Fall Fun in Clear Lake, Iowa
Hey, Des Moines families! As the temps dip and leaves start to change, it’s the perfect time for a quick fall getaway to Clear Lake—just 115 miles north of Des Moines. From pumpkin patches and haunted hikes to live music and lake views, this North Iowa favorite packs a lot into a close-to-home trip.
Close and Convenient
Skip the long drive. Load the kids, grab the sweatshirts, and you’ll be lakeside in just a couple of hours. Make it a Saturday day trip or an easy weekend.
Fall Fun at Harvest Festival – October 4
Clear Lake’s Harvest Festival is North Iowa’s fall classic. Wander Main Avenue for wine/beer/spirits samples, local vendors, and a big outdoor farmers market. Kick off your morning with the Champagne 5K fun run/walk, then stick around for the homemade salsa contest, grape stomp, hay rides, plenty of food trucks, and live music—She’s With Us brings your favorites to the main stage.
Plain ol’ Pumpkins – Weekends September 27 – October 26
Old-school fall fun with extras: a creative corn maze, corn pool, hay rack rides, pedal karts, tractors, pumpkin picking, slingshots, and cozy campfire s’mores. Perfect for families, field trips, and groups.
The Nightmare Haunted Hike (+ Monster Eats Food Truck)
Brave enough? The Nightmare Haunted Hike runs Friday and Saturday nights in October, plus Halloween and Nov. 1. Expect new sets, a longer trail, and plenty of jump-scares. Bonus: the Monster Eats food truck will be on-site each weekend so you can fuel for your courage (and your teens).
New: Music Experience Center at the Surf
Make time for the Surf Ballroom & Museum and the brand-new Music Experience Center next door. It’s an interactive way to dive into rock ’n’ roll history—great for school-aged kids and music-loving parents alike.
More Fall Favorites
- North Iowa Art Studio Tour Sept 26-28 for local art.
- Live music at the Surf Ballroom (Tracy Lawrence Oct. 2, 90’s Halloween Party with Fool House Nov. 1, check the calendar before you go – they’re always adding new shows!).
- Clear Lake Farmers Market through Oct 18 for produce, baked goods, and treats.
Pumpkinpalooza at Central Gardens (Oct 11)
A free, family-friendly favorite. Stroll paths lined with creatively carved jack-o’-lanterns, tons of hands-on activities like pumpkin bowling and crafts.
Lake Life
Grab a hoodie and pack a picnic for the beach, hop on the Lady of the Lake paddleboat in September for fall color views to squeeze in a little more time on the water.
Sweet Treat Capital of North Iowa
From fun soda shops to homemade chocolates and gourmet donuts, this town is serious about dessert. Bribery for good car behavior? Authorized.
Family Hangouts
Lake Time Brewery is laid-back and family-friendly with board games, outdoor seating, and pet-friendly spaces—an easy stop after a busy day.
Shop the Lake
Browse downtown boutiques for cozy layers, home décor, gifts, and souvenirs. Plenty of places to grab a coffee or cocoa between stops.
Where to Stay
Choose from lakeside vacation rentals, hotels, or scenic campgrounds.
Plan Your Fall Getaway Today!
Order a free visitor guide at clearlakeiowa.com, and sign up for the monthly newsletter, weekly events, and Clear Lake deals. Want custom recs? Email Tourism Director [email protected].
Clear Lake is calling—leaf-peeping, pumpkins, live music, and a whole lot of family time. See you at the lake!
