The area now known as Clear Lake was first a summer home to the Winnebago and Dakota tribes. In 1832, Nathan Boone, the son of Daniel Boone, created a map of the area and its bodies of water. In 1851, families moved in and began a friendship with the Winnebago natives. By 1855, the first school and steam sawmill were constructed. It wasn't long after that, that the town had graded streets, sidewalks, and other signs of a thriving new city. Clear Lake was officially incorporated in 1871.
Unfortunately, the city is forever remembered in music history as the last place The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Buddy Holly performed before their Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft took off from the local runway and crashed. The event was later memorialized in Don McLean's famous song, “American Pie.” Today, you can visit a monument at the crash site.
Whatever your reason for visiting Clear Lake, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
When is the best time of year to visit Clear Lake, Iowa?
Clear Lake has a humid continental climate that gets hot in the summer. Popular activities during the summer include golfing, bicycling, volleyball, fishing, hunting, sport shooting, and swimming. However, you can always also visit an indoor attraction to cool off. Keep in mind that summer is Clear Lake's peak tourist season, so expect increased hotel rates.
If you want to save the most money on your trip to Clear Lake, try visiting in the winter. The area does experience 11 inches of snowfall each year on average, so you may want to book refundable flights and hotels just in case you get snowed out. Even if it snows, Clear Lake is a fun winter getaway for the whole family. Aside from the city's holiday events, Clear Lake hosts a colorful kite-flying event on the third Saturday in February, brightening up an otherwise dreary season.
To enjoy pleasant weather and reasonable hotel rates, plan a trip to Clear Lake during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Average highs hit 70 by May and again in September, making it easy to enjoy the area's numerous outdoor attractions. October ushers in the Harvest Festival, one of the city's most beloved events. During the festival, you can stroll down Main Street while enjoying artist demonstrations, wine samplings, and other fall-themed experiences.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Clear Lake, IA:
Clear Lake, IA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Clear Lake, IA. Browse these illustrations to determine the best seasons to book a room in Clear Lake throughout the year.
Which luxury hotels are in Clear Lake?
Would you prefer more upscale amenities during your stay in Clear Lake? You have a few options.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Mason City IA boasts a beautiful indoor pool, a spa tub, fitness facilities, a fireplace in the lobby, and complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi access, mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, free local calls, flat-panel TVs, and premium toiletries.
Hampton Inn & Suites Mason City offers a 24-hour fitness facility, a business center, an indoor pool, and a snack shop. The complimentary hot breakfast includes biscuits and gravy, eggs, sausage, oatmeal, and other classics. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, work desks, weekday newspapers, and mini fridges.
For the ultimate luxury experience near Clear Lake, check into the Historic Park Inn in Mason City. The property was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and still maintains its historic integrity with modern amenities. This highly rated downtown hotel features an on-site gym, eight meeting rooms, a lounge, billiards, a wine room, and a private limo service. Guest rooms are uniquely decorated with modern touches. You can even step back in time by booking the originally restored 1910 Historic Suite.
Where are the Clear Lake, Iowa budget-friendly hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $128.64
Hoping to find a budget-friendly hotel in Clear Lake? You won't have to look far!
Americas Best Value Inn Clear Lake offers affordable rates no matter the season. Amenities include free Wi-Fi internet access, an on-site business center, oversized vehicle parking, and pet-friendly accommodations. You can also enjoy a free deluxe continental breakfast each morning. Guest rooms include mini fridges, microwaves, irons, ironing boards, hairdryers, and TVs with extended cable, HBO, and Showtime.
Conveniently located off I-35, Super 8 by Wyndham Clear Lake offers ample parking, a business center, early check-in, pet-friendly rooms, and a free breakfast. Guest rooms are straightforward but comfortable, featuring tasteful wall decor, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Other amenities include coffee and tea makers, work desks, and alarm clock radios.
If you don't mind staying a few miles from Clear Lake, consider booking a room at Super 8 by Wyndham Mason City. This affordable option boasts on-site laundry facilities, an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, free breakfast, and ample parking. Guest rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and coffee makers. Some rooms offer balconies, sofa beds, and hot tubs.
2 Star Average Prices: $106.14
What hotels in the Clear Lake area have the best discounts?
Want to save even more money on your trip to Clear Lake? See if you qualify for a special rate.
Military and government personnel can save at area hotels like Best Western Holiday Lodge, which is situated close to the Clear Lake Fire Museum and other key attractions. Standard amenities include a 24-hour fitness facility, a business center, an indoor pool and hot tub, a free breakfast, wedding services, room service, a complimentary continental breakfast, and an on-site Bennigan's restaurant. Guest rooms offer microwaves, mini fridges, coffee makers, flat-panel TVs, free local calls, and a turndown service.
Seniors can save an average of 10 percent off regular room rates at accommodations like Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clear Lake. This convenient hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast, a 24-hour business center, a safe deposit box, self-parking, and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms include hairdryers, work desks, coffee makers, and free toiletries.
AAA members can save at most area hotels, including AmericInn by Wyndham Clear Lake. Enjoy a complimentary homestyle breakfast each morning, an inviting indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a relaxing lobby. In-room amenities include microwaves, mini fridges, and optional rollaway beds.
What hotels offer the best value around Clear Lake, IA?
The Clear Lake area has many mid-range hotel options that give you an extra value for your dollar.
Days Inn by Wyndham Mason City boasts on-site fitness facilities, pet-friendly rooms, oversized vehicle parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a free breakfast. You can also enjoy coffee, tea, and free newspapers in the lobby. Guest rooms feature LED TVs, hairdryers, well-lit work desks, coffee makers, and free local calls.
Quality Inn & Suites offers an indoor pool, pet-friendly accommodations, a free breakfast, oversized vehicle parking, free Wi-Fi, and a safe deposit box. The contemporary guest rooms include satellite TVs, coffee makers, microwaves, and mini fridges. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request.
Another mid-range option near Clear Lake is Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Northwood. This highly rated property features on-site fitness facilities, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a 24-hour business center, a free casino shuttle, a safe deposit box, laundry facilities, concierge services, and conference space. The hotel also provides wedding services for those planning their big day. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton bedding, sofa beds, and hairdryers.
What attractions does the city of Clear Lake have to offer?
When visiting Clear Lake, you'll want to spend some time hitting the city's most noted attractions and landmarks. One of the city's most popular attractions is the Surf Ballroom & Museum. This historic rock-and-roll landmark is closely associated with the event known as “The Day the Music Died,” as it was where Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens gave their last performance. The ballroom has been fully restored to look the way it did in 1959 during that fateful day, and it still hosts performances for modern concert-goers to appreciate. The museum also features a variety of concert memorabilia, including instruments.
History buffs and railroad lovers alike should visit Iowa Trolley Park. The interactive railroad museum houses an old-time hand car, a diesel locomotive, and train cars. Other must-see attractions include the Central Gardens of North Iowa, City Park, Clear Lake Fire Museum, and Kinney Pioneer Museum.
Exploring everything Clear Lake and its surrounding communities have to offer is great fun for the entire family. Whether you're looking for affordable roadside accommodations off the interstate or a historic lodging with all the amenities, you can find the perfect hotel in the Clear Lake area that meets your needs and budget.
FAQs about hotels in Clear Lake
How much does a cheap hotel in Clear Lake cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Clear Lake can be as cheap as $106.14 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Clear Lake cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Clear Lake has been $128.64 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Clear Lake, IA
Below are reviews of the city of Clear Lake, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Nice clean town and great restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice clean town and great restaurants.
Charles S., from 21-Sep-2024
"Near the Lake"
Score
5.0 / 5
Near the lake.
Cheryl R., from 10-Aug-2024
"Great Parking "
Score
5.0 / 5
Great parking for Uhaul. Close to interstate.
Natalie C., from 31-Jul-2024
"Lake!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lake!
Cheryl R., from 25-Jul-2024
"Great Location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
No time to do any other activities but great location!
Jeanne G., from 21-Jul-2024
"Lots of stores, restaurants and entertainment."
Score
4.0 / 5
A very friendly city with lots of stores, restaurants, entertainment.
For a town of 8,000 people, it is very nice.
Sharon M., from 17-Jun-2024
"Beach, Boating & Dining!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beach, boating, restaurants!
Garry F., from 09-Jun-2024
"Watching the Sunset on The Lady of the Lake "
Score
4.0 / 5
The best part about Clear Lake is obviously, Clear Lake. Had drinks on The Lady of the Lake and watched the sunset on a Wednesday night! A must do!
Lisa G., from 05-Sep-2023
"Ice Fishing"
Score
4.0 / 5
Was here to ice fish!
Terry W., from 03-Feb-2023
"The Surf"
Score
5.0 / 5
Used to come up all the time with family it's been about 15 years. Have relatives there and love the entire area. We came for The Quiet Riot concert at The Surf.
Victoria D., from 18-Nov-2022
"Beautiful Area"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful area.
Kathleen W., from 06-Nov-2022
"Surf Ballroom"
Score
4.0 / 5
Fun to go to the lake and the famous Surf Ballroom!!
Jerry D., from 28-Aug-2022
"Surf Ballroom"
Score
4.0 / 5
Fun to go to the lake and the famous Surf Ballroom!!
Jerry D., from 16-Aug-2022
"Surf Ballroom"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Surf Ballroom is a must for anyone who cares about music.
Kenneth F., from 09-Jun-2022
"The Surf Ballroom!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Surf Ballroom!
Tracie H., from 24-Jan-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Clear Lake, IA shown above is
4.3 out of 5 based on 15 reviews