Clear Lake

[kert0307]

Clear Lake/ North Central Iowa

Just off of I-35 N about 35 miles from the MN IA boarder

Clear Lake is a spring-fed lake formed by glacial action some 14,000 years ago. It has a surface area of about 3,600 acres and measures seven miles long and two and one-half miles wide. The elevation of the lake is 1,247 feet above sea level and it is nearly 100 feet above the surrounding countryside, giving it the appearance of an inverted saucer setting above the area around it. Its elevation is actually higher than the top of the tallest building in neighboring Mason City.


It is a highly commercialized lake. City of Clear Lake and Ventura Surround the lake on most sides. Lots of houses/docks around the lake. Average Depth 5-12 feet mud bottom.

[kert0307]

Clear Lake is a very busy lake on Holidays and Weekends. It is busy enough that you are somewhat limited doing water sports like skiing and tubing because of the lake traffic. There are a couple of camp grounds around the lake and a State park. I recommend going up and camping there as the lake is not busy on normal weekdays. Also there are a lot of good mom and pop ice cream shops around to cool off at. It is normally a pretty calm lake because it is relatively shallow and surrounded by trees. There are usually a few small sailboats out though.