Lake side house rentals in Clear Lake

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Popular amenities for Clear Lake vacation rentals

Stay near Clear Lake's top sights

Surf Ballroom & Museum25 locals recommend
The Other Place18 locals recommend
City Park6 locals recommend
7 Stars Family Restaurant5 locals recommend
Rookies Rockin' Sports Bar4 locals recommend
Lakeside Landing Kitchen + Bar14 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Clear Lake

  • Total rentals

    150 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $80 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    4.9K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    120 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    20 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    60 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Clear Lake

All About Clear Lake

Nestled midway between the twin cities of Des Moines and Minneapolis, this small town in Northern Iowa is situated on a natural spring-fed lake, attracting visitors to its restaurants, shops, marina, two state parks, and history. Clear Lake became famous in the 1950s when a legendary rock and roll singer who used to play at the concert hall in Clear Lake died in a tragic plane crash nearby. Fans still come from around the world to pay tribute, especially on the anniversary of the crash, when the Surf holds a Winter Dance Party in honor of the late artist.

Clear Lake State Park offers a range of outdoor activities on one of Iowa’s most popular lakes. Its natural spring-fed 3,000-acre lake is a draw for boating, fishing, swimming, and windsurfing. The park also features 50 acres of open spaces for hiking, towering mature oak trees, abundant wildlife, and a 900-foot sandy beach area, which is popular with families.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Clear Lake

The best time to visit your Clear Lake, Iowa, rental is between mid-June and early September. Summers in Clear Lake are pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. The weekly event Thursdays on Main features live entertainment, classic cars, children’s rides, a street market, and outdoor movies. The winters tend to be cold, snowy, and windy, with average temperatures in the 30s. The main events in the winter are the Christmas by the Lake festival in December and Color the Wind, a kite festival in February. Springtime in Clear Lake is on the cool side, but there are a number of events to get involved in. There are Earth Day five and six-mile running races and a community clean up in April, as well as the Clear Lake Triathlon in May. In the fall, the Harvest Festival in October includes a farmers’ market, homemade salsa contest, grape stomp competition, wine samplings, food trucks, and live music.


Top things to do in Clear Lake

The Surf Ballroom

This concert hall, where music greats once played, is now a National Historic Landmark. Opened in 1934 and designed to resemble an ocean beach club, it has been restored to include palm trees, ocean murals, wooden booths painted with fish and bubbles, and walls covered with stenciled pineapples. Big-band orchestras play on Sundays and classic rock acts perform throughout the week.

Central Gardens of North Iowa

Nestled in the heart of Clear Lake, Central Gardens of North Iowa offers nearly three acres of over 20 themed gardens. There are more than 22,000 flowers, a butterfly garden, wildflower garden, children’s garden, wetland, meadow, and woodland gardens to explore. Free to the public, the Gardens host free concerts, events, and educational programs each year.

Stockman House

Located about a 20-minute drive from Clear Lake, the Stockman House is an excellent example of the work of a prominent mid-century architect. Built in 1908, the house was an iteration of the famous Fireproof House in a compact Foursquare design with an entrance foyer and a sun porch on opposite sides. The house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991 and is open to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Clear Lake?

    Clear Lake experiences a four-season climate. Summers can be warm, reaching up to 80°F (27°C), while winters can be quite cold, dipping as low as 10°F (-12°C). It's not uncommon to have snowfall during the winter months, making for great winter activities such as ice fishing and snowmobiling.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Clear Lake?

    There's much to explore in Clear Lake. Boating on the clear waters of the lake, biking or walking along the Clear Lake State Park trails, and visiting the Surf Ballroom, a historic rock and roll landmark, are frequently suggested activities. The downtown area also has unique shops and restaurants to discover.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Clear Lake?

    The most popular time to visit Clear Lake is during the summer, from June to August. This is also when the city hosts numerous events, including the Clear Lake Fourth of July Celebration and the Lakefest Concert Series. Winter also draws crowds for the Color the Wind Kite Festival in February.

  • What are the best places to stay in Clear Lake?

    Guests often enjoy staying near Clear Lake's waterfront for quick access to the lake and its activities. Downtown Clear Lake, with its charming shops and eateries, is another popular choice. For nature lovers, accommodations near Clear Lake State Park provide easy trail access and serene surroundings.

  • What are the best places to visit in Clear Lake?

    Clear Lake is home to several notable sights. The Surf Ballroom and Museum, Central Gardens of North Iowa, and Clear Lake State Park are often recommended. For a unique experience, a visit to Plane Crash Memorial Site, which honors rock 'n' roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson, is a poignant attraction.

  • What are some hiking trails in Clear Lake?

    Clear Lake State Park features several trails perfect for hiking. The Woodford Island Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop that offers great bird-watching opportunities, while the 0.5 mile (0.8 km) Duesenberg Nature Trail winds through forested terrain. Both trails provide beautiful views of the lake.

  • What are some family activities to do in Clear Lake?

    Families often enjoy spending time at the Clear Lake State Park, where they can hike, picnic, and swim. Boating on Clear Lake, visiting the Clear Lake Fire Museum, and exploring the Central Gardens of North Iowa are other fun-filled activities that families tend to enjoy.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Clear Lake?

    Explore the Surf Ballroom & Museum, known for hosting iconic musicians like Buddy Holly. Immerse yourself in natural beauty at McIntosh Woods State Park, perfect for hiking and bird watching. Visit the Clear Lake Fire Museum, filled with historical firefighting equipment. Or travel a short distance to Mason City, about 9 miles (14 km) away, for a deeper dive into Iowa's cultural heritage at the Stockman House Museum or the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Clear Lake?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 60 vacation rentals in Clear Lake featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Clear Lake?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Clear Lake. Choose from more than 20 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

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