Clear Lake, Iowa

Stay and explore
Clear Lake

Clear Lake, Iowa, is a vibrant lakefront town known for its outdoor recreation, live music, and rich history. Spend the day boating, fishing, or relaxing on the sandy shores of Clear Lake. Explore the Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly played his final concert, or stroll through the charming downtown filled with unique shops and restaurants. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Clear Lake offers a perfect getaway.

Clear Lake Immersive Tour Stops

August 8th, 2025

Lear more about the places that are part of the 2025 Immersive Tour in Clear Lake.

Surf Ballroom

Music & Memorial Tour

The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake is a legendary music venue, best known as the final performance site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper before the tragic 1959 plane crash, memorialized at the nearby crash site. Just down the gravel path, surrounded by Iowa’s iconic corn and soybean fields, visitors can reflect on this pivotal moment in music history. It’s a place where culture and agriculture meet, where rows of crops tell the story of Iowa’s deep rural roots, resilience, and the legacy that grows from the heartland.

Central
Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Clear Lake, Iowa, Central Gardens of North Iowa is a 2.75-acre public garden featuring over 20 themed spaces, including rose, butterfly, wetland, and shade gardens. Open daily from dawn to dusk, May through October, this serene oasis invites visitors to stroll winding brick paths, cross charming bridges, and enjoy seasonal blooms. With free admission and a calendar full of concerts, family programs, and community events, the Gardens offer a peaceful retreat and a vibrant gathering place for locals and travelers alike.

Mossycup

Farms

Mossycup Farms, named after the towering mossycup (bur) oaks that shade the land, is a family-run farm born from a passion for wholesome living, deep farm roots, and a need to address food allergies with clean, nourishing options. What began as a desire for a healthier lifestyle quickly grew into a full-fledged heritage hog operation and diversified farm, where Jesse’s background in chemical engineering and Laura’s upbringing on a farm blend seamlessly to create high-quality, handcrafted goods. Today, Mossycup Farms raises heritage pork and free-range poultry on certified organic feed and pasture, crafting everything from rich, pure-white lard and lard-based soaps to small-batch seasoning blends and sausages. Whether you’re enjoying a meal made with their products or nourishing your skin with their soaps, you’ll taste and feel the care poured into everything they do.

Lake Time Brewery &

173º Craft Distillery

Lake Time Brewery in Clear Lake, Iowa, is a cozy, lake-inspired microbrewery known for its laid-back atmosphere and handcrafted beers. With a rotating selection of small-batch brews, it’s a favorite local spot to relax, enjoy a pint, and soak up the community vibe.

173° Craft Distillery offers a unique tasting experience with its lineup of premium, small-batch spirits. From smooth vodkas to rich whiskeys, each bottle reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, making it a must-visit for spirit enthusiasts.

Typical Featured Rural Event ITINERARY

/ Day of Event
9:00-10:00AM	Arrival & Welcome
10:00AM-12:00PM	Immersive Tours
12:00-2:00PM	Main Street Entrepreneur Luncheon & Explore Businesses OR Lunch and Learn
2:00-4:00PM	Immersive Tours
4:00-5:00PM	Closing Remarks