The Clayton County Conservation Board invites you to visit and enjoy the natural resources and recreational opportunities in Clayton County.
Iowa's County Conservation Board System startd in 1955. Clayton County's Conservation Board continues to strive to meet the goals outlined in the Iowa Code (acquire, develop, maintain, and make available to the citizens of the county forests, wildlife, and other conservation areas. To promote and preserve the general welfare of the people). The Clayton County Conservation Board manages some 1000 acres.
Clayton County Conservation
29862 Osborne Road
Elkader, Iowa 52043
Ph: 563-245-1516
cccb@alpinecom.net
Visitor/Nature Center Hours
Summer schedule April to October
8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Saturday
12:00-4:00pm Sunday
Winter Schedule October to April
8:00am-4:00pm
Monday- Saturday
Closed on Sundays
All Parks
close at 10:30 pm
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Clayton County Parks
View Clayton County Parks in a larger map
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Osborne Park
The Osborne Park is located 5 miles south of Elkader on Highway 13 and features at Native Wildlife Exhibit, walking trails, open shelters, Nature and Welcome Center, gift shop.
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Motor Mill Historic Site
Hidden in the Turkey River valley, the Motor Mill Historic Site is a peaceful natural area that features a six-story limestone flouring mill and four related stone buildings dating from the late 1860’s.
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Bloody Run Park is located just west of Marquette Iowa. Nestled between rolling limestone bluffs, Bloody Run is a 135-acre park that provides both excellent trout fishing and camping opportunities. With over 19 primitive campsites, campers have the opportunity to enjoy nature without the hum of air conditioners.
The campground is located along Bloody Run Trout Stream and is also home to Iowa’s largest woodpecker, the pileated. Camping fees are $7.00 a night. Good luck catching a trophy trout!
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Turkey River Park
Located on the east edge of Elkader, Turkey River Park offers the perfect place to start a canoe or kayaking adventure. With easy access to the Turkey River, canoeists can enter the river and spend the day canoeing to Motor Mill or Garber. Plan on spending nearly two hours on the river in order to get to Motor Mill and almost six hours to get to the quaint town of Garber. Both floats have beautiful views of Northeast Iowa’s limestone bluffs, forests, and wildlife. A large shelter is also available for family picnics and other similar functions. Day Use, Fishing, Canoe Access
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Frenchtown Park
Camp along the Mississippi River and enjoy the sights and sounds of the great father of waters. This intimate park has 3 primitive sites and is free to all hopeful campers. Located within the park is a boat ramp with access to the Mississippi River. Frenchtown Park is located three miles north of the scenic town of Guttenberg and is sure to be of interest to any river enthusiasts. Camping, Fishing, Day Use.
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Joy Springs Park
Located along Joy Springs Trout Stream, Joy Springs Park is a great destination for any trout angler. Just a short drive west of Strawberry Point, Joy Spring covers approximately 90 acres of rolling forested land. Campers and fisherman lucky enough to discover this park will find land and water seldom bothered by people. Within the park is a large shelter and five primitive campsites. Cost per campsite is $7.00 per night. Camping, Fishing, Day Use.
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Frieden's Park
This small park is five and a half miles northwest of Elkader, across the Turkey River from Big Springs Trout Hatchery. This park offers rough camping, canoe access and picnicking. Camping, Fishing, Day Use, Canoe Access. This park is now closed for the season.
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Three miles north of Garnavillo, Buck Creek is surrounded by over 100 acres of forested land and is
located along the banks of Buck Creek Trout Stream. With two private campsites this campground offers hiking and fishing opportunities and is free to any interested campers. Spend the day or night and discover how much wildlife roams the hills of Clayton County Iowa. Camping, Fishing, and Bow Hunting.
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Pony Hollow Trail
In 2005 the Clayton County Conservation Board lime-chipped four miles of 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 at 8 miles. Day Use, Snowmobiling, Horseback Riding, Biking
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Iowa's County Conservation Board Areas All 99 counties in Iowa
1763 areas with 59 education centers
182,324 acres of parks, natural areas, preserves and historic sites Go to mycountyparks.com
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