Current Events and Activities
Discounted rates available October – April
The largest walleye tournament in Iowa! The Clear Lake Fishing Club hosts TWO walleye tournaments each year, one in the fall and one in the spring! Rooms go fast for these tournaments, so book your room as soon as you can!
Free admission, find a large variety of plants and gardening items at the Central Gardens in Clear Lake, Iowa! May
Hosted every Saturday, May – October, in the Surf Ballroom parking lot! The Landing on Clear Lake enjoys serving the freshest ingredients from our local Clear Lake Farmers Market.
The annual TRI Clear Lake will be held in May. Perfect for beginners or those who are looking to train for larger races! This is an event you won’t want to miss!
This is a community event for families, collectors, and bargain hunters from around the area!
We may be a little biased, but Clear Lake puts on one of the Best July Fourth Celebrations we’ve ever seen! Enjoy a five day carnival starting in June ending on July 5th. Vendors, food trucks, fireworks, parades (including a boat parade), and much more! You won’t want to miss this!!
Every Thursday, June – August, there are vendors, food trucks, and kid friendly activities located on the Main Ave. Thursday’s are the time to come visit Clear Lake!
A packed event each year, this car show draws people from all over the nation to show off their sweet ride. Whether you own a classic car or just want to see all the hot rides, you’ll be sure to have fun! Hosted in August.
The first weekend in December each year, Clear Lake hosts Christmas by the Lake. At this event, there is a parade, vendors, children activities, as well as an end of night lakeside firework show! Lakeside Inn has a perfect view of this firework show, so book your room early!
Honoring: Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper. The day the music died. Each year, the historic Surf Ballroom hosts the Winter Dance Party in honor of the three late legends as the Surf Ballroom was the last place they performed. More history about the three legends located at the bottom of this page. This event books extremely fast, so you’ll want to book your room as soon as possible!
Clear Lake Attractions
The Lakeside Inn is conveniently located a short distance from many attractions.
Here are just a few…
- Surf Ballroom 1.6 miles
- Clear Lake Boats/Boat Rentals 0.1 miles
- Clear Lake State Park Beach 1.0 miles
- Lady of the Lake 0.9 miles
- Clear Lake City Park 1.0 miles
- Lake Theatre 1.0 miles
- Central Gardens of North Iowa 1.4 miles
- Clear Lake Aquatic Center 1.6 miles
- All Vets Golf Course 1.0 miles
- Oak Hills Golf Course 1.0 miles
- Downtown Shopping 1.4 miles
- Arrowhead Golf Course 1.3 miles
- Movies in the Park 1.0 miles
- Church in the Park 1.0 miles
- McIntosh Woods State Park 6.3 miles
- Kinney Pioneer Museum 3.8 miles
Arts & Culture
Surf Ballroom – Site of Buddy Holly’s last concert, the Surf Ballroom still has concerts and can be reserved as a convention hall or reception site. It is also a tourist attraction, and every February has a tribute to those who perished in the February 3, 1959 flight.
Lady of the Lake – The stern wheeler ferry boat takes passengers on a scenic cruise around Clear Lake. The Lady of the Lake has an enclosed lower level and an open upper level.
Clear Lake Fire Museum – Designed to resemble an early fire station, this museum’s highlights include a 1924 Ahrens-Fox pumper truck, the city’s 1883 hand-pulled hose cart, and the original fire bell used by the department. Also, there is a memorial dedicated to honor all the firefighters who have served Clear Lake.
Fort Custer Maze – the maze covers nearly two acres and has over two miles of trail. The design is changed weekly during the summer season and prizes are given weekly for the fastest times.
Clear Lake Arts Center – This non-profit organization, the Arts Center displays local and regional artists’ work along with a sales gallery and art classes open to the public.
Explore Clear Lake
The Day The Music Died
