One of the best lakes to visit in Iowa is East Lake Okoboji & West Lake Okoboji. The Iowa Great Lakes region was formed in the northwest of the state by a melting glacier that existed more than 14,000 years ago. The area is now defined by a number of lakes, notably Big Spirit Lake, which is the biggest freshwater lake in Iowa. Thanks to these bodies of water and the numerous nearby tourist attractions, the area is recognized as a vacation destination.

Okoboji is a common term to describe this area. This is due to the fact that two of the most accessible lakes are East Lake Okoboji and West Lake Okoboji. And these two lakes offer a wide range of memorable vacation experiences and enduring family customs.

Most vacationing families spend the day at West Lake Okoboji. The shoreline is lined with state parks and access spots. Swimming and picnicking are particularly well-liked activities in locations like Pikes Point State Park on the northern shore. and the welcoming for families For more than a century, Arnold's Park Amusement Park has been running close to the eastern shore.

A large body of water that resembles a river, East Lake Okoboji. Compared to its western cousin, it features more private development and less public access to the water. The lake does, however, have a number of lovely inns and resorts close to the water.

Location: Dickinson County, Iowa

In Iowa, United States, Saylorville Lake is a reservoir on the Des Moines River. It is situated 344 kilometers from the Mississippi River's Des Moines River mouth and 18 kilometers upstream of the city of Des Moines. It was built as a part of the Des Moines River's flood control system and to help reduce flood crests on the Mississippi, to which the Des Moines River is a tributary.

The lake serves as a crucial recreational resource for the nation's capital. On weekends, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and playing disc golf at the lake. These sports and others can be done in the lake's surrounding recreational areas.

Popular destinations to visit from Des Moines include Jester Park on the western shore. With numerous tables positioned throughout the park, picnicking can be one of Jester's most well-liked pastimes. The Jester golf course has a lot of use in the summer and off-season. The area is also covered in hiking and bike trails, and boat ramps and fishing docks provide access to the water.

Location: Polk / Dallas / Boone counties, Iowa

The next position on the list of the best lakes to visit in Iowa is Rathbun Lake. This well-known reservoir is located in south-central Iowa, sixty miles southeast of Des Moines. This 11,000-acre lake is surrounded by recreational facilities, from camping to full-fledged resorts. Boating, fishing, swimming, and soaking up the Iowa summer heat are regular activities on the water.

On the lake's northeast Ham Branch, the Iowa DNR manages Honey Creek Resort, the state park's lone resort. The resort offers every lakefront activity imaginable, along with the nearby Honey Creek State Park. Popular daytime activities include hiking and bicycling, golfing and dining, and playing in the indoor water park.

The resort also has a fishing dock, boat launch, and marina. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are among the watersports that are available to guests staying in the lodge or at the RV campsite for no additional charge. Additionally, you can rent fishing equipment. The free shoreline rentals also include bicycles and volleyball nets.

Despite its flurry of activity, Honey Creek is located close to the enormous lake, in a single little cove. Along the seashore are many different places to have fun. There are almost 500 campsites spread among five distinct campgrounds run by the Army Corps of Engineers around the lake.

Location: Appanoose County, Iowa

The largest lake in Iowa is Lake Red Rock, which is 40 miles from Des Moines. The Dutch-inspired community of Pella, one of Iowa's best small towns, sits near to this enormous reservoir. With more than 15,000 acres of water and even more public space to explore, Lake Red Rock is a well-liked recreation destination.

Access to the water is made most convenient by a number of built state and county parks. There are campgrounds, hiking paths, and boat launches in places like Elk Rock State Park, which is on the southern shore. Roberts Creek and Cordova Park, which are on the opposing banks, both provide chances for fishing and picnicking. Additionally, Red Rock Marina, which is close to Pella, is a great place to rent boats.

Land activities surrounding the lake gravitate towards hiking and biking. The paved Volksweg Bike Trail extends for nearly 11 miles from Pella along the lake's northern shore. This National Recreation Trail offers one of the best bicycle rides in the state and is also popular for leisurely strolls. Like the Elk Rock Equestrian Trail, other nature trails around the lake cater to horse riders and hikers alike.

Location: Marion County, Iowa

A natural body of water with a surface area of around 2,300 hectares, Big Spirit Lake is located in Dickinson County in northwest Iowa. The lake's northern coast shares a border with Minnesota and is a part of the Iowa Great Lakes network of lakes. It is Iowa's biggest natural lake. The lake was known as Minnewaukon by the Dakotah Indians. Because of Indian beliefs about a bad spirit living in the lake, early French traders gave it the name Lac D' Esprit.

All sides of Big Spirit are accessible because of state parks and recreation zones. One such well-liked location on the western shore is Marble Beach, which has the biggest campground in the area. Mini-Wakan State Park, located on the north shore, was established during the CCC era. This lakefront state park still has a lot of lovely log buildings from that time period.

The largest Great Lake in Iowa is a haven for all kinds of aquatic recreation. Fishing rigs, pontoon boats, and leisure boats are some examples of motorized watercraft. Boats can be rented at locations like Spirit Lake's Great Lakes Marine Company. Along the shore, boat ramps are scattered across many of the public parks.

Location: Dickinson County, Iowa

The 900-acre Lake MacBride reservoir is located 10 miles north of Iowa City. The Coralville Reservoir and Iowa's largest state park, Lake MacBride State Park, are both located close to the lake. Together, these outdoor spaces add to Iowa City's extensive list of tourist attractions.

From Iowa City, it takes 30 minutes to get to Lake MacBride State Park. The state park is divided into two sections, each with a sizable campground for tents and RVs. Throughout much of the year, the park's multi-use pathways draw hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Additionally, throughout the winter, a lot of snowshoers and cross-country skiers visit the state park.

Lake MacBride State Park makes it simple to access the water. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the park offers a boat rental service. Additionally, open boat ramps invite people to bring their own boats. On the lake, any size boat is acceptable, but drivers must limit their speed to five miles per hour.

Near Lake MacBride and the Coralville Reservoir, public spaces abound, with Lake MacBride State Park just the beginning. Sugar Bottom, a great day-use area well-known for mountain biking and disc golf, is located south of the state park. A sizable campground is also present at Sugar Bottom, and it is frequently utilized in the summer.

Location: Johnson County, Iowa

Clear Lake is a lake in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States. Visits to Clear Lake are enjoyable because of the lake and its lakeside community. The city of Clear Lake, which has a population of about 7,500, provides a number of advantages for the water's eastern shore. The town is best known to history historians and music lovers as the place of Buddy Holly's final performance and the scene of his tragic plane accident.

The town definitely has a lake vibe, particularly in the summer. The primary ports of entry to the water from town are City Park and City Beach. The city also offers fishing guides, bait shops, and boat rentals, as well as everything else required for a lake holiday.

Clear Lake is one of the most well-liked sailing lakes in Iowa because it has constant winds even on calm days. Every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day, races are held. The Clear Lake Yacht Club supports the upkeep of a sizable fleet of sailing boats and serves as the sport's undisputed voice at the lake. Clear Lake is one of the best lakes to visit in Iowa.

Location: Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

Big Creek Lake is a popular recreation lake north of Saylorville Lake. The main access point for water and other land-based activities is Big Creek Lake State Park. This popular state park covers nearly the entire shoreline and offers several outlets to spend the day.

The Big Creek Marina area of the park, on the eastern shore, is a popular place for family outings. Here, amenities like a wide sandy beach, abundant lawn space, and one of the most incredible wooden playgrounds occupies much of the area. And a concessionaire in this part of the park rents out pontoon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.

At the lake, boating and fishing are popular activities. The waters are known to yield walleye that break records and are difficult to handle in two arms. There are both current public boat ramps on the east and west shorelines. Water-skiing and sailing are two more popular boat activities in addition to fishing.

There are 13 picnic shelters scattered throughout the park that can be reserved, but there is no camping at this day-use state park. The state park also has a well-known 18-hole disc golf course that is popular with both experienced players and beginners.

Location: Big Creek State Park, Polk City, Iowa

Lake Darling, named after a well-known editorial cartoonist and cartoonist for the Des Moines Register, is located in eastern Iowa, 13 miles northeast of Fairfield. This 300-acre lake is surrounded by Lake Darling State Park. With campsites, cottages, hiking paths, and several water activities, Lake Darling makes for a popular weekend escape.

Activity in Lake Darling State Park is centered around a large sandy beach on the southern end. Additional attractions include boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic sites in this area. This side of the lake is also home to the Lake Darling Lodge, a venue that can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Boat rentals are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day through the Friends of Lake Darling. They offer paddle boats, SUPs, kayaks, and canoes, among other watercraft. Lake Darling is open to both motorized and non-powered boats, however, because it is a no-wake lake, speeds must be kept to a minimum.

There are various places to stay the night around Lake Darling. There are 80 campsites in the park's campground, several of which have basic hookups. Six cabins are also available for nightly rentals at the site. All of these cozy cabins include wraparound porches and contemporary amenities.

Location: Lake Darling State Park, Iowa

Swan Lake State Park is one of the best lakes to visit in Iowa. In west-central Iowa, close to the community of Carroll, is this 100-acre lake. The lake is a well-liked destination for day visits and overnight excursions despite its modest size. Swan Lake State Park, which encircles the entire shoreline, plays a significant role in the frequency of visits.

Swan Lake State Park, which spans 500 acres, is run by the Carroll County Conservation Board. A campground in the state park is open to both tents and RVs. Picnic spots, playgrounds, and a conservation education center are among other built places.

One of the most popular activities at Swan Lake is fishing. The lakes are regularly stocked with largemouth bass, bluegills, and crappies. For that fishermen who are successful in their endeavors, a fish house on the south coast offers a cleaning station. The no-wake rule is carefully enforced at Lake Darling, where boating is permitted. At the park, you can hire boats.

Swan Lake also offers disc golf, hiking, and biking as additional activities. The park is connected to Black Hawk State Park to the north by the 33-mile Sauk Rail Trail. Swan Lake also has unusual animal zoos where tourists can witness bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and free-roaming bison.

Location: Carroll, Iowa