Vacation rentals in Clear Lake

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Clear Lake

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Top guest favorite
The exterior of the Clausen House, a stately yellow historic home, is set among mature trees providing ample shade. A welcoming sign indicates the property’s name, and a landscaped area with colorful flowers is visible in the foreground.
Home in Clear Lake
5 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews

The Clausen House-Historic home close to the lake!

The Clausen House was built in 1890 and is a majestic place to stay. It has been updated with 3 renovated bathrooms, kitchen & laundry room. It has ten foot ceilings on the main floor with beautiful original finished woodwork. The house has been in the Clausen family since it was built. We purchased the home to have guests enjoy it. It is great loc for families to get together and have lots of room to relax and enjoy themselves. Guests with mobility challenges can sleep on the main floor.

Top guest favorite
A welcoming blue cottage is presented, featuring a landscaped front yard with a wooden deck and railings. A pathway leads to the entrance, framed by flower beds. A garage is visible on the left, with several outdoor seating options positioned on the deck.
Cottage in Clear Lake
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

Charming 3 bedroom lake home - on site parking

Looking for a lake getaway with all the amenities of home? Our 3 bedroom nicely renovated home offers a great location for a relaxing retreat any time of the year! Comfortably sleeps 6 in beds - 2 on pullout couch. 1st bedroom is on the main level with king bed, closet and full bath. Also on the main level you have a 1/2 bath with washer/dryer. Second level has 2 queen bedrooms with a 3/4 bath. Small fenced in backyard.**May accept 1 behaved dog on a case-by-case basis** Contact host b4 booking

Guest favorite
A charming house with light blue siding and a welcoming front porch is framed by colorful trees. The well-maintained yard features green grass and a variety of plants, enhancing the home's inviting exterior. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a warm ambiance.
Cottage in Clear Lake
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

Charming Cottage on North Shore GREAT LOCATION

BEST LOCATION Cute house 2 blocks from city park and downtown, 1/2 block to lake, walking distance to the Surf and restaurants. Fully furnished, with living room, dining room, enclosed front porch, and full kitchen. Sheets, towels, dishes, pots and pans are provided. Multiple parking spots available. Weber grill, fire pit, washer and dryer, antenna TV and internet. 2 Kayaks Location is everything, walking distance to most places.Fun times await you! REQUEST TO BOOK TO OWNER BEFORE RESERVING!

Guest favorite
A two-story building features an upper deck with a covered area, providing space for seating. Lush green grass surrounds the property, and trees offer shade. A pathway leads to the entrance, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of the residential area.
Apartment in Clear Lake
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 258 reviews

Water View, 4 blks to Public Beach & downtown!

Cozy apartment 1 block from a public lake access. Large front covered deck with welcoming view of the lake. 2 bedrooms, one with queen pillow top bed. The second a double and a single bed. Modern bathroom. Large living with comfy seating. Cozy kitchen for meal prep, fully equipped with a full array of dishes, pot and pans. Just shop a couple blocks away for your own needs. Basic staple items also on hand. Internet available for your work and pleasure web browsing. Local channels not available.

Guest favorite
The cottage exterior features a welcoming front porch adorned with a seasonal wreath and a small table with two chairs. Colorful flower pots enhance the entryway, while a sign indicates the cottage name, 'The Wren House.' Windows allow natural light to illuminate the inviting facade.
Cottage in Clear Lake
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews

The Wren House: Close to Lake

The Wren House is within walking distance of local lakeside attractions such as PM Park; the Tiki Bar; and the Ritz beach, shelter house and boat ramp (lake access that's much less crowded than city and state beach). Its only a 3 minute drive to Clear Lake State Park's trails, beach and picnic areas and less than 10 minutes to get downtown to spend time at the seawall, city beach, restaurants, bars and shopping. The cottage is quaint but very comfortable and stocked with all the trip essentials

Guest favorite
The rustic cabin is surrounded by snow-covered trees, with warm light glowing from the windows. A wooden deck leads to the entrance, creating a welcoming access point. The snow blankets the ground, enhancing the serene winter atmosphere of the property.
Barn in Clear Lake
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

Moose Haus Lodge

This barn refinished into a rustic cabin will give you the feeling that you are in the middle of the woods while having the convenience of being in town. Located just minutes from downtown Clear Lake, the historic Surf Ballroom, and City Beach, this is the perfect get-away spot! A large upper loft makes this a great option for families with kids or a peaceful adult retreat. Pets are family... so we are pet friendly, but do add a $25 dollar pet fee (per pet) for the duration of your stay.

Top guest favorite
A gazebo provides a shaded area with a seating arrangement featuring dark wicker furniture. The outdoor space includes a small putting green, surrounded by a stone pathway and a white picket fence in the background.
Home in Clear Lake
5 out of 5 average rating, 46 reviews

Family-Friendly Home 1 Block from Downtown

💫Welcome! Spacious 3 bed 2.5 house with 9 beds. Located 1 block from downtown! Walking distance to the lake and city park. Short walk to ice cream, restaurants, Central Garden, the pool, or beach- or rent a golf cart 1 block away! 💫This is a 1930's home fully renovated to meet your needs for a comfortable and inviting stay. There is a large kitchen, breakfast bar seating, open living/dining & a great back patio with game room! 💫3 bedrooms upstairs and daybed and pull out on main level.

Top guest favorite
The cabin is set on a landscaped lot with a stone wall and gravel drive. Wood decking extends from the entrance, surrounded by trees. Parking space for two vehicles is available at the front, and the street corner is marked by a sign indicating Lakeview Drive.
Cabin in Clear Lake
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews

Cornerstone Cabin with lakeview

Two bedroom cabin located across the street from the Lake along the South Shore. There is a view of the lake from the deck and inside. A public dock is located across from the cabin. All towels and bedding are provided. Outdoor deck furniture and gas grill. One bedroom has a queen and the second has a bunk bed with a twin over full, also had a twin bed with pull out trundle in this room. There is a sleeping loft with two twin mattreses also. Cabin was completely renovated in 2016.

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features a comfortable sectional sofa and an ottoman on a patterned rug. The room is highlighted by a rustic brick fireplace and a ceiling fan. A stairway leads to an upper level, while an open kitchen area is visible in the background.
Home in Clear Lake
5 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Papa's Place By The Lake - CL

If the lake life is calling you, our Clear Lake home is the spot! Sometimes life is just better at the lake; Papa's Place by the Lake is the perfect spot to indulge in the lake life, outdoor play, bonfires, boutique shopping, and historic landmarks. Clear Lake is not only known for its beautiful lake but its attractions, the famous Surf Ballroom, and up-town. Your vacation is our full-time job, and we would love to help you follow your calling and enjoy life at the lake.

Guest favorite
A cozy living area features a dark sectional sofa positioned around a central coffee table. A flat-screen TV is mounted above a fireplace, while soft lighting from a nearby lamp creates a warm ambiance. A small dining table with chairs is visible in the foreground.
Home in Clear Lake
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 11 reviews

Lake It Easy•Walk to the Beach!

Relax and unwind at this cozy ranch home steps away from the lake in Clear Lake—just minutes from State beach, boat ramp, park, restaurants and golf course! Walk or bike to all the local favorites—then unwind at home with space to relax and recharge. Perfect for families or small groups with a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry and sauna in the lower level, and a peaceful deck with a glimpse of the lake! Large driveway to accommodate boat trailer + vehicle(s).

Guest favorite
The living area features a modern sectional sofa alongside a decorative plant in a pot. Light streams in through the horizontal blinds of a window. A coffee table and television stand are positioned on a soft area rug, contributing to a cozy atmosphere.
Home in Clear Lake
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviews

South Shore Retreat

We just put in TWO BRAND NEW MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES as of 6/29/25!! Enjoy a cozy lakeside getaway in this charming two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage in Clear Lake’s Outlet Area! Fully furnished and just one block from the lake, two blocks from The Landing and the public boat ramp, it offers modern amenities, an updated kitchen, and comfortable living spaces. With a detached garage and side parking, convenience meets relaxation. Book your stay today!

Top guest favorite
A cozy living area features a blend of vintage furnishings, including a wooden cabinet adorned with decorative items. A comfortable sofa with patterned cushions sits on a colorful patterned rug. The adjoining kitchen area is visible, highlighting warm cabinetry and modern appliances.
Guesthouse in Clear Lake
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 314 reviews

Baker's Corner

Baker's Corner is a historic farm 2 miles from downtown Clear Lake and the beach. The acreage sits amidst Iowa farmland but is only minutes from the tourist attractions of Clear Lake and the amenities of Mason City. This quiet, cozy, country home is good for couples, solo adventurers, and business travelers. We'll welcome you with a loaf of homemade bread and seasonal jam.

Popular amenities for Clear Lake vacation rentals

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Clear Lake

  • Total rentals

    150 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    ﺩ.ﺇ184 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    6.3K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    120 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    30 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    70 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Clear Lake

All About Clear Lake

Nestled midway between the twin cities of Des Moines and Minneapolis, this small town in Northern Iowa is situated on a natural spring-fed lake, attracting visitors to its restaurants, shops, marina, two state parks, and history. Clear Lake became famous in the 1950s when a legendary rock and roll singer who used to play at the concert hall in Clear Lake died in a tragic plane crash nearby. Fans still come from around the world to pay tribute, especially on the anniversary of the crash, when the Surf holds a Winter Dance Party in honor of the late artist.

Clear Lake State Park offers a range of outdoor activities on one of Iowa’s most popular lakes. Its natural spring-fed 3,000-acre lake is a draw for boating, fishing, swimming, and windsurfing. The park also features 50 acres of open spaces for hiking, towering mature oak trees, abundant wildlife, and a 900-foot sandy beach area, which is popular with families.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Clear Lake

The best time to visit your Clear Lake, Iowa, rental is between mid-June and early September. Summers in Clear Lake are pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. The weekly event Thursdays on Main features live entertainment, classic cars, children’s rides, a street market, and outdoor movies. The winters tend to be cold, snowy, and windy, with average temperatures in the 30s. The main events in the winter are the Christmas by the Lake festival in December and Color the Wind, a kite festival in February. Springtime in Clear Lake is on the cool side, but there are a number of events to get involved in. There are Earth Day five and six-mile running races and a community clean up in April, as well as the Clear Lake Triathlon in May. In the fall, the Harvest Festival in October includes a farmers’ market, homemade salsa contest, grape stomp competition, wine samplings, food trucks, and live music.


Top things to do in Clear Lake

The Surf Ballroom

This concert hall, where music greats once played, is now a National Historic Landmark. Opened in 1934 and designed to resemble an ocean beach club, it has been restored to include palm trees, ocean murals, wooden booths painted with fish and bubbles, and walls covered with stenciled pineapples. Big-band orchestras play on Sundays and classic rock acts perform throughout the week.

Central Gardens of North Iowa

Nestled in the heart of Clear Lake, Central Gardens of North Iowa offers nearly three acres of over 20 themed gardens. There are more than 22,000 flowers, a butterfly garden, wildflower garden, children’s garden, wetland, meadow, and woodland gardens to explore. Free to the public, the Gardens host free concerts, events, and educational programs each year.

Stockman House

Located about a 20-minute drive from Clear Lake, the Stockman House is an excellent example of the work of a prominent mid-century architect. Built in 1908, the house was an iteration of the famous Fireproof House in a compact Foursquare design with an entrance foyer and a sun porch on opposite sides. The house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991 and is open to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Clear Lake?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 70 vacation rentals in Clear Lake featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Clear Lake?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Clear Lake. Choose from more than 30 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Do house rentals in Clear Lake have air conditioning?

    Absolutely! We offer over 90 house rentals with air conditioning in Clear Lake. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do apartment rentals in Clear Lake have free parking?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 apartment rentals with free parking in Clear Lake. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Clear Lake?

    Experience the best of Clear Lake with our house rentals, starting at about $90 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Do house rentals in Clear Lake have a kitchen?

    Absolutely! We offer over 90 house rentals with a kitchen in Clear Lake. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there family-friendly cottage rentals in Clear Lake?

    Clear Lake has more than 20 family-friendly cottage rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • Do apartment rentals in Clear Lake have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 apartment rentals with wifi in Clear Lake. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

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