Find Vacation Rentals in Clear Lake

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Clear Lake Information

Named for its jaw-droppingly beautiful lake located right in the middle of town, Clear Lake is a charming small town that’s popular with locals as a quick getaway. Situated right on Interstate 35, it’s also a convenient stop for anyone on a road trip. It’s also a popular location for music fans to pay their respects at the spot where Buddy Holly’s plane crashed in 1959-- changing the course of music history forever.

With a long and interesting history (the town has been around since the 1800’s!), there’s no shortage of things to do in Clear Lake. The town gained much of its fame following “The Day The Music Died” -- if you decide to pay a visit, the site is marked by the eyeglasses statue on the left side of Gull Avenue. Make sure to also pay a visit to the Surf Ballroom- it offers all visitors a glimpse into the storied history of big bands and rock ‘n’ roll. No visit to Clear Lake would be complete without a stop here to take in the atmosphere and imagine all of the famous bands of the past that have performed in this space. If you’re not as interested in the musical aspects of Clear Lake, the Central Gardens of North Iowa make a perfect attraction to visit. The Central Gardens’ immaculate gardens and pristine scenery will transport you to a wonderland of peace and quiet. Nature lovers will also definitely want to visit Clear Lake State Park-- this beautiful space is a great place to relax, particularly in the summertime. The Lady of the Lake boat ride around the lake is a great activity for kids, too! If you’re looking for more to do with little ones, the Clear Lake Fire Museum is a great option for kids dreaming of becoming firefighters. If you need a little downtime after all of your sightseeing, stop by Lake Time Brewery for great craft beer options.

A great day trip option from Clear Lake is Fort Dodge-- only about an hour and a half drive from Clear Lake and packed with historical fun! The Blanden Memorial Art Museum is the first public museum of art in the state of Iowa and has some great pieces. The Fort Museum and Frontier Village is another great option in down-- there’s a full-scale recreation of a 19th century military outpost located here.

Whether you’re stopping through Clear Lake on a road trip on the way from Des Moines to Minneapolis or if it is your main vacation destination, we make it easy to find the perfect place to stay. We offer Clear Lake vacation rentals and Clear Lake short term rentals throughout the town. We have plenty of options for rentals that are located only a short walk from all the sights in town. Whichever part of Clear Lake you want to experience, you can compare rentals in the area by price, ratings, reviews, and more on Tripping. Book your Clear Lake rental today!

The Mason City Municipal Airport is located directly next to town, but most visitors choose to drive to Clear Lake. Since the town is located right off of Interstate 35, it’s an easy trip from a city like Des Moines (a 1 hour and 40-minute drive) or Minneapolis (a two-hour drive).