Ice Fishing & Winter Getaways at The Lake House in Independence, Iowa
Updated: Sep 21
Winter changes the pace at The Lake House.
Goose Lake freezes over, the trees along the Wapsipinicon River settle into winter, and the property becomes a quiet place to get away for a few days. It’s a completely different experience from summer at the lake—and that’s part of what we love about it.
Whether you’re looking for a place to ice fish, planning a winter weekend with your significant other, or just want somewhere peaceful to escape for a couple of days, winter is one of the most underrated times to stay at The Lake House in Independence, Iowa.
Ice Fishing Right Outside Your Door
One of the best things about staying at The Lake House is that you don’t have to load up the vehicle and drive somewhere else to fish.
Goose Lake is our private 10-acre lake located just outside the house and reserved for Lake House guests. Fishing is catch-and-release, and when winter conditions cooperate, guests can enjoy ice fishing just steps from where they’re staying.
That means you can wake up, make coffee, grab your gear and head outside.
When you’re ready to warm up, the house is right there.
Ice fishing is always weather- and conditions-dependent, and conditions can change quickly throughout the winter. Guests are responsible for evaluating ice conditions before entering the lake and should always follow current Iowa DNR ice-fishing safety recommendations.
An Iowa fishing license may also be required. Before your trip, check current requirements and license options through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fishing License Information.
Not Everyone Has to Love Ice Fishing
Coming with someone who loves ice fishing when you would rather stay warm?
We understand.
One of you can head out on the ice while the other stays inside with coffee, a good book and a front-row view of Goose Lake.
Our heated sunroom is one of our favorite spots in the house during the winter. With a sofa, recliner and views of the lake, it’s an easy place to spend a quiet morning while watching everything happening outside.
And if neither of you wants to fish, that's perfectly fine too.
The Lake House is also a cozy winter getaway for couples who simply want a few days away from their normal routine.
What a Winter Weekend at The Lake House Looks Like
There doesn't have to be much of an itinerary.
Morning
Pour a cup of coffee and watch the lake wake up from the heated sunroom. If you're fishing, grab your gear and head outside.
Afternoon
Spend a few hours on Goose Lake, relax inside, play cards or a board game, read, watch a movie or explore Independence.
Evening
Come back inside, make dinner in the fully equipped kitchen and settle in for the night. The large kitchen island gives you plenty of room for dinner, drinks or a game of cards before calling it a night.
Sometimes the best winter weekends are the ones where you don't have anywhere you need to be.
A Private Lake on One Side. The River on the Other.
The setting is what makes The Lake House different from a typical Iowa vacation rental.
Private Goose Lake sits on one side of the property, while the Wapsipinicon River runs along the other. It's beautiful throughout the year, but winter brings a different kind of quiet to the property.
Snow on the lake, bare trees along the river and fewer people out and about make it feel especially private.
You can enjoy the view without leaving the house—or bundle up and spend some time outside.
What to Bring for an Ice-Fishing Weekend
If ice fishing is part of your trip, bring your normal fishing equipment and winter gear. Depending on conditions and how you like to fish, that may include your auger, rods, tackle, portable shelter, ice cleats, ice picks and plenty of warm layers.
You'll also want waterproof boots, gloves and extra dry clothing.
The Iowa DNR recommends checking ice thickness frequently because ice conditions can vary across the same body of water and can change throughout the season. No ice should ever be assumed to be completely safe.
Staying In Is Part of the Experience
Winter at the lake doesn't have to mean spending the entire weekend outside.
The Lake House has two bedrooms with queen beds, a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, TVs, movies, books and board games. The heated sunroom gives you a place to enjoy the lake even when the weather makes staying inside sound much better. The home and private 10-acre Goose Lake are available exclusively to Lake House guests.
Make dinner together. Watch a movie. Open a bottle of wine. Play cards. Sleep in.
You're allowed to do absolutely nothing.
Make a Weekend of It in Independence, Iowa
The Lake House is located in Independence, Iowa, so you can spend the entire weekend at the property or venture into town when you feel like getting out.
Grab something to eat, explore downtown Independence or pick up what you need for dinner and head back to the lake.
Having town nearby is convenient, but once you're back at The Lake House, it doesn't feel like you're staying in town.
That's part of the appeal.
A Different Side of The Lake House
Summer may be the obvious time to think about a lake house, but winter offers something completely different.
It's quieter.
It's slower.
And if you love ice fishing, it's hard to beat having a private lake waiting outside your door and a warm house waiting when you're finished.
If you're looking for an ice-fishing getaway in Iowa, a quiet winter weekend for two, or simply a place to escape for a few days, we'd love to have you experience winter at The Lake House.
Ready for a winter weekend at the lake?
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