Summary
Many travelers may overlook Iowa as a destination; however, this state offers an array of attractions and activities worth exploring. With a history extending back to the 1600s, coupled with its geographical diversity, Iowa presents numerous opportunities for enjoyment.
Enclosed entirely by rivers to the east and west, and featuring the Des Moines River at its southern boundary, Iowa is characterized by its rolling hills, valleys, and lakes. Both artificial and natural lakes contribute to its appeal as a vacation destination, showcasing the 15 top lakes in Iowa.
1. West Okoboji Lake; Dickinson County
A prominent component of the Iowa Great Lakes, West Okoboji Lake is a natural body of water located in the northwest region of the state. Covering an area of 1,557 hectares, it is recognized as one of the most sought-after lake destinations in Iowa due to its exceptional recreational options.
Activities such as boating, sailing, water skiing, and swimming rank among the most popular pursuits at West Okoboji Lake. Additionally, it serves as a superb fishing locale, notable for its plentiful yellow perch, bluegill, and walleye.
The shoreline is complemented by attractions such as Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Gull Point State Park, and Pikes Point State Park, making it an outstanding family destination with abundant activities.
2. Big Spirit Lake; Dickinson County
Big Spirit Lake is another prominent member of the Iowa Great Lakes and is recognized as the largest lake in the state, encompassing an area of 2,300 hectares. This glacial pothole, formed during the Ice Age, provides a beautiful landscape.
Fishing is a favorite pastime at this location, enriched by species such as bullhead, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Anglers will discover a variety of accessible fish species at Big Spirit Lake.
Aside from fishing, visitors also partake in kiteboarding among other recreational activities on the shore, including picnicking, bird watching, and hiking.
3. Rathbun Lake; Appanoose County
As one of Iowa’s largest lakes, Rathbun Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and recreational activities. Surrounding the lake, eight parks have been developed for public enjoyment.
Activities such as camping, boating, picnicking, fishing, and hunting are prevalent. It also presents opportunities for observing wildlife including bald eagles, Canada geese, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
Rathbun Lake offers public docks, boat ramps, campgrounds, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Honey Creek State Park Resort, a state-operated resort, features an indoor water park and an 18-hole golf course, adding to its amenities.
4. Lake Manawa; Pottawattamie County
Situated in the city of Council Bluffs near the Nebraska border, Lake Manawa is a favored destination for locals from both states.
This 618-hectare lake is ideal for vacationing, offering activities like water skiing, wakeboarding, and boating. The adjoining Manawa State Park comprises numerous amenities, including canoe rentals, paddle-boat rentals, picnic areas, a boat launch, and a beach.
Lake Manawa was formed during a flood of the Missouri River in 1881 and derives its name from a Native American term meaning ‘peace and comfort.’
5. East Okoboji Lake; Dickinson County
This natural body of water ranks as the third largest lake within the Iowa Great Lakes chain, East Okoboji Lake is a remnant of the Ice Age, approximately 13,000 years old.
Covering 743 hectares, it is the longest lake in Iowa, though it is relatively shallow, averaging three meters in depth. Nevertheless, it remains a favored fishing destination, particularly known for its ample bullhead population.
The Elinor Bedell State Park borders the western shoreline, providing visitors with access for boating, fishing, and swimming. The park features campgrounds, picnic shelters, and several kilometers of hiking trails.
6. Lake Red Rock; Marion County
Located along the Des Moines River, approximately 88 kilometers southeast of Des Moines, Lake Red Rock was established in 1969 with the construction of the Red Rock Dam.
Today, this reservoir serves as a prominent recreational area, providing opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, and camping, along with numerous hiking trails, equestrian paths, and boat ramps.
Nearby parks, including Elk Rock State Park, Roberts Creek Park, and Cordova Park, provide additional attractions such as the Cordova Observation Tower, the Mile Long Bridge, and the Gladys Black Bald Eagle Refuge.
7. Lake Sugema; Van Buren County
This artificial lake is situated at the southeastern corner of Iowa, just south of the Des Moines River. Spanning 232 hectares, Lake Sugema was specifically designed as a premium fishing destination, stocked with a variety of species including largemouth bass, bluegill, walleye, channel catfish, black crappie, and saugeye.
Lake Sugema is equipped with essential facilities that cater to anglers, featuring fishing jetties, boat ramps, floating docks, and shore access. A fishing pier is also available for individuals with disabilities, along with various accessible amenities.
Surrounding the lake is the Indian Creek Wildlife area, which is utilized for hunting, hiking, and bird watching. Furthermore, winter enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing on the trails.
8. Black Hawk Lake; Sac County
Located in Lake View, Black Hawk Lake stands out as one of the area’s premier attractions. This 387-hectare lake is distinguished as the southernmost glacial lake in the United States.
Visitors can engage in a diverse range of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. In winter, additional options are available for skating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
The lake is named after Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk Native American tribe. It is a state-managed lake surrounded by parks and trails, including the Sauk Rail Trail.
9. Coralville Lake; Johnson County
Created by the Coralville Dam in 1949, Coralville Lake is predominantly utilized for recreational purposes. This reservoir is situated along the Iowa River just north of Iowa City.
Recreational activities available at the lake comprise fishing, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. Swimming and beach volleyball are additional attractions for those visiting during warmer months.
Coralville Lake hosts three campgrounds, collectively providing approximately 500 campsites. Sheltered picnic areas further enhance the experience by offering shade during sunny days.
10. Saylorville Lake; Polk, Dallas & Boone Counties
This reservoir, positioned along the Des Moines River approximately 18 kilometers away from Des Moines, was constructed primarily for flood control; however, it also provides excellent opportunities for recreational activities.
Two state parks surround the lake, which offer services for swimming, boating, camping, and hiking. Fishing is consequently a particularly popular endeavor at this location.
Saylorville Lake extends over 80 kilometers and spans three counties, with a multi-purpose trail encircling the lake, suitable for walking, cycling, jogging, and inline skating.
11. Lake Darling; Washington County
This 122-hectare lake is enveloped entirely by Lake Darling State Park, which is named in honor of the American cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling.
Lake Darling features a shoreline that extends for 29 kilometers, lined with picnic shelters, boat ramps, and a playground. The park also includes a beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and camping within the park. For those preferring the comfort of indoors, state-owned cabins are available, accommodating up to four guests.
12. Swan Lake; Carroll County
This 50-hectare reservoir is positioned just southeast of the city of Carroll. It marks the southern terminus of the Sauk Rail Trail, which connects it to Black Hawk Lake.
Swan Lake is flanked by Swan Lake State Park, which accommodates over 100 campsites with full hookup facilities.
Activities at the lake encompass kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, and fishing. Additionally, winter enthusiasts can enjoy sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing at the park.
13. DeSoto Lake; Harrison & Pottawattamie Counties
An exceptional aspect of DeSoto Lake is its location within the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a habitat for approximately 30 species of mammals and serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds along the Central Flyway.
This lake, although appearing to be natural, is actually a man-made body of water known for its popularity with anglers, hosting species such as black crappie, catfish, bluegill, freshwater drum, walleye, and paddlefish.
14. Clear Lake; Cerro Gordo County
Clear Lake is internationally recognized, especially among boating enthusiasts, housing the Clear Lake Yacht Club. The 1,500-hectare lake is also an excellent venue for wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing.
Angling thrives here, with an abundant population of walleye, yellow bass, bullhead, and channel catfish. Facilities include boat ramps, jetties, and even a fish cleaning station.
No doubt, Clear Lake has received accolades such as “Best Iowa Lake Town” and “A Top Vacation Spot.” The 44.4-kilometer shoreline is lined with private residences, cottages, and parks, including Clear Lake State Park.
15. Okamanpeedan Lake; Martin County
Also referred to as Tuttle Lake, Okamanpeedan Lake is located at the northernmost part of Iowa and shares borders with Minnesota. This 930-hectare lake derives its name from a Native American term meaning ‘a nesting place for herons.’
The southwestern shoreline is lined with numerous seasonal cabins, while permanent residences populate the southern shore. Additionally, a large camping area with a boat launch is available for visitors.
Okamanpeedan Lake is a favored vacation spot, providing activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing, catering to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
