just beyond the front door.

Explore things to do in Clear Lake, Iowa, including annual festivals, live music, lake activities, outdoor recreation, arts, history, shopping, and local attractions. Many are within walking distance of Surf & Serenity House.

Surf Districtabout 3 min walk

Lakefrontabout 4 min walk

Downtownabout 5 min walk

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Browse Clear Lake events, attractions, and activities.

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33 things to do

Event Events

Antique Boat Show

Mid-July7 min

Admire beautifully restored wooden and fiberglass boats from makers like Chris-Craft, Century, Higgins, and more, both in the water and on land. Chat with proud owners about their restoration stories, cast your vote for Skipper’s Choice and People’s Choice awards, and (weather permitting) hop aboard for a cruise departing City Dock. After the show, all participants are invited to a social and awards presentation at the Clear Lake Yacht Club. Best of all? Admission and registration are free — whether you’re showcasing a gem of a boat or just stopping by to gaze. Don’t miss this elegant display of craftsmanship and lake heritage — it’s a summer tradition that steers history right into Clear Lake’s shoreline.

Shop Events

Antiques in the Square

Labor Day weekend5 min

A beloved annual treasure hunt in City Park! Featuring 40–50 quality antique and vintage dealers from Iowa and Minnesota, this show offers a rich variety of collectibles, furniture, stoneware, toys, petroliana, mid-century pieces, and more. Just 3 blocks away.

Shop Events

Art Sail

Last week of July5 min

Celebrate creativity by the lake at Art Sail, Clear Lake’s long-running summer art fair hosted by the Clear Lake Arts Center! Set in beautiful City Park, this juried event showcases talented artists from across the Midwest featuring fine art, jewelry, ceramics, photography, metalwork, textiles, and more. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and hands-on art activities for all ages while you browse booths under the trees just steps from the lake. Whether you’re an art collector or a casual browser, Art Sail is a must-see summer tradition in Clear Lake!

Event Events

Brews on the Beach

Mid-July6 min

Raise your glass lakeside! Brews on the Beach, Clear Lake’s annual craft brew fest, is held in City Park along the shores of the lake. Sample dozens of beers from Iowa breweries, enjoy the waterfront ambiance, mingle with fellow craft beer lovers—and take home a souvenir tasting glass. VIP ticket holders get early access, while general admission opens later for live tastings. With limited capacity (only 1,000 tickets available), this festival sells out fast—so don’t wait to secure your spot! Leave the car at the house and safely walk home after the fun

Event Events

Christmas by the Lake

First weekend in December5 min

Christmas by the Lake, held the first weekend of December, is a festive celebration of holiday cheer for all ages. From a Lights on 5K and Candy Cane Fun Run to a tree lighting ceremony in City Park, the weekend is packed with joy. Dive into events like breakfast with Santa, craft fairs, hayrack & carriage rides, petting zoos, storytelling, holiday movies, and the much-anticipated lighted parade & fireworks over the lake. On Sunday, brave souls can join the Polar Bear Plunge, or catch the family matinee and visit Santa one more time. Whether you’re shopping local, sipping cocoa, or watching Main Avenue glow with lights, this is the season’s must-attend winter festival.

Event Events

CLASS Car Show

First weekend in August5 min

Get ready to roll during CLASS Car Show Weekend in Clear Lake — where horsepower meets hometown pride! This two-day celebration, organized by the Clear Lake Auto Social Society (CLASS), kicks off on Friday evening with a classic car Cruise and a live concert at the Surf. On Saturday, downtown is transformed into a car lover’s dream with hundreds of cars around City Park and lining downtown streets. Awards await winners at the bandshell at 3 PM — including Best of Show plus trophies across 28 classes, with dash plaques for the first 500 entrants. To top it off, there's live music at the City Park bandshell on Saturday night. CLASS Car Show Weekend is the ultimate summer drive-in for enthusiasts and spectators alike.

Shop Events

Clear Lake Farmer’s Market

Saturday mornings, mid-May through early October3 min

Held Saturdays from mid-May through early October at the Surf Ballroom parking lot, the Clear Lake Farmers Market features fresh local produce, artisanal baked goods, meats, crafts, food trucks, and live music—making it a neighborhood favorite for both residents and visitors. Just two blocks away, and our kitchen it perfect for preparing all your great finds!

Event Events

Color the Wind Kite Festival

Late February3 min

Held each February along the frozen lakefront, this is the Midwest’s largest winter kite festival. Spectacular inflatable and custom-design kites fill the sky while food trucks, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities line the Seawall and City Park. This is so big traffic backs up on the interstate! Just 2 blocks away, and one of the busiest weekends in Clear Lake.

Event Events

Harvest Festival

First weekend in October5 min

Celebrate the flavors and fun of fall at Harvest Festival in downtown Clear Lake! On the first weekend of October, Main Avenue comes alive with a huge farmers market, wine, beer, and spirits sampling, and dozens of local vendors. Start your day with the bubbly Champagne 5K fun run/walk, then cheer on the salsa contest, grape stomp, enjoy hayrides, listen to live music, and snack from food trucks. Be an Experience supporter and grab a Harvest Bag with wine glass, coupon perks, popcorn, and more. (Contact the Chamber ahead of time) It’s the perfect way to toast autumn with community, flavor, and fall vibes. Be sure to take in the fall colors around the lake, or make time for a hike through McIntosh State Park.

Event Events

Independence Day

4th of July week5 min

Clear Lake’s largest annual celebration that started in 1973, spanning nearly a week around July 4 every year, offers a festive blend of carnival rides, open-air markets, live music, a family fun day, Independence Day parade, and a spectacular fireworks display. Local tip: Walk to the lakeshore just a couple blocks away and get a good spot for the fireworks about an hour early. You'll be among thousands of spectators, and the amazing show will be right in front of you!

Event Events

Thursdays on Main

Thursday nights from June through August5 min

There's no better place to be on a Thursday night! Running June through August, this weekly street festival energizes downtown Main Avenue with craft vendors, local food, classic car displays, live music, movie nights, and interactive kid‑friendly entertainment—ideal for a summer evening outing. Just 3 blocks away!

Sport Events

TRI Clear Lake

Late August5 min

Get ready to push your limits at TRI Clear Lake — Clear Lake’s signature triathlon event bringing competitors, family and spectators from all over the country. Held annually in the heart of town, the race kicks off with a swim at City Beach, follows with a fast, scenic bike loop along South Shore Drive, and finishes with a lakeside run past the Surf Ballroom into downtown City Park. Once you cross the finish line, celebrate your accomplishment with a vibrant lakefront finisher party, featuring music, local food, and drinks for participants and spectators. Whether you’re racing or cheering on friends, TRI Clear Lake offers thrills, community spirit, and an unforgettable weekend in Clear Lake.

Event Events

Winter Dance Party

First weekend in February3 min

Enjoy days of great music and dancing with lots of artists during this special week in Clear Lake in early February. A tribute to the legendary last performance of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper at the iconic Surf Ballroom, this multi-day festival in early February features live tribute bands, 50s-style dance lessons, vintage theme nights, a museum exhibit, and a visit to the memorial site. The Surf District is just 2 blocks away! Local tip: The live music isn't only at the Surf, it's all over town!

Recreation Attractions & Activities

Bike Around Town

Weather permittingbike

Have a bike or renting one? Clear Lake is a great biking town whether just exploring or going for a more energetic ride around the lakeshore (14 miles around. Lake Life Rentals on Main & 8th has eBikes for rent.

History Attractions & Activities

Buddy Holly Crash Site

Year roundDrive

Located just a short drive north of downtown Clear Lake, Iowa, the Buddy Holly Crash Site is a quiet, poignant stop for music-history fans and curious travelers alike. On February 3, 1959, three rock-and-roll pioneers—Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper—along with pilot Roger Peterson died in a plane crash near this field. What to Expect A large metal sculpture of Buddy Holly’s signature glasses marks the trailhead on Gull Avenue & 315th Street. From there, a short walk (about ½ mile) through a cornfield leads to the memorial site, where visitors leave guitar picks, flowers, notes and other tributes. The setting is simple and respectful—not a formal museum, but a place of reflection in a working rural field. Visit Tips Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain, especially if visiting after rain or in off-season weather. Respect the private farmland—stay on the path and don’t enter prohibited areas. Visit early morning or at dusk for quieter moments and better photography. Pair the visit with a stop at the nearby Surf Ballroom & Museum, where the trio performed their final show. Visiting the Buddy Holly Crash Site isn’t just a stop on your itinerary—it’s a powerful moment of connection to a turning point in music history.

Nature Attractions & Activities

Central Gardens of North Iowa

May to October8m

Nestled in downtown Clear Lake, Central Gardens of North Iowa offers nearly 3 acres of peaceful beauty, with over 20 themed garden beds, winding brick paths, terraces, ponds, and a pavilion. It’s a welcoming place to explore, reflect, or gather — and best of all, admission is free. Throughout the summer, the Gardens come alive with regular programming: Fresh on Fridays (Friday morning gatherings), Picnics & Performances (free Sunday evening concerts) and kid-focused events like Garden Explorers on Friday mornings featuring nature activities, guest speakers, and art projects. It’s more than just a garden — it’s a seasonal hub where community, music, learning, and nature intersect.

Worship Attractions & Activities

Church in the Park

Summer5m

Each Sunday morning during summer in Clear Lake, Church in the Park gathers neighbors and visitors alike under the open sky at the Bandshell in City Park for a relaxed, inspirational worship service. Bring a blanket or lawn chair—acoustic music, uplifting messages, and the soft rustle of leaves set the tone. Afterward, mingle with new friends, enjoy coffee and snacks, and soak in the spirit of community by the lake. https://zionclearlake.org/park

Recreation Attractions & Activities

City Beach & Splash Pad

Summer10m

Relax, splash, and soak up the sunshine at City Beach & Splash Park in downtown Clear Lake! With its gently sloping sandy shoreline right on the lake, the beach is ideal for families seeking a fun and accessible waterfront day out. The adjacent splash pad keeps younger guests entertained with water jets and cooling sprays — perfect for hot summer afternoons. Located steps from Main Avenue, you’ll find easy access to restrooms, changing areas, and nearby dining and ice-cream options. Whether you’re building sandcastles, taking a dip in the lake, or watching sailboats drift by, the City Beach & Splash Park offers a delightful lakeside escape right off Clear Lake’s downtown area. Walkable from the house!

ArtsAttractions & Activities

Clear Lake Arts Center

Year round7m

Discover a vibrant hub of creativity in downtown Clear Lake — the Clear Lake Arts Center anchors the community with art, education, and inspiration. The Center hosts rotating visual-art exhibitions in its gallery space, maintains a gift shop filled with handcrafted works by regional artists, offers studios and art-classes for all ages, and includes the elegant Sukup Lakeside Courtyard & Sculpture Garden as an outdoor art experience. Whether you’re browsing a new show, shopping for a unique piece, picking up brushes in a ceramics workshop, or strolling among outdoor sculptures, the Arts Center invites everyone to connect with creativity, community, and the rich artistic spirit of North Iowa.

Recreation Attractions & Activities

Clear Lake Athletic & Wellness Center (CLAW)

Year roundShort drive

The new Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art collaboration between the City of Clear Lake and the Clear Lake Community School District. The Wellness Center features men's and women's locker rooms with saunas, four multi-purpose studios, an indoor playground, a fitness floor with suspended track, and a 47,114-square-foot fieldhouse. The fieldhouse has a 200-meter indoor track, turf field marked for football and soccer, two hardwood courts and three multipurpose courts divided by retractable curtains. The fitness floor includes an elevated walking track, a fitness center with cardio and weightlifting equipment. Day Passes are available. Contact them at 641-357-2529 for more information.

Recreation Attractions & Activities

Clear Lake Pickleball Courts

Late Spring-Early FallShort drive

Clear Lake Pickleball Club Courts features 6 outdoor asphalt courts.and amenities like restrooms, water, and lights and a welcoming community of players eager to share and get others into the sport. Check out game times and see who is signed up or find a game with the Playtime Scheduler. They also have information about events on their website https://clearlakepickleball.com.

Recreation Attractions & Activities

Clear Lake State Park

Year roundShort drive

Located on the southeast corner of the lake, Clear Lake State Park offers a superb mix of lakefront recreation, campgrounds, and lively outdoor atmosphere. The park’s 900-foot sandy beach, the largest on the lake, invites swimming, sunbathing, and gazing at the boats going by (or often parked off shore in groups). With 176 campsites (168 with electrical hookups), modern restrooms and showers, and a convenient dump station, it’s a favorite destination for RVers, tent campers and families alike. Plenty of sunshine as well as areas shaded by large oak trees, pop-up sand volleyball and a nice paved walkway the length of the beach await your visit.

Recreation Attractions & Activities

Cutting Edge Fitness

Year round5m

Just a couple blocks away ion the Surf District, Cutting Edge Fitness combines a modern workout experience with scenic lake views and 24/7 member access. The facility features Cybex strength and cardio equipment, a turf training zone, personal training, and infrared sauna recovery, creating an environment built for results and balance alike. Short-term visitors are welcome — day passes are available for $10, week passes for $35, and a 10-day punch card for $80. With its clean, well-equipped space and friendly staff, Cutting Edge Fitness has become Clear Lake’s premier destination for staying active year-round. Sweat it out while looking over the lake.

Recreation Attractions & Activities

Golf

Late Spring-Early FallShort drive

Clear lake has two public golf courses: Veterans Memorial (tee times recommended) on North Shore and Oak Hills (no tee times, walk ons only) near State Park on South Shore. Both are 9 hole courses and offer carts, beverages and a great time on the course. And there are a many other golf courses within a 30 minute drive from Clear Lake. No matter how you play, a day on the course is always better than a day at work!

Recreation Attractions & Activities

Golf Cart Rental

Late Spring-Early FallShort drive

What’s with all the golf carts? Clear Lake recently became a golf cart town by allowing registered owners to use their carts in city limits with certain rules. Get it on the fun by renting a themed cart for your group from Lake Life Rentals on Main & 8th. It’s a great way to explore!

Tourism Attractions & Activities

Lady of the Lake

Summer-Early Fall5m

No boat? No Problem. Take a cruise around the lake from the airy top deck or covered first floor of this historic paddleboat. Located at the seawall downtown, you're just a few blocks away from your adventure. Bar service is also available. Visit www.cruiseclearlake.com for more info and schedules.

Nature Attractions & Activities

Lime Creek Nature Center

Year roundDrive

Perched on limestone bluffs overlooking the Winnebago River, Lime Creek Nature Center spans more than 440 acres of prairie, woodland, and wetland habitat just north of Mason City. Inside, visitors can explore educational exhibits, live animal displays, and natural history collections that bring North Iowa’s ecosystems to life. Outside, over nine miles of scenic trails wind through restored prairie and forest, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, birding, and photography. Programs for all ages—from guided hikes to conservation workshops—make it a true community learning hub. With its blend of education, recreation, and natural beauty, Lime Creek Nature Center provides a refreshing escape and a deeper connection to North Iowa’s landscape.

Nature Attractions & Activities

McIntosh Woods State Park

Year roundShort drive

Discover the quiet beauty and lakeside charm of McIntosh Woods State Park, a 60-acre natural gem nestled on the northwest shore of Clear Lake. Whether you’re casting a line from one of its jetties or launching a kayak via its full boat ramp, the park is a popular access point to Clear Lake’s fishing and boating life. Stroll the 1.5-mile boardwalk trail through marshland, visit the wildlife blind, or pedal the adjacent paved bike route through Ventura West Cove. With picnic shelters, playgrounds, ADA-friendly facilities, and sunset views over the lake, McIntosh Woods offers something for outdoor lovers of all kinds. Other popular hiking areas nearby include Limecreek Nature Center in Mason City and Pilot Knob.

Nature Attractions & Activities

Pilot Knob State Park

Year roundDrive

North of Clear Lake, and perched just east of Forest City, Pilot Knob State Park is one of Iowa’s oldest and most scenic natural areas. Dedicated in 1924, the park is known for its rolling glacial landscape, quiet wooded trails, and panoramic views from the historic stone observation tower. Visitors can explore Deadman’s Lake, a rare floating sphagnum bog teeming with unique plants and wildlife, or wander the miles of hiking, horseback, and cross-country skiing trails that weave through forests and open prairie. The park also offers camping, fishing, picnic areas, and a serene escape into North Iowa’s natural beauty. With its mix of rugged terrain, ecological diversity, and historic charm, Pilot Knob State Park stands out as a peaceful retreat and a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Music Attractions & Activities

Surf Ballroom Live Music

Year round3m

Step into music history at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake—where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper played their final show—and catch live concerts year-round on its iconic stage. With room for up to 2,100 fans and flexible seating layouts, the Surf hosts national acts, tribute shows, and its seasonal Summer Concert Series, blending vintage charm with a top-notch live-music experience. Walk to dinner and the show from our perfect location just two blocks away! Event information can be found at www.surfballroom.com

History Attractions & Activities

Surf Ballroom Museum

Year round3m

Step into the heart of American music history at the Surf Ballroom & Museum in Clear Lake, Iowa — a place where the rhythms of the past live on. The venue’s stage is legendary: on February 2 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson performed their final show here before the plane crash that etched the date into rock-and-roll lore as “the day the music died.” Inside the museum portion, you’ll find original artifacts, vintage posters, and the famed Green Room walls covered in autographs from artists spanning decades. Recognized as a historic rock-and-roll landmark by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, the Surf remains both a working concert venue and a living tribute to a musical legacy. Visit the museum year-round at 460 N. Shore Drive, Clear Lake. Whether you’re a die-hard music fan, history buff, or simply curious, the Surf promises a memorable and meaningful experience.

History Attractions & Activities

Surf Music Experience Center (MEC)

Year round3m

Discover a vibrant new chapter of music history and education at the Surf Music Experience Center (formerly known as the Music Enrichment & Immersive Center) in Clear Lake, Iowa. Hosted by the legendary Surf Ballroom, this cutting-edge facility offers: Immersive exhibits and storytelling such as the “Not Fade Away” experience, tracing the roots of rock ’n’ roll from Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper to today’s artists. Private and group music lessons in piano, guitar, drums, horns, vocals and music therapy for all ages and skill levels. Hands-on programs, school tours, internships, and scholarship opportunities — making it a dynamic hub for lifelong learners and emerging musicians. A location steeped in history: next to the Surf Ballroom, the site of the famed “Winter Dance Party” from 1959 — making the center both a modern learning space and a historic destination. Open to visitors and students alike, the Surf Music Experience Center invites you to explore, learn, and connect with the sounds that shaped generations — and the future of music in North Iowa.

Other Attractions & Activities

Ice Skating

The new (2026) outdoor ice skating rink in Clear Lake's City Park has become a favorite gathering spot for families, couples, and visitors. Located near the lake and downtown, the rink offers a classic small-town winter experience under the colorful lights of the bandshell. Weather permitting, it's a fun way to embrace the season and enjoy Clear Lake outdoors. (No skate rental onsite)

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