7 Best Lakeside Towns in Iowa

Despite its reputation as a land of rolling plains and farmland, Iowa is home to several wondrous towns that make ideal waterside getaways. These waterfront escapes in Iowa provide an unexpected yet pleasant collection of picturesque sceneries, diverse activities, and charming communities sure to create unforgettable moments. Places like Clear Lake, with sandy shores and its historic Surf Ballroom, as well as the peaceful walking trails of Storm Lake’s Chautauqua Park, display Iowa’s welcoming spirit and recreational variety. These seven small towns in Iowa encapsulate the essence of a perfect Midwestern getaway, offering something unique at every turn.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake is steeped in history as a long-treasured gathering place in the world of rock and roll. The town’s legendary Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly played his final concert, remains a celebrated landmark, hosting events and exhibits that keep the spirit of music alive. A short hike north from Clear Lake leads to the Buddy Holly Crash Site Memorial, marked by a striking sculpture of Holly’s iconic glasses, offering a poignant tribute to a pivotal moment in music history. Beyond its musical heritage, Clear Lake State Park offers peaceful beaches, hiking trails, and water activities, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor adventure. The town’s local scene completes the experience with memorable stops like the South Shore Donut Company, known for its creative and award-winning handcrafted donuts, and Sevens Restaurant and Steakhouse, where locally loved steaks and burgers are served to eager customers. At Larson’s Mercantile, visitors can find unique Iowa-inspired goods and vintage treasures, capturing the welcoming charm of this beloved destination.

Arnolds Park

Along the shores of West Okoboji Lake is Arnolds Park, a lakeside town with a nostalgic air that draws visitors year after year. Home to the renowned Arnolds Park Amusement Park, one of the oldest in the Midwest, this town offers family-friendly rides, including a classic wooden roller coaster that evokes memories of summers past. Those interested in the area’s maritime heritage will be happy to encounter the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, which brings to life the lake’s boating history with fascinating exhibits. A cruise on the Queen II Paddleboat provides the perfect way to experience firsthand the beauty of West Okoboji Lake. Arnold Park’s vibrant dining scene includes Nautical Bar and Grill, known for its high-quality lobster fajita salad and duck & bacon wontons, and Portside Pizza Pub, a beloved hangout featuring pizza flights, calzones, and cannolis that also has DJs from time to time. To capture a piece of Arnolds Park to take home, The Wash House features a three-story gift shop filled with locally crafted items and souvenirs, adding the perfect touch to this quaint escape on the lake.

Spirit Lake

Just a few hours northwest of Des Moines, Spirit Lake sits at the heart of Iowa’s Great Lakes region. Founded in the mid-19th century, the town honors its past through historical landmarks like the Abbie Gardner Cabin, commemorating the Spirit Lake Massacre, and the Dickinson County Museum, where artifacts reveal the immersive stories of early settlers. Beyond its historical appeal, Spirit Lake’s lively local culture offers something for every visitor: nearby Mini-Wakan State Park provides peaceful trails and serene waterfront views, ideal for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The town’s culinary scene is equally enticing, with the Toast on Hill serving comforting homestyle biscuits & gravy and French toast, and Burger & Company offering a polished spin on American burgers, plus amazing sides like fried cauliflower, Nashville hot tater tots, and cheese curds. Lovers of the arts will be happy to visit Kurio Kastle, offering periodic custom pottery sales throughout the year and family-forward canvas shoe painting and pottery glazing classes that encapsulate the spirit of the Great Lakes’ hospitality. Spirit Lake remains a beloved getaway for visitors of every interest.

Storm Lake

With a powerful name inspired by a fierce storm that struck in the mid-19th century, Storm Lake contrasts its namesake as being a serene location for visitors to rest and recoup. The town’s history dates back to 1870, when it was established along Storm Lake’s northern edge. Today, visitors can explore Chautauqua Park, which has panoramic strolling sidewalks suitable for walks and picnics. The Living Heritage Tree Museum in Sunset Park showcases a diverse collection of trees and outlines the role they have played in history, which makes for a one-of-a-kind botanical experience. A little under a 30-minute drive west, the Sanford Museum and Planetarium features exhibits on geology and Native American artifacts, along with engaging planetarium shows and displays. Culinary delights abound in Storm Lake, with BozWellz Pub & Eaterie, a local favorite known for its diverse menu, with crowd favorites like the pork tenderloin sandwich and firehouse ribeye, along with its inviting ambiance. Grand Central Coffee Station offers a cozy spot known for its frozen coffees and freshly baked goods. Shoppers can visit the Sugar Bowl Gift Shop, which features seasonal home decor items and lake-inspired decor and is well-known for its excellent gift-wrapping services. Despite its tempestuous name, Storm Lake is a peaceful haven where the natural beauty of the region inspires a peaceful escape into waterside immersion.

Okoboji

Okoboji is a beloved hub of the Great Lakes Region and draws visitors in for leisure by the lake. Okoboji offers endless activities at Speier Park, where you’ll find a shelter house with tables and a grill, a basketball court, pickleball courts, and a dog-run area, all scenically placed along the peaceful shores of West Okoboji Lake. In addition, The Dickinson County Nature Center offers interactive exhibits and trails that outline the area’s natural environments. Just south, across the Okoboji Grove Road bridge, music lovers can explore Iowa’s rock heritage at the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, home to exhibits that celebrate legendary artists and performances. The Pearson Lakes Art Center presents diverse art collections, hosting performances that enrich the town’s cultural tradition. Dining options embrace the waterfront setting, with O'Farrell Sisters providing locally renowned cinnamon roll French toast, omelets, and whole grain pancakes, and Wyman's Spudnuts, built in a converted, historic Standard gas-station, offering light, fluffy, fresh-to-order donuts in an atmospheric beachside setting. Barn Swallow Gift Shop showcases a maze of rooms filled with kitschy items and unique keepsakes like keychain voodoo dolls and beautiful wall art, capturing a piece of the area’s character. With waterside adventure, community hubs, and excellent dining options available, Okoboji is a standout destination for visitors to the Great Lakes region of Iowa.

Carter Lake

Carter Lake is Iowa’s only town on the western side of the Missouri River, standing out with its rare dual-state vantage points presenting sights of both Iowa and Nebraska. Just minutes from Omaha, Carter Lake provides an accessible escape with water-based recreation and a fine community. The lake itself is a focal point for year-round activities like fishing, boating, and birdwatching, with picturesque paths and park spaces that make the area ideal for either relaxation or exploration. Shoreline Golf Course invites golfers of all levels to its 18-hole course, with tranquil waters creating a peaceful backdrop to the game. Mabrey Park, a favorite among families, features new playground equipment, a boat launch, a small skate park, a covered picnic area, and trails perfect for lakeside exploration. For young visitors, Camp Nakomis provides an exciting array of summer activities, including archery, camping in the woods within city limits, and even canoeing. Nearby dining options like Mo Fish (in Council Bluffs, IA), with its three-piece catfish platter, and Dolomiti (in Omaha, NE), with its creative pizzas and salads, add to the area’s charm.

Lake View

Set on the expansive Black Hawk Lake, Lake View is a lively town known for its community events, outdoor adventures, and a deep appreciation for local history. Black Hawk State Park is a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts, providing chances for fishing, boating, and hiking. Speaker Park is a family-forward option, with its splash pad, shady trees, and shelter house, as well as summer concerts at Stone Pier and the annual Summer Water Carnival. Dining options include Cielito Lindo, a laid-back Mexican restaurant near the lake that serves chicken chimichangas, steak tacos, and seafood quesadillas, and Dockit Bar and Grill, known for its homey, down-to-earth environment, flavorful ribeyes, alfredo, and salmon. Shoppers can browse Salon L & Boutique, which offers cute home decor, beautiful jewelry, and Lake-View branded merchandise. Lake View is a dynamic community that provides a well-rounded experience for visitors to Iowa’s lakeside lifestyle.

Discover the Heart of Iowa’s Lakeside Escapes

With amazing cultural landmarks and peaceful lakefronts, Iowa’s waterfront towns reveal a side of the Midwest both refreshing and rich in character. Each town—whether it’s the music-filled shores of Clear Lake or the quiet beauty of Black Hawk Lake in Lake View—presents a distinctive flavor of nature-filled recreation and historical locality. Together, these destinations transform Iowa’s landscape into a place of discovery, relaxation, and connection with nature. For families, solo travelers, or couples in need of a memorable escape, Iowa’s lakeside towns promise experiences that linger long after the journey ends, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the Midwest’s hidden treasures.