A Lake for All Seasons

Enjoy the lake life in Clear Lake year round

North Iowa provides a vast variety of recreational activities. From our many parks to state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness centers, there is surely something for everyone to enjoy.  Golf courses, bike trails, campgrounds, and so much more. Between Lime Creek Nature Center, the Kinney Pioneer Museum, the new Ice Arena in downtown Mason City, or the various activities and scheduled events all year long, one thing is for sure, you’ll never be bored in North Iowa! One of the greatest assets to North Iowa is the 3600-acre oasis of magnificence that is Clear Lake.

Have you ever sat on a boat in the center of Clear Lake and looked around? The sight is surely one to behold; colors bleed from every angle as the beauty cocoons you into peaceful oblivion. Lush trees sway in the gentle breeze.  Wooden docks jut into the water, lined with jet skis and boats, paddleboats and Lily Pads, all enjoyed on our gorgeous lake. The sand beaches at City and State park are dotted with patrons catching some sun, building a sandcastle, or cooling off from the heat with a swim. 

So, what’s there to do while you’re at the Lake?  Well… you don’t want to be sitting inside, glued to a television or your phone. No way. The Lake is made for fresh air and fun, so here are a few things to look for to get up, get out, and get moving!

Fishing is a highlight in Clear Lake.  Especially now, with the addition of the Clear Project to ensure our water quality is top-notch for the anglers, which has been evidenced by spectacular fishing. A $9 million dredging project was completed in 2009 on the west end of the lake, dramatically improving water depth in that area and making the “little lake” a favorite for fisherman.

While some may throw a line in the water in hopes to catch the “big one,” the lake is used for so much more. You can often find a slew of boats at Farmer’s Beach and State beach, anchored in the shallows as people, young and old, frolic in the cool water. Littered with floaties, Lily Pads, paddleboards and kayaks, it’s the ultimate party on the Lake. Sailboats are often found on a breezy day, gliding across the water.  Water skiers, tubers and wakeboarders follow boats as they jet from one end of the lake to the other. 

And after a day on the water, there’s nothing better than grabbing a bite to eat at our many amazing restaurants around North Iowa. Hidden gems in our quaint region, with some of the best food you’ll ever taste!

But don’t settle in for the night just yet. An evening cruise on the Lady of the Lake is the ideal way to end an amazing, fun-filled day at the Lake. Because a sunset over the Lake is beauty beyond words.

It happens every day. Three hundred sixty-five days a year. Yet, each seems to be more beautiful than the last. There’s just something about the sun setting over Clear Lake.

Something magical.

It’s our little slice of paradise, right here in North Iowa.