Water Trail Cultural History Fish Understanding a River Camping The 98-mile Turkey River Water Trail begins on For generations the Turkey River, with its wooded A total of 74 species of fish have been documented in When you think about a tree you likely envision more Backbone State Park 563.924.2827 the Little Turkey River at Gouldsburg Park in bluffs, fertile lowlands and wild game populations the Turkey River watershed. Primary game fish include than just the trunk or a single tree branch. You picture Big Spring Trout Hatchery 563.245.2446 Turkey River Bloody Run County Park 563.245.1516 Fayette County, merges with the Turkey River near has served as a cultural melting pot. Prehistoric smallmouth bass, rock bass and walleye. Other game the entire tree. Maybe even the roots. To be a living, Clayton Hills Campground 563.964.2236 Eldorado, and flows southeast through Fayette & archeological sites of the Archaic and Woodland fish that are occasionally caught include northern functioning tree, all parts must be connected, all parts D & D Campground 563.928.6464 Water Trail must function as one, and no one part can function Deer Ridge Campground 563.774.2067 Clayton counties toward the Mississippi River. The Tribes exist in the Turkey River Valley; with the most pike, white bass and three species of trout. Nine dif- Deer Run Resort 563.245.3337 water trail features beautiful scenery and numerous notable being a group of woodland mounds at Turkey ferent species of suckers and seven species of darters without the other. Now think about the tree as a meta- Dutton’s Cave Campground 563.426.5740 historic landmarks. River Mounds State Preserve above the confluence have been identified in the Turkey River. Several fish phor for gaining a broader perspective and functional Echo Valley State Park - Jensen’s Trail 563.426.5740 Elkader City Park Campground 563.245.2098 of the Turkey and Mississippi Rivers. In the 1700s, the species such as channel catfish, flathead catfish and understanding of a river. All of the land and every Frieden Park 563.245.1516 French Fur Trade brought many of the first Europeans sauger only occur downstream of the dam at Elkader. tributary stream within the Turkey River Watershed has Gilbertson Conservation Education Area 563.426.5740 to the area including people of Spanish and French This dam is high enough to block all upstream move- a vital connection to the river. Each delivers water and Goeken Park 563.425.3613 Safety Gouldsburg Park 563.426.5740 Dam decent. These settlers traded with the historic Native ment of fish. nutrients to the river and is as crucial to the function Guttenberg RV Park 319.334.3802 Safety is essential to enjoying the Turkey American tribes of the Ioway, Ho Chunk, Sauk and and health of the river as the branches, roots, and J and J Hideaway 563.633.6795 River. Each person must have a wearable life Meskwaki. leaves are to a tree. While you are out fishing, swim- Joy Springs County Park 563.245.1516 jacket in the boat. Children under age 13 are re- Klock’s Island Park 563.425.4316 ming, paddling, or otherwise enjoying the Turkey River, Lakeside RV Park & Campgrounds 563.252.4151 quired to wear life jackets. Dress properly for the trip keep in mind this broader perspective as an important Little Bit of Country RV Park 563.933.2081 by wearing sunblock and sunglasses, comfortable Wildlife Littleport Campground 563.245.2536 and enlightened element of your river journey! 319.334.0135 fast drying clothing, a hat, and proper water shoes The Turkey River Valley provides habitat for diverse Little Turkey Campground wildlife species. The valley is home to several raptor Maynard City Park & Campground 563.637.2269 to guard your feet against rocks. Miner’s Creek Cabins & Campground 563.252.1838 species including bald eagles and the less common Motor Mill Access 563.245.1516 While on the river, be sure to look ahead and avoid red-shouldered hawks. During the summertime, be on Geology Oelwein City Park 563.283.5440 Paradise Valley 563.873.9632 downed trees or large rocks in the river. Three dams the lookout for raptors soaring on warm air thermals The scenic beauty of the Turkey River can be credited Pikes Peak State Park 563.873.2342 exist on the Turkey River Water Trail. Their locations above the river. Great blue herons and belted kingfish- to the geological land form it flows through: the River Valley Campground 563.379.3963 are clearly marked on the map. The circulating ers are often heard and seen by paddlers. On lime- Paleozoic Plateau. This rugged landform contains four Skip-A-Way Park & Campground 800.728.1167 Spook Cave & Campground 563.873.2144 current immediately below each dam is extreme- stone outcroppings, five-lined skinks can be found different rock formations ranging from 300-530 million Sweet Dreams Campground 563.928.7290 ly dangerous. When you see a DAM sign be ready foraging for crickets. The surrounding forests contain years old. Along your route look for outcroppings of Twin Bridges County Park 563.427.5740 to take out your canoe; DO NOT attempt to go over deer, coyote and wild turkey, and beavers, muskrats bedrock most frequently found in the sedimentary Valley View Resort 319.393.4825 Map & Guide Volga River State Recreation Area 563.425.4161 any dam. and river otters can be seen swimming in the Turkey. forms of limestone, dolomite, or sandstone. These Volga U Campgrounds 563.767.3511 rocks are responsible for forming the picturesque cliffs, Top to Bottom: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish ledges, and bluffs common along the Turkey. Yellow «¬24 Festina
River Unit K
Castalia E
E E
I - Y.r.f
MINNESOTA K H
A Effigy S
E 51
¤£52 M «¬ Mounds Nat.
N
A L
N Legend
I Monument L
Smallest Church Park A W Postville ¬76 Howard ALLAMAKEE « Winneshiek Allamakee WINNESHIEK CLAYTON Turkey River Water Trail T FAYETTE urk ey Waucoma St. R i ¤£18 WISCONSIN v Luana Chickasaw Lucas e «¬150 r W42 Turkey River Water Trail Access L Access #86 +$ Access #79 Map 1 Monona !¼i t t Eldorado Bridge Access Huntzinger Bridge Access l Marquette Clayton Dam e Access #98 Fayette T Eldorado Bloody !9 u Gouldsburg Park Access Access #71 Dam Bremer rk Run Creek Dam ey !9 Turkey River Canoe Access !¼ R Water Trail i Goeken Park $B40 Kleve ve Begins - + McGregor r Access #68 Fen Black Tessmer Canoe Access Hawk Buchanan Delaware Dubuque Gouldsburg Park +$B44 Camping !¼ Pikes Peak St. Park !9 ek Douglass Clermont Map 2 www.turkeyriver.org Crane Cre (Auburn) Hiking, Biking, or Multi-use Trail Access #64A Dam +$W14 !9 Access #90 Dutton's Cave Park Clermont Park Takeout !¼ Auburn Canoe Access Access #64B Volga River Access Point Access #62 Clermont Canoe Access Gunder North Thelman Valley Bridge Access Wildlife West Access #57 Cedar-sny Area !¼ Gilbertson Park Narrows Farmersburg Mcgill Cr ¤£18 Union Access #59E & 59W Public Land B64 erts Gilbertson Park Access +$ Ro b Cr Elgin e Distance Between Accesses e k !¼ River River Access Name Distance to Time !9 +$W51 +$W70 Canoe/Kayak/Tube Rental Mile # Next Access W55 Access #47 +$ C1X 98 Gouldsburg Park AccessHawkeye 7.7 miles 21⁄2-4 hrs +$ Big Spring St. OlafMap 3 90 Auburn Canoe Access 4.8 miles 11⁄2-21⁄2 hrs Trout Hatchery 86 Eldorado Bridge Access 6.4 miles 2-3 hrs Big-Spring River Mile (Distance to Mississippi) 79 Huntzinger Bridge Access 8.2 miles 21⁄2-4 hrs +$W7C !9 Trout-Hatchery «¬13 Clayton(see maps onBagley reverse) 71 Turkey River Canoe Access 2.5 miles 1 hr !¼ 68 Tessmer Canoe Access 4.5 miles 11⁄2-21⁄4 hrs Wildwood «¬56 64A Clermont Park Takeout DAM Access #46 !9 Roberts Creek Access Nature Center Buck 64B Clermont Canoe Access 1.9 miles 1⁄2 - 1 hrs !¼ Frieden Park Access Clayton 62 Valley Bridge Access 3.1 miles 1 - 11⁄2 hrs X16 Creek Volga +$ Center 128 59E/W Gilbertson Park Access 1.1 miles 1⁄2 hr «¬ Park Designed in Northeast Iowa River 0 5 mi Updated 2021 57 Gilbertson Park Narrows 10.8 miles 31⁄2-51⁄2 hrs Lake Access V-70 Lima Church Access #39A(1) Garnavillo
47 Big Spring Trout Hatchery 0.5 miles 1⁄4 hr N 18 miles to next access E ¬56 T « Access #39A(2)
O Elkader Takeout
46 Frieden Park Access 7.1 miles 2 1⁄4-31⁄2 hrs T
Access V-82 !9 T E Elkader Takeout Klock’s Island Y 39A Elkader Takeout DAM Y A Elkader Randalia Lorem5 miles to next access L Dam FA
39B Elkader Access 0.9 miles 1⁄2 hr C Made Possible by: 38 Turkey River Park Access 5.6 miles 13⁄4-3 hrs C2W !¼ +$ !¼ +$C17 32 Motor Mill Access 12.4 miles 4 - 6 hrs !¼ Access V-73 Mississippi Map 4 «¬93 Albany Wadena !¼ Iowa DNR River Programs 20 Garber Access 7.5 miles 21⁄2-33⁄4 hrs 3 miles to next access Access #39B River 12 Osterdock Access 7.5 miles 21⁄2-33⁄4 hrs Elkader Access www.iowadnr.gov/riverprograms/ Fayette Access #32 5 Millville Access 5.0 miles 11⁄2-21⁄2 hrs Grannis Access #38 Motor Mill Access ¤£52 Ferry Landing Canoe Takeout END Access V-76 !¼ Iowa DNR Fisheries Langerman’s Ford Creek Turkey River Park Access 6 miles to next access !9 !¼ Gary Siegwarth [Big Spring Hatchery] !9 Access V-84 M Avenue 2 miles to next access != Motor Access V-89 Volga V !¼ Clayton County Conservation Board !¼ olga River !¼ Brian Gibbs (Narrative), Jenna Pollock Twin Bridges Osborne Outdoor www.claytoncountyconservation.org Access V-52 Osborne Guttenberg Reflections Park Education 1 mile to next access Access V-51 Brush Volga U Campground 10 miles to next access Access #20 Fayette County Conservation Board Creek Access V-41 +$X41 !¼ Osborne Volga River Garber Access Rod Marlatt !9 Canyon 4 miles to next access lga R Vo ive Wildlife Area r www.fayettecountyconservation.org Westgate Maynard «¬150 «¬13 +$C7X X3C Larry A. Stone (Photography) Littleport +$ «¬187 Access V-37 www.larrystonesiowa.com Arlington Mederville +$X47 Access #12 6 miles to next access Elkport Garber Osterdock Access Access V-31 Turkey River Recreational Corridor Littleport Water Trail 11 miles to next access Mallory Hanson (Updates) Osterdock Ends www.turkeyrivercorridor.com Turkey River Mounds +$C43 Access #5 Volga River Volga River Millville Access Northeast Iowa RC&D The Volga River, the largest tributary3 to the Turkey in the town of Volga alone, making it a great Millville Brad Crawford (GIS, Planning, Publication) «¬ !¼ +$C53 Ferry Landing www.northeastiowarcd.org River, winds through Northeast Iowa beginning near tubing river. The Volga is also a good canoe Canoe Takeout the town of Maynard, and emptying into the Turkey and kayak river for most of the year, with put in !¼ +$C9Y Strawberry +$X71 River just west of Garber, Iowa. It is noted for its and take out points along its length. Campgrounds 3 «¬ !¼ Point scenic bluffs on the lower reaches from Littleport to located in several small towns along the Volga River, Bixby Oelwein !9 Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of Garber, and its outstanding smallmouth bass fishing including the town of Volga, make the river a destina- Park the information in this publication. Northeast Iowa RC&D and along most of its length. The river has good velocity, tion for adventurous explorers looking to discover its partners assume no liability or responsibility in the use, or misuse, of the map. dropping three feet in less than 1400 feet of distance more of the Turkey River Watershed. Please e-mail corrections to: [email protected] !¼ Edgewood CLAYTON DUBUQUE !¼ DELAWARE Gouldsburg Park(Access #98) to Eldorado(Access #86) Eldorado(#86)to Clermont(#64A) Clermont(Access #64B) to Elgin/Gilbertson Park(Access #59A or 59B) Elgin/Gilbertson Park(#59) to Gouldsburg Park (#98) is a multi-use recreational the river provides extraordinary scenery for several Venture downstream from Eldorado on this particu- This five mile section of the Turkey River Water Trail Floating downstream from Clermont (#64B) you will Big Spring Trout Hatchery(#47) area marking the official put-in and beginning of miles. Large limestone boulders covered in moss and larly scenic stretch, and you will encounter pine- meanders through one of the most popular segments come to the Valley Canoe Access (#62). This launch This section of the Turkey River Water Trail begins your water trail journey down the Turkey River. ferns line the bank. Above you, hardwood forests topped limestone bluffs on your way past Huntzinger of the river. Users will encounter some white water, is in the center of an expansive valley known as the at Gilbertson Park (#59) and soon enters Clayton Here, Crane Creek merges with the Little Turkey claim the bluffs with the white bark of aspen trees Bridge Access (#79). Other access points include the unequaled scenery, and one of the best fisheries Shin Bone Valley, named as it is home to sacred burial County. This float of 11.9 miles features a mean- River and flows peacefully downstream for 12.2 lightly scattered in. Smallmouth bass and native Turkey River Canoe Access (#71) and the Tessmer on the river. Clermont is known as “Brick City” and grounds for many generations of Native Americans. dering river and a landscape of bluffs, timbered miles before merging with the main stem of the sucker species can be seen darting upstream in the Access (#68). is the home of several historical sites, including the From the Valley Canoe Access, continue downstream shorelines, and the serenity of nature. The visitor Turkey River at Eldorado. A shorter 7.7 mile day trip frequently crystal clear river. Surprisingly abundant Montauk mansion. Those looking to camp can enjoy to Elgin, a town known as the “Little Switzerland of may encounter bald eagles, whitetail deer, and the can be made by taking out at the Auburn access freshwater mussel beds (clams) can also be seen in Just upstream from the City of Clermont, you will the Skip-Away Campground and Resort. This private Iowa.” There you will find the Gilbertson Conservation occasional river otter. Exit on your left at Big Spring (#90). this stretch, an indicator of a healthy aquatic com- see warning signs as you approach the Clermont entity sports an RV park, restaurant and lounge, as Education Area (#59E & 59W) which offers modern Trout Hatchery (#47), or continue 1/2 mile to exit munity. Past the Auburn access the valley starts to DAM. As your round the final bend before the dam, well as tube and canoe rental. Clermont’s business and primitive camping facilities, a variety of trails (uni- right at Frieden Park (#46). Be aware that there is As you begin your voyage, large native oak trees widen. After joining the waters of the Turkey River there will be a bluff on your right. You must portage, district provides restaurants, a convenience store, as versally accessible, equestrian, cross country skiing, no bridge between the Big Spring Hatchery and sprawl over the left side of the river setting the tone you pass under the Highway 150 bridge and an access and takeout is on river-right at Clermont’s River Park well as antique, gift, and art shops. and bicycle) along with the Gilbertson Nature Center, Frieden park. for a diverse and unaltered tree lined river corridor. can be found shortly after the bridge on the right. (#64A), where you will find nice restroom facilities, a historical museums, a petting zoo, bird watching and Gilbertson Park Shortly after drifting under the first concrete bridge The 5.7 feet per mile gradient of this stretch provides picnic shelter, play area, and a universally accessible a natural playscape with a dinosaur dig.
viewing deck.
frequent riffles. R Montauk D S E
65 E T E ! R State
G !
AN R E R
St. R D D O D r D
R D Preserve
e E
Lucas v Access #79
E i
B40 R R
! Huntzinger Bridge F E
R +$ T ! I R y y E T M Access L 85 E
e D D A
R R T RD k Nut R Clermont J t R O r in H
O R (
! D
ROSE RD Eldorado I g
AK C
u R D
290TH ST R !
! R
I C T 80 ! S I E
r
R B ! RD
R R D e
D F Dam E
D e ! i
t k EASTERN RD
! z ) g UNDER RD UNDER
D . R e 1 MILE R I 2 T V E r R EA RR !9 R a !¼ 282ND ST y E G D
L l k QUAILRD d e ! ! e k P S 1 MILE !
r A TH T B40 re C 1 Access #86 80 +$ u M 2 C T Eldorado Bridge Access r r P P AVE e e e l 75 e t T v t ! k E l S ! R i SPRUCE RD i 75TH ST D L 2 H S 275TH ST NATURE RD O
T B44 ! Access #68
T
5 C
D ND RD
150 AVE L
+$ !
T ¬ 7 R Access #64B ! ( « !
S S AVE Access #98 R E 2 70 Tessmer Y Be S ll o Cree
R C b k
T Clermont ts
r !
Gouldsburg Park A e e r ! Canoe Access e R L Canoe Access k
Access D ! R D
!
! SUNSET RD ! U ! ST
E D
N
K
I R UN
T D Gunder ( ! 65 E
! T R D
90 Y RD ! ! HARNESS RD !¼ RD £18
¤ D E E
PILOT RD
! ! W42 !
! E (
! GREA ! $ Access #71 T + R Douglass Access #90 IV k E ! e
! R (Auburn) 258 ST Turkey River R Clermont E e
Auburn Canoe Access D r 95 ! 98 Canoe Access Access #64A C
r r
e D !9 Clermont Park ! B60
R Dam ! v
+$ l J AVE J
!( i NEON RD
T T Takeout
Dutton's T
S S
QUARRY RD 60
S E JUNIPER RD N Cave Park !¼ ROSE RD AVE M !¼ 250TH ST T 250TH ST 250 ST ! ) E R
S E 245TH ED E RD GARDEN RD W51 HARVEST RD
W14 T T H H V T ST $ E R T N E + S $ A + D T
E U
E N
TR !
R D Elgin
E D N R UNDER RD D R
RD Big Spring Trout Hatchery(#47) or Frieden Park(#46) to Elkader(#39A) E RD ! U RN RD TE RD reek er C
You will begin your journey at the largest spring B65 t
T $ t ! + ! S D
O
! R ! D R S in Iowa: Big Spring. Here, the Iowa Department R T
E E T 55 T
k E D E E D
e E
of Natural Resources rears trout to catchable size e St. Olaf B65
r +$
C R T RD
and stocks them into 19 Northeast Iowa fishable d
UN
e TR
! R
( streams. From Big Spring (#47) it is an enjoy- m 50 ! D a n k n e able 7.6 mile voyage down river to the Elkader U re
na S
n med C U ! 31 MILE R Takeouts (#39A (1) and #39A(2)). About one mile N D E RD ! Access #47 k R downstream on the right bank, a large bald eagle ee D Big Spring Trout Hatchery Beaver Cr nest may be seen at the top of a cottonwood tree. !9 T ST S T Eagles can be found soaring on thermals above the T ST
!9 ) !9
D R
bluffs as you paddle this stretch. X28 !
+$ N ! ! )
N N Roberts Creek Access !9
X16 Upon arriving in Elkader you will notice the large SS D E +$ ED R RD
D R 45 R reek E water tower, be prepared to portage on river- C T ill R RN RD R R
M D
y y
left or river-right. DO NOT pass the portages as r
! Access #46 D T ST 45 R R E the dam is located just downstream. River users Frieden Park Access D E will portage around a large dam, the historic +$C1X Keystone Bridge and the whitewater feature. «¬13 Motor Mill(#32) to Garber(#20) & Continuing to Mississippi River(Mile #0) Gradient: 3.9 feet/mile
C17 R 128 «¬ +$ E The remote 12.4 mile stretch from Motor Mill to Garber may provide the best scenery of the Turkey River N
Water Trail. Your river retreat begins at the access just downriver from Motor Mill (#32). Motor Mill operated from Elkader(#39B) to Motor Mill(#32) D C1X +$ R C23 1869 D until 1883 when a large flood severely damaged the dam. After$ paddling past a farm, a veteran group of red This 6.5 mile scenic section of river is accessed + +$X56 cedars stand guard on a narrow limestone bluff. The timbered ridges on both sides of the river rise high and close from historic downtown Elkader (#39B). Elkader’s Danger: Low
Lovers Water Bridge R USE E
40 R ! together giving this stretch a remote canyon feel. On this section of the river you will float past numerous scenic eclectic shops and ethnic restaurants draw visitors Leap Park o D be R Access #39A(1) rt s 150-foot vistas, T abundant wildlife, and 100 year old native white pines growing£52 from limestone rocks. Three miles ¤ from around the region. The Elkader Opera House C Elkader Takeout re 4 ST 1 MILE Access #39A(2) e hosts both local and national music and theatrical k beyond Motor Mill, Pine Creek enters on the river-left; paddle in a short way to view a spectacular rock bluff topped «¬56 Elkader Takeout Dam !¼
Elkader ! performances. Elkader boasts extensive public and Cr Creek C17 !9 ! with native white pines. SevenS C miles downriver from Pine Creek, the Volga River enters the Turkey. After going d e l +$ P e ek !¼ il e i
m M d ! n X47
private campground facilities, bed and breakfasts, y a r $ a r e under the Elkport-Garber bridge, you curve left and+ the takeout is just past the next bridge on the river-left (#20).
U n Access #39B D Motor C n !
!¼ re C !¼ ( and multi-use land trails for water trail visitors who Elkader Access 30! ! ek This section of the river has rea gradient of 3.4 feet per mile. ST e !¼ C1X k T $ + T ST want to spend more time in the area.
E ER DE C1X X41 R E $ +$ E + Access #38
Guttenberg ! llow Cross under the Highway 13 bridge at Turkey River Turkey River Park Access ! Ho e e WISCONSIN k c Park (#38), and all remnants of town are left behind. C2W e +$ u Mississippi T C7X
+$ River The river stays reasonably straight until you paddle ! T ST T ST
D
past a large spring fed stream called Roberts Creek. 35 R ! !¼
T T 25 S
R T R E N Robert’s Creek provides a vital habitat for many D E ! ER N E R R D E D
spawning species of fish including smallmouth bass T C7X T +$
X3C ! R and redhorse. From the creek, the river meanders +$ D
Access #32 R N TE E through a narrow valley with wooded bluffs. After Motor Mill Access J o E River ! l a S C43 floating through a set of enjoyable riffles, historic lg e +$ Vo T s
R
E C Motor Mill can be seen down river on your left. Ride Garber ! r ee
!9 ek E k N e ! the riffles past the mill and through the leftward C r Elkport Please Do Not Park at the T
e e U ! Osterdock Store for Access o R
ET R Motor E
!( 10
bend, where takeout will be on river-left (#32). D D
! ( ! !
k 15 ! e ! E
e
! Gradient: 3.4 feet/mile. Motor Mill r 20 ! X3C C
+$ U
k k !
l ! C7X ! E T +$ T E Osterdock
30 C5X R ! +$ k E
R k N
e Osborne e ( D e !
r e C n k r X41 k Outdoor Ed. e T la e D +$ e C ST r re END: 0 r R C43 a f f $ C Cnt. Park C N + l
Ri C
v Osborne r a Merrit ! e N !
lg r o E k o a E ! T T c V e W N T Forest
N D e
Canoe, Tube Rental R D !
B E P ! E 5 R T C9Y ES R R +$ D Turkey River Outfitters (Elkader) 563.245.3802 T X29 $ S S + T T E Millville 563.423.7338 or 563.380.0841 D T R E Skip-A-Way Resort (Clermont) S X47 C53 R C24 R +$ +$ N
$ D + N R E D X71 R +$