Fate takes three laps around Lake LaVerne

Fate takes three laps around Lake LaVerne Fate takes three laps around Lake LaVerne  Part two of the Spooky State mini-series. Addie Sink, Reporter October 14, 2026 Artemis Tack Lake LaVerne, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, April 28, 2025. At Iowa State University, Lake LaVerne is more than a campus landmark. Many believe that if someone walks around the lake three times with their sweetheart, they’re destined for marriage. Whether students take the superstition to heart or simply see it as an excuse for a romantic walk, the tradition raises the question of whether this superstition really works.  Jack Butler, a freshman studying business analytics, explained how this tradition gets passed down from generations of Iowa State alumni.  “I was told by my parents when I was really little,” Butler said.  For Butler, the superstition has a personal connection, as his own parents participated in it themselves.  “My parents did it; they’ve been married for almost 30 years,” Butler said.  While Butler learned about the superstition through family, Payton Donahue, a sophomore studying sports media, first heard about it from other students during his introduction to Iowa State. “They told it to me at my tour when I came to Iowa State,” Donahue said. A view of Lake LaVerne on April 28, 2025, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. (August Anderson) Donahue’s girlfriend, Rebecca Kraemer, a sophomore studying animal science, also learned about this superstition before beginning her academics at Iowa State.  “I learned about it during Destination Iowa State,” Kraemer said.  Although students may hear about this superstition from different people, the stories of success are what keep this tradition alive. For Kraemer, one story in particular stands out in her mind. She recalls hearing about a couple who participated in the tradition and had their fairy tale come true. “I heard a story about a couple that did it, and then proposed on their 4th time around,” Kraemer said.  Stories like this add to the mystery surrounding Lake Laverne and leave students wondering whether the superstition is simply a coincidence or if there’s more to it. Although three laps cannot guarantee a fairy tale ending, stories shared among students can help keep the tradition alive. However, students participating in the tradition during this school year will find a different scene at the lake. With construction underway until mid 2027, Lake LaVerne is temporarily without water, leaving couples to complete their three laps around an imaginary lake. While the tradition can still be carried out, the usual romantic lakeside setting is currently missing.  Whether students walk around the lake hoping to get engaged or simply just to enjoy a walk with their sweetheart, the superstition remains a unique part of the Iowa State experience. After all, love may not be guaranteed after three laps, but it may be worth a try. 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story Tags: Arts & Culture lake laverne October mini series spooky season Spooky series Spooky state Donate to Iowa State Daily $6,633 $10,000 Contributed Our Goal Your donation will support the student journalists of the Iowa State Daily. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment, send our student journalists to conferences and off-set their cost of living so they can continue to do best-in-the-nation work at the Iowa State Daily. For donation amounts over $500, please contact [email protected] or send a check to 612 Farmhouse Ln., Ames IA 50011. Donate More to Discover More in Arts & Culture “Lanterns” is afraid to be green From pallets to presents, Ames entrepreneur builds mystery box business Daily Horoscope Oct. 15: Second chances AgwithAubrey | What it’s like to be a female farmer at Iowa State Skip the store-bought decor: Try these Halloween DIYs Daily Horoscope Oct. 14: Speak up About the Contributors Addie Sink, Reporter Addie Sink is a first-year student at Iowa State University studying Communications. This is her first year with Iowa State Daily, writing as an arts and culture reporter. August Anderson, Visuals Editor August Anderson is in his junior year at Iowa State University, majoring in mass communications and journalism with a focus in photojournalism. This is his third academic year with the Iowa State Daily, and first as the Visuals Editor, serving as a photojournalist for two years prior. He specializes in coverage of political events, arts and culture, and breaking news.