Megan Bryant is a passionate writer and traveler who has combined her two loves to help others fulfill their traveling dreams. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up with her 3 Dachshunds and a good book or planning her next adventure—wherever that may be.
Iowa is home to some incredible bodies of water, and no matter which direction you turn, there is a lake just waiting to be explored. Iowa’s Great Lakes Region, in particular, is a popular destination for families and those in search of some peace and quiet down by the water.
And if you aren’t anywhere near the northwest Great Lakes Region, do not worry, as there are must-visit lakes all over the state, including some near Iowa City. Whether you’re an Iowa native or visiting the state on vacation, here are 13 of the best lakes in Iowa that you definitely need to visit.
Big Creek Lake
Big Creek Lake is nestled in the Big Creek Lake State Park and has quickly become a popular destination for families and fishermen. Wide sandy beaches, abundant lawn spaces, and a pretty impressive wooden playground draw in those with young children, while the opportunity to fish for record-breaking walleye, crappie, and largemouth bass entices anglers from all over the country.
Although there are no camping facilities at Big Creek Lake, you can spend your day on the water kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and water skiing. Or you can stick to dry land and have a picnic in one of many picnic shelters or play disc golf on the park’s 18-hole course.
Black Hawk Lake
Black Hawk Lake is a natural glacially-formed lake in Iowa that measures 957 acres. Welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually, Black Hawk Lake and its boat access, picnic areas, playgrounds, campgrounds, and beaches is a popular choice amongst locals and has become one of the best lakes to visit in the entire state.
50% of Black Hawk Lake’s shoreline is open to the public, and boaters, skiers, and tubers frequent the waters—especially during the summer months. Anglers will also be happy to know that after a renovation project in 2012, Black Hawk Lake has since been restocked with a large selection of fish species, which you can even fish for during the winter months.
Clear Lake
The spring-fed lake of Clear Lake—and its nearby city—in northern Iowa—offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Two of the main access points to the water from the city is City Park and City Beach, which provide sandy swimming beaches, grass lawns, and boat ramps for those who wish to explore the water by kayak, paddle board, or boat.
You’ll also find that as Clear Lake has consistent winds—even on a calm day—it has become a favorite amongst the local sailing community, with races held every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Coralville Lake
Coralville Lake was formed by the Coralville Dam on the Iowa River and has worked to control floods since its completion in 1958. Although its main purpose is to prevent flooding in the local area, Coralville Lake has also become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with thousands of people flocking to the area to hike, bike, camp, fish, and boat.
In total, Coralville Lake has 11 recreation areas, four swimming beaches, 18 boat ramps, and a total of 29 miles of hiking trails for the public to enjoy.
Iowa Great Lakes
A glacier over 14,000 years ago created what is now known as the Iowa Great Lakes region, and today, six lakes: Big Spirit Lake, East Lake Okoboji, West Lake Okoboji, Upper Gar, Lower Gar, and Minnewashta, completely define the area.
Of the six lakes, Big Spirit Lake—the largest freshwater lake in Iowa—East Lake Okoboji and West Lake Okoboji are the ones you simply have to visit. East Lake Okoboji and West Lake Okoboji are popular choices amongst families. And with plenty of picnic spots, sandy shorelines, campgrounds, and even an amusement park—Arnold’s Park—it’s no wonder why so many people vacation at the Iowa Great Lakes Region each and every year.
Lake Darling
Lake Darling is a 300-acre lake in the Lake Darling State Park, which provides the perfect setting for a weekend getaway. Not only do you have the lake, its sprawling beaches, boat ramps, and opportunities to kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard, but you can also picnic, fish, and camp in the state park’s campground.
Both motorized and non-motorized vessels are allowed on the waters at Lake Darling; however, it’s a no-wake lake, so you will have to keep your speed to a minimum.
Lake MacBride
Located just 10 miles north of Iowa City with 900 acres of water to explore is Lake MacBride, which acts as the perfect escape for those in need of some time out in nature. Home to the biggest state park in Iowa, Lake MacBride, with its two campgrounds, multi-use trails, and boat ramps, encourages Iowa residents and visitors to get out on the water while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding state park. Even in the winter, you can have fun at Lake MacBride as cross-country skiers and snowshoers flock to the park to relish the thick blanket of snow.
Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is one of western Iowa’s premier sports for hiking, boating, and relaxing outdoors. And with more than 1,500 acres surrounding the waters, the activities you can get involved with are endless. The name “Manawa” is actually a Native American term that translates to peace and comfort, making the lake an ideal spot for those who wish to picnic or relax by the water with a good book.
For lake visitors who prefer to keep active, however, Lake Manawa also has hiking, camping, boating, and fishing opportunities. Plus, there is even Iowa’s largest ADA-accessible playground that spans over 18,000 square feet—it’s safe to say your kids will be entertained for an hour or two.
Lake Red Rock
The largest lake in all of Iowa is Lake Red Rock, and with more than 15,000 acres of water, there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy. Despite the lake’s size, the water isn’t all Lake Red Rock is good for, as surrounding it are several state and county parks with hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
If you aren’t into kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, or swimming, then you can set off hiking or biking down some of the best biking trails in the state. The Volksweg Bike Trail, The National Recreation Trail, and the Elk Rock Equestrian Trail are some of the favored choices, but other nature trails in the area may offer a more serene experience.
Rathbun Lake
The popular reservoir that is Rathbun Lake spans 11,000 acres and has campgrounds and full-blown resorts to cater to all accommodation preferences. People visit Rathbun Lake to boat, fish, swim, and soak up the Iowa sun. But you can also bike, golf, and play volleyball when you’ve had enough of the water.
The Honey Creek Resort has also created a playground on the water and has paddleboard, kayak, and canoe rentals for guests.
Saylorville Lake
Saylorville Lake provides flood control and drought prevention for the communities below the Saylorville Dam and has also become a recreational outlet for Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines. Visitors to the lake take part in boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking. But you can also practice your golf swing at the golf course at Jester or reel in more than a dozen fish species right from the lake’s waters.
Swan Lake
Nestled in west-central Iowa is the 100-acre Swan Lake that, despite its small size, sees frequent visitors—it can mainly thank the surrounding Swan Lake State Park for that. The State Park has campgrounds that cater to RV and traditional campers, and with developed picnic sites, playgrounds, and even a conservation education center, it has become a popular choice amongst Iowan families.
The waters at Swan Lake are also regularly stocked with crappies, largemouth bass, and bluegills, with the lake even offering a cleaning station for anglers to wash off their catch of the day.
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