Recreational Opportunities
Hunting
Bow hunting
for deer and turkey is available at Buck Creek Park and the south side of
Motor Mill. Spring turkey bow hunters must register at the Osborne Office before their first hunt. Also in
the fall, deer and turkey bow hunters
must register at the Osborne Office before their first hunt.
Hiking
There
are several recreational hiking trails found throughout Clayton County.
Below are listings of trails on county conservation property and
state/federal lands.
Clayton County Trails
Motor Mill
Located at
Motor Mill are two trails; one is on the north side of the Turkey River
while the other is on the south side. Both are relatively short in
length and offer good views from atop the rolling limestone bluffs, with the
opportunity to see bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers and deer.
Osborne Park
There are
three trails located at Osborne Park: the exercise trail, conifer trail,
and nature trail. Each trail comes with an interpretive brochure and takes
visitors on a nice walk through the forest and along the Volga River.
Brochures are located at trailheads and inside the Welcome Center.
Pony Hollow Trail
In 2005 the
Clayton County Conservation Board lime-chipped an old railway bed that began
in Elkader, Iowa. Today Pony Hollow Trail is used as a hiking, biking,
walking, snowmobiling, and horseback-riding path. Along the trail there are
three interpretive signs that explain the topography, trees, and wetlands
that can be seen throughout the trek. Pony Hollow Trail can be utilized
throughout the year and is 4 miles in one direction with a round trip
excursion of 8 miles.
State Owned Trails
Pikes Peak
State Park
This park
commands a spectacular view of where the Wisconsin River empties into the
Mississippi River and offers exceptional hiking trails. For more information
go to the following website:
http://www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/pikes_peak.html
Backbone State Park
South of
Strawberry Point and just outside of Clayton County, Backbone offers hikers
the opportunity to walk along creek beds and high atop limestone bluffs.
Several trails are offered at different skill levels and lengths.
Visit:
http://www.iowadnr.com/forestry/backbone.html for more information.
Yellow River State Forest
One of the
few areas within the state, Yellow River Forest allows backpackers to take
to the trail for an overnight adventure. Be sure to bring a good map,
compass and other essentials for your trip.
More
information can be found at:
http://www.iowadnr.com/forestry/yellowriver.html
Bixby State Preserve
Home to rare
plants and animals, Bixby State Preserve allows the day hiker to step back
in time and observe nature at its finest. This small preserve is located
west of Edgewood, Iowa. While there is little printed information on this
park, it is worth checking out.
Federal Lands
Effigy
Mounds National Monument
Walk amongst
Native American mounds that date back to 500 B.C. Guided tours are
available daily May to October. A visitor’s center is open throughout the
year in order to promote understanding of the cultures that once thrived
along the Mississippi River. Minimal admission is required. For more
information go to:
http://www.nps.gov/efmo/
Camping
Clayton
County hosts thousands of campers every year. Campgrounds with full
amenities are available at many private campgrounds located in the scenic
hills of Northeast Iowa. The County Conservation Board campgrounds are all
primitive with no “hook ups” provided. Water, restrooms and fire rings are
available with a nominal camping fee. For more information on Clayton
County Campgrounds and their locations, look under county parks.
Archery
Located at
Osborne Park is a 50 station, 3D shot archery range. With dirt backstops
and closed shots, this archery range is one of Iowa’s finest and makes a
wonderful course for young shooters. For more information on the range and
shoot dates contact Roger Burns with the Clayton County Archers Club at
563-245-2711.
Canoeing &
Kayaking
Northeast
Iowa is a great place to canoe and kayak. Located within the Clayton County
Conservation Park system are several canoe landings. The listings of parks
with access to the Turkey River are as follows: Frieden Park, Turkey River
Park, and Motor Mill. Access to the Mississippi River can be attained at
Frenchtown Park.
The Volga
River can also be utilized during plentiful water flows and can be accessed
at Osborne Park and Mederville. Located in Elkader is Turkey River Canoe
Rentals, to rent a canoe for a day call 563-245-1559. Rental fees include
shuttle drop off and pick up. For more information on canoeing in Iowa go
to:
http://www.paddlingiowa.com/
or call the Clayton County
Conservation Board at 563-245-1516.
Fishing
Trout
streams are plentiful in Northeast Iowa and are stocked often by the IDNR.
Big Spring Trout Hatchery,
www.iowadnr.com/fish/programs/hatchery/bigsprin.html
, located north of Elkader, is open year round
to individuals interested in learning about trout.
Anglers that visit Bloody Run, Buck Creek, or Joy Springs
trout streams will have the opportunity to catch rainbow, brook, or brown
trout. Along with trout, rivers such as the Turkey, Volga, and Mississippi
are filled with catfish, bluegill, bass and crappie. And don’t forget the
Osborne Pond located next to the Osborne Center on HWY 13!
Winter
Activities
Cross-country skiing, sledding,
snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling are just a few of the winter
activities found on the trails and ponds of Clayton County Parks. Groomed
cross-country ski trails, the ice fishing pond and sledding hills are found at
Osborne Park. Pony Hollow Trail is part of the Clayton County Snowbirds
trail system and is utilized throughout the winter by snowmobiling
enthusiasts. Whatever winter activity you choose, Clayton County Parks are
sure to offer a winter wonderland.
Birding
Any bird
enthusiast is sure to enjoy the rolling hills and great rivers of Clayton
County, Iowa. Located within the county are several Important Bird Areas,
where birds such as the American woodcock, cerulean warbler, and
red-shouldered hawk nest. For more information on where to watch for these
important species visit:
http://iowaaudubon.org/iba/overview.asp . If you have an interest in
seeing a raptor up close and personal, visit Osborne’s Native Wildlife
Exhibit where a bald eagle, barred owl, and arctic owl reside.
