American is 250 years old and Clear Lake, Iowa is celebrating with a bang! Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Stacy Doughan explains why 60,000 Iowans squeeze into the town during this massive celebration, visitor FAQs, and why key decisions around lake restoration improved the local area.
Doughan explains why Clear Lake is seeing a growth spurt as people seek out quiet, close-knit life. She also tells the encouraging story of how Clear Lake went from an eye-sore to something the local community is proud of. That growth however has come at a cost she says. Housing hasn’t kept up with demand. What’s being done about that?
Doughan recently shared how her small town of 7,600 residents transforms into a bustling tourism hub during Independence Day. The historic celebration, which spans six days from July 1st through 6th, draws an astonishing 50,000 to 60,000 people on the holiday itself and over 100,000 visitors throughout the week. “For over 170 years we’ve been celebrating the 4th of July and our independence,” Doughan noted, highlighting a deep-rooted tradition that dates back to 1856.
This year, for America’s 250th anniversary, the town is bringing back the reading of the Declaration of Independence aloud for the first time since World War II. Explaining the massive influx of visitors, Doughan said, “I think people just like that small town Americana feel.” The multi-day event features a 52-year-old carnival partnership, live music tribute acts, a family fun day, and a specialized performance by the Waterhawks Ski Team.
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Overcoming Housing Challenges
While tourism thrives, Doughan addressed the unique economic pressures facing the community. Clear Lake’s population easily doubles or triples in the summer, and roughly 20% of its housing supply is utilized by seasonal residents. This high demand drives up real estate costs, making it difficult for essential workforce members like new teachers to find affordable homes. To combat this, the town recently added a 96-unit apartment complex and is leveraging a state BOOST grant to analyze structural housing issues.
Rejuvenating Community Assets
Doughan emphasized that Clear Lake’s current resurgence stems primarily from long-term environmental stewardship rather than retail facelifts. “Over $26 million has been poured into the lake to ensure that it is healthy and it is a great place for people to go and enjoy recreationally,” she explained. Combined with a 2021 state placemaking grant that totally revitalized the historic Surf District, these lake restoration efforts continue to solidify Clear Lake as a premier midwestern destination.