TV channels & antenna towers in Clear Lake, South Dakota
Clear Lake has 12 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 4 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K32DK-D, 22 miles to the WNW.
Network channels in Clear Lake
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CWKDLO-TVCW | 3.4 | 47 mi | 289° WNW | Fair | Florence, SD |
| ABCKRWFABC | 43 | 61 mi | 107° ESE | Poor | Redwood Falls, MN |
Over-the-air TV in Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a small community of about 1,270 people in South Dakota. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 12 licensed TV transmitters: 5 full-power, 5 low-power and 2 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 4 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better.
By distance, 2 transmitters are within 25 miles, 5 between 25 and 45 miles, and 5 farther out.
The best-placed network stations are ABC on channel 43 (KRWF) and CW on channel 3.4 (KDLO-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, MN, 175 miles to the east. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KARE in Minneapolis, MN, 175 miles to the east. 3 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Clear Lake
Point your antenna ESE, at about 107°. The main network towers for Clear Lake sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
KRWF (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Clear Lake. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Clear Lake
The farthest main network tower for Clear Lake is KRWF (ABC), 61 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Clear Lake
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K32DK-DLow power | 22 mi | 292° WNW | Weak | Watertown, SD |
| K28OE-DTranslator | 23 mi | 293° WNW | Fair | Watertown, SD |
| K17NF-DLow power | 28 mi | 189° S | Weak | Brookings, SD |
| K25OU-DLow power | 31 mi | 188° S | Weak | Brookings, SD |
| K35GR-DTranslator | 33 mi | 237° WSW | Weak | Badger, SD |
| KESD-TVFull power | 39 mi | 224° SW | Fair | Brookings, SD |
| KWCM-TVFull power | 44 mi | 49° NE | Fair | Appleton, MN |
| K34QF-DLow power | 51 mi | 124° SE | Poor | Vesta, MN |
| KSXF-LDLow power | 66 mi | 186° S | Poor | Sioux Falls, SD |
| KSMNFull power | 69 mi | 148° SSE | Poor | Worthington, MN |
How Clear Lake compares with the rest of South Dakota
With 4 stations at fair strength or better, Clear Lake ranks 48th of 101 places in South Dakota: the same as the typical South Dakota town (4). Its nearest major network tower is 47 miles away, against a state median of 31 miles.
47% of South Dakota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna. The nearest larger city is Watertown, 24 miles away.
Setting up an antenna in Clear Lake: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 107° ESE, the direction of KRWF (ABC), 61 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 4 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ABC in Clear Lake, SD?
ABC is on channel 43 from KRWF, broadcasting from 61 miles ESE of Clear Lake. Estimated signal: very weak.
What channel is CW in Clear Lake, SD?
CW is on channel 3.4 from KDLO-TV, broadcasting from 47 miles WNW of Clear Lake. Estimated signal: fair.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Clear Lake?
12 transmitters within 70 miles of Clear Lake; around 4 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Clear Lake?
Point your antenna ESE, at about 107°. The main network towers for Clear Lake sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.
What kind of antenna do I need in Clear Lake?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Clear Lake?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Clear Lake?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby South Dakota cities
Nearby cities in other states
- Canby, MN20 mi
- Ivanhoe, MN29 mi
- Madison, MN30 mi
- Dawson, MN33 mi
- Minneota, MN37 mi
- Ortonville, MN40 mi
- Tyler, MN42 mi
- Appleton, MN45 mi
- Marshall, MN49 mi
- Montevideo, MN49 mi
More: all TV stations in South Dakota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Clear Lake; signal estimates ignore terrain.