carter lake is an example of the border irregularities of the united states. it is the only city in iowa that is west of the missouri river. in march 1877, a flood changed the course of the river 1.25 mi (2 km) to the southeast. the parts of the old river course, called saratoga bend, became an oxbow lake. it is named carter lake. after the creation of the lake, the place became a recreational area. it included "a boathouse at the foot of locust street, hotels and club houses were numerous and the lake was the scene of many a pleasant rowing and fishing party."