Iowa's Five Famous Lakes: Nature's Playground in the Corn Belt

Glacial Gems in the Heartland

Iowa's "Great Lakes" region in Dickinson County and the state's major reservoirs offer the best of Midwestern water recreation.

1. Spirit Lake (Dickinson County)

Largest natural lake in Iowa (5,684 acres). Glacial origin. Walleye, perch, bass, muskie. Marinas, beaches, Templar Park. Gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes chain.

2. West Okoboji Lake (Dickinson County)

Deepest natural lake (136 ft), exceptional clarity. "Okoboji blue" water. Sailing, scuba, waterskiing. Lakeside Lab (UI research). Arnold's Park amusement park on shore.

3. Clear Lake (Cerro Gordo County)

3,684 acres. Sandy beaches, City Park, Ventura Marsh. Famous for the Surf Ballroom (Buddy Holly's last concert). Walleye, yellow bass, muskie. Sailing capital.

4. Saylorville Lake (Polk County)

Des Moines River reservoir (5,950 acres normal pool). Flood control, recreation. Jester Park, Cherry Glen, Bob Shetler recreation areas. Camping, boating, birding (pelicans, eagles).

5. Lake Red Rock (Marion County)

Iowa's largest lake (15,000+ acres at flood pool). Des Moines River dam. Elk Rock, North Overlook, Whitebreast parks. 50+ mi trails. Migration stopover for waterfowl.

Bonus: The Iowa Great Lakes Chain

Spirit, West Okoboji, East Okoboji, Upper Gar, Lower Gar, Minnewashta — connected, navigable, 12,000+ acres total. The state's premier water recreation hub.

Year-Round Appeal

Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing in winter. The lakes don't hibernate.