Lower Gar Lake

Lower Gar Lake, area Community

Lower Gar Lake is the furthest south Lake in the Iowa Great Lakes chain of lakes.  Lower Gar Lake is a little off the beaten path for a more secluded feel but very close to everything. Lower Gar is connected to Lake Minnewashta and outlets into the Little Sioux River.  Lower Gar is one of the only lakes that does not have any condos on it, but it is ripe for development.  Lower Gar has been developed on the furthest south end on Hill Drive and Helen Avenue.  The average depthis only 4 feet with a max depth of 6 feet, however in the "canal" area, it is roughly 8 feet.  Lower Gar Lakeshore sells for between $2000 and $4000 per running foot of lakeshore.

The following is from the Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council:

The southernmost lake in the entire Great Lakes chain, Lower Gar is a large shallow natural lake with the outflow creek existing at the southwest corner of the lake.

Lower Gar Lake has a surface area of 242 acres, a mean depth of 4 feet, and a maximum depth of 6 feet.

Lower Gar does drain a sizable 11,374 acre watershed primarily from the Spring Run wildlife management area. During years with low water levels it can be difficult for boat traffic to navigate the shallow muddy waters.

The lake level has been raised several times, and the current dam, constructed after the flooding in 1993, has substantially stabilized the level of the lake. Most of the Western portion of the Lower Gar Lake is privately owned, and current development on the east and Northeast sides includes housing and a golf course. Its more sheltered location encourages boating and water skiing when wind conditions limit such activities on the larger lakes in the chain.

Area Insights

South Shore Estates

South Shore Estates in Lower Gar Lake

South Shore Estates is the newest lakeshore development on Lower Gar. Here you have access to West Lake, East Lake, Minnewashta, and Upper Gar.

 

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Aaron Jones

Cell: 712.320.9442

Lower Gar Lake Homes For Sale

$669,000

Status: Active
3006 Chaplin Drive, Milford, IA 51351

  231140

 5

 3

  3,552


Listed by : KELLER WILLIAMS OKOBOJI, PEGGY BERGH-KUKER (712.340.7900)
Built in 2022

$429,000

Status: Active
806 Sunshine Run, Arnolds Park, IA 51331

  240384

 3

 2

  1,540


Listed by : RE/MAX LAKES REALTY, JANIE EICK (712.339.0574)
New Listing

$390,000

Status: Active
20200 232nd Avenue #17, Arnolds Park, IA 51331

  240339

 2

 2

  960


Listed by : RE/MAX LAKES REALTY, CHARLIE LEISSLER (712.229.9809)

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