Clear Lake, IA
Music connected to Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
- • Singer-songwriter Meredith Willson, composer of "The Music Man," was born in Clear Lake.
- • Surf Ballroom, a historic music venue, is where Buddy Holly played his last show.
- • Railroad access and tourism fueled Clear Lake's growth in the late 19th century.
- • Rumors persist about a hidden Prohibition-era tunnel system under downtown buildings.
- • The 1998 flood caused significant damage, reshaping the lakefront and community.
- • Named for its clear lake, Clear Lake was established in 1851 and incorporated in 1871.
- • With 7,637 residents, the population is similar to its 1960s peak.
- • At 1,250 feet, the elevation is higher than many other Iowa lake towns.
- • Tourism and agriculture drive Clear Lake's economy, with lake-related businesses prominent.
- • Clear Lake offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.