Book a hotel near Torkelson Pits Wildlife Area, Forest City

"We stayed at the Garner Inn & Suites after a concert at the Surf Ballroom in nearby Clear Lake. It's about a 10 or 15 minute drive from Clear Lake, super easy, just down the highway. The Garner Inn is very comfortable and well appointed, actually nicer than you might expect to find in a small town. The breakfast included hot items like sausage and omelets, in addition to the expected items like a waffle machine and muffins and yogurt. Staff was very friendly."

"Look—when we rolled into Clear Lake, Iowa, I wasn’t expecting the Best Western to go this hard. But it did. This ain’t your dusty roadside motel full of cigarette ghosts and broken vending dreams. This place? Immaculate. Like, I’ve been in firebases cleaner than some hotels… this wasn’t one of them. This was better. Me, Brittany, and our dog Cracker (yes, that’s his real name, relax) rolled in looking like a traveling circus of chaos and sass. They didn’t flinch. They didn’t judge. They just handed over keys like they’ve seen worse—and let’s be real, they probably have. Room? Cleaner than my DD-214. Beds? Softer than my ex’s boundaries. Showers? Hotter than Brittany’s patience when Cracker did laps around the room for 45 minutes straight. Staff? Polite enough to fake laughter when Cracker barked at his reflection like it owed him money. We had a lake view and zero complaints—except the vending machine didn’t have Reese’s. I’d dock half a star but then I remember the breakfast slapped and the coffee didn’t taste like regret. Bottom line: If you're looking for a place to crash that doesn’t feel like you're in a crime documentary reenactment, Best Western Clear Lake is that spot. Pet-friendly. People-tolerant. And they didn’t call the cops when we asked if ghosts were extra. Rating: 5 outta 5 barkin’ Crackers. Would haunt again."

"The property is under new ownership as of the 1st of the year and we met them. Fabulous people. The rooms are freshly updated with outstanding comfortable beds, new paint, walk-in showers, service was impeccable. The view of the lake was gorgeous. There was a microwave, refrigerator, Keurig in the rooms. There was a restaurant out back that included a bar, but it did not serve breakfast, nor is there a continental breakfast, but don't let that deter you from staying there! Plenty of breakfast places close by. We will be returning for another stay! Rhonda A"

"Great staff, nice clean rooms, and a top notch breakfast compared to most other hotels! Wonderful experience!"

"This place is a great value for the money!"

"This house was everything our family was looking for. "