20l6 Guidebook Family or Group Name: ________________ Number of Adults: ________________ Number of Children: ________________

www.turkeyrivercorridor.com

The Turkey River Safari was created by:• Turkey River Recreational Corridor Board• Clayton County Conservation• Fayette County Conservation

With gratitude towards:

• Winneshiek County’s Driftless Safari for inspiring our outdoor adventure. • AJ Perling, snowball creative services, for answering all our questions to bring this project to life.• Northeast Iowa RC&D, including Jared Nielsen for their support and assistance with awesome maps!• Clayton and Fayette County Conservation staff for assistance with post installation, site information, and guidance.• The public libraries in Clayton and Fayette counties for serving as distribution sites for the TRRC Safari kits.• Area businesses and organizations who financially supported this project so families can play outside and learn more about the Turkey River Recreational Corridor.• The families and children in Clayton and Fayette counties and the surrounding area for joining us on our 2016 Turkey River Safari adventure!

WELCOMEWelcome to the 2016 Turkey River Safari! From Memorial Day to Labor Day, this is a summer-long adventure that will take you and your family to new and favorite places along the Turkey River Corridor. The Turkey River Recreational Corridor is a joint effort between Fayette and Clayton counties and the communities of Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, and Motor Mill Historic Site. As one of Iowa’s Great Places, the Turkey River Recreational Corridor is working to create great outdoor adventures throughout the Turkey River Valley.

This is your guidebook. You may visit the sites in any order, and we highly recommend for you to be creative in the ways you get to each site when it is safe to do so—try bike riding on the trails, roller blading, or even canoeing!

At each site, you’ll be looking for a post like this. The symbols on the pages of this book match the symbols on the rubbing post you will find at specified safari sites. Make a rubbing–crayons work best—in the space provided on the page.

Enjoy! Each site is a chance for you and your family and friends to grow closer, play outside, learn some history, and enjoy the beauty of the Turkey River Corridor!

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Site information Place crayon rubbing here

How to Make a Rubbing

l. Find the correct page in your guidebook. 2. Place the designated area of the corresponding page over the symbol. 3. Rub the side of the crayon slowly over the paper and watch the symbol take form!

Stewardship message Clue Match this symbol

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Tips for Enriching Your Experience

• Talk to the locals! If you are visiting a site for the first time, explore your community and speak to a trusted adult who works at the site! Some key people to meet may include a park ranger, tour guide, historian, or city staff person.• Be prepared—always! Keep your guidebook and map with you in your car or backpack all summer long; an adventure is always around the corner!• Remember: it’s summer! We want you and your family to be safe this summer! Remember to wear sunscreen, bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sun-resistant clothing, including hats and sunglasses. And don’t forget your camera, first aid-kit, and insect repellent!• Be a good steward! We care about all living things and want to protect the land, animals, and fellow human beings so that future generations will have wild and precious places to explore!

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Things to Do At Each SiteHere are some extra activities you and your family can enjoy practically anywhere!l. Check ahead of time and see if there is a class or activity happening. Many of the sites have terrific web sites to let you know what is offered!2. The limestone bluffs that surround the Turkey River Valley are a great place to look for fossils and interesting rocks. Check it out and start a collection of your own!3. Visit your local farmer’s market before your adventure and pack a picnic!4. Bring your fishing pole and catch your supper!5. Bald eagles and many other native birds can be seen all along the Turkey River. Start a journal to record all that you see during your safari adventure!6. Go to your local library to find out the history and stories surrounding Clayton and Fayette counties. Just ask your librarian to hear a good story!

Visit www.turkeyrivercorridor.com to find links to trail maps, local events, and more! We would also love to see your pictures as you are visiting the safari sites. To share pictures with us, please visit our Facebook page, or email them to us at turkeyrivercorridor@gmail.com.

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Table of Contents Pages

Plagman's Barn .........................................................................8–9Motor Mill Historic Site ..................................................10–11Osborne Nature Center ....................................................12–13Chicken Ridge Overlook .................................................14–15George Maier Rural Heritage Center ...........................16–17Carter House Museum .....................................................18–19Elkader Whitewater Feature ...........................................20–21Clayton County Development Offi ce ..........................22–23Elkader Opera House ........................................................24–25Elkader City Park................................................................26–27Gilbertson Conservation Education Area ...................28–29Elgin Trail Head ..................................................................30–31Elgin Historical Center ....................................................32–33Valley Canoe Launch.........................................................34–35Montauk Historic Site ......................................................36–37Lincoln Park .........................................................................38–39Clermont Opera House ....................................................40–41Goeken Park .........................................................................42–43Fayette County Historical Center .................................44–45Donnan ..................................................................................46–47

Let the safari begin!

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Plagman’s BarnCounty Road C7X, Garber

Plagman's Barn is situated in the rolling hills of Clayton County in rural northeast Iowa. We are on County Road C7X/Garber Road. To our east is the Mississippi River and Guttenberg, Iowa. C7X/Garber Road is at the south end of Guttenberg off State Highway 52. We are approximately 8 miles west and we will be on the south side of the road. To our west you will find Garber, Iowa, which is about 2 miles away.

The Northeast Iowa Farm Antique Association is dedicated to the historical preservation as well as the education of our area youth demonstrating the area's early farm and home practices and techniques. Steam powered engines, single cylinder engines, and horse drawn equipment highlight our three day fall Show Days. There are numerous old pieces of machinery, household appliances, and memorabilia to look at. We also have music and dancing, food stands, and shuttle service to make your tour enjoyable and more convenient.

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Look for the post near a white gate.

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Motor Mill Historic Site22949 Grain Road, Elkader

The Motor Mill Historic Site is located just outside Elkader on C1X (Grape Road) about 4 miles off Highway 13. Turn right onto Galaxy Road and continue 3 miles to get to Motor Mill. Stone for the construction of the mill was quarried from atop the bluff north of the mill and lowered down in a specially designed cable car system. German stonemasons from nearby communities built the mill and it was operational by fall of 1869. The original bridge at Motor was a high-sided wooden structure built in 1868 and was replaced with a two span iron bridge in 1899. The 2008 flood washed out the north span of the iron bridge. Last year, a replica of the iron bridge was installed.

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: You will find the post near a very large map.

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Osborne Nature Center29862 Osborne Road, Elkader

The Osborne Nature Center has many fun activities to offer! Walk along our Riverwalk and find an Eagle’s nest nearby. Visit the Playscape to admire the Osborne Flower Gardens while testing your skills on the tic-tac toe board or be creative and make a castle with natural wood blocks. Look for bugs while crawling through a gigantic hollow log or test your luck while hopping across tree trunks. Come discover the magic of music while playing a hand crafted marimba. You can also learn more about fun things to do in Northeast Iowa by visiting the Iowa Welcome Center here.

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

Elkader Development Corporation

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CLUE: Take a stroll down the riverwalk and look for an Eagle's nest.

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Chicken Ridge OverlookDirections: Travel South out of Elkader on Highway 13 and take the fi rst left gravel drive after Grandview Road.

Chicken Ridge, one of the highest points in Clayton County, provides a spectacular view to take in the expanse of two major watersheds, hardwood forests, and bucolic farmsteads. In addition to the viewing platform, native prairie plants were introduced and roadside shrubs and trees were removed to open up the view of the valley. The overlook also off ers interpretation featuring geology, topography, and habitat.

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Check out the wooden viewing platform.

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George Maier Rural Heritage Center402 S High Street, Elkader

A historic treasure appropriately situated in a 1919 restored sales barn, the George Maier Rural Heritage Center’s vast collection of artifacts takes you on a journey showing how rural life evolved in the Midwest since the mid-1800s. The center touts thousands of artifacts representing all aspects of Midwest rural living since the 1850s.

Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 8:00am-4:00pm, mid-April through mid-October

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: You will find the post near the entrance to the center.

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Carter House Museum101 High Street SE, Elkader

The past returns when you enter the Carter House and its attached annex. The home built in the 1850’s by Henry & Ernest Carter is an 18-room Greek Revival mansion furnished in 19th century style. In 1983 the property was purchased by the Elkader Historical Society and restored to its original appearance to serve as a historical museum. The collection boasts a significant display of military uniforms.

Hours: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day-Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Look near the large Carter House Museum sign.

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Elkader Whitewater Feature211 South Main Street, Elkader

The Turkey River, which flows through the middle of Elkader, has long been an asset to the area. In the after-math of the flood of 2008, the opportunity to reclaim the river for recreation, education, and tourism arose. A new whitewater feature was added to the river in 2013 and the feature caters to Water Trail users who enjoy kayaking, boogie boarding, tubing, and fishing. The feature is one of three whitewater features in Iowa along with Manchester and Charles City.

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Check where you can get the best view above the river.

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Clayton County Development Office200 East Bridge Street, Elkader

The Clayton County Development office is your headquarters for learning about all the fun things to do in Clayton County. Visit the office for brochures and maps to all the area attractions. The office is also located along the River Walk Trail in Elkader offering great views of the historic Keystone Bridge and the Turkey River. Take some time to enjoy the trail and the historic Cultural District located in downtown Elkader.

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Look near the trail around the building.

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Elkader Opera House207 N Main Street, Elkader

Construction of the Elkader Opera House was completed in November 1903, replacing the old Turner Opera House which was destroyed by fire earlier that year. Within four days of the Turner House fire, the community raised $10,000 for the construction of the current building. The building, as described in the April 16, 1903 issue of the Elkader Register, was “to be 50×2102 feet, with a handsome front of pressed brick.” In late 2004 the Opera House underwent an intensive restoration process restoring the historic building to its original grandeur. This process has led the way for the Elkader Opera House to be one of the most talked about and visited small theaters in the Midwest. The Elkader Opera House is home to the Keystone Barbershop Chorus and the Opera House Players, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year as a community theater group.

CLAYTON COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: You will find the post near the entrance to city hall.

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Elkader City Park350 S High Street, Elkader

The Elkader City Campground opens April 1st and closes November 1st. Stroll, picnic, play, or camp in the 3 acre shaded city park near the Turkey River. The city pool, playground equipment, ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball court, disc golf, an exercise trail around the perimeter of the park, horseshoe courts, enclosed and open shelters, picnic tables and grills are located in the park. Hike on the nearby Pony Hollow Trail or take the Riverwalk to downtown Elkader.

CLAYTON COUNTY SITEMember FDIC

Elkader Monona Postville. .

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CLUE: You will find what you are looking for near one of the park signs.

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Gilbertson Conservation Education Area2580 A Avenue, Elgin

The Gilbertson Conservation Education Area features many different opportunities to explore and learn about nature and animals! Come check out the goats, kittens, and bunnies at the Gilbertson Park Petting Zoo! You might even be lucky enough to see a peacock strutting across your path!

The buildings are open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Wednesday-Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00pm. The Maize Maze opens each July for even more fun! Check out the website for even more information at: www.elginiowa.org/GILBERTSON.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

TORKELSON’S TORKELSON’S E L G I N & W A U K O N

Elgin Community Betterment Club

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CLUE: Look for the Hart Dummermuth Historic House.

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Elgin Trail HeadDirections: The trail head is located at the edge of town before you cross the bridge into Gilbertson Park.

This Turkey River Recreational Corridor (TRRC) trail segment is part of the backbone of the Northeast Iowa Regional Trail System, which, when complete, will be a connected circuit of hundreds of miles of interlocking, diverse, trail experiences throughout Northeast Iowa. In the coming year, there are plans to connect this segment of trail to the 900-acre Gilbertson Conservation Education Area (Gilbertson Park) through a trail bridge over the Turkey River.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Look near where you can get some shade before walking the trail.

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Elgin Historical Center231 Center Street, Elgin

The Elgin Historical Society was started in 1984. Their large archive includes photographs, school information, historical records, furniture, Elgin memorabilia and detailed Genealogy and Obituary records.

Museum hours by appointment.

For more information, contact Ken Blockhus, President: kenharri@acegroup.cc.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

Heart of the ValleyHealthcare

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CLUE: Look for some flowers near the center.

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Valley Canoe Launch23945 Canoe Road, Elgin

The 98-mile Turkey River Water Trail begins on the Little Turkey River at Gouldsburg Park in Fayette County, merges with the Turkey River near Eldorado, and flows southeast through Fayette & Clayton Counties toward the Mississippi River. The Water Trail features beautiful scenery and numerous historic landmarks.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

Katsumes Law Office

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CLUE: You will find the post near the Turkey River Water Trail sign.

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Montauk Historic Site26223 Harding Road, Clermont

Take a journey into the past by visiting the home of Iowa's 12th governor, William Larrabee. Enjoy a guided tour to see and hear how the Larrabee family furnished and maintained this 1874 vintage brick and natural limestone mansion situated on 40 acres among 100,000 pines overlooking the Turkey River and the community of Clermont.

Montauk is open daily Noon-4:00pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Friday through Sunday, after Labor Day through Oct 31st Noon-4:00pm.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: If you were a horned guest of the Larrabee family, you would stay in this building. The post is close by.

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Lincoln ParkDirections: As you travel East out of the City of Clermont you will turn right on Stone Street/Apple Road and the park will be on your right.

Ex-Governor and Mrs. Wm. Larrabee led a movement whereby the citizens of the whole township devised plans to raise funds for the erection of a Soldiers’ Monument in Clermont. Lots were secured across from the Rock Island Depot. Mr. and Mrs. Larrabee had seen a handsome bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln on their travels in Edinburgh, Scotland, and they secured the services of the same sculptor to duplicate this great piece of work for Clermont’s Lincoln Park.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Look around the outer perimeter of the park.

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Clermont Opera House400 Mill Street, Clermont

The Clermont Opera House Company was formed by Frederick Becker, M.V. Dibble, B.C. Gruver, J.A. Ericson, and E.H. Appleman. Shares were sold in the company, and building commenced at once. It was finished in 1912 and was one of the finest buildings in the county. Seating capacity was 500, including the balcony. Because it was the largest building of its kind in the county, a popular touring stage group known as the “Winter Lyceum Course” booked its best plays of the season there. Movies, dances, and orchestras also entertained the local community. Currently, The Clermont Opera House is utilized for local events and programs.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Look near one of the doorways.

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Goeken Park29191 Lincoln Road, West Union

This little 5 acre park along Lincoln Road [Highway 150] has a beautiful panoramic view of the many miles of the Turkey River Valley. Four towns, in addition to the picturesque view of the village of Eldorado, can be seen from this point.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: You will find what you are looking for near the interpretive sign at the overlook.

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Fayette County Historical Center100 N Walnut Street, West Union

Built as a hospital in 1903, it served as West Union Community Hospital for nearly 50 years, as Good Samaritan Nursing Home for 25 years, and, since 1975 has been the home of the Fayette County Historical & Genealogical Society.

The museum houses many Fayette County items, including military uniforms and medals; art work by county residents; the muzzle loading gun used in the 1850's by Jacob Hoover to kill the bear he wrestled with; 'walking' spinning wheel brought here in the 1840's; early farm utensils; old kitchen ware; and even the Humphry Dairy cow .

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: The post is close the doorway into the center.

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Donnan18358 New Donnan Road, Fayette

Travel South on Hwy 150 outside of West Union, turn right on 190th Street. Turn left on New Donnan Road before you reach O Avenue.

Donnan is a former city in Iowa located in central Fayette County. For many years, this farm hamlet was Iowa's small-est incorporated city. The town's population slowly eroded over the years; by 1990 the population had dropped to 7, and the remaining residents voted to disincorporate. Don-nan ceased to exist as a city in early 1991.

FAYETTE COUNTY SITE

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CLUE: Check near the Donnan sign.

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Conservation Tips

• Ride your bike or walk.• Turn off the light as you leave each room.• Conserve water when you do the dishes, brush your teeth, and shower.• Recycle paper, plastics, and metals.  • Reuse what you can’t recycle.• Eat locally to save transportation costs.• Spend time in nature.• Limit the time you watch TV to one hour a day.• Plant a garden.• Open a window instead of using the air conditioner.• Donate items you no longer need.• Use rechargeable batteries.• Compost leftover food waste.• Visit a farmer’s market—get to know your local farmer.

This guidebook was printed on recycled paper and is part of our journey to save the environment. We ask that you try to reduce, reuse, and recycle as well!

The Turkey River Safari is brought to you by these Sponsors:

Alliant EnergyBank 1stCaterpillarClayton County Development GroupElgin Community Betterment ClubElgin State BankElkader Development CorporationFauser Energy ResourcesFayette County Economic Development & TourismFederal Hybrids, Inc.Fitzgerald, Inc.Freedom BankFriest and Associates RealtorsGifford Insurance AgencyHeart of the Valley HealthcareKatsumes Law OfficeKerndt Brothers Savings BankPalmer Memorial FoundationProbuild Company LLCR.J. McElroy TrustSigns N’ FramesTJ's PizzaTorkelson Motors, Inc.Viafield

We thank our Turkey River Platinum Sponsors:

We thank our Turkey River Partners: