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CHEATSheet: Clear Lake
TRAVELLinks
TRIED AND TRUE
LOCAL FAVORITES
EATS
The two-acre Fort Custer Maze, (E. Main Avenue, off Interstate
MUSEUM
HISTORY
MUSEUM
The Lady of the Lake, a sternwheeler ferry boat (at the Seawall at City Park), has been plying the waters here since 1987
It’s hard to tell where Clear Lake stops and Ventura starts. So it’s an easy drive to the Colony Inn, which, from the outside, looks like any main street bar in any small town in Iowa. We go to the Colony for the pork tenderloin sandwiches, among the best in Iowa. The big-as-a-plate sandwiches are hand-breaded and expertly seasoned. Local diners like the dining room for typical steakhouse fair. In the summer, enjoy the patio, with its water garden and a privacy fence that helps you lose yourself for awhile. 104 N Weimer St. www.thecolonyinn.com.
SITES
There always seems to be a line snaking its way out the front door of Ge-Jo’s, across the street from City Park. 12 N. 3rd St. Call 641-357-8288. The restaurant, with pleasant outdoor seating in summer months, features solid appetizers, terrific pizza and hearty pasta dishes plus interesting frosted drinks and schooners of beer. Be sure to check out the wall of autographs from musicians who have performed at the annual ‘50s in February at the Surf.
A must-see in Clear Lake, the Surf Ballroom is an historic ballroom has been in operation since 1933 and has hosted some of the biggest names in music. It is
infamous as being the locale where three up-and-coming
A project of the local fire department, the Clear Lake Fire
Museum (112 N. 6th Street) showcases turn of the century fire fighting equipment, including a beautiful
35, exit 193) features nearly two miles of trails. The clock starts when visitors enter the maze and prizes are awarded each week to the people who complete the course in the fastest time. The route changes weekly and a special Halloween maze is set up each fall. Open seven days a week Memorial Day to Labor. Call 641-357-6102 for information.
with interesting guided tours of historical locations around the lake. The
Lady of the Lake features an enclosed lower level with tables and chairs. The vessel includes a cash bar, snacks, and restrooms. Admission. Call 641-357-2243 for information.
1924 Ahrens-Fox pumper truck. Free. Open Saturday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m
musicians – Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson played their last concert before dying in a plane crash north of town. Shows held throughout the year. Call 641-357-6151 for information.
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Thousands of visitors have discovered the tranquil beauty of the Central Gardens of North Iowa (North 8th Street, near downtown), which features a variety of gardens. Situated on the site of the old Central School, the 2.5 acre site includes Victorian, water, butterfly, ornamental grass and shade gardens. GardenFest is held each June.
NEW
Another recent addition to the local landscape, the Clear Lake Arts Center (17 S. 4th Street) focuses on local and regional artists and offers a variety of work for sale. Art demonstrations are typically held the second Saturday of the month. In July, the Art Center also hosts the annual Art Sail, an outdoor show featuring juried artists, in City Park. Call 641-357-1998.
