Iowa’s beauty is often overlooked in favor of more touristy attractions, but locals know how stunning and serene the Hawkeye state can really be. Not much beats a day at the lake, but with so many options for waterside fun, it’s hard to pick a list of winners without asking Iowa. So, we decided to ask Iowa! Our readers on our Only In Iowa Facebook Page nominated their personal favorites so we could narrow down the truth. According to our readers, these 11 are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa. It’s hard to measure beauty when it comes to scenery, but all of these stunning lakes have fans of their own and are always here for fishing, boating, swimming, or just relaxing by the water.
- West Lake Okoboji
Vicki Brook via Only In Iowa Okoboji was the most popular vote by far, and it’s easy to see why it’s a fan favorite. West Lake Okoboji is a spring-fed shade of beautiful blue that dips down to around 134 feet at its deepest point. No matter the season, you can find people enjoying the scenery that never seems to run out. West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USA
- Clear Lake
Sandy Morris Deitrick via Only In Iowa Larger than West Okoboji is another popular place to be known as Clear Lake. Covering 3,684 acres of spring-fed scenery, there’s no question why it’s a popular choice for boating, swimming, fishing, and photography. Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
- Lost Grove Lake
Liz Paulsen via Only In Iowa Though it might not take up much space, Lost Grove Lake is packed with picturesque views. It may be only 400 acres, but a hike or an afternoon spent shore fishing is a perfectly good way to enjoy this pretty little lake. Lost Grove Lake, Iowa 52748, USA
- Spirit Lake
Faith Keeney via Only In Iowa Another one of Iowa’s natural gems, Spirit Lake is always busy with boats, fishing, camping, hiking, and other waterside activities. According to legend, this lake got its name from an evil spirit that once inhabited the waters. Thankfully, this glacier-formed feature seems to be perfectly peaceful despite the rumors. Spirit Lake, IA 51360, USA
- Nine Eagles Lake
Sandi Bricker via Only In Iowa The lake out at Nine Eagles State Park is always a stunner, especially during the fall. Known as one of Iowa’s most picturesque parks, the lake is a common spot for family photos, summer vacation fun, and hiking adventures. Between the native prairie and rocky terrain is where memories are made. Nine Eagles State Park, 23678 Dale Miller Rd, Davis City, IA 50065, USA
- Lake Macbride
Kelly Komen via Only In Iowa With plenty of hiking trails and prized Kentucky spotted bass bringing people in all year, Lake Macbride never seems to lack in fans. Named after Iowa conservation icon Thomas Macbride, this lake and the surrounding state park are especially stunning in the fall. Lake MacBride, Lake McBride, Iowa 52333, USA
- Storm Lake
Denise Krebs/Flickr As the fourth largest glacier lake in Iowa, Storm lake is the source of many adventures without being as crowded as Okoboji or Clear lake. Regardless of its size ranking, it still spans 3,200 acres of some of the best scenery Iowa has to offer. Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
- Deep Lakes Park
Jessica Burgmeier via Only In Iowa Though it might not be a natural lake, the beauty at Deep Lakes Park simply can’t be ignored. What was once a quarry has been filled, and is now 120 acres of clear water lakes you can see the fish in. It’s unique and beautiful, and from a canoe’s point of view, it doesn’t get much better than this. Deep Lakes Park, Pettibone Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
- Backbone Lake
Christine Warner/Flickr A less popular option for summer fun but no less pretty, Backbone Lake pulls in most of its fans during the fall. With colors like these on display, no one will blame you for trying to get the perfect angle on the foliage-framed water. As part of Iowa’s first state park, this one holds a special place in many hearts. Backbone Lake, Iowa 52038, USA
- Big Creek Lake
Manop/Flickr Out in Polk County, you’ll find a smaller 800-acre lake in Big Creek State Park to explore. It might not be everyone’s first choice, but the sunsets out here can’t be beat. Big Creek Lake, Iowa 50226, USA
- Lake Red Rock
slappytheseal/Flickr Iowa’s largest lake comes in at a whopping 15,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of surrounding land for visitors to hike, boat, swim, and otherwise explore. This lake might be busy all the time, but that doesn’t diminish the amazing angles you can take in during its rare moments of stillness. Lake Red Rock, Iowa, USA
What do you think of this list of Iowa’s most beautiful lakes? If you want to post your own photos or see more of Iowa’s beauty in your feed, check out our Iowa Nature Lovers Facebook Page to join the fun and share your adventures.
Vicki Brook via Only In Iowa
Okoboji was the most popular vote by far, and it’s easy to see why it’s a fan favorite. West Lake Okoboji is a spring-fed shade of beautiful blue that dips down to around 134 feet at its deepest point. No matter the season, you can find people enjoying the scenery that never seems to run out.
West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USA
Sandy Morris Deitrick via Only In Iowa
Larger than West Okoboji is another popular place to be known as Clear Lake. Covering 3,684 acres of spring-fed scenery, there’s no question why it’s a popular choice for boating, swimming, fishing, and photography.
Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
Liz Paulsen via Only In Iowa
Though it might not take up much space, Lost Grove Lake is packed with picturesque views. It may be only 400 acres, but a hike or an afternoon spent shore fishing is a perfectly good way to enjoy this pretty little lake.
Lost Grove Lake, Iowa 52748, USA
Faith Keeney via Only In Iowa
Another one of Iowa’s natural gems, Spirit Lake is always busy with boats, fishing, camping, hiking, and other waterside activities. According to legend, this lake got its name from an evil spirit that once inhabited the waters. Thankfully, this glacier-formed feature seems to be perfectly peaceful despite the rumors.
Spirit Lake, IA 51360, USA
Sandi Bricker via Only In Iowa
The lake out at Nine Eagles State Park is always a stunner, especially during the fall. Known as one of Iowa’s most picturesque parks, the lake is a common spot for family photos, summer vacation fun, and hiking adventures. Between the native prairie and rocky terrain is where memories are made.
Nine Eagles State Park, 23678 Dale Miller Rd, Davis City, IA 50065, USA
Kelly Komen via Only In Iowa
With plenty of hiking trails and prized Kentucky spotted bass bringing people in all year, Lake Macbride never seems to lack in fans. Named after Iowa conservation icon Thomas Macbride, this lake and the surrounding state park are especially stunning in the fall.
Lake MacBride, Lake McBride, Iowa 52333, USA
Denise Krebs/Flickr
As the fourth largest glacier lake in Iowa, Storm lake is the source of many adventures without being as crowded as Okoboji or Clear lake. Regardless of its size ranking, it still spans 3,200 acres of some of the best scenery Iowa has to offer.
Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
Jessica Burgmeier via Only In Iowa
Though it might not be a natural lake, the beauty at Deep Lakes Park simply can’t be ignored. What was once a quarry has been filled, and is now 120 acres of clear water lakes you can see the fish in. It’s unique and beautiful, and from a canoe’s point of view, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Deep Lakes Park, Pettibone Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
Christine Warner/Flickr
A less popular option for summer fun but no less pretty, Backbone Lake pulls in most of its fans during the fall. With colors like these on display, no one will blame you for trying to get the perfect angle on the foliage-framed water. As part of Iowa’s first state park, this one holds a special place in many hearts.
Backbone Lake, Iowa 52038, USA
Manop/Flickr
Out in Polk County, you’ll find a smaller 800-acre lake in Big Creek State Park to explore. It might not be everyone’s first choice, but the sunsets out here can’t be beat.
Big Creek Lake, Iowa 50226, USA
slappytheseal/Flickr
Iowa’s largest lake comes in at a whopping 15,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of surrounding land for visitors to hike, boat, swim, and otherwise explore. This lake might be busy all the time, but that doesn’t diminish the amazing angles you can take in during its rare moments of stillness.
Lake Red Rock, Iowa, USA
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