Top 20 Lakes in Iowa
Best lakes in Iowa offer diverse recreational opportunities across the state's varied landscape. Iowa features a mix of natural lakes, glacial formations, and man-made reservoirs. These bodies of water provide habitats for wildlife and serve as centers for outdoor activities. The state's lakes are integral to its natural beauty and recreational appeal.
Best lakes in Iowa
- The most popular lakes is Saylorville Lake Visitor Center, a facilities that offers a variety of scheduled events, a theater, several interactive displays,…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Saylorville Lake Visitor Center
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Big Creek State Park
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Gray's Lake Park
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Lamson Woods State Preserve
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Spring Lake Park
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Neal Smith Trail
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Raccoon River Park
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Brushy Creek Lake
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Coralville Dam
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Sugar Bottom Park
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Tips from the Community
The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is located at the southeast corner of the lake and offers a variety of scheduled events, a theater, several interactive displays, and a selection of maps. A butterfly garden is also a short walk away.
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This park features a lake, beach, trails, campgrounds, playgrounds, frisbee golf course, cabins, and loads of benches. I encountered quite a few birds and a herd of deer, despite it being winter. Registrations are accepted but non-registered personnel can self-register at a kiosk. Pets allowed. Boat, life jackets, and other rental options are available.
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Lamson Woods, spanning 43 acres, is a wooded preserve with trails and ponds. Swimming is not permitted here, but hiking and biking are encouraged. Designated in 1930, this area was Fairfield's first golf course, named "cow-pasture golf.". Over the years, the natural habitats have recovered, and today there is a diverse ecosystem featuring a mix of upland and lowland forests with an array of tree species like cottonwood, white oak, and shagbark hickory.
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The 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and weaves its way through a variety of landscapes, including riverbanks, wildflower meadows, lakeshores and dense forests. It is fully paved and traffic free so it is a great way to move about the city along with the other connector trails.
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Gray's Lake Park has a total size of 166-acres and is located in the heart of Des Moines. The lake of the same name is the park's main feature and is surrounded by a path for cycling and hiking. One of the highlights is the bridge that crosses the lake, as it can be illuminated in the evening and nighttime.
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Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. The main feature of the park is the large lake, which give the park its name, and is located in the middle of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.
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Big Creek State Park is a very popular park for cycling and hiking. Big Creek Lake, at the center of the park, is the largest lake in the Iowa State Park system. The park has a swimming beach, paved bike and walking paths, restrooms and picnic areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes in Iowa for recreation?
Iowa offers many popular lakes for recreation. The Iowa Great Lakes region, including West Okoboji Lake, Big Spirit Lake, and East Okoboji Lake, is highly regarded for its diverse activities. Other favorites include Rathbun Lake, Lake Red Rock, and Clear Lake. For specific park experiences, visitors enjoy Big Creek State Park and Gray's Lake Park.
What makes the Iowa Great Lakes region unique?
The Iowa Great Lakes region, consisting of West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake, and Big Spirit Lake, is unique for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. West Okoboji Lake is one of only three blue water lakes in the world, known for its deep, clear waters. Big Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa and a glacial pothole, while East Okoboji Lake is the longest. This area is a hub for boating, fishing, and family attractions like Arnolds Park Amusement Park.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Iowa with amenities?
Yes, many lakes in Iowa are family-friendly and offer various amenities. Big Creek State Park features a swimming beach, paved paths, and picnic areas. Lake Manawa State Park includes canoe and paddle-boat rentals, a beach, and the Dream Playground. Spring Lake Park also offers a lake, beach, playgrounds, and cabins, making it ideal for families.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Iowa's lakes?
Iowa's lakes provide a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and paddle sports. Many lakes also have extensive trail systems for hiking and biking. For example, you can find various cycling routes in the region, including those mentioned in the Cycling in Iowa guide, and hiking trails like those in the Hiking in Iowa guide.
Which lakes are best for fishing in Iowa?
Iowa's lakes are excellent for fishing. Big Spirit Lake is a haven for anglers, abundant with bullhead, largemouth bass, and northern pike. West Okoboji Lake is popular for yellow perch, bluegill, and walleye. Rathbun Lake and Lake Red Rock are also favorite spots for fishing enthusiasts, offering diverse species.
Where can I find good hiking and cycling trails around Iowa's lakes?
Many lakes in Iowa offer great opportunities for hiking and cycling. Big Creek State Park has paved bike and walking paths. Gray's Lake Park features a paved path around the lake. Lake Red Rock has extensive trails for hiking and biking. You can explore more options in the Hiking in Iowa and Cycling in Iowa guides.
Are there any lakes in Iowa known for unique natural features or wildlife spotting?
Yes, several lakes in Iowa are notable for their natural features and wildlife. West Okoboji Lake is famous for its rare blue waters. Big Spirit Lake, a glacial pothole, offers serene environments for bird watching and wildlife observation. Rathbun Lake and Lake Red Rock are excellent for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles, pelicans, Canada geese, and white-tailed deer.
What are some of the largest lakes in Iowa?
Iowa is home to several large lakes. Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake, spanning 15,000 acres. Rathbun Lake, often called 'Iowa's Ocean,' is another vast body of water. Big Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa, and East Okoboji Lake is the longest. These large lakes provide ample space for various water sports and recreation.
What facilities are available at Saylorville Lake?
Saylorville Lake is a popular reservoir offering numerous facilities. The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center provides scheduled events, interactive displays, and maps, along with restrooms and a butterfly garden. The surrounding recreation area includes multiple beaches, hiking trails, bird watching spots, and picnic shelters, making it a comprehensive destination for visitors.
Can I find beaches and swimming areas at Iowa's lakes?
Yes, many lakes in Iowa feature designated beaches and swimming areas. Big Creek State Park has a swimming beach, as does Lake Manawa State Park. Spring Lake Park and Brushy Creek Lake also offer beaches for visitors to enjoy.
Are there any lakes in Iowa with historical significance?
While many lakes are known for recreation, some have historical context. Black Hawk Lake is a glacially-formed lake with a nearby town, Lake View, offering a historical museum. Lake Manawa was formed during an 1881 Missouri River flood, giving it a unique origin story. The Devonian Fossil Gorge near Lake Red Rock offers a glimpse into geological history.
What is the best time to visit Iowa's lakes?
The best time to visit Iowa's lakes largely depends on the activities you're interested in. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and water sports. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing, with fewer crowds. Clear Lake is known for year-round enjoyment, including its annual Fourth of July celebration, and the Iowa Great Lakes host winter activities like the University of Okoboji Winter Games.
Most popular routes in Iowa
Most popular attractions in Iowa
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