The Top 20 Lakes in Iowa
Looking to visit the best lakes in Iowa? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of Iowa’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: October 12, 2025
Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. Its main feature is the large lake in the center of the park.
There is also a paved walking and biking path that …
There is also a paved walking and biking path that …
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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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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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Raccoon River Park is a beautiful green park with Blue Heron Lake in the center. There is a path that runs along the banks of the lake, which is an …
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The Coralville Dam was constructed from 1949 to 1958 on the Iowa River. It was built as a flood control mechanism. Coralville Lake, a popular outdoor recreation area, was created as a result of the dam being built.
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Brushy Creek is a 690 acre lake and one of the deepest bodies of water in Iowa. There is a large swim beach on the west side, as well as four boat ramps and eight fishing jetties.
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Sugar Bottom Park is located on the banks of Coralville Lake. The park is a popular area for birdwatching, cycling and hiking. There are picnic areas, restrooms and 2 small beaches on the lake.
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