When you think of beach destinations, Iowa probably isn't the top state on your list. While we are land-locked when it comes to oceans, we've got several lakes and rivers that provide a great opportunity to laze about in the summer. One of our personal favorite beaches in Iowa is the beautiful beachfront in the town of Clear Lake.
The little town has about 8,000 residents and is a popular vacation spot for Iowans.
Because the beach has 13.6 miles of shoreline, there's enough room to spread out and not feel crowded even in the summertime.
Clear Lake is the highest point in Cerro Gordo County, so there's always a lot of wind. That means it's great for sailing!
Of course, the water is also great for fishermen. It's teeming with walleye, yellow bass, channel catfish, and more.
Even if you're not interested in fishing or boating, it's magical to just sit on the beach and watch a sunrise or sunset.
The views here are magnificent, and waterfront vistas are not all that common in Iowa.
Over the last several decades, the city has worked hard to clean up the lake. Filtration systems were installed that greatly improved the clarity of the water.
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If you choose to stay in the town overnight, there's plenty to check out!
The Central Gardens of North Iowa are in Clear Lake. Another popular nearby attraction is the plane crash site of 1950s rock and roll legend Buddy Holly.
For more information about Clear Lake or suggestions of things to do while you're there, check out the Clear Lake, Iowa Chamber of Commerce website.
Have you been to Clear Lake and enjoyed the marvelous beach? Share your experiences in the comments!
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