Food scene
This is a local and visitor favorite! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Whether you choose to dine outside at the brightly colored picnic tables or in the historic interior, you are in for great food and a great time. Outside boasts the Tiki Bar, a small wading beach for kids, yard games, and even a pirate ship stage that kids love to play on. There are numerous concerts and events during the summer. Come visit us between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and you can visit PM Park without even having to drive anywhere. We are located right across the street!
16 locals recommend
PM Park
15297 Raney DrThis is a local and visitor favorite! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Whether you choose to dine outside at the brightly colored picnic tables or in the historic interior, you are in for great food and a great time. Outside boasts the Tiki Bar, a small wading beach for kids, yard games, and even a pirate ship stage that kids love to play on. There are numerous concerts and events during the summer. Come visit us between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and you can visit PM Park without even having to drive anywhere. We are located right across the street!
You can’t miss the place lovingly referred to as “the cone” by locals. Bonus: it’s close enough to drive or have a short drive.
8 locals recommend
South Shore Sweet Spot
5269 S Shore DrYou can’t miss the place lovingly referred to as “the cone” by locals. Bonus: it’s close enough to drive or have a short drive.
If you’re looking for the gem that all of the locals go to, you’ve found it! A must try for seafood, steak, and chicken dishes.
8 locals recommend
Half Moon Inn
701 Buddy Holly PlIf you’re looking for the gem that all of the locals go to, you’ve found it! A must try for seafood, steak, and chicken dishes.
Lake Time Brewery
801 Main AvePart new age/holistic health shop, part tea shop, this a must stop for those looking to add a little bit of relaxation to their lives. We have recommended and gifted their tea to many. There is no going back! A favorite in our house is the apple cobbler tea and strawberry lemonade.
Holistic Harmony
313 North 8th StreetPart new age/holistic health shop, part tea shop, this a must stop for those looking to add a little bit of relaxation to their lives. We have recommended and gifted their tea to many. There is no going back! A favorite in our house is the apple cobbler tea and strawberry lemonade.
A favorite among our guests, you must try their delicious cookies and popcorn!
9 locals recommend
Cookies, etc.
217 Main AveA favorite among our guests, you must try their delicious cookies and popcorn!
GeJo's by the Lake - Italian Restaurant and Lounge
12 N 3rd StAMAZING Italian by the lake.
If you’re looking for the best affordable local place to get meat, sides, or something to grill, Louie’s is hands down the best. They also make delicious and fresh donuts on the weekends! Our family always looks forward to visiting and trying out new selections from Louie’s.
7 locals recommend
Louie's Custom Meats and More
810 US-18If you’re looking for the best affordable local place to get meat, sides, or something to grill, Louie’s is hands down the best. They also make delicious and fresh donuts on the weekends! Our family always looks forward to visiting and trying out new selections from Louie’s.
Randy's Neighborhood Market
20 S 4th StLocal grocery store in downtown Clear Lake.
Fareway Grocery
910 US-18Papa Everett's Pizza
910 U.S. 18Any local will tell you, you have to try ice cream or even dinner at the Viking! They take cash only and typically have long lines, so be prepared. Once you see how huge and delicious treats like the chocolate chip cookie sundae are, you’ll forget all about the wait. Early afternoon tends to be a better time to visit to avoid crowds.
11 locals recommend
The Viking
3 S Main StAny local will tell you, you have to try ice cream or even dinner at the Viking! They take cash only and typically have long lines, so be prepared. Once you see how huge and delicious treats like the chocolate chip cookie sundae are, you’ll forget all about the wait. Early afternoon tends to be a better time to visit to avoid crowds.
If you’re looking for a fantastic deli like you’d find in the city, hidden in the area, I highly suggest you try out State Street deli! High quality sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.
State Street Deli
107 E State StIf you’re looking for a fantastic deli like you’d find in the city, hidden in the area, I highly suggest you try out State Street deli! High quality sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.
If you’re looking for a convenience store, check out the quick shop! They even have a drive-through so you don’t have to get out of your car.
Quick Shop
904 North 8th StreetIf you’re looking for a convenience store, check out the quick shop! They even have a drive-through so you don’t have to get out of your car.
The Other Place
200 US-187 Stars Family Restaurant
2309 3rd Ave SGreat breakfast stop!
Cabin Coffee Co
303 Main AveGyro Place
300 Main AvenueCookies, etc.
217 Main AveMuskie Lounge
702 E Lake StIf you are on the Ventura side of the lake, and you need a quick snack or something to eat, stop in to the Ventura Mart. This is also the closest gas station to McIntosh. Many people visiting worry about running out of gas, having access to a bathroom, or needing a quick snack and Internet search results often overlook this little local gem. If you stop by during breakfast, I recommend the Nordic breakfast sandwich.
Ventura Mart
If you are on the Ventura side of the lake, and you need a quick snack or something to eat, stop in to the Ventura Mart. This is also the closest gas station to McIntosh. Many people visiting worry about running out of gas, having access to a bathroom, or needing a quick snack and Internet search results often overlook this little local gem. If you stop by during breakfast, I recommend the Nordic breakfast sandwich.
This is a great and affordable option for those looking for a diner like atmosphere.
7 Stars Family Restaurant
2309 3rd Ave SThis is a great and affordable option for those looking for a diner like atmosphere.
This award winning lunch spot is One of the top things on the list of many returning visitors. It’s a great place to eat while shopping downtown as well. Make sure to check their hours of operation which tend to be scarce.
18 locals recommend
Starboard Market
310 Main AveThis award winning lunch spot is One of the top things on the list of many returning visitors. It’s a great place to eat while shopping downtown as well. Make sure to check their hours of operation which tend to be scarce.
Pasta Bella Mason City
416 Indianhead DrSightseeing
A Clear Lake staple! Nothing is better than an afternoon on the lake on this classic icon of Clear Lake.
15 locals recommend
Lady of the Lake Dock
North Lake View DriveA Clear Lake staple! Nothing is better than an afternoon on the lake on this classic icon of Clear Lake.
Feel like a day trip in the greater area? You can’t miss the grotto!
8 locals recommend
Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption
208 1st Ave NWFeel like a day trip in the greater area? You can’t miss the grotto!
They offer fantastic boat rentals, including pontoons with slides! The best part is, you don’t even have to get in the car. It is located directly across the street from the Stone House!
6 locals recommend
Clear Lake Boats - Marina: Barge/Rentals/Gas
4749D S Shore DrThey offer fantastic boat rentals, including pontoons with slides! The best part is, you don’t even have to get in the car. It is located directly across the street from the Stone House!
Buddy Holly Crash Site
The Music Man Square
308 S Pennsylvania AveEast Park
802 3rd St NEThere are literally fossils everywhere to explore along with a great nature center! Make sure to take a bucket or something to put your keepsake fossils in.
Fossil & Prairie Center
There are literally fossils everywhere to explore along with a great nature center! Make sure to take a bucket or something to put your keepsake fossils in.
Three Stars Plaza
Rent a golf cart, kayak, party pontoon, or boat during your visit! Make sure to book ahead!
8 locals recommend
Movement Solutions
4859 US-18Rent a golf cart, kayak, party pontoon, or boat during your visit! Make sure to book ahead!
Outdoors
McIntosh Woods State Park
1200 E Lake StClear Lake State Park
6490 S Shore CtMake sure to check out the view from the tower! You could spend hours hiking or picnicking here.
Pilot Knob State Park
2148 340th StMake sure to check out the view from the tower! You could spend hours hiking or picnicking here.
Lime Creek Nature Center Trail
Lime Creek Nature Center TrailFantastic hiking trails, natural play space, and nature center.
Well-maintained public bathrooms, a newer splash pad for kids, and a sandy beach to splash and swim at.
13 locals recommend
City Beach Park
South Lakeview DriveWell-maintained public bathrooms, a newer splash pad for kids, and a sandy beach to splash and swim at.
Beeds Lake State Park
1422 165th StreetA beautiful area to visit, as well as a hike along the spillway.
Apples on the Avenue
3035 Addison BoulevardGeorgia Hanford Park
Entertainment
Bowling, arcade games, and delicious bar food selections.
Super Bowl, Inc.
19050 Iowa 9Lake Theatre
4 N 4th StA nostalgic, affordable theater for the whole family!
Pottery on the Plaza
14 South Federal AvenueShopping
Lake Lifestyle
311 Main AveThe Basic Birder
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Food delivery
DoorDash does service the Stone House! After a busy day on the lake, order from the door Dash app to have delicious food from clear Lake and Mason city delivered to your doorstep.
Don't miss
Geocaching
For guests into geocaching, make sure to check out the music man map!