Not to be outdone by our friends up north, Iowa boasts a healthy population of lakes and reservoirs that you will kick yourself for missing out on. Whether you are planning a wholesome family vacation through America’s heartland, or you are a master angler looking to test your skills in new environments, you will never forgive yourself if you overlook the magnificent spectacles that are the most popular lakes in Iowa. Get ready to spend these warm summer nights at some of the grandest bodies of water around.
- Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo County
Flickr.com/ Tim Fuller Truly the Swiss Army Knife of Iowan waterfronts, Clear Lake has it all: camping, shore fishing, nature trails, beaches, and even boating with zero motor restrictions; perfect for a quiet family getaway and widely known as one of the best lakes in Iowa.
Read more about Clear Lake. Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
- Big Spirit Lake, Dickinson County
Flickr.com/ vandenn Known better simply as Spirit Lake, here travelers will find all the luxuries of Clear Lake while being nearly twice as large! Looking to get lost in the crowd AND in nature? Spirit Lake can provide just that and sits conveniently on the Iowa-Minnesota border.
Learn more about Dickinson County lakes. Big Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360, USA
- Lake Okoboji, Okoboji
Flickr.com/ Mary Fairchild Without a doubt Iowa’s most popular lake, Lake Okoboji is actually two lakes: East Okoboji and West Okoboji, and part of the Iowa Great Lakes. However, Okoboji’s fame isn’t unearned, and it’s full of memorable diners, dive bars, and unrivaled fishing venues.
Check out more about Lake Okoboji. Lake Shore Drive, Lake Shore Dr, Okoboji, IA, USA
- Saylorville Reservoir, North Des Moines
Flickr.com/ Ryan Tow As the name would suggest, Saylorville is not a lake, but a man made reservoir. All the same, it is a hot spot for boating enthusiasts and master fishermen alike. It is sure to please with numerous recreational areas throughout, and even a championship golf course.
Find out about this floating restaurant on Saylorville Reservoir. Saylorville Lake, Iowa, USA
- Storm Lake, Storm Lake
Flickr.com/ Denis Krebs Storm Lake hugs the southern border of the comfortably small city that shares its name. A popular attraction for both tourists and locals, Storm Lake is one of Iowa’s richest cities, and the convenience of urban businesses coupled with an impressive waterfront can’t be beat.
See more about Storm Lake. Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
- Rathbun Lake, Appanoose County
Flickr.com/ Anna A reservoir born out of the Nixon Administration, Rathbun Lake is as historical as it is accommodating. It’s the second largest lake in Iowa, and is a favored vacation spot in the midwest.
Read more about Rathbun Lake. Rathbun Lake North Shore Trail, Rathbun Lake N Shore Trail, Iowa 52571, USA
- Coralville Lake, Coralville
Flickr.com/ subarually Formed in the wake of the Coralville Dam in 1949, Coralville Lake is a modest body of water located at the end of the Iowa River. It has some of the cleanest water in Iowa. It’s appreciated for its nature trails, lovely vegetation, and peaceful lakeside activities.
Check out more about Coralville Lake. Coralville, IA, USA
- Lake Sugema, Van Buren County
Flickr.com/ Steven Garner This hidden gem is perfect for long hunting and fishing retreats. It may be a tough place to find, but if you go to Lake Sugema seeking the peace and serenity of the outdoors, it is likely you will never want to leave.
Find out more about Lake Sugema. Lake Sugema, Iowa 52565, USA
- Lake Anita State Park, Anita
Flickr.com/ BarbaraLN This Iowa State Park branches off the Nishnabotna River and features bountiful novice-level fishing. There is also camping and no-wake boating for any visitors to take part in.
Read more about Lake Anita. Lake Anita State Park, 55111 750th St, Anita, IA 50020, USA
- Blackhawk Lake, Lake View
Flickr.com/ Louis One of the smaller Iowa lakes on this list, Blackhawk is the heart and soul of the small community of Lake View. With ample shores to fish from, summer carnivals and firework shows, and a quaint small town backdrop, a trip to Blackhawk isn’t soon forgotten.
Learn more about Blackhawk Lake. Black Hawk Lake, Iowa 51450, USA
This summer is going to be filled with long, hot days and warm nights. Are you going to spend them basking in the air-conditioned indoors, or are you going to soak up the sun and have some bonafide lakeside R&R? Don’t be afraid to try something new and make some time in your calendars to check out these Iowa lakes.
Flickr.com/ Tim Fuller
Truly the Swiss Army Knife of Iowan waterfronts, Clear Lake has it all: camping, shore fishing, nature trails, beaches, and even boating with zero motor restrictions; perfect for a quiet family getaway and widely known as one of the best lakes in Iowa.
Read more about Clear Lake.
Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
Flickr.com/ vandenn
Known better simply as Spirit Lake, here travelers will find all the luxuries of Clear Lake while being nearly twice as large! Looking to get lost in the crowd AND in nature? Spirit Lake can provide just that and sits conveniently on the Iowa-Minnesota border.
Learn more about Dickinson County lakes.
Big Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360, USA
Flickr.com/ Mary Fairchild
Without a doubt Iowa’s most popular lake, Lake Okoboji is actually two lakes: East Okoboji and West Okoboji, and part of the Iowa Great Lakes. However, Okoboji’s fame isn’t unearned, and it’s full of memorable diners, dive bars, and unrivaled fishing venues.
Check out more about Lake Okoboji.
Lake Shore Drive, Lake Shore Dr, Okoboji, IA, USA
Flickr.com/ Ryan Tow
As the name would suggest, Saylorville is not a lake, but a man made reservoir. All the same, it is a hot spot for boating enthusiasts and master fishermen alike. It is sure to please with numerous recreational areas throughout, and even a championship golf course.
Find out about this floating restaurant on Saylorville Reservoir.
Saylorville Lake, Iowa, USA
Flickr.com/ Denis Krebs
Storm Lake hugs the southern border of the comfortably small city that shares its name. A popular attraction for both tourists and locals, Storm Lake is one of Iowa’s richest cities, and the convenience of urban businesses coupled with an impressive waterfront can’t be beat.
See more about Storm Lake.
Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
Flickr.com/ Anna
A reservoir born out of the Nixon Administration, Rathbun Lake is as historical as it is accommodating. It’s the second largest lake in Iowa, and is a favored vacation spot in the midwest.
Read more about Rathbun Lake.
Rathbun Lake North Shore Trail, Rathbun Lake N Shore Trail, Iowa 52571, USA
Flickr.com/ subarually
Formed in the wake of the Coralville Dam in 1949, Coralville Lake is a modest body of water located at the end of the Iowa River. It has some of the cleanest water in Iowa. It’s appreciated for its nature trails, lovely vegetation, and peaceful lakeside activities.
Check out more about Coralville Lake.
Coralville, IA, USA
Flickr.com/ Steven Garner
This hidden gem is perfect for long hunting and fishing retreats. It may be a tough place to find, but if you go to Lake Sugema seeking the peace and serenity of the outdoors, it is likely you will never want to leave.
Find out more about Lake Sugema.
Lake Sugema, Iowa 52565, USA
Flickr.com/ BarbaraLN
This Iowa State Park branches off the Nishnabotna River and features bountiful novice-level fishing. There is also camping and no-wake boating for any visitors to take part in.
Read more about Lake Anita.
Lake Anita State Park, 55111 750th St, Anita, IA 50020, USA
Flickr.com/ Louis
One of the smaller Iowa lakes on this list, Blackhawk is the heart and soul of the small community of Lake View. With ample shores to fish from, summer carnivals and firework shows, and a quaint small town backdrop, a trip to Blackhawk isn’t soon forgotten.
Learn more about Blackhawk Lake.
Black Hawk Lake, Iowa 51450, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Popular Lakes in Iowa July 10, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Iowa? Our state boasts scores of gorgeous places to enjoy nature. If you’re looking for a place to take a beautiful walk and feel totally surrounded by it, check out the most picturesque hiking trails in Iowa. One great idea is to walk near a waterfall. Head to Lake MacBride spillway to check out the melted snow falling down the rocks in the spring. And if you’re a flower fan, check out Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City for lots of colorful beauty. What are the best beaches in Iowa? In the summer months, we all start to crave a refreshing plunge into the water. Bring your friends and family for a fun getaway to one of the best beaches in Iowa. It’s not only the lakes themselves that are a draw at these fun locations. It’s also the amazing beaches that surround them and the exciting water activities you can try. From paddleboarding to swimming to a classic game of volleyball or frisbee on the beach, you’ll be glad you came. Check out Five Island Lake, Coralville Lake, and Rathbun Lake for a fantastic time! Does Iowa have any natural wonders? Yes, and all the natural wonders in Iowa are incredible places for your next trip! Take a look at the Bluffs of the Upper Iowa River for a striking paddle down the river. Rent a canoe and don’t take your eyes off the incredible cliffs all around you. Malanaphy Springs Falls brings the woods and waterfalls together for a breathtaking sight. Finally, check out Loess Hills for a surprise change in the landscape from plains and fields to beautiful hills. The expansive land will make you want to stay all day.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Popular Lakes in Iowa
July 10, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Iowa? Our state boasts scores of gorgeous places to enjoy nature. If you’re looking for a place to take a beautiful walk and feel totally surrounded by it, check out the most picturesque hiking trails in Iowa. One great idea is to walk near a waterfall. Head to Lake MacBride spillway to check out the melted snow falling down the rocks in the spring. And if you’re a flower fan, check out Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City for lots of colorful beauty. What are the best beaches in Iowa? In the summer months, we all start to crave a refreshing plunge into the water. Bring your friends and family for a fun getaway to one of the best beaches in Iowa. It’s not only the lakes themselves that are a draw at these fun locations. It’s also the amazing beaches that surround them and the exciting water activities you can try. From paddleboarding to swimming to a classic game of volleyball or frisbee on the beach, you’ll be glad you came. Check out Five Island Lake, Coralville Lake, and Rathbun Lake for a fantastic time! Does Iowa have any natural wonders? Yes, and all the natural wonders in Iowa are incredible places for your next trip! Take a look at the Bluffs of the Upper Iowa River for a striking paddle down the river. Rent a canoe and don’t take your eyes off the incredible cliffs all around you. Malanaphy Springs Falls brings the woods and waterfalls together for a breathtaking sight. Finally, check out Loess Hills for a surprise change in the landscape from plains and fields to beautiful hills. The expansive land will make you want to stay all day.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Our state boasts scores of gorgeous places to enjoy nature. If you’re looking for a place to take a beautiful walk and feel totally surrounded by it, check out the most picturesque hiking trails in Iowa. One great idea is to walk near a waterfall. Head to Lake MacBride spillway to check out the melted snow falling down the rocks in the spring. And if you’re a flower fan, check out Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City for lots of colorful beauty.
What are the best beaches in Iowa?
In the summer months, we all start to crave a refreshing plunge into the water. Bring your friends and family for a fun getaway to one of the best beaches in Iowa. It’s not only the lakes themselves that are a draw at these fun locations. It’s also the amazing beaches that surround them and the exciting water activities you can try. From paddleboarding to swimming to a classic game of volleyball or frisbee on the beach, you’ll be glad you came. Check out Five Island Lake, Coralville Lake, and Rathbun Lake for a fantastic time!
Does Iowa have any natural wonders?
Yes, and all the natural wonders in Iowa are incredible places for your next trip! Take a look at the Bluffs of the Upper Iowa River for a striking paddle down the river. Rent a canoe and don’t take your eyes off the incredible cliffs all around you. Malanaphy Springs Falls brings the woods and waterfalls together for a breathtaking sight. Finally, check out Loess Hills for a surprise change in the landscape from plains and fields to beautiful hills. The expansive land will make you want to stay all day.
