Elkader

Elkader, Iowa is a historic small city in Northeast Iowa and the county seat of Clayton County, serving as a civic, commercial, and cultural hub for the Turkey River Valley. Elkader anchors regional government services, locally owned businesses, and tourism for surrounding its rural communities. The city is known for its distinctive sandstone downtown, the iconic Keystone Bridge over the Turkey River, and destinations such as the Elkader Opera House and riverfront recreation areas that draw visitors from across the region.

Located directly on the Turkey River, Elkader faces ongoing riverine flood risk and experienced severe flooding in 2008, when record water levels inundated homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. In response, the community has invested in riverfront revitalization, dam and channel improvements, and watershed partnerships to turn the river from a source of damage into an asset, advancing long-term flood resilience while enhancing recreation, economic development, and quality of life. The American Flood Coalition is thrilled to partner with Elkader in advancing resilient flood solutions across Iowa.