Archery
Bowling
Camping/Picnicking
Canoeing/Tubing
Cross Country Skiing
Fishing
Golfing
Hiking/Walking
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Swimming
Tennis/Volleyball


River Walks
& Trails
Brochure



    












Iowa State Park information
Iowa DNR
    Archery
One of the best 3-D ranges in Iowa is located at the Osborne Conservation Park, on Hwy. 13, 5 miles south of Elkader. The range is open to the public from mid-May to October 1st and is the site of two annual tournaments held in June and August. For more information contact Roger Burns (563)245-2711 or visit the Clayton County Archers web site.

Bowling
CJ Lanes is a six lane bowling alley located in Elkader.
(563)245-2460

Elkader City Park
Camping/Picnicking
Come with your tent or camper to the Elkader City Park and enjoy picnic areas, shelters, tennis courts, a public swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. RV camping is available at Deer Run Resort, (563)245-3337. Several other county and state parks in the area provide picnic areas, camping and restroom facilities.

Canoeing/Tubing
Canoeing the Turkey River is a popular pastime for tourists and residents alike. Put in north of Elkader at Frieden Park or the Big Springs Trout Hatchery for a pleasant seven mile float to the roller dam in Elkader or launch your canoe in Elkader below the dam and float to Motor Mill (six miles) or Garber (eighteen miles). Camp sites are available at Frieden Park, the Trout Hatchery and Motor Mill. Contact Turkey River Canoe Rentals (a local outfitter) at (563)245-1559 for help in planning your trip.

Cross Country Skiing
Groomed trails are available at the Osborne Conservation Park/Nature Center and nearby state parks.

Fishing
Smallmouth bass, catfish, redhorse, carp, sheepshead, northern pike and walleye can be taken from the Turkey River in downtown Elkader. Participate in Elkader's annual Redhorse Fisheree sponsored by the Elkader Lion's Club in May. The trout angler will find Clayton County's trout streams fun and challenging. Trout can also be taken from the Turkey River near the outlet of the Big Springs Trout Hatchery north of Elkader. Other fishing opportunities can be found in the nearby Volga, Yellow, Upper Iowa and Mississippi Rivers. Visit the Iowa DNR web site for more information about fishing and fishing regulations. Current fishing conditions on area rivers and lakes can be found on the DNR web site at: www.iowadnr.com/news/currentfish.html

Golfing
The Elkader Country Club & Golf Course is a well groomed, nine-hole course which stretches across a lovely valley at the edge of Elkader. The unique club house, created from a remodeled barn, has a large banquet room/dance floor on the upper story. This private course is also open to the public. 24361 Gunder Rd.,(563)245-2230

Hiking/Walking
Walking is a favorite form of exercise for Elkader residents. Many rise at dawn to begin their day with a brisk walk. We invite you to join us in a pleasant stroll on our Riverwalk or a hike or bike ride on the Pony Hollow Trail. Nature trails and exercise trails are available at the Osborne Conservation Park/Nature Center. Nearby state parks offer extensive hiking trails.

Riverwalk
Hard surface, 6' wide, lighted, easy and handicap accessible. 2 1/2 mi. round trip
The East Riverwal
k runs along the Turkey River's scenic east shore from the city park to our historic downtown business district. It traverses the area where Elisha Boardman, one of Elkader's first settlers, put down roots in 1836 and then travels past the Clayton Country Courthouse and over the Keystone Bridge. Stop at the Downtown Directory, adjacent to the bridge, to locate our many historic sites and businesses or to plan a trip to our inviting shops. You may choose to continue your walk through historic downtown Elkader to view the beautiful stonework of buildings and storefronts.The South Riverwalk begins at the business district and travels along the west bank of the river to the southern edge of Elkader's residential area.

Pony Hollow Trail
4 mi. round trip. The Pony Hollow Trail begins at the south edge of Elkader's City Park, following the old Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad bed as it winds through beautiful hills and valleys. There is access to the trail from the city park where public parking and restroom facilities are available. Scheduled improvements include resurfacing with finely crushed stone. The trail is open year round for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Owned and maintained by the Clayton County Conservation Board.

Horseback Riding
The Whistlin' Bit Saddle Club sponsors an open annual ride the second Sunday in October as well as other member rides throughout the year. The club welcomes all riders to join them. More horseback riding opportunities can be found on the equestrian trails in nearby Backbone State Park and in the Volga River Recreation Area.

Hunting
Public hunting areas can be located in Backbone State Park and the Volga River Recreation Area. Information on other state designated public hunting areas and state hunting regulations are posted on the Iowa DNR web site.

Swimming
The Elkader City Pool located in the City Park is a beautiful facility which offers lap swimming, water aerobics and concessions. A sandy beach swimming area is available at Backbone State Park.

Tennis/Volleyball/Horseshoe
Two public tennis courts, volleyball and horseshoe courts are located in the City Park.
  
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