As part of Iowa's first state park, this one holds a special place in many hearts. Starting at the beach house at Lake Macbride State Park, the 1.25 mile shoreline trail meanders under a canopy of trees, with beautiful views of the lake. And these interconnected lakes and surrounding communities offer activities and accommodations galore! Which spot are you going to check out. It is known for its number of marinas and mainly tourism-related business. But now, the swimming season in Iowa is here. Okamanpeedan Lake, also known as Tuttle Lake, is a popular vacation destination with a variety of outdoor and recreational activities to enjoy. Guide To Top Iowa Fishing Lakes, Best Lakes To Fish The lake was named after the Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk American Indian tribe. While the south bank of the lake is home to permanent residences and a sizable camping area with a boat launch, the southwest shoreline of the lake is home to a collection of seasonal cottages and summer dwellings. Rent fishing boats, pontoons, water bikes, kayaks, and other items at the Big Creek Marina. It also has a free gold course open to the general public. according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Where to stay, eat and play around Iowa's Great Lakes, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Address: 14910-110th Ave., Davenport, Iowa 52804. It is also a great place to catch sight of wildlife like bald eagles, Canada geese, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. 1 Queen 1 Double 4 Twins 8 guests Amenities Fireplace Outdoor dining Cable TV WiFi With three bedrooms, including one in a loft, a kitchen, a double-height living room, and a wrap-around porch, there's plenty of room for your entire group at this spacious log cabin in Decorah, Iowa, a town in the northeast end of the state. When visiting the lake you will be able to go kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating and fishing. Rathbun Lake, sometimes called Little Ocean, is a man-made reservoir located in the south-central part of Iowa. This site may contain affiliate links. Places like Pikes Point State Park, on the northern shoreline, are particularly popular for activities like picnicking and swimming. When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. The lake is so long and without such low depth that it appears out like a river. Iowas beauty is often overlooked in favor of more touristy attractions, but locals know how stunning and serene the Hawkeye state can really be. Honey Creek Resort is nestled among woods and wetlands on Iowas second-largest lake, Lake Rathbun. There are only a few natural lakes in Iowa, including Black Hawk Lake. The Pikes Point State Park from the lakes north provides easy access for water activities, ideally swimming. Lake Manawa (It serves as a border lake for both Iowa and Nebraska. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There are also sheltered picnic areas that offer shade on a sunny summer day. There are 48 campsites, but also cabins that make for a great place to stay overnight. This 1,557-hectare lake is popular for a family vacation and thus remains crowded during most part of the summers. Some common animals found here are Canada geese, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bald eagle, and more. Lake Ahquabi State Park. The lake is also within proximity to Coralville Reservoir and is half an hour drive from Iowa City). Sunrise and sunset offer stunning lake views from anywhere near Big Spirit Lake. Related area information:Visit Rathbun Lake for Lots of Outdoor Fun at Iowas Ocean Honey Creek Resort at Rathbun Lake: A Nature Resort With Lots of Activities Honey Creek State Park: Dont Miss This Scenic Peninsula at Rathbun Lake. 12. And be sure to take in the restaurants, museums, and live music too! The expansive menu includes omelets, burgers, pizzas and pasta. The Elk Rock State Park, Roberts Creek Park and Cordova Park sit along the lakes shorelines, in addition to a few beaches. With 12,000 acres, Okobojis Great Lakes offer fantastic opportunities for sailing, jet skiingand boat recreation. Though whats found in abundance here are walleyes, and chances are out of 10 catches, you will get walleyes in 7. The 5 Best Iowa Cabin Rentals of 2023 - TripSavvy The southwest shoreline of the lake is lined with numerous seasonal cabins, while permanent homes sit along the south shoreline. 1. If smallmouth bass is your go-to fish, Big Spirit Lake is the best for smallmouth bass fishing in the spring. Lake Manawa is a 785-acre lake surrounded by a 1500-acre state park with tons to do on and off the water. Maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is Iowa's largest at 15,000 acres. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It is a human-made lake that was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers basically for controlling floods. You can also fish, camp, and hike. Lake Manawa, named after a Native American language meaning peace and comfort, was created when the Missouri River overflowed in 1881, and it provides residents and guests from the nearby state of Nebraska with just that. Its Iowas largest and most visited state park, featuring a 940-acre lake. A wide range of activities can be enjoyed here, including swimming, boating, fishing and camping. Although there is much to see and do in the Hawkeye State, many tourists do not think of Iowa when choosing where to travel in the United States. Waterbury Reservoir - Burlington. As the fourth largest glacier lake in Iowa, Storm lake is the source of many adventures without being as crowded as Okoboji or Clear lake. If youre looking for the perfect lake getaway in western Iowa, look no further! The park also features camping grounds, picnic shelters and several kilometres of hiking trails. For watercraft and other recreation, Saylorville Lake offers activities like boating, fishing, shore dipping, and more. Cherry Glen Beach is a 13-acre wooded area located at Saylorville Lake in Ankeny. Read more about one of the most, Rathbun Lake is the gem of Honey Creek State Park, and you'll find plenty of chances to enjoy the water by boat or by swimming! Two new cabins, anticipated to open in 2019, will accommodate up to 12 people. Pikes Point State Park is located southwest of Spirit Lake on a point of land on West Okoboji Lake. Hence to enjoy these surpluses of lake beauty and activities, drive towards one of Iowas lakes. This beach is situated on Browns Bay making it the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic or an afternoon of windsailing for the daring. Fishing is also popular here, with the lake having an abundance of walleye, yellow bass, bullhead and channel catfish. Its a super popular spot to boat, fish, swim, hike, bike, and camp. Our readers on our Only In Iowa Facebook Page nominated their personal favorites so we could narrow down the truth. Lake Tahoe is more than a ski destination: It's also North America's largest alpine lake. Suggested reading: Lakes Near Des Moines, Iowa Trout Fishing in Iowa: Best trout streams and lakes, fishing tips, and more, Filed Under: Camping & Cabins, Fishing, Weekend Getaway. And since its situated near Des Moines, you can find a heap of fun things to do nearby. This crystal-clear lake provides acres of recreational fun, including swimming beaches. What experts say is necessary. The largest warm-water fish hatchery in the state is located in the Appanoose County lake, which is great for swimming, boating, and sailing. Love Iowa? A visit to Storm Lake is a good time for all ages! Rent a boat, go fishing, hit the beach, play disc golf, and play on the enormous playground at Big Creek State Park. Lake Macbride State Park Solon, IA Backbone State Park Dundee, IA Lake Darling State Park Brighton, IA Volga River State Recreation Area Fayette, IA George Wyth State Park Waterloo, IA Whitetail Bluff Campground and Resort Cassville, WI Union Grove State Park Gladbrook, IA Big Hollow Recreation Area Sperry, IA Geode State Park Danville, IA Along with great walleye, bullhead, crappie, northern pike, and yellow perch fishing, Silver Lake also offers recreational boating, power boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and swimming. There are both manmade and natural lakes that make for great vacation destinations. . The park features natural hiking, cycling, and skating trails, wildlife, 13 picnic shelters, and a gold course and caters to novice and professional players both. Along the shoreline also lies the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, a fantastic adventure space operating for over a century now. And its the perfect spot to get away from it all and soak up nature! Of what it appears from afar, Iowa is beyond its landlocks, fields, and agriculture. West Okoboji Lake; Dickinson County Source: Mary Fairchild/Mfairlady / Flickr West Okoboji Lake One of the Iowa Great Lakes chain of lakes, West Okoboji Lake is a natural lake that sits in northwest Iowa. 11. Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Iowa. It was formed by a glacier millions of years ago, and today it's a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and fishing. The lake is a glacial pothole that dates back to the Ice Age. 5. Swimming lake: Lake: Adel: IA: 50003: J229+89 Adel, Iowa: Add place's phone number: 41.60-93.98: 41.600815-93.981532: Google Map: See Other Lakes: 3001-3027 Pueblo Ct . Its steps away from restrooms, outdoor showers and convenient parking. The lake even has a fish cleaning station along with boat ramps and jetties. Along with an 18-hole golf course and a sizable indoor waterpark at the state-run Honey Creek State Park Resort, there are eight parks located around the lakes shoreline that offer camping and picnic spaces, public docks, boat ramps, and childrens playgrounds. Camping, hiking, biking, and other lakeside activities are available along a 5-mile trail that circles the lake, as well as a 0.3-mile self-guided nature trail. Search for the best lakes near Marion, IA for swimming, fishing, a vacation, or a weekend getaway. In Iowa, there is a fresh body of water to discover in every direction. So, these are the best lakes in Iowa. Lakes Search for Lake: Sort Reverse 1 2 3 4 5 Next 1 2 3 4 5 Next 10 - Lake Wapello Lake Wapello is a 289-acre man-made lake near the town of Drakesville, Iowa. Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. Named after Iowa conservation icon Thomas Macbride, this lake and the surrounding state park are especially stunning in the fall. For instance, Mill Creek State Park is a great place to pitch a waterfront tent. Iowa's lakes offer an abundance of water-centric activities. These two water bodies are known as Iowa's ultimate summer destinations providing a wide array of fun. Black Hawk Lake (View on Map) There are only a few natural lakes in Iowa, including Black Hawk Lake. And the family-friendly Arnold's Park Amusement Park has operated near the eastern shore for over 100 years. Saylorville Lake is a 6,000-acre lake just north of Des Moines. More parks with family cabins: Enjoy a lovely stroll along the shore of Lake Macbride in eastern Iowa, near Solon. Deep Lakes Park, Pettibone Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA. The 10 Best Vermont Lakes For Swimming - AZ Animals Thank you! Lake MacBride, Lake McBride, Iowa 52333, USA. We assume no liability for the use of this website, any information on the site, or any inconvenience or injury resulting from information on the activities or places on this site. What do you think of this list of Iowas most beautiful lakes? Not much beats a day at the lake, but with so many options for waterside fun, its hard to pick a list of winners without asking Iowa. Iowa is bounded entirely by rivers to the east and the west, while the Des Moines River can be found at the south end of the state. It is also possible to go swimming or play a game of beach volleyball. Today, the lake is a popular recreational area that offers hiking, boating, fishing and camping. Though it might not take up much space, Lost Grove Lake is packed with picturesque views. The 35,000 acres of virgin woodlands and marshes that surround the lake are now used for land and aquatic activities, respectively, making the lake a well-liked recreation destination. Besides that, fishing (and ice fishing) too is a popular sport here, all thanks to the stock of crappies, bluegills, and largemouth bass. Saylorville Lake stretches for over 80 kilometres and across three counties. With plenty of hiking trails and prized Kentucky spotted bass bringing people in all year, Lake Macbride never seems to lack in fans. It's the perfect place to kick back, relax, and enjoy . It's a popular spot for families to go for a taste of the outdoors. Lake MacBride (It is part of Iowas biggest state park, the Lake MacBride State Park. Swimming lake: Lake: Adel: IA: 50003: J229+89 Adel, Iowa: Add place's phone number: 41.60-93.98: 41.600815-93.981532: Google Map: See Other Lakes: 3001-3027 Pueblo Ct . Though Swan Lake is popular for a day visit since the State Park has multiple campgrounds (about 100), the lake is also popular amongst night visitors/ stayers. As summer activities heat up and North Carolinians flock to recreational waters to beat the higher temperatures, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging residents to prioritize safety and adopt best practices for enjoying water activities with their pets. Let us know in the comments! 15 Best Lakes in Iowa - The Crazy Tourist There are over 100 campsites within the park, all of which are full hook-up sites. There are also plenty of other fish species that can easily be caught at Big Spirit Lake. In fact, the top lakes in Iowa are among the states most popular vacation getaways. It sits along the Iowa River just north of Iowa City. But things change, and we dont always know. Thats not all! The Iowa Great Lakes region in the northwest part of the state is a family-friendly water recreational spot. Big Creek is 11 miles north of Des Moines and close to Polk city as well. There's swimming, of course, options to rentkayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and theMark C. Ackelson trail, a 4.1-mile paved trail around the lake. East Lake Okoboji and West Lake Okoboji are two prominent names of the Iowa Great Lakes. Within the parks are a few attractions, including the Cordova Observation Tower, the Mile Long Bridge and Gladys Black Bald Eagle Refuge. One of the Iowa Great Lakes chain of lakes, West Okoboji Lake is a natural lake that sits in northwest Iowa. In the winter the trails are open to cross-country skiers. Many of the lakes in Iowa offer public services such as: boat rentals, stores within walking distance from your campsite, swimming beaches with lifeguards, organized events on some weekends, wildlife preserves or sanctuaries where you can go bird watching or go hiking . The Manawa State Park surrounds the lake and features a plethora of amenities, including canoe rental, paddle-boat rental, picnic areas, a boat launch and even a beach. Clear Lake, Okoboji, Spirit Lake, Decorah, McGregor, Arnolds Park, Pella, and Le Claire are all small towns worth visiting in summer, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventures, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Iowa is a diverse, beautiful state with lots of recreational opportunities and adventures (its not just one giant cornfield). Because the lake is comparatively shallowonly 10 feet deepthan its neighbors, it is less popular for watersports. This group of lakes contains mainly natural water bodies, dedicatedly the ones which offer classic beauty and recreational fun. More quiet hideaways: Plan a fun family get-away to Big Creek Lake north of Polk City. ), biking, and hiking. A multi-use trail surrounds the lake and is perfect for jogging, walking, cycling, and in-line skating while providing stunning lake vistas. Black Hawk Lake is located in the city of Lake View and is one of its top attractions. This spot is nestled in the mountains of Central Idaho, so the water can get chilly. And during the winter, you can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Iowas lakes offer a terrific adventure, from critical reservoirs to glacier remnants. Here youll find boat docks, easy access parking lots, a handicap fishing dock, a sandy beach, and paddleboat rentals. Swan Lake is surrounded by the Swan Lake State Park. It is popular for providing fishing ground year-round to central Iowa residents. Near its edge, there is a beautiful hotel and a resort to spend a vacation at. It even has a beach and is popular for a plethora of common water sports/crafts). The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Upon visiting the lake, visitors can try various activities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, sledding, and snowmobiling, depending upon the season. Swimming lake: Willow Lake: Swisher: IA: 52338: R89H+X2 Swisher, Iowa: Add place's phone number: 41.82-91.67: 41.819928-91.672439: Google Map: See Other Lakes . Lake Macbride, a 200-acre reservoir with two arms, is hailed as one of the top recreation lakes in east-central Iowa. Clear Lake is a huge water body and a small city in Iowa. A glacier created it millions of years ago, and today it is a well-liked fishing location with lots of bluegills, channel catfish, crappies, and sunfish. The abundance of public use lakes around also provides wildlife viewing opportunities. In addition, it is a popular recreational spot that offers both land and water-based fun. It is located within the city limits of Des Moines, Iowa, in the United States. Rathbun Lake is Iowas second-largest lake and is often called Iowas ocean! This southeast Iowa lake has 155 miles of shoreline and heaps of outdoor adventures on and off the water. Omelets, hamburgers, pizza, and spaghetti are all available on the extensive menu. It is the southern terminus of the Sauk Rail Trail, which links it to Black Hawk Lake. The 2,180-acre Lake Macbride State Park, which has two campgrounds, picnic spaces, kids playgrounds, a safe swimming beach, and numerous boat ramps for launching small vessels, surrounds the lake. We encourage you to do the same. While at Saylorville, stop at other nearby parks; Big Creek State Park and Jester Park are only a few miles away! It is a state run lake that is surrounded by parks and trails, including the Sauk Rail Trail. That is why activities like swimming and dipping arent encouraged here. Honey Creek Resort makes full use of the water and they've created a playground that everyone is sure to enjoy. Kids enjoy the large playground and cabanas near the popular beach. With rental options including everything from sailboats and kayaks to bicycles andhydra bikes, plus fishing, hiking and disc golf, there's something for everyone at Big Creek. There are also plenty of things to do on shore, like picnicking, bird watching and hiking. This beach literally has it all. 23 of the Best Places To Go Camping In Iowa - Beyond The Tent Fishermen flock to the shores to drop in their boats and try their luck. Users recognize this risk and agree to hold us harmless for any liability from the use of information on DesMoinesOutdoors.com, including, but not limited to, bodily injury, death, property damage, sickness, or disease. Its a short drive to the marina for great food and drinks, plus live entertainment on the weekends. Larger than West Okoboji is another popular place to be known as Clear Lake. Avoid alcohol use while swimming (note that alcohol is prohibited at some public beaches). Big Spirit Lake is also one of the Iowa Great Lakes and is the largest lake in the state at 2,300 hectare. These are the 15 best lakes in Iowa. Search for the best lakes close to Sioux City, IA for fishing, swimming, a vacation, or a weekend getaway. See the full disclosure here. The abundance of land-based activities available at these lakes in Iowa also includes trekking, boating, and disc golf. The 115-acre man-made lake has a sizable sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing. So even though Iowa is a landlocked state, its rare for Hawkeyes to spend more than a few weeks without heading to a lake or river. Lake Ahquabi is a 115 acre man made lake that makes an excellent place for camping in Iowa. Take a look inside this beautiful home being shown by, Athletes At Iowa and ISU Could Face New Punishments From NCAA, The 3 Best Beach Front Patios In Illinois To Enjoy This Summer, How Every Homeowner In Illinois Can Save Money By Adjusting Their Ceiling Fans Now, Illinois Named One Of The Best States To Vacation This Summer, I-Rock 93.5 Concert Announcement: Finger Eleven and 10 Years Coming To Quad Cities, The New Waterloo Football Team Officially Has A Name, How Much Did Harry Caray Drink? On its western shore lies the Jester Park, an afternoon and evening spot where friends and family chill. Iowa's largest lake comes in at a whopping 15,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of surrounding land for visitors to hike, boat, swim, and otherwise explore. Find the best lakes close to Ames, IA for fishing, swimming, a weekend getaway, or a vacation. Lake Sugema has everything that any angler would need, including fishing jetties, boat ramps, floating boat docks and shore access. The park was named after American cartoonist Jay Norwood Ding Darling. A glacial pothole that has been in existence since Ice Age, Big Spirit is also known as the largest freshwater lake in Iowa. No spam, just four newsletters each year. 13 Beaches in Iowa: Go Explore! | Des Moines Mom Nine Eagles State Park, 23678 Dale Miller Rd, Davis City, IA 50065, USA. A great thing about DeSoto Lake is that it sits within the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. See the full disclosure, Best lakes in Iowa for recreation and relaxation, Okamanpeedan Lake (Tuttle Lake) (Northern Iowa), Visit Rathbun Lake for Lots of Outdoor Fun at Iowas Ocean, Honey Creek Resort at Rathbun Lake: A Nature Resort With Lots of Activities, Honey Creek State Park: Dont Miss This Scenic Peninsula at Rathbun Lake, Lake Red Rock: Iowas Largest Lake for a Great Outdoor Adventure, Best Things To Do in Pella: A Touch of Holland in Iowa, Roberts Creek Park: Excellent Camping and Outdoor Fun in Central Iowa, Elk Rock State Park: A Popular Iowa Park for Boating, Camping, and Equestrian Use, Cordova Park: An Excellent Iowa Getaway Any Time of Year, Coralville Lake: An Amazing Lake Getaway in Iowa, Lake Macbride State Park: Iowas Largest State Park for Outdoor Fun, Visit Cedar Rapids: Art & Culture, One of a Kind Experiences, & Outdoor Adventures, Palisades Kepler State Park: A Scenic Gem with Trails, Camping & More, Indian Creek Nature Center: The Perfect Place For Outdoor Lovers of All Ages, A Guide to Saylorville Lake in Central Iowa, Saylorville Lake Campgrounds: Central Iowa Camping At Its Best, A Guide to Big Creek State Park in Central Iowa, Lake Wapello State Park: A Hidden Gem in Southern Iowa, Trout Fishing in Iowa: Best trout streams and lakes, fishing tips, and more, Mini Wakan State Park: A Hidden Gem on Iowas Big Spirit Lake. According to our readers, these 11 are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa. . There is also a multi-purpose trail that encircles the lakes and provides for extended activities like jogging and in-line skating. This artificial lake was formed in 1958 because of the construction of the Coralville Dam on the Iowa River. Spend the day at the beach or boating, and kids of all ages and abilities can spend hours at the Dream Playground! 11 Best Lakes in Iowa | PlanetWare Jet-skiing, sailing, waterskiing, and swimming are additional water-based sports. This reservoir sits along the Des Moines River around 18 kilometres from the city of Des Moines. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com. The lake in itself covers 15,000 acres, whereas the woodlands around encompass 35,000 acres. Coralville Lake in Coralville. Comprised of several lakes including West Okoboji, East Okoboji and Spirit Lake, the Great Lakes are the premier destination for all things lake vacation in Iowa, especially for boaters. We do our best to keep up with the latest info on parks, trails, and other outdoor activities. Best Lakes Near Sioux City, IA - Best Lakes Near Me [Bonus: dogs can come along for a small additional fee.] January 19, 2022 Iowa Lakes Student Athletes Earn Academic Recognition. 10 Best Lake Resorts in Iowa [Ranked in 2023], Top 17 Drunkest Cities in America [Report 2023], 12 Major Cemeteries in Iowa [Update 2023], 10 Best Ziplines in Iowa You Must Enjoy [Update 2023], Top 17 Most Boring Cities in America [Report 2023]. Are you searching for a more upscale experience? Corplakes Military 9 - Coralville Lake Another man-made lake just north of Coralville. Its a favorite for camping, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and more! These Small Towns in Iowa Come Alive in Summer - WorldAtlas Get more stories delivered right to your email. Here youll find a boat ramp and dock with 10 short-term slips or check out the splash pad for non-lake goers. A less popular option for summer fun but no less pretty, Backbone Lake pulls in most of its fans during the fall. Big Creek Lake, an 883-acre body of water located about 11 miles north of Des Moines close to the community of Polk City, offers residents of Polk City and tourists a variety of recreational opportunities, including power boating, canoeing and kayaking, sailing and swimming, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. Lake Red Rock was created in 1969 as a result of the construction of the Red Rock Dam, which is situated less than 50 miles southeast of Des Moines. Clear Lake is a natural spring-fed lake in northern Iowa, somewhere between Minneapolis and Des Moines. The lake was originally formed when they damned the Iowa River. These two water bodies are known as Iowas ultimate summer destinations providing a wide array of fun. 1. Its hard to measure beauty when it comes to scenery, but all of these stunning lakes have fans of their own and are always here for fishing, boating, swimming, or just relaxing by the water. The lake is fairly isolated, especially in its northern reaches, and sparsely populated. 2 25 South Haven, Michigan Park your car in South Haven, and then say good-bye to it. Black Hawk Lake is a 387-hectare body of water that is situated on the southeast edge of the town of Lake View in Sac County. No matter the season, you can find people enjoying the scenery that never seems to run out. Okamanpeedan Lake (also known as Tuttle Lake) is a 2300-acre lake on the Iowa-Minnesota border partly in Iowa and partly in Minnesota. Individuals visiting here can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, cycling, picnicking, and camping. Across its shore lies picnic areas, campgrounds, playgrounds, and even a full-fledged resort known as Honey Creek State Park Resort.
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