On a brisk Saturday morning in April 2021, I wandered around the city of Elkader, IA. Located in Clayton County in Northeast Iowa, I walked with curiosity and wonder, making this short video to highlight some of the people, places and things that visually piqued my interest along the way.
Out Wandering in Elkader, Iowa
The Elkader Keystone Bridge
One of the largest twin arched keystone bridges west of the Mississippi River, the Elkader Keystone Bridge, was redesigned after the old iron truss bridge was declared unsafe in 1888. The new one is constructed of native limestone and now provides safe passage over the Turkey River that runs through the area.
There is an artificial white water feature just past the bridge created for those who want a little adventure. It offers water trail users a place to enjoy kayaking, boogie boarding, tubing and fishing.
Elkader River Walk
The six-foot-wide trail that took me from the City Park Campground to Main Street and downtown is scenic, lighted and parallels the Turkey River.
Pedretti's Bakery
Pedretti’s is established at 101 N Main Street on the northwest corner at the main four-way stop in Elkader. I learned this location has been in operation for three generations, and they are still using the original recipes.
In the 10 minutes it took me to make my way across the bridge, a dozen people passed by on foot to purchase goodies for the weekend. As I walked closer, the sweet smells wafted out, beckoning me inside.
GEAR Elkader
Located a short block north of the bridge at 201 N Main St., I had a chance to speak with one of the owners of GEAR Elkader, Mike McShane. He gave me a quick tour of the space he and his wife Kathleen are renovating into Northeast Iowa’s newest outdoor recreation store. They will offer kayaks, kayaking supplies, outdoor essentials and even some hardware items to complement the outdoor gear.
Mike told me they would also offer gourmet coffee served up daily and a specialty waffle shop that is new, unique and, in his words, “simply delicious.”
Event: They are hosting a grand opening block party with activities, food and live music on May 8th, 2021. Be sure to stop by!
Side note: The building GEAR Elkader is now located was once the home of long-standing business, Coast to Coast Hardware and the Glesne Family. I am especially delighted to know small-town business ventures will continue with Mike and Kathleen.
Wilkes Grocery Store
Found south of the bridge at 204 S Main St., I stopped into Wilkes Grocers for my weekend needs and was so pleased to meet their friendly staff. I learned they are the 5th oldest family-owned supermarket in the nation. WOW!!
Visit their ‘Features’ tab on the website before shopping for tools to help plan for all of your needs.
Treats On Bridge Street
Situated a block West of the bridge at 110 W Bridge St is one of my favorite coffee shops I’ve found along my way. First drawn to Treats On Bridge because of the wall tattoo painted on the outside, I found the inside just as charming.
Established in 2009, they provide a friendly place to gather. I would recommend stopping for a cup of coffee and something delicious to eat.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Nestled at the base of surrounding bluffs, St. Joe’s is a parish church of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Both the parish hall and church were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The church’s beautiful exterior architecture catches my eye each time I pass by and today provided me the time to make some photos.
Elkader's Unique Building Tattoos
Locations:
- Pigeon: Enter the alley between 1st street and Main Street at Mulberry to find four, including the pigeon and flying glass bowls
- Person Sipping From Straw: On the side of Treats on Bridge Street
- Butterflies: Along First Street and the corner of W. Bridge
I am sure there are more, but these are those I discovered in wandering this time.
Wanderlearning
Each time I wander, I am reminded that just driving through a place doesn’t provide me with its unique story. Sure, popping off the road to make a photo or two of something I find is satisfying, but each time I travel and wanderlearn, I am rewarded with new friends, backstories and memories.
I am also discovering more and more that small-town America continues to struggle. Conditioned to think bigger chain stores have better value, the cost is really too much because it means smaller, locally owned businesses are becoming extinct.
My thought? Be the change. Get out and visit small-town U.S.A. and support your local economy as much as you can!
Some wander to get lost and some wander to find themselves.
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Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
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