Cedar Rapids Lakes

Lakes Close to Cedar Rapids

When the weather is right you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. Lucky for you, when you come to Cedar Rapids you have some options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous great arguments for a getaway to a lake in Cedar Rapids this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Take a look at the table below to see the options from swimming lakes to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Cedar Rapids

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Cedar Rapids you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend to a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Any stay on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes provide you with all kinds of options.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Cedar Rapids that has a public launch and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Pack a picnic basket. Cedar Rapids’s lakes gives you the chance to visit a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Lake Checklist

Your plan for a lake getaway can be drastically different when you take into consideration which lake you choose, when you decide to go, and the activities on your to-do list. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of our favorite lake and beach-related items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

When you’re out on a lake near Cedar Rapids you’ll probably want to bring along many of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, comfortable, and having fun.

  • A receptacle for trash
  • Radio or speaker
  • Something to dry off with
  • Insect repellant
  • Bottle opener
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Food and snacks
  • Bathing suits
  • Dry shirt
  • A cooler and drinks

Additional lake gear

Take into consideration your planned activities when at the water and who will be joining you, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check before hitting the road.

  • Fishing poles
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Worms or other bait
  • Wine key
  • Life jackets
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Kindle
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing

Lake Safety

Of course spending a weekend to the lake can be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Not everyone has had a chance to make their way to the lakes near Cedar Rapids and might have a few questions on ways to maximize their fun. Certainly, every lake will possess their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to review when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Asking a local will usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Cedar Rapids might be packed with beachgoers. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!