Clearwater, MN

Travel Guide

A calm lake reflecting the sky, surrounded by hills and trees.
A man driving a horse-drawn plow through a field.
Three Adirondack chairs facing a lake with boats and a distant city skyline.

Travel to Clearwater for city parks, nearby lakes, and a mix of recreational and romantic experiences.

Clearwater is an ideal destination for outdoor and romantic travelers. You can visit Clearwater City Hall, explore the Hoglund Wildlife Management Area, and unwind in El Dorado Park. For recreational activities, Warner Lake Park is a great venue, while Clear Waters Outfitting provides shopping options. If you're looking for skiing, nearby Powder Ridge offers a ski field, and the National Hockey Center and Riverside Park are nearby facilities for sports.

Take time to wander Clearwater's nearby areas, each with its own character. St. Augusta and Annandale are known for outdoor scenery experiences, with Annandale featuring Pleasant Lake, Cedar Lake, and Sugar Lake. Clear Lake is also nearby and offers romantic outdoor experiences, boasting lakes like Briggs Lake, Rush Lake, and Elk Lake. Exploring these areas adds variety to your visit.

The best time to visit Clearwater is from June to September when the weather is mild, ranging from 62 to 72°F, and conditions are mostly dry and sunny. Demand tends to stay steady throughout the year, with a slight increase in visitors during the busier months of June to August, while October to December is generally quieter. This balance allows for a pleasant experience regardless of when you choose to go.

HomeTown Inn

HomeTown Inn

2 out of 5
945 State Highway 24 Clearwater MN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$83 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15
$89 total
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Clearwater. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
HomeTown Inn
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites St. Cloud by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites St. Cloud by IHG

2.5 out of 5
4322 Clearwater Road St Cloud MN
$103 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Dec 13 to Dec 14
$116 total
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St Cloud. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Pleasant staff, clean and quiet rooms. Good breakfast."

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites St. Cloud by IHG
Best Western Plus Kelly Inn

Best Western Plus Kelly Inn

3 out of 5
100 4th Ave S St Cloud MN
$106 nightly
The price is $120 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$120 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St Cloud. Enjoy free parking, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Best Western Plus Kelly Inn
See all 334 properties in Clearwater
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lakefront Cabin on Little Rock Lake - Beautiful Views, Fire Pit & Family Fun

Lakefront Cabin on Little Rock Lake - Beautiful Views, Fire Pit & Family Fun

Rice MN
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Rice. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden.
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Loved all of the amenities. We stayed when it was too cold to enjoy much of the lake, will definitely have to return in the summer!"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026

Lakefront Cabin on Little Rock Lake - Beautiful Views, Fire Pit & Family Fun
Cozy lake cabin with your own private dock. Secluded lot close to the city!

Cozy lake cabin with your own private dock. Secluded lot close to the city!

Buffalo MN
Stay at this cabin in Buffalo. Popular attractions Cardinal Park and Greenbriar Park are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (63 reviews)
"A slice of cabin life convenient to amenities of town (but not TOO close!) -- Will definitely be back..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Cozy lake cabin with your own private dock. Secluded lot close to the city!
Superb 5-bedroom house in Big Lake in friendly, safe neighborhood.

Superb 5-bedroom house in Big Lake in friendly, safe neighborhood.

Big Lake MN
Stay at this vacation home in Big Lake. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Eagle Lake and Mississippi Drive Park are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (23 reviews)
"It was in an ideal location and was the perfect size."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2026

Superb 5-bedroom house in Big Lake in friendly, safe neighborhood.
See all properties in Clearwater
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Clearwater attractions

A person water skiing with a wakeboard, surrounded by splashing water.

Clear Waters Outfitting

8.8/10 (3 reviews)
Take the family on an outing to Clear Waters Outfitting during your trip to Clearwater. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a hockey game.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Clearwater worth visiting?
Clearwater is worth visiting for its local dining scene, where travelers can enjoy a variety of North American and Italian cuisine. The area also offers engaging outdoor activities and attractions, including Warner Lake Park and experiences with Clear Waters Outfitting.
When is the best time to visit Clearwater?
The best time to visit Clearwater is from May through September, when the weather is warm and ideal for enjoying the beaches. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering milder temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere for travelers.
What is Clearwater known for?
Clearwater is known for its natural spaces, including Warner Lake Park and El Dorado Park, and for outdoor activities offered by Clear Waters Outfitting. As a riverside city on the Mississippi River, travelers can also find North American food culture here.
What is a good itinerary length for Clearwater?
A good itinerary length for Clearwater is two to three days to explore places like Warner Lake Park, Clear Waters Outfitting, and El Dorado Park. An extended stay of four to five days allows for more leisurely exploration of these natural areas and to enjoy the local North American, Italian, or Latin American cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around Clearwater?
Clearwater offers travelers a variety of outdoor spaces and natural areas to explore:

  • Visit Warner Lake Park, a scenic lake area.
  • See Clear Waters Outfitting, a local landmark.
  • Explore El Dorado Park for outdoor recreation.
  • Discover Hoglund Wildlife Management Area.
  • Wander through Sportsmans Park.

How do I plan a trip to Clearwater?
To plan your trip to Clearwater, search Expedia for places to stay and book flights, rental cars, and activities in advance. Explore nature at Warner Lake Park or Clear Waters Outfitting. Remember to have indoor backup plans for outdoor activities, ensuring weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Clearwater?
In Clearwater you can find Greek cuisine, featuring popular dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and gyros. Travelers can also enjoy diverse options such as Latin American cuisine with Mexican tacos and burritos, Italian pasta dishes, and various Asian flavors including Chinese, Japanese, and Thai. There are also North American and other European choices available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Clearwater?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Clearwater by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Clearwater with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Clearwater trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Clearwater?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Clearwater can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Clearwater trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Clearwater trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Clearwater trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Clearwater trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Clearwater?
If it's your first trip to Clearwater, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Clearwater hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Clearwater hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Clearwater

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Annandale

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A multi-tiered fountain with statues, surrounded by lush greenery and a gazebo.

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A wooden dock extending into calm water, surrounded by tall grasses and a clear blue sky.

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