| Clear Lake, Iowa | |
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| Coordinates: | |
|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Cerro Gordo |
| Area | |
| - Total | 13.0 sq mi (33.7 km²) |
| - Land | 10.4 sq mi (27.0 km²) |
| - Water | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Elevation | 1,237 ft (377 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Total | 8,161 |
| - Density | 782.4/sq mi (302.1/km²) |
| Time zone | Central (CST) (UTC-6) |
| - Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP code | 50428 |
| Area code(s) | 641 |
| FIPS code | 19-14025 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0455465 |
Clear Lake is a city in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States. The population was 8,161 at the 2000 census. The city is named for the large lake on which it is located. It is the home of a number of marinas, state parks and tourism-related businesses. Clear Lake is also a major stop on Interstate 35 with many restaurants, hotels and truck stops. Nelson P. Crabb was elected mayor of Clear Lake in 2005 and began his term as mayor in January of 2006.
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"The Day the Music Died"
In the early hours of February 3, 1959, a Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft carrying Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, who had been performing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, took off from the local runway in nearby Mason City, on its way to the next show. The plane crashed soon after takeoff, killing all aboard. This event was later eulogized by folk singer Don McLean in his famous song, "American Pie", in which the death of these '50s icons serves as a metaphor for greater changes within American society as a whole.
Geography
Clear Lake is located at (43.136479, -93.379927)GR1. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.0 square miles (33.7 km²), of which, 10.4 square miles (27.0 km²) of it is land and 2.6 square miles (6.7 km²) of it (19.95%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 8,161 people, 3,461 households, and 2,239 families residing in the city. The population density was 782.4 people per square mile (302.1/km²). There were 4,156 housing units at an average density of 398.4/sq mi (153.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.99% White, 0.27% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.92% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.86% of the population. There were 3,461 households out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.86. In the city the population was spread out with 23.0% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males. The median income for a household in the city was $35,097, and the median income for a family was $45,589. Males had a median income of $30,266 versus $21,356 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,213. About 5.0% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.
Locations
Attractions
- Surf Ballroom- Site of Buddy Holly's last concert, the Surf Ballroom still has concerts and can be reserved as a convention hall or reception site.
- Lady of the Lake- The stern wheeler ferry boat takes passengers on a scenic cruise around Clear Lake. The Lady of the Lake has an enclosed lower level and an open upper level.[1]
- Clear Lake Fire Museum- Designed to resemble an early fire station, this museum's highlights include a 1924 Ahrens-Fox pumper truck, the city's 1883 hand-pulled hose cart, and the original fire bell used by the department. Also there is a memorial dedicated to honor all the firefighters who have served Clear Lake.[2]
- Guardian Angel Roadside Chapel- Built by Jack Kennedy, The Guardian Angel Chapel overlooks Interstate 35 and is open to the public daily.[2]
- Fort Custer Maze- The maze covers nearly two acres and has over two miles of trail. The design is changed weekly during the summer season and prizes are given weekly for the fastest times.[2]
- Clear Lake Arts Center- This non-profit organization, the Arts Center displays local and regional artists' work along with a sales gallery and art classes open to the public. [2]
Schools
Public Clear Lake School District has five schools: [3]
- Sunset View Elementary: pre-kindergarten-kindergarten.
- Lincoln Elementary: 1st-2nd grade.
- Clear Creek Elementary: 3rd-5th grades.
- The Middle School: 6th-8th grades
- The High School: 9th-12th grades.
Private North Iowa Christian School: pre-kindergarten-8th grade [3]
Churches
- Agapé Christian Family Church
- Church of Christ
- Clear Lake Christian Church
- Clear Lake Evangelical Free Church
- Clear Lake Regular Baptist Church
- Clear Lake United Methodist
- Community of Christ
- First Church of Christ Scientist
- First Church of the Open Bible
- First Congregational Church
- Galilean Lutheran Church (ELCA)
- Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS)
- Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
- St. Patrick's Catholic Church
- Ventura United Methodist
- Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA)
External links
- Chamber of Commerce
- Clear Lake, Iowa is at coordinates Coordinates:
Notes
- ^ Lady of the Lake Cruise
- ^ a b c d Attractions
- ^ a b Clear Lake, Iowa (IA) Detailed Profile
- ^ Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce - Church Directory
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Cerro Gordo County, Iowa |
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|---|---|---|
| County seat: Mason City | ||
| Cities |
Clear Lake | Dougherty | Mason City | Meservey | Nora Springs | Plymouth | Rock Falls | Rockwell | Swaledale | Thornton | Ventura |
 |
| Townships |
Bath | City of Clear Lake | Clear Lake | Dougherty | Falls | Geneseo | Grant | Grimes | Lake | Lime Creek | Lincoln | Mason | Mason City | Mount Vernon | Owen | Pleasant Valley | Portland | Union |
|
