If you’re from the Midwest and looking for a day trip or weekend getaway, Clear Lake, Iowa is as dreamy as they come! Located two hours south of Minneapolis off I-35, this lake town is famous for it’s outdoorsy charm and vintage music theme. Clear Lake is the famous site of the Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and JP Richardson plane crash memorial site, as well as the Surf Ballroom. Save this list for a fun end of summer/early fall getaway. If you’re looking for another magical getaway in Iowa (especially fall time), check out our itinerary for Decorah, Iowa. Looking to explore Minnesota? Check out our list of Minnesota’s most charming towns!
1. Coffee Flights at Livonia’s Coffee Bar
Livonia’s Coffee Bar is located in downtown Clear Lake. This spacious shop has baked goods (especially their unique cakes), and coffee flights of course! They have original flights as well as seasonal ones. We absolutely loved their specialty, the Salty Shore. This is a perfect way to kick off your Clear Lake adventure.
2. Shop Downtown Clear Lake
Clear lake is decorated with darling local boutiques, restaurants and patios where you can pop in for a drink. We stopped at the Pretzelmaker for some pretzels (they also have subs), then went shopping. We loved Katie Casey Design – I bought a cute fall outfit here and some plants. Moonstone Boutique & Charm Bar is also a cute clothing and jewelry store. Larson’s Mercantile has a little bit of everything-I even got some early Christmas presents here! If you’re a vintage shopper, don’t forget about Ralphene’s.
3. City Park Beach
City Park Beach was our favorite beach in Clear Lake. It’s located downtown near the park, and also has a darling splash pad for the summer months. We stopped to enjoy our coffee here. It’s a great spot to relax and gaze out at Clear Lake.
4. Refresh at Cabin Coffee Co.
A great lunch spot is Cabin Coffee Co., also located in downtown Clear Lake. Obviously their coffee is wonderful, but they also have great refresher drinks, and lemonades. I suggest ordering one of their signature wraps, sandwiches and bowls and eat it at the park or near the harbor.
5. Sample Popcorn at Lillie Mae’s Chocolate Shop
When we stopped at Lillie Mae’s Chocolate Shop, we were headed there for the candy. However, we left with the popcorn! You can sample all their unique flavors of popcorn. We really loved the ranch and ‘smores popcorn- and lucky for us, we got to sample everything we were interested in before we purchased anything. My kids really enjoyed this stop!
6. Surf Ballroom Museum
The Surf Ballroom Museum in Clear Lake, Iowa, is a must-visit destination for music lovers and history enthusiasts. Located inside the legendary Surf Ballroom, the museum celebrates the venue’s rich musical history and honors the iconic performers who took its stage. Visitors can learn about the famous Winter Dance Party and the tragic 1959 plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. With fascinating memorabilia and exhibits, the Surf Ballroom Museum offers a memorable look back at one of the most important moments in rock and roll history.
7. Central Gardens of North Iowa
Central Gardens of North Iowa in Clear Lake is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy colorful flowers, peaceful pathways, and beautifully designed gardens. This scenic destination features a variety of unique garden spaces that change throughout the seasons, making it a wonderful stop for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor experience. With its charming setting and vibrant displays, Central Gardens of North Iowa is a hidden gem worth exploring while visiting Clear Lake.
8. Lakeside Landing Kitchen & Bar
Lakeside Landing Kitchen & Bar in Clear Lake, Iowa, is a great spot to enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and beautiful lakeside views. With its relaxed atmosphere and scenic location near the water, it’s the perfect place to stop for a casual meal after exploring Clear Lake. Whether you’re visiting for lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends, Lakeside Landing offers a fun and welcoming dining experience in one of Clear Lake’s most beautiful settings.
9. Ice Cream Shops
Before you head to the lake, consider choosing a cute little ice cream shop to visit:
- The Olde Creamery – A locally owned spot known for homemade ice cream and its Clear Lake-inspired Big Bopper flavor.
- *South Shore Sweet Spot – A fun seasonal ice cream stand famous for soft-serve treats and its giant cone-shaped building!
- *Charlie’s Soda Fountain – An old-fashioned soda fountain offering soft-serve ice cream, malts, sundaes, and nostalgic fountain drinks.
- Cookies, etc. – Grab fresh-baked cookies along with ice cream cones, shakes, malts, sundaes, and delicious ice cream sandwiches.
- The Vikings Ice Cream Shop– A cozy spot with unique soft serve flavors.
10. Visit a State Park
Located on the shores of Clear Lake, Clear Lake State Park offers a sandy beach, camping, hiking trails, boating, fishing, picnicking, and beautiful lake views. Another nearby state park on Clear Lake is McIntosh Woods State Park. Located near Ventura on the north-west side of Clear Lake, it offers camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and access to the lake.
11. Visit the Memorial Site- The Day Music Died
The Buddy Holly Crash Memorial Site near Clear Lake, Iowa, marks the location of the tragic 1959 plane crash that took the lives of rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Known as “The Day the Music Died,” the tragedy became one of the most famous moments in music history. Visitors can walk to the memorial, located in a quiet Iowa farm field, where a pair of iconic glasses and a monument honor the musicians whose lives were lost. It is a meaningful and memorable stop for music fans visiting the Clear Lake area. You can find the directions here.
PLACES FOR NEXT TIME:
Two things we would want to do during our next visit: Take a cruise on Lady of the Lake on Clear Lake and experience Starboard Market. The Lady of the Lake boat cruise is a fun and relaxing way to experience the beauty of Clear Lake, Iowa, from the water. Visitors can sit back and enjoy scenic views of the shoreline while learning more about the lake and its history. Starboard Market is a charming local stop offering a delicious selection of food, drinks, and specialty items. They are closed for the season, but have some dates in October they open for harvest season.
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