Top 5 Lakes around Clive

Several lakes near Clive offer excellent family-friendly amenities. Gray's Lake Park features a large playground and a paved path suitable for strollers. Big Creek Lake boasts a popular beach with a large playground and cabanas. Easter Lake also has a sandy swimming beach, playgrounds, and picnic shelters, making it ideal for a family day out.

Yes, many lakes in the area provide great options for walking and cycling. Gray's Lake Park has a 1.9-mile paved trail encircling the lake. Easter Lake offers a 4-mile paved trail, and Big Creek Lake features extensive paved bike and walking paths. Saylorville Lake is home to the Neal Smith Trail, a 26-mile multipurpose trail perfect for longer excursions.

Gray's Lake Park is noted for its accessibility, featuring a paved path around the lake. Big Creek Lake also offers an accessible fishing pier, ensuring more visitors can enjoy the lake's offerings.

The lakes near Clive are rich in wildlife. Saylorville Lake, particularly along the Neal Smith Trail, is known for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Many of the lakes, including Blue Heron Lake and Easter Lake, are managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for diverse fish species, attracting various birdlife and other animals.

Fishing is a popular activity at most lakes near Clive. Big Creek Lake is well-regarded for fishing, with species like bluegill, crappie, and walleye, and offers fishing jetties and an accessible pier. Blue Heron Lake and Easter Lake also provide diverse fishing opportunities, including catfish, largemouth bass, and more.

Yes, several lakes are great for boating and paddling. Saylorville Lake is a significant reservoir known for boating. Big Creek Lake offers open water for distance paddling and protected coves for beginners, with rentals available at the Big Creek Marina. Blue Heron Lake and Gray's Lake are also ideal for paddling, with Gray's Lake being shallow and protected, perfect for beginners.

Beyond lake-specific activities, the area around Clive offers numerous outdoor options. You can find various running trails, including loops around Gray's Lake Park. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the Neal Smith Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail. For hiking, explore trails such as the Walnut Woods Raccoon River Trail or the Colby Woods Trail. You can find more details on these activities in the running, cycling, and hiking guides for Clive.

While specific cafes directly on the lake shores are limited, many of the parks surrounding these lakes, such as Gray's Lake Park and Raccoon River Park, are located within or very close to the Des Moines metropolitan area. This means a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to cafes, are typically just a short drive away.

The best time to visit the lakes near Clive largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying the beaches. Many parks and trails remain accessible in winter for those who enjoy cold-weather walks, though some water activities may be limited.

Easter Lake Park is notable for featuring Polk County's last remaining covered bridge, adding a touch of historical charm to its natural beauty. Gray's Lake Park is recognized for its iconic bridge that crosses the lake, which can be illuminated at night, creating a unique urban landmark.

Some lakes or their surrounding parks may have day-use fees, particularly for amenities like boat launches or specific recreation areas. For example, Saylorville Lake has day-use fees, with options for annual passes. It's always advisable to check the specific park's website for the most current information on fees before your visit. For Easter Lake Park, you can find more details on the Polk County Iowa Conservation website.