Major city · United States
Clear Lake
Spend 1–2 days in Clear Lake, Iowa: see the Surf Ballroom, Buddy Holly crash site and the lake beach; a night at the Microtel covers lodging.
Clear Lake is a small North Central Iowa town centred on a large lake and music history. The main attractions (Surf Ballroom, crash site, state park) fit in a half‑day each, so 1–2 days is enough. Most visitors arrive by car from Des Moines or nearby towns.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, lake ice)
- Airport
- DSM
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Clear Lake911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Clear Lake, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyClear Lake is a low‑crime small town; usual U.S. precautions apply—keep valuables out of sight in cars and watch ice thickness in winter.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDSM Des Moines International Airport (about 70 km (43 mi) (45 min drive) south via I‑35).DSM Des Moines International Airport (about 43 mi (70 km) (45 min drive) south via I‑35).
- Getting aroundCar is the easiest; town is walkable for the main sights.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–$3
- BeerBeer (draft, bar)$4–$6
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (first mile)check$8–$12
- Museum or sight ticketState park entry$5–$7
- Budget bedMicrotel standard room (double), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedMicrotel standard room (double), a night, per roomUS$90
- High-end bedMicrotel standard room (double), a night, per roomUS$130
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$100 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DSM Des Moines International Airport (about 70 km (43 mi) (45 min drive) south via I‑35)DSM Des Moines International Airport (about 43 mi (70 km) (45 min drive) south via I‑35)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Feb
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Clear Lake: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
Feb
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
6 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is the easiest; town is walkable for the main sights. Parking is free near the lake and downtown.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fort Dodge
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
US‑18 west, about 30 km (19 mi) (20 min drive)US‑18 west, about 19 mi (30 km) (20 min drive)
Historic downtown, zoo and museums.
Mason City
goDoor to door: ≈35 min
US‑18 east, about 45 km (28 mi) (35 min drive)US‑18 east, about 28 mi (45 km) (35 min drive)
Music Hall and historic square.
Britt
goDoor to door: ≈20 min
US‑18 east, about 25 km (16 mi) (20 min drive)US‑18 east, about 16 mi (25 km) (20 min drive)
Small town with a historic bridge.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clear Lake
1305 N 25th St, basic rooms, free Wi‑Fi; good for one night
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–$80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–$120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Microtel standard room (double)1 × 1 night × US$90 | US$90 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$100 | US$200 |
| Car rental (mid‑size, 1 day)2 × US$45 · check | US$90 |
| eSIM data (5 days)2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$41 |
| Trip total≈ US$226 per person per day, bed included | US$451 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights, car rental and airfare excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–$3 |
| Beer (draft, bar) | $4–$6 |
| Taxi (first mile)check | $8–$12 |
| State park entry | $5–$7 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter ice on Clear Lake can be thin; check local advisories before walking on the frozen surface.
- Summer weekends bring traffic on I‑35; allow extra travel time.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Clear LakeClear Lake
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US 911 emergency number covers all states; nearest consular services are in Des Moines.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Des Moines (DSM) → Clear Lake, car: ≈ $45 for a midsize rental, 1 h drive (check)
- Microtel Inn & Suites, Clear Lake: ≈ $90 per night (mid), includes free Wi‑Fi
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me / Sorry)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the bathroom? — Where is the bathroom? (Where is the bathroom?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Clear Lake. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, lake ice) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialSurf Ballroom official site
- secondaryBuddy Holly Crash Site – Roadside America
- officialCentral Gardens of North Iowa
- officialKinney Pioneer Museum
- officialClear Lake State Park – Iowa DNR
- officialCity Beach Park – City of Clear Lake
- officialMicrotel Inn & Suites Clear Lake
- secondaryWikivoyage: Clear Lake (Iowa), revision 5215496 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Clear Lake
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