Elkader — Population: 1,465
Historic stone buildings and structures set the stage for a return to the "Old World" along the banks of the Turkey River in Elkader, Iowa. Surrounded by beautiful wooded hills and limestone bluffs, untouched by the magnificent glacier forces of the last Ice Age, visitors and residents can witness one of the most beautiful spots in the Midwest. Elkader is a town that has a definite individuality about it. Nine National Register sites, located within walking distance of the center of downtown, provide ample evidence.
Downtown Elkader, thanks to the efforts of the Main Street Elkader, which was founded in 1991, has a new appreciation for its historic features and continues to be a leader in per-capita retail sales in the state, out-producing many towns two to three times its size. Elkader has preserved its past, but also has vision for the future. Visit Elkader!
Main Street Elkader
207 North Main Street
Elkader, Iowa 52043
phone: 563/245-2770
fax: 563/245-1033 (call first)
e-mail: mselkader@alpinecom.net
Town History
Elkader's beginnings date back to 1836, when Elisha Boardman and Horace Bronson arrived to settle the village. Elkader was established in 1846 by Timothy Davis, John Thompson and Chester Sage. The community was named after the Emir Abdel Kader, a young Algerian chieftain who led his people against a French invasion in 1832 and later saved the lives of 12,000 Christians in Damascus. Currently, Elkader is the only city in the United States to have a sister city in Algeria.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Downtown Structures on the National Register of Historic Places:
- Clayton County Courthouse
- Opera House
- Keystone Bridge
- St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Other Unique Properties:
- Power Dam
- River Walk - Two miles of paved path along the Turkey River for walking and biking.
- Public Library
- Limestone Buildings
Annual Events
- March - St. Patrick's Day Parade - Green and lots of Irish spirit fill the streets of downtown Elkader.
- May - River Walk Promenade and Old-Fashioned Saturday Night - Dressed in turn-of-the-century costumes, residents stroll on the River Walk along the Turkey River to usher in an evening of good old-fashioned fun with street vendors, horse-drawn carriage rides, music and more.
- May to September - T.G.I.F. - Celebrate the end of the work week in style with music and food vendors in Keystone Park the first Friday of the month .
- July - Maxwell Street Day Sidewalk Sale - A tradition since the 1950s!
- July - Iowa/National Moto Guzzi Rally - Join motorcycle lovers at this annual convention and campout.
- September - Old-Fashioned Saturday Night - Depending on the annual theme, flash back to what it was like on a Saturday evening during the 1950s, 1960s or 1970s with live entertainment, contests, street vendors and more on Main Street.
- October - "Stories from the Past" - A Tour of Historic Elkader - Visit Elkader's nine Historical Registered sites and enjoy local talent dressed in period clothing telling stories of yesterday.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
Downtown Elkader is an urban revitalization area that provides programs such as tax abatement, TIF and other advantages. The Elkader Development Corporation has a low interest loan fund. For more information, contact the Main Street and Elkader Development office at 563/245-2770.
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