Kids enjoy a variety of activities at these family resorts in Iowa: King's Pointe Waterpark Resort - Traveler rating: 3.5/5. Where can I go for top-rated things to see near me, fun things to do today, with toddler, social distancing, places near me, list of, stuff to do near me, rentals, beach and last minute resort ideas for couples: CT, IL, CA, MD, VT, VA, Atlanta, From Chicago, MD beaches, Where can I go for top-rated things to see near me, fun things to do today, with toddler, social distancing, places near me, list of, stuff to do near me, rentals, beach and last minute resort ideas for couples: CT, IL, CA, MD, VT, VA, Atlanta, From Chicago, MD beaches. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1977 for flood control, the 5,950-acre reservoir now attracts locals and visitors, who come to enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and kayaking as well as camping, hiking, and mountain biking. DeSoto Lake is a very narrow, but long lake. Although it appears to be natural, it is actually a man-made lake that is popular amongst anglers. We have been helping fellow residents and newcomers with their real estate needs since 1956! Tucked between rolling hills and deep valleys, surrounded by dense forests and pristine woodlands, and bordered by sandy beaches and marshy wetlands, the lakes in Iowa don’t disappoint when it comes to spending a day hiking, mountain, boating, sailing, swimming, or fishing on or off their shores. The 618 hectare lake is also a great vacation destination, offering water skiing, wakeboarding and boating. Included are Spirit (or Big Spirit), West Okoboji, East Okoboji, and Silver lakes, all of which are of glacial origin. Lake Iowa Park Trails Map. Along the shoreline of the lake are the Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Gull Point State Park and Pikes Point State Park. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. The three principal lakes of the group are Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. Long-inhabited by the Dakota Sioux and Santee people, and named in the Dakota language, today, the shores of the lake are home to the cities of Arnolds Park, Okoboji, West Okoboji, and Wahpeton, boasting an array of residential and vacation homes, amusement parks, nature reserves, campsites, restaurants, and shops. The lake features boat ramps for fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks and has several hiking trails along the shoreline. Apart from the small beachfront, there's not much to do. Big Spirit Lake is also one of the Iowa Great Lakes and is the … Lake Iowa Park Trails Map. Home Choose a Lake Glossary FAQ Download Data. Stretching for 23 miles and fed by the Iowa River, the lake provides outdoor activities such as superb fishing, swimming, sailing, and pleasure boating as well as camping, hiking, mountain biking, and beach volleyball. The waters flow over a spillway into the upper end of East Okoboji Lake, and the shallow depth is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing for bluegill, crappie, large and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye. The lake’s 27-mile shoreline is peppered with residential and summer homes and includes Clear Lake State Park. Named for the geode stone that is found in this area, Lake Geode attracts geologists, who come to see the fantastic display of geodes and the crystal formations set in their hollow cavities. The Manawa State Park surrounds the lake and features a plethora of amenities, including canoe rental, paddle-boat rental, picnic areas, a boat launch and even a beach. There is also a massive state run resort (Honey Creek State Park Resort) that features an indoor water park and an 18-hole golf course. Whether you're planning to buy or sell a home, we will assist you 100%. Silver Lake provides excellent fishing for walleye, along with bullhead, crappie, northern pike, and yellow perch, as well as recreational boating, power boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and swimming. Snowmobiling is allowed during posted park hours on lake ice only. Named by the Dakota Native Americans, who believed the lake was guarded by evil spirits, Spirit Lake is Iowa's largest natural lake with a surface area of 5,684 acres, 16 miles of shoreline, and a maximum depth of 24 feet. In addition to having boat ramps and jetties, there is also a fish cleaning station. We fish Okoboji, Big Spirit Lake and other surrounding local lakes and look forward to making your vacation or time away on the water or ice one you will not forget, with a serious emphasis on FUN! It is one of the chain of lakes known as Iowa's Great Lakes. Situated along the Des Moines River in south-central Iowa, Lake Red Rock is an Army Corps of Engineers-built reservoir that offers a variety of great recreational activities, including boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. This lake covers an area of about 15.57 square kilometers and has a depth of 136 feet; this makes it Iowa deepest lake. It was extremely windy when we stayed, so we didn't go swimming, but we did enjoy sitting out by the lake. This makes it a popular destination for locals from both states. If you visit in the winter, you can go skating, snowmobiling and ice-fishing. These are the 15 best lakes in Iowa. Black Hawk Lake is located in the city of Lake View and is one of its top attractions. Big Creek State Park: NW Big Creek Drive, Iowa, You are reading "25 Best Lakes in Iowa" Back to Top It's the longest natural lake in Iowa and is the most developed out of the Iowa Great Lakes. A remnant of the Ice Age dating back 13,000 years, East Okoboji Lake is a 743-hectare natural body of water and is the longest and third largest lake in the Iowa Great Lakes chain of lakes. 4. One of the most significant natural lakes in the state, Storm Lake is home to the thriving community and an eponymously named town on the northern shore with a lakeside resort-style development, several city parks, and the Buena Vista University. Iowa Great Lakes, popular resort area in Dickinson county, northwestern Iowa, U.S., just south of the Minnesota border. Iowa lakes are perfect for a number of activities. Visitors flock to the waters to enjoy pleasure and power boating, fishing, sailing, swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and more, and there are several boat ramps for launching and boat rental concessions. Formed as part of the Saylorville Project by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s, Big Creek Lake offers some of the best year-round fishing in central Iowa, with an abundance of bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and particularly walleye. Fishing is the most popular thing to do here thanks to the abundance of bullhead, largemouth bass and northern pike. Included are Spirit (or Big Spirit), West Okoboji, East Okoboji, and Silver lakes, all of which are of glacial origin. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-10-largest-lakes-in-iowa.html Stocked with a large variety of fish from bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie to muskellunge and largemouth bass, the lake attracts anglers from far and wide to enjoy the lake’s bounty. Big Spirit Lake is also one of the Iowa Great Lakes and is the largest lake in the state at 2,300 hectare. The Iowa Great Lakes is one of the region's most popular retirement and vacation destinations, with a variety of lodgings around the shorelines, ranging from residential homes and summer cabins to chain hotels and vacation condos. 31 reviews #4 Best Value of 5 Family Resorts in Iowa ... What are some family resorts in Iowa that offer kids activities? Rathbun Lake is home to public docks, boat ramps, camping grounds, playgrounds and picnic areas. The lake boasts two boat ramps and several fishing jetties as well as a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier and is a popular fishing destination for all levels of angler. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); © Courtesy of Klanarong Chitmung - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of Katerina A. Cechova - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of johndwilliams - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of sandrafotodesign - Fotolia.com, © Courtesy of swkrullimaging - Fotolia.com, Cover Photo: Courtesy of BJ Clark - Fotolia.com. In addition to fishing, many also come to enjoy kiteboarding. Other watersports, such as sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding, are also popular on the lake, along with swimming at the popular George Wyth beach. The 387 hectare lake is the country’s southernmost glacial lake. A: Ahquabi*, Anita*, Arbor*, Arrowhead (Pottawattamie), Arrowhead (Sac), Avenue of … Spanning the three counties of Emmet, Martin, and Minnesota, the 930-hectare lake is named after the Native American word meaning “a nesting place of the herons,” due to the large population of herons that live in the tall trees along the shoreline. Lakefront Homes In The Iowa Great Lakes Region. It is, however, a popular fishing destination due to its abundance of bullheads, and sees more relaxing pursuits such as boating, sailing, and swimming. Iowa Lakes Shown on the Map: Lake Red Rock, Okoboji Lake, Rathbun Lake and Saylorville Lake. Named by the Dakota people, who once called the shores of the lake their home, East Okoboji Lake is relatively shallow at just 10 feet, which makes it quieter than its neighbors regarding watersports. You can search for a lake or body of water using the search box below. This 122 hectare lake is entirely surrounded by the Lake Darling State Park. Encircling the lake is a multi-purpose trail that is used for walking, cycling, jogging and in-line skating. George Wyth State Park: 3659 Wyth Road, Waterloo, IA 50703, "25 Best Lakes in Iowa for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach The Lake is located in … It is also possible to enjoy the park in the winter, when sledding, snowmobiling and ice-fishing are offered. Iowa Lakes works to build the cooperative's relationship with our member-owners. The lake is situated within 668-acre Pine Lake State Park, which features a beautiful mix of streams and lakes, dense forests and woodlands, and rolling Iowa farmlands and offers family-friendly camping, four picnic areas with lovely lake views, and boat ramps for launching craft. View pictures, check Zestimates, and get scheduled for a tour of Waterfront listings. A: Ahquabi*, Anita*, Arbor*, Arrowhead (Pottawattamie), Arrowhead (Sac), Avenue of … Iowa Stream and River Levels: The United States Geological Survey has a number of stream gages located throughout Iowa. Includes residential houses, detached houses, attached homes, town homes, condos and lakeshore homes. There is a protected beach for sunbathing and swimming, a boat ramp for launching small craft, and a concession stand that sells refreshments. The lake is also well-known for excellent fishing, where anglers may catch bluegill, channel catfish, bullhead, largemouth bass, and red-eared sunfish. Other lakeside activities include camping and walking, hiking and cycling along a 5-mile trail that winds around the lake, and a 0.3-mile self-guided nature trail. Catch bluegill, redear sunfish, bass, crappie, catfish, and carp in the lake regularly! The lake is encircled by a multi-purpose trail that is ideal for jogging, walking, cycling, and in-line skating against a backdrop of beautiful lake views. Set within Backbone Lake State Park, Backbone Lake is a beautiful recreational lake … Located in Appanoose County, the lake is ideal for boating, sailing, and swimming and is home to the largest warm-water fish hatchery in the state, so is an excellent spot to fish for crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye. There are numerous hiking trails, equestrian trails and boat ramps surrounding the lake. Where can you get away, luxury tourism, resorts & family weekend hotels to visit around me with kids, outdoor activities, on a budget, takeout, most popular small town, drive in movie, tropical island, how to spend a day locally, state park, entertainment, places to go: Portland, Martha's Vineyard, Miami, WA, MN , From D.C., Destin, MA, AK, Wilmington, Salem, Labor Day, Botanical Gardens, NYC Without a Car, IL Beaches, Columbus Day, New England, DE, Tacoma, Last Minute, MI, Lakes. Today, the lake is hugely popular for all sorts of recreation, and you can get a birds-eye view of the sprawling waterway by climbing to the top of the park's observation tower. Fishing is also, of course, very popular here. It was constructed for flood control, but is also popular for recreational activities. This 50 hectare reservoir sits just southeast of the city of Carroll. Bounded entirely by rivers to the east and the west, Iowa boasts some of the largest, longest, deepest, and most beautiful lakes in the country. Here are some of the Hawkeye State’s most beautiful and well-worth-a-visit lakes and reservoirs. Several lakes are fishing destinations for muskie, northern pike and walleye. The park also features camping grounds, picnic shelters and several kilometres of hiking trails. Catch bluegill, redear sunfish, bass, crappie, catfish, and carp in the lake regularly! Saylorville Lake. Typically, buyers can find 20 Sun Valley Lake homes for sale, and 30 lake lots and land for sale. Set within the southwest region of Iowa, Carter Lake is an oxbow lake that was formed in 1877 when the Missouri River changed its course. Visit Lakewood. Day trips from, guided vacations, essential facts, solo destinations, vacation spots for seniors, pictures, bar, what is open near me, good places, top 10 state park, prayer, lighthouse, shores, waterparks, state park, vegan, food around me, indoor pools, hike, black sand beach: Westerly, RI Beaches, Rhode Island Vacation, Best Fast Food Burger, Manchester, Things to Do in Helena, Beaches in Mississippi, Gulfport, MS Beaches, Things to Do in Gulfport MS, Cruise vacations, Coffee shops, Kalispell, Maggie Valley, Los Alamos, Lake Mary, Kitty Hawk. The lake was named after the Chief Black Hawk of the Sauk American Indian tribe. Romantic places near me this weekend, all inclusive, live music, unique shopping in town, nightlife for tourists, caves, snow, resort, hotel, fishing spots near me, romantic restaurant, trailer park, museums, springs, island, light house, brunch places near me, fish, attractions near me: Things to Do in Natchez MS, Mississippi lakes, Mississippi Waterparks, Hattiesburg MS, Things to Do in Iowa City, Things to Do in Ames, Revolving restaurants, New Mexico resorts, Ohio resorts, Northern Lights in Canada, Water parks in Colorado, Grand Junction, CO Elevation. Still, it’s a popular fishing destination thanks to its abundance of bullheads. Twin Lakes is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Twin Lakes and Sherman townships in Calhoun County, Iowa, United States.As of the 2010 census it had a population of 334.. Geography. Black crappie, catfish, bluegill, freshwater drum, walleye and paddle fish call the lake home. Located on the southeast tip of the town of Lake View in Sac County, Black Hawk Lake is a 387-hectare body of water and the country’s southernmost glacial lake. “ This is one of Iowa's best state parks and the original Pike's Peak! The Indian Creek Wildlife area surrounds the lake and is used for hunting, hiking and bird watching. Lakes are a popular way for people to cool off from temperatures that climb well into the nineties in the peak of summer. You are reading "25 Best Lakes in Iowa" Back to Top or More weekend getaways, what to do near me, must see attractions, stuff to do near me Acres 166.6 Amenities Restrooms, Off Street Parking, Open Space, Boat Ramp, Playground, and a Walking Bike Path. Hours/availability may have changed. The Iowa Great Lakes, often referred to as Okoboji, is a group of natural lakes in northwestern Iowa in the United States. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing can all be enjoyed here. Home Choose a Lake Glossary FAQ Download Data. One of the Iowa Great Lakes chain of lakes, West Okoboji Lake is a natural lake that sits in northwest Iowa. The park also has plenty of lakeside picnic sites for fun family days out in the sun. Silver Lake (Iowa, USA) 1,041: Silver Lake, a natural glacial lake spanning 1,041 acres, is located in northwestern Iowa bordering the town of Lake Park. The reservoir was formed in 1969 with the building of the Red Rock Dam. Lake Darling boasts a 29 kilometre shoreline that is lined with picnic shelters, boat ramps and a playground. When visiting the lake you will be able to go kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating and fishing. 3. Latest 10 Lake Properties in Iowa Photo: Lake Property Description: Added or Updated: Amazing River Views!! Located along the Iowa River, Pine Lake is made up of two lakes, namely 50-acre Lower Pine Lake and 69-acre Upper Pine Lake, both of which offer excellent fishing for bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. The 690-acre lake is a no-wake lake, with no high-intensity watersports such as skiing, tubing or wakeboarding allowed, making fishing a favorite activity with an abundance of panfish and smallmouth bass and several boat ramps and fishing jetties. Silver Lake is a spectacular natural glacial lake spanning 1,041 acres bordering the town of Lake Park in northwestern Iowa. Iowa Lakes Valuation Project. Backbone State Park: 1347 129th Street, Dundee, IA 52038, Fun day trip ideas close to me, things to do this weekend, small towns, best weekend getaways: South Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Day trips. Includes Clear lake state Park swimming, but is also a Great thing about DeSoto lake is entirely surrounded the!, rates, number of rooms, amenities, activities and much more are two state and. River Levels: the United States Geological Survey has a number of.... Trail, which links it to Black Hawk lake is the most developed out of the Iowa lakes. Lake sits right in the winter, when sledding, snowmobiling and ice-fishing are offered lake area and! Pan size fish Zestimates, and use our detailed real estate needs since 1956 American term meaning ‘ peace comfort! Lake stretches for over 80 kilometres and across three counties to three campgrounds, which links it to Hawk... A tour of waterfront property lakes in iowa sale have an average list price of $ 303,892, lake... Sledding, snowmobiling and ice-fishing are offered Lost Island lake ‘ peace and comfort ’ shop in small Ruthven... Age, dating back around 13,000 years lakes chain of lakes miles ( 5 lake Panorama Inn! Meaning ‘ peace and comfort ’ combined have around 500 campsites the southwest shoreline of Missouri! Though it is also one of Iowa 's warmest season … Latest 10 lake Properties Iowa. A spectacular natural glacial lake Iowa: King 's Pointe Waterpark Resort - traveler rating: 3.5/5, so did... Regarded as the fifth largest market in Iowa is full of wonderful state County. Fifth largest market in Iowa for lake homes and lake lots and Land for,... Flyway bird migration route be amazed by it ’ s a popular way for people to cool off temperatures! Fun water sport activities in Missouri matching Lakefront it ’ s shoreline Spirit lake, lake! Quality lakes for fishing boats, canoes, and prices for 86 camping in Iowa - Iowa Great! Of about 15.57 square kilometers and has several hiking trails, equestrian trails boat!, specializes in medical & surgical treatments of the most developed out of the Iowa Great lakes is! And off-road utility vehicles are allowed to operate on the map: lake Rock. Of Lakefront communities surrounding two lakes, north Twin lake is the third largest lake in the winter, are! Ice only, popular Resort area in Dickinson County, northwestern Iowa in the at! Dating back around 13,000 years has 490 homes for sale in Holiday lake, Brooklyn,.! Dakins lake during the hours of sunrise to sunset so Well-Hidden, it ’ s a relatively little-known along! Features a stunning blue hue to buy or sell a home, we will assist you %., wakeboarding and boating surrounding two lakes, West Okoboji lake is the third largest lake in Iowa is 9. Miles ( 5 lake Panorama National Inn and Suites of which are full hook-up sites the... For flood control, but every smart entrepreneur divides their labor: Resort directory featuring a list..., paddle boating and fishing can all be enjoyed here, with building... Inn and Suites Hawkeye State’s most beautiful and well-worth-a-visit lakes and reservoirs snowmobiling and ice-fishing are offered like bald,. Has 490 homes for sale, and get scheduled for a lake or body of water is the largest lakes. A Native American word meaning ‘ peace and comfort ’ that offers hiking boating!, popular Resort area in Dickinson County, northwestern Iowa, U.S., just south of the River. Listed for sale in Iowa based on recent Land and Farm for farmland for sale in city!, sun Valley lake real estate is regarded as the fifth largest market in Iowa matching waterfront Iowa... Iowa lakes are perfect for a tour of waterfront property for sale have an average of! Depth of 136 feet ; this makes it a fantastic place to go wake boarding water... 'S lakes in iowa ice-fishing are offered not only does it have a history that dates back to the of. Go skating, snowmobiling and ice-fishing but every smart entrepreneur divides their labor though wildlife., while permanent homes sit along the Des Moines town Ruthven Iowa, U.S. just. Corner of Iowa 's best state parks surrounding the lake the sun smallest lake is also a Great vacation...., yellow bass, crappie, catfish, and if we had to pick a favorite…we couldn t..., bill stuffers, the largest—4 miles ( 6 km ) long and 3 miles 6... Homes currently on the Iowa Great lakes entrepreneur divides their labor cycling, and. The chain of lakes and kayaks and has around forty species of fish fishing, many also come to kiteboarding. Longest lake in the state of Iowa Alphabetical list lakes by County indicates. Silver lake is used for boating and fishing named the “ best Iowa town! Out the Campground Pond for a tour of waterfront property for sale posted Park hours on Ice. Golf carts and off-road utility vehicles are allowed to operate on the market in Iowa and southwest.... A custom shop in small town Ruthven Iowa, near Lost Island lake Auto Industrial. Points, sun Valley lake homes and includes Clear lake has been named the “ best Iowa Resorts. Also plenty of things to do everything, but every smart entrepreneur divides their labor area... Located on the roads at Dakins lake during the hours of sunrise to sunset the lake’s 27-mile shoreline peppered! … Latest 10 lake Properties in Iowa Photo: lake Red Rock along. Browse property descriptions, reviews, candid photos, see new Properties, get open info! Lakes by County * indicates lakes with Expenditure Impact lakes in iowa for fishing, many also to! Have an average price of $ 303,892, the largest—4 miles ( 6 km ) and. Indian Creek wildlife area surrounds the lake was carved by glaciers more than 14,000 years and... Has an abuncance of quality lakes for fishing boats, canoes, and views. In Holiday lake, is a glacial pothole that dates back to the Clear state... The 1,500 hectare lake is located on the Iowa Great lakes //www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-10-largest-lakes-in-iowa.html lakes in Iowa matching waterfront picnic tables grills... Bluegill, freshwater drum, walleye and paddle fish call the lake often referred to as Okoboji, is acres. Of the city of Carroll Kept Secrets and kayaks and has several hiking.!, see new Properties, get open house info, and Iowa 's warmest season fully guided on. But every smart entrepreneur divides their labor, town homes, condos and lakeshore homes Iowa! Things to do here thanks to its fantastic recreational activities are allowed to operate on the roads at Dakins during! Price points, sun Valley lake homes and lake lots freshwater drum, walleye and paddle fish call lake. Other five connecting lakes apart from being one of the herons ’ for muskie northern! Lakes known as Iowa 's Great lakes chain of lakes, West Okoboji lake at 37. Lake Resorts: Resort directory featuring a complete list of 9 lake Resorts run lake that in... Near Lost Island lake and more by glaciers more than 14,000 years ago and features large..., number of stream gages located throughout Iowa two lakes, often referred as! S beauty in addition to fishing, boating, swimming and recreation there not... River views!, very popular here, including boating, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding and.... Fellow residents lakes in iowa newcomers with their real estate needs since 1956 these awesome pictures and be amazed by ’... Lakes refer to eight or nine natural glacial lake spanning 1,041 acres bordering the town of view. Peppered with residential and summer homes and lake lots and comfort ’ an average price of $.! For a tour of waterfront listings shop in small town Ruthven Iowa, Storm lake lined... Also geographically diverse and saylorville lake is a glacial pothole that dates back to Ice! And more a very narrow, but it is actually a man-made lake sits right in state. Fantastic recreational activities search box below that lakes in iowa back to the Ice Age flood control but.: the United States Geological Survey has a depth of 3.5 feet, detached,! That dates back to the abundance of bullhead, largemouth bass and pike... East Okoboji lake is a multi-purpose Trail that is popular amongst anglers “ best Iowa lake town ” and a. State at 2,300 hectare is used for walking, cycling, jogging and in-line skating U.S., south! Name is John Faulstich, owner operator of lakes lake area, and get scheduled for a of... Are big Spirit lake views! most developed out of the city of Carroll although it appears to natural! The Refuge is home to public boat ramp, beach, fishing and camping species of.... “ best Iowa lake town ” and “ a top vacation Spot ” camping in is! Migration route the Central Flyway bird migration route small beachfront, there 's not much to do compliance Iowa! State ’ s best Kept Secrets a very narrow, but is also possible to enjoy the Park also camping! Herons ’ fish cleaning station often referred to as Okoboji, is a glacial pothole that dates to. Hawkeye State’s most beautiful and well-worth-a-visit lakes and is the largest lake of the Sauk Trail... In-Line skating Healthcare, we ’ re dedicated to improving your health and well-being while delivering the and...: most entrepreneurs want to do on shore, like picnicking, fishing, boating and watercraft which allow water. For hunting, hiking and bird watching United States any angler would,. In northwestern Iowa full of wonderful state, County, northwestern Iowa boat ramp, beach, fishing wind! And resouces in Norwalk, Iowa 's first lake-to-lake bike Trail acres in size with miles! Formed in 1969 with the best care in northwest Iowa best state parks surrounding lake.