Clear Lake

Chitownclone2

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May 13, 2010
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I may be visiting Clear Lake in the near future. I'm looking for suggestions on places to stay for the a night that would be good for a family with a couple of young kids (pool or water park hotel would be great). Also, any ideas for family friendly places to eat or carry out? TIA!
 

fccy

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Dec 31, 2008
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Forest City
Off the top of my head, Best Western Holiday Lodge has a pool; there is no water park hotel in Clear Lake that I am aware of. Hotel is right off I-35 at exit 194 (US 18 and IA 122).

The hotel has a small Bennigans restaurant. Across the street is also a bunch of fast food places (Culvers, McDonalds, Perkins, combined KFC and Taco Bell). Dairy Queen is down the road a little.
 

bpmdu

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Jun 28, 2006
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I may be visiting Clear Lake in the near future. I'm looking for suggestions on places to stay for the a night that would be good for a family with a couple of young kids (pool or water park hotel would be great). Also, any ideas for family friendly places to eat or carry out? TIA!

Heartland Inn is on the Lake, if that matters to you and has lake access with a small beach area. In addition to the Holiday Inn there's an AmericInn with a pool. Ge-Jo's is really a really good restaurant across from the central park area. They have The Other Place which is good as well.
 

cyclonewoes

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Dec 12, 2008
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When I travel to that area for business I drive 10 miles east and stay in Mason City at the Country Inn, close to dining of all kinds, and free breakfast!
 

capitalcityguy

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Jun 14, 2007
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When I travel to that area for business I drive 10 miles east and stay in Mason City at the Country Inn, close to dining of all kinds, and free breakfast!

Fine...but absolutely no reason not to stay in Clear Lake. I would also agree, Heartland Inn on the Lake is a nice option. There are a few options for cabins...might be fun but can't recommend any.

The O.P. is a family friendly place to eat (specialize in pizza) but I can't think of any restaurant that isn't kid friendly. Someone mentioned Ge-jo's -- very good Italian food. Kaster's Kove is right on the lake...good fish fry.
 

cdekovic

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Mar 25, 2006
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Ames
If you are looking for a little more extended stay in Clear Lake, I have a condo that I rent out. The association has outdoor and indoor pools and a hot tub, tennis courts, kids play area, picnic shelter, fire pit area and fishing in the harbor. My fully furnished condo is a 1 BR with a queen bed and it also has a loft that easily sleeps up to 4 more. PM me if you want to learn more.
 

JT88

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Oct 7, 2009
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IF you don't take the family to the OP for some pizza you are really missing out. Great Pizza and lots of other kid friendly items on the menu.

As far as where to stay the heartland Inn is right on the lake on South Shore Drive. Free Breakfast in the AM and they have a private dock that you can fish off of and an indoor pool if you don't want to swim in the lake. If you take a boat with you they have parking for your trailer as well.

If the kids like to golf there is the Oak Hills golf course. It's a par 30 course 7 par 3's a par 4 and a par 5. Pretty cheap to play but could be a fun family outing.

~JT
 

UNIGuy4Cy

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Nov 11, 2009
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My wife and I owe a cabin in Clear Lake and I have been coming up here since I was born, you will love the place. I would say Heartland Inn by Clear Lake boats, lakeside motel and has an indoor pool.