Downtown Carter Lake, Iowa

Hotels

Hotel Tips

Avoid booking poolside for kids playing during the day and gatherings at night. Sound bounces off of the water and voices carry so ask for a room away from the pool either on the opposite side of the hotel or in higher floors.

Not all online booking systems are fully integrated with hotel reservations systems so there is a chance that smaller hotels are hand entering your stay from a fax machine which leaves room for errors. Book directly with hotel to avoid any problems and ask for a price match if you find a better price online.

Always announce during booking if the trip is for a special event, anniversary or reunion. Group rates can be pre-negotiated and you may qualify for a lower cost and better upgrades for your stay. If you are the one setting up the event, always work directly with the front desk manager to make sure the best service is offered to your party.

Things To Do

Carter Lake brings smiles by way of doughnuts and pastries made fresh daily for your enjoyment. Everyone has their favorite of course but having a variety of bakeries is what makes downtown so special. Fritters, scones and pies oh my!

Carter Lake is a great place to rent a bike and take it for a ride around downtown. There are many bike shops that sell bike and accessories as well as provide service and tuning on your ride. Don't forget your helmet and other protective gear such as reflective gear, headlight and horn.

Carter Lake has a great collection of barber shops to choose from if you want to take a little off the top, get a clean shave or to trim your moustache or beard. Take a moment to consider buying some styling gel, beard oil or wax and always tip well.

Why Do You Love Downtown?

Erin Lawless
The shops and bakery make it an appealing destination for people who want to keep small businesses going by enjoying those shops as well

Robby
High quality group of restaurants and wonderful shops! Authentic old fashioned down-town atmosphere brings it all together very well.

Mary Warszynski
I have not been there yet. I am planning a family outing for March.

Sandy saltzer
Great shopping

Randy Swansen
We haven't been before, but we're looking forward to coming down next week!

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