AttractionsLocated along the banks of the
Turkey River, the town has nine structures, including the County Courthouse
and St. Joseph's Catholic Church, on the National Register of
Historic Places. Elkader's Keystone Bridge is the longest structure of its
kind west of the Mississippi. Downtown Elkader has preserved
its turn of the century storefronts and unique architecture. Visitors can enjoy
a meal on the patio of the Keystone Restaurant, overlooking the river,
and then shop at "The Buttery", famous for its unique antiques
and gift items. Tours of the restored Elkader Opera House can be made by
appointment (563-245-2098), and the Carter House Museum, which contains
a vast array of 19th and 20th century Clayton County memorabilia) can be
visited Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day or by appointment
by calling 563-245-1236 or563-245-2662. A side trip in the Elkader area
can be taken to Motor Mill, located seven miles southeast of the town on
County Road X21. Built on the banks of the Turkey River, the structure rises
for 90 feet. It was constructed in the 1860s, and is the Midwest's tallest
mill. History* Lover's Leap, two blocks off High Street, is the site
where an early settler lost his Indian maiden sweetheart, who jumped off the
cliff into the Turkey River. Statues of the lovers on the cliff. * Table Rock, originally a few hundred feet north of
Iowa 13, three miles east of Elkader, is said to be the site of the first
reading of the Declaration of Independence in Iowa. The rock has been moved to
Elkader Recreation Park. * Motor Mill, a monument to Clayton County's past, is
south of Elkader near Communia. An early resident spent $90,000 to build it in
1869. The seven-story mill and cooperage building still stand along the Turkey
River. * Opera House has been restored to its original
appearance as on opening night in 1903. Visitors can tour the building by
contacting the Elkader Main Street director, or call 563/245-2770. * Carter House Museum, corner of Bridge and High
streets. Built in 1850 by Henry and Ernest Carter, is one of the oldest homes
in the community. Many original furnishings plus a sister city exhibit from
Mascara, Algeria. Open Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Memorial Day-the end of
the leaf season. Open May-September. Hours are 2-4 p.m. weekends and holidays
and by appointment. 563/245-1708. * Keystone Arch Bridge, longest bridge of its type
west of the Mississippi River. Built in just nine months in 1889 from locally
quarried limestone at a cost of $16,000. Recently completed riverwalk provides
a view of this picturesque bridge as well as a leisurely stroll along the banks
of the Turkey River. Fishing* Big Springs Trout Farm, five miles upstream from
Elkader on the north side of the Turkey River, includes a trout hatchery,
rearing pools and a two-acre lake. Fishing and picnicking are allowed along the
river. Frieden's Park is across the river. * Canoeing on the Turkey River. Put in at Riverside
Park and float down to Motor Mill for hiking and fishing. |
Parks* Deer Run Park, Iowa 13, east of Elkader. Rental lodge, camper park and two-acre lake. Near city swimming pool and Turkey River. Call 563/245-3337. * Elkader
Recreation Park has picnic tables, shelter houses, new swimming pool and
camping area. Area has comfort station and shower facilities, ball diamond and
tennis courts. * Osborne
Conservation Education Center, six miles south of Elkader on Iowa 13, 260
acres, is divided by the Volga River. Picnic areas, nature trails, fishing and
limited camping available. Nearly 25,000 coniferous trees are planted, many in
display plantings. A visitor center is open seven days per week and has many
environmental displays. Live animal exhibits include buffalo, elk, deer,
pheasants, peacocks, wild turkey, duck and geese. There also is a
conservation-practices display farm showing terraces, strip crops, farm pond
and other soil-use plans. Camping* Deer Run Resort, 501 High Street SE, Elkader, off Hwy 13. More than 80 paved sites with blacktop streets surrounding a 5-acre lake and tree-lined hills in the background. A fully equipped cabin (open year round) also is available. A welcome center will tend to your needs. Call 563/245-DEER. * City Park has electricity,
firewood, showers/rest rooms, tennis/volleyball courts, swimming pool, hiking
and fishing. |
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Top Navigation
Attractions
Elkader Opera House
Dining
Johnson's Restaurant
Old Man River Restaurant & Brewery
Schera's
Lodging
Arise & Shine B&B
Frontier Motel
Grumpster's Log Cabin
Little Switzerland
McGregor Lodging
McGregor's Landing
Stauer House B & B
The Landing
Other
Green Room Spa
Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce
McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce
Strawberry Point Chamber
Recreation
Boatels
Brown's
Lady Luck
Shopping
Eagles Landing Winery
Fresh Cuts Boutique
Navy Rose & Co
Produce Too
The Buttery
Turkey River Mall
Village Green Florals
Left Navigation
Elkader Hotels
