6 Lakes in Iowa That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

December brings blasts of Arctic air that coat Iowa’s lakes and ponds, particularly the state’s northern half. By January, many bodies of water have several inches of ice, providing recreational fun for anglers, skaters, and snowmobilers. 

Before heading onto the ice, though, ensure the ice is thick enough to support your weight. Even when frozen lakes look safe enough, there are always weak spots. As a rule, lake ice should be at least 4 inches thick for walking and at least 5 inches thick for ATVs. Always avoid dark and discolored spots of ice or snow, and never go out alone.

If you can’t wait to get out on the frozen landscape, check out these six lakes in Iowa that completely freeze over in the winter!

Clear Lake

Measuring seven miles long and covering a surface area of 3,684 acres, Clear Lake is an oasis in the Midwest. This spring-fed lake formed around 14,000 years ago and is now the center of a thriving small town in north-central Iowa. Not only is it a recreational paradise during the summer, but it also offers plenty of winter fun. The water freezes over later in the year, so plan for ice fishing by January. February is an excellent time to visit. The annual Color the Wind festival takes place on the frozen lake, where people come to fly their best winter kites!

Black Hawk Lake

Covering 957 acres in Sac County, Black Hawk Lake is the southernmost glacial lake in America and an iconic lake and recreation area of Iowa. While it’s a lively spot for summer activities, Black Hawk Lake provides fun in the snow and ice. It is one of the best lakes for ice fishing, particularly crappie and yellow perch. However, you should know that Black Hawk occasionally experiences winter fish kill, especially during harsh winter conditions that prevent sunlight from reaching aquatic plants. 

Pine Lake

The Pine Lake State Park sits in central Iowa among miles of rolling farmland, offering a lush area for camping, fishing, and general family fun. Upper and Lower Pine Lake provide scenic views and opportunities for anglers across the state. During the winter, this state park turns into a winter wonderland, complete with a massive frozen lake and trees cloaked in snow. While visitors can ice fish on the lake, there may be occasional weak spots. The surrounding wooded areas offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cabin rentals. 

Rathbun Lake

Located in Appanoose County of Southern Iowa, Rathbun Lake is a massive body of water covering 11,000 acres. With 700 campsites and plenty of hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities, the lake and surrounding rolling hills are a popular attraction year-round. January is the perfect time to walk across the frozen surface of Rathbun Lake. It’s often thick enough to support ice fishers by mid-winter, and the barren landscape offers a quiet retreat for visitors. Along with ice fishing, visitors can participate in snowmobiling, sledding, and ice skating.

Brushy Creek Lake

The Brushy Creek State Recreation Area covers 6,500 acres in north-central Iowa and contains a 690-acre lake, grasslands, prairies, and an extensive trail network. The lake is a popular fishing destination year-round. By January, the lake’s surface ice is about 2 to 4 inches thick. While many go ice fishing on the lake during winter, conditions vary depending on the climate. Stay updated with the latest ice measurements and look for event cancellations, like the annual ice fishing derby. 

Coralville Lake

Coralville is an artificial lake in north-central Iowa in Johnson County. It has many recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hunting, biking, and swimming. The lake freezes over in winter when extreme cold fronts move in. While most of Coralville Lake receives several inches of ice during the cold months, the ice can be unstable and fluctuate throughout the season due to temperature increases and snow cover. Coralville Lake is popular among ice anglers and snowmobilers, but weak spots are common on this lake, and care should be taken before venturing out.  

Summary of the 6 Lakes in Iowa That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Chirawan, Layer-Lab, Natalya Nepran from Natalya Nepran, Ukraine, Kharkiv/ via Canva.com