No. 17: Clear Lake Sea Wall

CLEAR LAKE | This one of North Iowa's 50 Things is referred to by some residents as "Clear Lake's front yard."

The Clear Lake Sea Wall was a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) completed on July 1, 1936.The WPA was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression.

The split-boulder retaining wall was commissioned by state conservation officials and constructed by workmen from a transient camp located north of Mason City.

The site along the lake in downtown Clear Lake was home to the White Pier Amusement Park until it was destroyed by a wind storm in 1931.

The Sea Wall is dotted with benches for visitors to stop and enjoy looking at the lake dotted with boats.

The location is home to the Lady of the Lake and many community events including the Color the Wind Kite festival, Lions chicken BBQ, and the Seawall to Seawall run set for Aug. 30.

The area was recently a subject of controversy as a group sought to place a veteran's memorial along the Sea Wall. The Clear Lake City Council voted not to place that memorial on the Sea Wall. But the council did vote to form a task force to select a new location for a veteran's memorial which could include the Sea Wall.

Peggy Senzarino

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No. 17: Clear Lake Sea Wall