The Cedar Rapids-Iowa City corridor in eastern Iowa has two excellent lakes almost in its backyard, plus several more within an hour – making it one of the easiest metros in the state for a quick fishing, boating or beach day. This guide rounds up the best lakes near Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, IA. Each links to our full lake guide. This page is part of our Iowa Lakes Database.
Best lakes near Cedar Rapids & Iowa City
- Coralville Lake (~20-30 min). The corridor’s big lake, a Corps reservoir on the Iowa River just north of Iowa City, with beaches, campgrounds, boat ramps and good walleye, crappie and catfish fishing.
- Lake Macbride (~25 min). Adjacent to Coralville at Iowa’s largest state park, Lake Macbride offers a beach, boat rentals, no-wake quiet water and solid bass, crappie and bluegill fishing.
- Hickory Grove Lake (~1 hr W). A renovated county-park lake between Cedar Rapids and Ames, with a beach, campground and improving bass and panfish fishing.
- Lake Darling (~1 hr S). A restored state-park lake near Brighton with a beach, campground and quality largemouth bass and bluegill.
What to do on the lakes near the Corridor
For most Cedar Rapids and Iowa City residents, Coralville Lake and Lake Macbride are the go-to pair – side by side just north of Iowa City, with beaches, camping, paddling and fishing all in one area. The Macbride no-wake water is ideal for kayaks and sailboats, while Coralville suits powerboats and anglers. For a change of scenery, Hickory Grove and Lake Darling add restored state and county lakes within about an hour. A Iowa fishing license is required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest lake to Iowa City?
Coralville Lake is just north of Iowa City, with Lake Macbride right next to it – the two closest lakes for fishing, boating and swimming.
What is the closest lake to Cedar Rapids?
Coralville Lake and Lake Macbride, about 25-30 minutes south, are the closest big lakes; Pleasant Creek and Hickory Grove areas are also within reach.
Where can you swim near Cedar Rapids and Iowa City?
Coralville Lake, Lake Macbride and Hickory Grove Lake all have swimming beaches within about an hour of the Corridor.
Related: see the largest lakes in Iowa, the best lakes in Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
