Clear Lake (Des Moines, Mason City, Colo: house, rent, vacation)

[Capt. Dan]

My family is considering Clear Lake as a possible family vacation destination next summer. It is an equal drive for everyone. Will we find things for the younger ones to do? I love to fish so that seems to be a good choice for me. Good restaurants and cold beer is plentiful? Appreciate anyones thoughts.

[pepe1]

You’ll find plenty to do in Clear Lake for the kids (we vacation every summer there). Aside from the obvious public beaches, Clear Lake Offers:
-A town square right in downtown with nearly daily summer concerts and several play structures in the square.
-A very nice aquatic center with water slides and other features.
-Ft. Custer Maze.
-Lady of the Lake boat excursions.
-Splash pad right off the public beach.
-There are a few places that rent boats and jet skis.
-Fire Museum.
-Nice, new art center with activities for kids.
-State Park

Nearby Mason City has some absolutely fabulous residential architecture (may not be much of a kids thing), but there is a Frank Lloyd Wright home and several other Wright inspired homes. Mason City also has another great children’s museum with activities.

Definitely plenty of places to eat and drink. Some of the more popular spots are the Muskie Lounge in nearby Ventura (all you can eat walleye), Ge Jo’s (great pizza), and the Other Place (also fantastic pizza), a must hit for steak is the Northwestern Steakhouse in Mason City. Clear Lake also has many, many chain restaurants.

[LPerkins33]

two words: SURF BALLROOM! That place is hoppin' in the summer and 4th of July has a great car show there as well.

[rdinga]

I grew up in Mason CIty, Iowa (23 yrs) which is 9 miles from Clear Lake. Our families spent quite a bit of the summers there. Every year I come back home from Georgia we spend a couple of days in Clear Lake. I believe Clear Lake is more attractive and charming than ever. The city has done a good job of upkeep and landscaping. July 4th is a must..........the fireworks are fantastic. My wife is a true southern girl and says she could live in Clear Lake.
In summary..............great choice!

[capitalcityguy]

Clear Lake is a great place to spend the summer. I am always amazed at how many people who live in Des Moines, have summer homes in Clear Lake.

Gejo's is a great Italian Resturant downtown. Also, Clear Lake Boats added a Tiki Bar on the lake on the south shore last year. That is a good time!

[my54ford]

Originally Posted by LPerkins33

two words: SURF BALLROOM! That place is hoppin' in the summer and 4th of July has a great car show there as well.

Yes don't miss the Surf! If you ask you can get directions to the spot where, The plane with Buddy Holly,Ritchie Valence and the Big Bopper crashed. Kinda of a neat Memorioal out there....