Cleanest and clearest

When it comes to lakes, most Iowans think of the Iowa Great Lakes of the Okoboji area, as the state’s best. But you’ll have to look elsewhere for the clearest water in the state.

As it turns out, the lake with the clearest water in the Hawkeye State isn’t too far away from that area. In fact, it’s around halfway between Arnold’s Park.

According to Only In Your State Iowa, the clearest water in the Hawkeye State can be found in Emmetsburg at Five Island Lake.

Not only does Five Island Lake have some of the cleanest and clearest water in the Hawkeye State, but it also has a wide array of activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Five Island Lake is a natural lake in Emmetsburg, Iowa. It’s located in Palo Alto County, on the north edge of Emmetsburg. 

The lake is 1,002.2 acres and has a maximum depth of 26.1 ft. The mean depth is 5.68 ft. Five Island Lake is considered one of Iowa’s most beautiful natural lakes.