
Safest Lakes to Swim Near Cedar Rapids
Iowa
1 lakes within driving distance of Cedar Rapids, Iowa pass our swim-safety screen — grade A/B water, low algae, and public access. 0 have direct bacteria (E. coli) testing on record. Filtered for grade A or B water quality, low algae (chlorophyll-a under 15 µg/L), and public access. Always check local advisories on the day you swim.
Lakes near Cedar Rapids are sparser (1 graded lakes within reach), so the choices are limited. Kent Park Lake (B) is the standout.
The swimming-specific ranking layered on top of the letter grade is what produces the list below: a grade-good lake that does not also support the swimming use case is less useful than a grade-decent lake that does.
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Swim Safety | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kent Park Lake | Johnson | B | Low algae | 17.9 mi | 4.8 ft | - |
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Where to stay near Cedar Rapids
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.