The Clear Lake center point is approximately 2 miles west of Mason City Municipal Airport and 9 miles west of Meredith Willson Boyhood Home.
Clear Lake has a humid continental climate that gets hot in the summer. Popular activities during the summer include golfing, bicycling, volleyball, fishing, hunting, sport shooting, and swimming. However, you can always also visit an indoor attraction to cool off. Keep in mind that summer is Clear Lake's peak tourist season, so expect increased hotel rates.
If you want to save the most money on your trip to Clear Lake, try visiting in the winter. The area does experience 11 inches of snowfall each year on average, so you may want to book refundable flights and hotels just in case you get snowed out. Even if it snows, Clear Lake is a fun winter getaway for the whole family. Aside from the city's holiday events, Clear Lake hosts a colorful kite-flying event on the third Saturday in February, brightening up an otherwise dreary season.
To enjoy pleasant weather and reasonable hotel rates, plan a trip to Clear Lake during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Average highs hit 70 by May and again in September, making it easy to enjoy the area's numerous outdoor attractions. October ushers in the Harvest Festival, one of the city's most beloved events. During the festival, you can stroll down Main Street while enjoying artist demonstrations, wine samplings, and other fall-themed experiences.
Want to save even more money on your trip to Clear Lake? See if you qualify for a special rate.
Military and government personnel can save at area hotels like Best Western Holiday Lodge, which is situated close to the Clear Lake Fire Museum and other key attractions. Standard amenities include a 24-hour fitness facility, a business center, an indoor pool and hot tub, a free breakfast, wedding services, room service, a complimentary continental breakfast, and an on-site Bennigan's restaurant. Guest rooms offer microwaves, mini fridges, coffee makers, flat-panel TVs, free local calls, and a turndown service.
Seniors can save an average of 10 percent off regular room rates at accommodations like Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clear Lake. This convenient hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast, a 24-hour business center, a safe deposit box, self-parking, and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms include hairdryers, work desks, coffee makers, and free toiletries.
AAA members can save at most area hotels, including AmericInn by Wyndham Clear Lake. Enjoy a complimentary homestyle breakfast each morning, an inviting indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a relaxing lobby. In-room amenities include microwaves, mini fridges, and optional rollaway beds.
The Clear Lake area has many mid-range hotel options that give you an extra value for your dollar.
Days Inn by Wyndham Mason City boasts on-site fitness facilities, pet-friendly rooms, oversized vehicle parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a free breakfast. You can also enjoy coffee, tea, and free newspapers in the lobby. Guest rooms feature LED TVs, hairdryers, well-lit work desks, coffee makers, and free local calls.
Quality Inn & Suites offers an indoor pool, pet-friendly accommodations, a free breakfast, oversized vehicle parking, free Wi-Fi, and a safe deposit box. The contemporary guest rooms include satellite TVs, coffee makers, microwaves, and mini fridges. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request.
Another mid-range option near Clear Lake is Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Northwood. This highly rated property features on-site fitness facilities, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a 24-hour business center, a free casino shuttle, a safe deposit box, laundry facilities, concierge services, and conference space. The hotel also provides wedding services for those planning their big day. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton bedding, sofa beds, and hairdryers.
When visiting Clear Lake, you'll want to spend some time hitting the city's most noted attractions and landmarks. One of the city's most popular attractions is the Surf Ballroom & Museum. This historic rock-and-roll landmark is closely associated with the event known as “The Day the Music Died,” as it was where Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens gave their last performance. The ballroom has been fully restored to look the way it did in 1959 during that fateful day, and it still hosts performances for modern concert-goers to appreciate. The museum also features a variety of concert memorabilia, including instruments.
History buffs and railroad lovers alike should visit Iowa Trolley Park. The interactive railroad museum houses an old-time hand car, a diesel locomotive, and train cars. Other must-see attractions include the Central Gardens of North Iowa, City Park, Clear Lake Fire Museum, and Kinney Pioneer Museum.
Exploring everything Clear Lake and its surrounding communities have to offer is great fun for the entire family. Whether you're looking for affordable roadside accommodations off the interstate or a historic lodging with all the amenities, you can find the perfect hotel in the Clear Lake area that meets your needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Clear Lake, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
The best part about Clear Lake is obviously, Clear Lake. Had drinks on The Lady of the Lake and watched the sunset on a Wednesday night! A must do!
Was here to ice fish!
Used to come up all the time with family it's been about 15 years. Have relatives there and love the entire area. We came for The Quiet Riot concert at The Surf.
Beautiful area.
Fun to go to the lake and the famous Surf Ballroom!!
Fun to go to the lake and the famous Surf Ballroom!!
The Surf Ballroom is a must for anyone who cares about music.
The Surf Ballroom!