The Year of The River - Elkader

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We’ve been hearing a lot about this being the Year of the River in Cedar Rapids. But rivers run through central areas of lots of Iowa communities, including Elkader.

So, congratulations to the Clayton County seat of 1,500 people for its recent designation as “Iowa River Town of the Year” by the Iowa Rivers Revival. If you’ve been there, you know the Turkey River that runs through town is no turkey. As the community’s application read, “The Turkey River serves as a centerpiece for nearly every aspect” of the community. And, as the advocaty group says, the award is to celebrate Iowa’s many vibrant river communities for reclaiming riverfronts as anchors to economic development, recreation and ecology.

There’s nothing like driving through town on a crisp fall day when the leaves are changing color and the river flows beneath the Keystone Bridge, as shown in a Gazette video of Elkader taken last year by Suzanne Barnes. But, you can do the same in the spring as the leaves begin to sprout and colorful flowers start to bloom.

One of the features that endeared Iowa Rivers Revival to Elkader is the “Rhythms on the River” monthly program that brings free live music to the riverbank. If you want to know what’s going on in town, check out the Elkader Chamber of Commerce.

In the meantime, I’ve visited shops, bed and breakfasts and historical sites in Elkader and have always love the trip. You will, too.

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Tags: Eastern Iowa, Elkader, Ramblin', Year of the River