Star Communities: Lake View, Iowa

Star Communities are those communities that have shined above the rest. They may have overcome immense tragedy, or they have simply excelled beyond expectations for a town of their size. These are example communities that are role models for those who strive to be better. The community of Lake View, Iowa, is the latest to receive this designation.

Lake View Entrance Monument

The residents of Lake View know their niche. They know what it means to be a destination town. This little Iowa town of 1,113 residents has the envious position of sitting along the shores of a popular recreational lake in Northwest Iowa. Each year Black Hawk Lake draws over 250,000 visitors and Lake View plays host with great aplomb.

Walk, bike, or drive through town and anyone can see this small community’s efforts to be a memorable lakeside destination town. These efforts are certainly working. A leisurely stroll through town and the areas surrounding the lake will put you in a lakeside vacation state of mind.

A Distinctive Downtown

Although the main commercial area is only about three blocks long, it has a distinctive streetscape that was well thought through. Their brand is clearly evident all along this stretch of Main Street. The bright royal blue of their brand is replicated in the light poles, benches, and bike racks. Each light pole holds cloth banners that promote the Community and its selection as an Iowa Great Place. The vegetative landscape aspect of Lake View’s downtown streetscape looks affordable when compared to the lavish outlays of larger cities. But it still has a good impact on the visual character of this section of the community.

An additional, sometimes unnoticed, but still impactful aspect is the projecting signage throughout the downtown. Each sign has a similar arm design and format that hangs the sign out over the entrances to the various shops and offices along the street. It is a design that is well catered to those who walk downtown when they aren’t on the lake.

Downtown Lake View

The bright blue of the brand is also evident in the wayfinding signage throughout town. Well-placed signs throughout the community provide sufficient direction to visitors as to the location of various important locations in this resort-like town. The community’s logo is also clearly evident on their wayfinding signage to let you know that you aren’t just at Black Hawk Lake, but the City of Lake View as well.

Lake View Directional Sign and Great Places Banner

Working Together for the Better

It is important to note though that the 957-acre Black Hawk Lake is not a City-owned area. It is actually a state park run by the Iowa DNR. However, the City included the Iowa DNR in completing their recent Comprehensive Plan update in 2022. To be a true destination community it is important to include all the stakeholders in planning efforts. Especially those in charge of the destination. Whether it is a privately owned popular agritourism site or a government-run state park, their involvement is key. This is not only important in the planning stage but also in the implementation stage.

The City and the DNR have worked together on an off-street and on-street trail system from campsites in the state park to downtown. But the comprehensive plan goes further, calling for a bike trail around the entire lake. This could have a sizeable impact on bike tourism.

However, the City and the DNR also recognize the need to protect Black Hawk Lake. They’ve developed a list of projects to help protect the lake with an eye to the future of the area. This comprehensive list of projects with estimated costs is clearly geared to protecting and enhancing this valuable resource for the community.

Black Hawk Lake Sign

Give Them What They Want

But unlike some communities, Lake View hasn’t relied entirely on the DNR to provide recreational amenities to the lake. Being on the edge of Black Hawk Lake, the community took advantage of this position and created Camp Crescent. Campers have the choice of 166 reservable campsites, 38 non-reservable, and three “cozy” rental cabins.

Camp Crescent Directional Sign

This is not a simple campsite either. Most of the stalls include full utilities with water and sewer connections, not just electrical hook-ups. There are also shower houses with modern restrooms sprinkled throughout. Nearby facilities also provide rentals, miniature golf, and swimming. Although taxing on maintenance, policing, and EMS at times, the financial draw of this RV park each year must be significant.

The RV park sits adjacent to a cove off the lake that can be commonly referred to as a “party cove”. Several pontoons and boats tie-up together or just anchor down in the area to party it up. This cove is obviously a regional draw during the summertime.

Where are they often getting supplies? Local establishments. This means sales tax! Being able to use sales tax from this massive influx of visitors during the summer is incredibly important to the community’s bottom line. Rather than relying on the community’s residents to fund improvements through property taxes, sales tax can go above and beyond to make the community better than others of Lake View’s size.

More Than A Lake Town

But let’s look beyond the partiers. They’ve also catered to those who want to know more about the community. With historical markers placed throughout the town, residents and visitors alike can explore the history of Lake View and the area around the town. Special sites like Witch Hill and Shotgun Hill have explanatory kiosks that provide a look into the history of Lake View and the surrounding area that is not clearly evident by those visiting for the weekend.

There are also connections elsewhere as well. Lake View plays host to a stop along the Sauk Rail Trail. The Sauk Rail Trail is a regional trail that connects Lake View to Carroll in Northwest Iowa.

Sauk Rail Trail Entrance

Overall, it is clear that Lake View clearly understands the importance of being a destination community. They get it. Through and through. That’s why Lake View is our latest Star Community.

Ready for Economic Development

Lake View also shows signs they are more ready for development than many other towns of its size. The community’s website has a wealth of information about economic development programs that are available. Whether it is through the community itself, the regional council of governments or state sources, general details of each resource are provided. The economic development page also provides links to other websites for additional information on demographics and incentives for those who are intrigued by what they see. There’s also local contact information for those interested in developing in Lake View.

A Cohesive Model for a Lakeside Destination Community

Lake View isn’t as well known as a lakeside destination community as Osage Beach, Missouri, or South Lake Tahoe, California. But they’re “all in” as a destination community and the town is certainly a tourist draw. They understand the financial impact of tourist dollars and how it can lessen the local tax burden while stimulating the local economy.

Becoming a viable destination community isn’t easy. Especially for a community the size of Lake View. But this community gets what it takes to be a lakeside destination community. This is why Lake View, Iowa, has been named the latest Star Community.

Star Communities

* If you know of a town that should be recognized as a Star Community, let us know through the Contact Us page.