Fall Fun in Clear Lake, Iowa
Hey, Des Moines families! As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, it’s the perfect time to plan a cozy fall getaway to Clear Lake, Iowa. Just a short 115-mile drive north of Des Moines, Clear Lake offers a ton of fall fun, spooky hikes, and endless family adventures. Get ready to experience the best of fall at the lake!
Close and Convenient
Why spend hours on the road when the ultimate fall escape is just a quick drive away? Pack up the car, grab the kids, and head to Clear Lake for a weekend filled with seasonal delights and autumn magic.
Fall Fun at Harvest Festival
Clear Lake’s Harvest Festival is North Iowa’s coolest fall event! Stroll down Main Avenue and indulge in wine, beer, and spirits samples, shop from local vendors, and explore a sprawling outdoor farmers market. Kickstart your day with the Champagne 5K fun run/walk, then dive into the festivities—think homemade salsa contests, a grape stomp competition, tons of food trucks, live music by Gen X Jukebox playing all of your 90’s favorites, hay rides, and so much more!
Plain ol’ Pumpkins: A Fall Tradition
Get ready for old-fashioned fall fun with a twist at Plain ol’ Pumpkins! Navigate through a creative corn maze, dive into the corn pool, enjoy hay rack rides, and take a spin on pedal karts and tractors. From pumpkin picking and slingshots to cool photo ops and campfire s’mores, there’s something for everyone. Open on weekends from September 28 to October 27, it’s the perfect spot for families, field trips, and group outings.
Scary Adventures at The Nightmare Haunted Hike
Feeling brave? The Nightmare Haunted Hike is not for the faint of heart! On Friday and Saturday nights in October, dare to traverse an eerie trail filled with spine-tingling scares and heart-pounding surprises. With new sets and an even longer hike, this haunted adventure will test your courage at every turn. Are you up for the challenge?
Artistic Adventures and More
Clear Lake’s fall events aren’t just about the scares and pumpkins. Don’t miss the North Iowa Art Studio Tour, live music at the legendary Surf Ballroom, and the Clear Lake Farmers Market, which continues through October 19th.
Pumpkinpalooza at Central Gardens
On October 12, join us for Pumpkinpalooza at Central Gardens! Celebrate all things pumpkin with a free, family-friendly event. Watch as the garden paths come alive with creatively carved jack-o-lanterns, and even carve your own! The Gardens will be aglow in the beauty of twilight, offering a magical experience like no other.
Tons of Family Activities
Fall in Clear Lake is all about family-friendly activities. Pack a picnic and visit our beautiful beaches or take a ride on the Lady of the Lake paddleboat through the month of September and enjoy the fall foliage. For the more adventurous, rent a pontoon or try other watercraft for a day on the water. And don’t forget the fishing—our guides are ready to help you reel in the big one! There’s still plenty of lake time to enjoy!
Sweet Treat Capital of North Iowa
Clear Lake is also the Sweet Treat Capital of North Iowa! From charming soda fountains to gourmet donuts, satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the many delightful spots around town.
Family Hangouts
Looking for a cozy spot to unwind? Lake Time Brewery and 173° Craft Distillery offer family-friendly environments with board games, outdoor seating, and pet-friendly spaces. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some quality family time.
Boutique Shopping
Clear Lake isn’t just about outdoor fun—it’s also a shopper’s paradise! Stroll through our charming lakeside community and explore unique boutiques offering everything from fashionable clothing to home decor and gifts. Whether you’re hunting for a special souvenir or just window shopping, our local shops provide a fun and personalized experience.
Where to Stay
After a day of fall festivities, relax in one of Clear Lake’s cozy accommodations. Whether you prefer a charming hotel, a lakeside vacation rental, or a scenic campground, there’s a perfect spot for every family.
Plan Your Fall Getaway Today!
Ready to embrace the fall season in Clear Lake? Visit clearlakeiowa.com to order your free guide and start planning your trip. Sign up for our monthly newsletter, weekly events update, and Clear Lake deals emails to stay in the loop. For personal recommendations, email the Clear Lake Tourism Director at libbey@clearlakeiowa.com.
Clear Lake, Iowa, is calling your name for a fall getaway filled with family fun, delicious treats, and picture-perfect memories. See you at the lake!
