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Access #79Huntzinger Bridge Access

Access #64AClermont Park Takeout

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Access #46Frieden Park Access

Access #39AElkader Takeout

Access #39BElkader Access

Access #38Turkey River Park Access

Access #32Motor Mill Access

Access #20Garber Access

Access #12Osterdock Access

Access #5Millville Access

Access #98Gouldsburg Park Access

Access #90Auburn Canoe Access

Access #64BClermont Canoe Access

Access #71Turkey River Canoe Access

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FishA total of 74 species of fish have been documented in the Turkey River watershed. Primary game fish include smallmouth bass, rock bass and walleye; with channel catfish only present downstream of the dam at Elkader. Other game fish that are occasionally caught include northern pike, white bass and three species of trout. Nine different species of suckers and seven species of darters have been identified in the Turkey River. Several fish species such as channel catfish, flathead catfish and sauger only occur downstream of the dam at Elkader. This dam is high enough to block all upstream movement of fish.

Cultural HistoryFor generations the Turkey River, with its wooded bluffs, fertile lowlands and wild game populations has served as a cultural melting pot. Prehistoric archeological sites of the Archaic and Woodland Tribes exist in the Turkey River Valley; with the most notable being a group of woodland mounds at Turkey River Mounds State Preserve above the confluence of the Turkey and Mississippi Rivers. In the 1700s, the French Fur Trade brought many of the first Europeans to the area including people of Spanish and French decent. These settlers traded with the historic Native American tribes of the Ioway, Ho Chunk, Sauk and Meskwaki.

Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this publication. Northeast Iowa RC&D and its partners assume no liability or responsibility in the use, or

misuse, of the map.Please e-mail corrections to: map@turkeyriver.org

Volga RiverThe Volga River, the largest tributary to the Turkey River, winds through Northeast Iowa beginning near the town of Maynard, and emptying into the Turkey River just west of Garber, Iowa. It is noted for its scenic bluffs on the lower reaches from Littleport to Garber, and its outstanding smallmouth bass fishing along most of its length. The river has good velocity, dropping three feet in less than 1400 feet of distance

in the town of Volga alone, making it a great tubing river. The Volga is also a good canoe and kayak river for most of the year, with put in and take out points along its length. Coupled with camp-grounds located in several small towns along the Volga River, including the town of Volga, make the river a destination for adventurous explorers looking to discover more of the Turkey River Watershed.

ClaytonFayette

Black Hawk

Allamakee

Chickasaw

Howard

Bremer

Dubuque

WISCONSIN

MINNESOTA

Winneshiek

DelawareBuchanan

Designed in Northeast Iowa2011

www.turkeyriver.org

Camping563.924.2827563.245.2446563.245.1516563.964.2236563.928.6464563.774.2067563.245.3337563.426.5740563.426.5740563.245.2098563.245.1516563.426.5740563.425.3613563.426.5740319.334.3802563.633.6795563.245.1516563.425.4316563.252.4151563.933.2081563.245.2536319.334.0135 563.637.2269563.252.1838563.245.1516563.283.5440563.873.9632563.873.2342563.379.3963800.728.1167563.873.2144563.928.7290563.427.5740319.393.4825563.425.4161563.767.3511

Backbone State ParkBig Spring Trout HatcheryBloody Run County ParkClayton Hills CampgroundD & D CampgroundDeer Ridge CampgroundDeer Run ResortDutton’s Cave CampgroundEcho Valley State Park - Jensen’s Trail Elkader City Park CampgroundFrieden ParkGilbertson Conservation Education Area Goeken ParkGouldsburg ParkGuttenberg RV ParkJ and J HideawayJoy Springs County ParkKlock’s Island ParkLakeside RV Park & CampgroundsLittle Bit of Country RV ParkLittleport CampgroundLittle Turkey CampgroundMaynard City Park & CampgroundMiner’s Creek Cabins & CampgroundMotor Mill AccessOelwein City ParkParadise ValleyPikes Peak State ParkRiver Valley CampgroundSkip-A-Way Park & CampgroundSpook Cave & CampgroundSweet Dreams CampgroundTwin Bridges County ParkValley View ResortVolga River State Recreation AreaVolga U Campgrounds

Water TrailThe 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.

Made Possible by:Iowa DNR River Programswww.iowadnr.gov/riverprograms/

Iowa DNR Fisheries Gary Siegwarth [Big Spring Hatchery]

Clayton County Conservation Board Brian Gibbs (Narrative), Tim Engelhardtwww.claytoncountyconservation.org

Fayette County Conservation Board Rod Marlattwww.fayettecountyconservationboard.blogspot.com

Larry A. Stone (Photography)www.larrystonesiowa.com

Northeast Iowa RC&D Brad Crawford (GIS, Planning, Publication)www.northeastiowarcd.org

Map 2

Map 1

Map 3

Map 4

SafetySafety is essential to enjoying the Turkey River. Each person must have a wearable life jacket in the boat. Children under age 13 are re-quired to wear life jackets. Dress properly for the trip by wearing sunblock and sunglasses, comfortable fast drying clothing, a hat, and proper water shoes to guard your feet against rocks.

While on the river, be sure to look ahead and avoid downed trees or large rocks in the river. Three dams exist on the Turkey River Water Trail. Their locations are clearly marked on the map. The circulating current immediately below each dam is extreme-ly dangerous. When you see a DAM sign be ready to take out your canoe; DO NOT attempt to go over any dam.

Dam

WildlifeThe Turkey River Valley provides habitat for diverse wildlife species. The valley is home to several raptor species including bald eagles and the less common red-shouldered hawks. During the summertime, be on the lookout for raptors soaring on warm air thermals above the river. Great blue herons and belted kingfish-ers are often heard and seen by paddlers. On lime-stone outcroppings, five-lined skinks can be found foraging for crickets. The surrounding forests contain deer, coyote and wild turkey, and beavers, muskrats and river otters can be seen swimming in the Turkey.

Understanding a RiverWhen you think about a tree you likely envision more than just the trunk or a single tree branch. You picture the entire tree. Maybe even the roots. To be a living, functioning tree, all parts must be connected, all parts must function as one, and no one part can function without the other. Now think about the tree as a meta-phor for gaining a broader perspective and functional understanding of a river. All of the land and every tributary stream within the Turkey River Watershed has a vital connection to the river. Each delivers water and nutrients to the river and is as crucial to the function and health of the river as the branches, roots, and leaves are to a tree. While you are out fishing, swim-ming, paddling, or otherwise enjoying the Turkey River, keep in mind this broader perspective as an important and enlightened element of your river journey!

Turkey RiverWater Trail

Map & GuideTop to Bottom: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish

Camping

Public Land

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Turkey River Water Trail

Volga River Access Point

Canoe/Kayak/Tube Rental

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GeologyThe scenic beauty of the Turkey River can be credited to the geological land form it flows through: the Paleozoic Plateau. This rugged landform contains four different rock formations ranging from 300-530 million years old. Along your route look for outcroppings of bedrock most frequently found in the sedimentary forms of limestone, dolomite, or sandstone. These rocks are responsible for forming the picturesque cliffs, ledges, and bluffs common along the Turkey.

Legend

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MississippiRiver

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River Mile #

River Access Name Distance to Next Access

Time

98 Gouldsburg Park Access 7.7 miles 21⁄2-4 hrs90 Auburn Canoe Access 4.8 miles 11⁄2-21⁄2 hrs86 Eldorado Bridge Access 6.4 miles 2-3 hrs79 Huntzinger Bridge Access 8.2 miles 21⁄2-4 hrs71 Turkey River Canoe Access 2.5 miles 1 hr68 Tessmer Canoe Access 4.5 miles 11⁄2-21⁄4 hrs

64A Clermont Park Takeout DAM64B Clermont Canoe Access 1.9 miles 1⁄2 - 1 hrs

62 Valley Bridge Access 3.1 miles 1 - 11⁄2 hrs59E/W Gilbertson Park Access 1.1 miles 1⁄2 hr

57 Gilbertson Park Narrows 10.8 miles 31⁄2-51⁄2 hrs47 Big Spring Trout Hatchery 0.5 miles 1⁄4 hr46 Frieden Park Access 7.1 miles 2 1⁄4-31⁄2 hrs

39A Elkader Takeout DAM39B Elkader Access 0.9 miles 1⁄2 hr

38 Turkey River Park Access 5.6 miles 13⁄4-3 hrs32 Motor Mill Access 12.4 miles 4 - 6 hrs20 Garber Access 7.5 miles 21⁄2-33⁄4 hrs12 Osterdock Access 7.5 miles 21⁄2-33⁄4 hrs

5 Millville Access 5.0 miles 11⁄2-21⁄2 hrsFerry Landing Canoe Takeout END

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Eldorado(#86)to Clermont(#64A)Venture downstream from Eldorado on this particular-ly scenic stretch, and you will encounter pine-topped limestone bluffs on your way past Huntzinger Bridge Access (#79). Other access points along the 109-mile River Bluffs Scenic Byway include the Turkey River Canoe Access (#71) and the Tessmer Access (#68).

Just upstream from the City of Clermont, you will see warning signs as you approach the Clermont DAM. As your round the final bend before the dam, there will be a bluff on your right. You must portage, and takeout is on river-right at Clermont’s River Park (#64A), where you will find nice restroom facilities, a picnic shelter, play area, and a universally accessible viewing deck.

Motor Mill

Gouldsburg Park (#98) is a multi-use recreational area marking the official put-in and beginning of your water trail journey down the Turkey River.  Here, Crane Creek merges with the Little Turkey River and flows peacefully downstream for 12.2 miles before merging with the main stem  of the Turkey River at Eldorado. A shorter 7.7 mile day trip can be made by taking out at the Auburn access (#90).

As you begin your voyage, large native oak trees sprawl over the left side of the river setting the tone for a diverse and unaltered tree lined river corridor.  Shortly after drifting under the first concrete bridge

You will begin your journey at the largest spring in Iowa: Big Spring. Here, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources rears trout to catchable size and stocks them into 19 Northeast Iowa fishable streams. From Big Spring (#47) it is an enjoyable 7.6 mile voyage down river to the Elkader Takeout (#39A). About one mile downstream on the right bank, a large bald eagle nest may be seen at the top of a cottonwood tree. Eagles can be found soaring on thermals above the bluffs as you paddle this stretch.

Upon arriving in Elkader you will notice the large water tower, be prepared to portage on river-left. DO NOT pass the portage as the dam is located just downstream. River users will portage around a large dam, the historic Keystone Bridge and a second smaller dam. Gradient: 3.9 feet/mile

Clermont(Access #64B) to Elgin/Gilbertson Park(Access #59A or 59B)This five mile section of the Turkey River Water Trail meanders through one of the most popular segments of the river. Users will encounter some white water, unequaled scenery, and one of the best fisheries on the river. Clermont is known as “Brick City” and is the home of several historical sites, including the Montauk mansion. Those looking to camp can enjoy the Skip-Away Campground and Resort. This private entity sports an RV park, restaurant and lounge, as well as tube and canoe rental. Clermont’s business district provides restaurants, a convenience store, as well as antique, gift, and art shops.

Floating downstream from Clermont (#64B) you will come to the Valley Canoe Access (#62). This launch is in the center of an expansive valley known as the Shin Bone Valley, named as it is home to sacred burial grounds for many generations of Native Americans. From the Valley Canoe Access, continue downstream to Elgin, a town known as the “Little Switzerland of Iowa.” There you will find the Gilbertson Conservation Education Area (#59E & 59W) which offers modern and primitive camping facilities, a variety of trails (uni-versally accessible, equestrian, cross country skiing, and bicycle) along with the Gilbertson Nature Center, historical museums, a petting zoo, bird watching and the internationally renowned Maize Maze.

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This section of the Turkey River Water Trail begins at Gilbertson Park (#59) and soon enters Clayton County. This float of 11.9 miles features a mean-dering river and a landscape of bluffs, timbered shorelines, and the serenity of nature. The visitor may encounter bald eagles, whitetail deer, and the occasional river otter. Exit on your left at Big Spring Trout Hatchery (#47), or continue 1/2 mile to exit right at Frieden Park (#46). Be aware that there is no bridge between the Big Spring Hatchery and Frieden park.

The remote 12.4 mile stretch from Motor Mill to Garber may provide the best scenery of the Turkey River Water Trail. Your river retreat begins at the access just downriver from Motor Mill (#32), which can only be accessed by road from the north. Motor Mill operated from 1869 until 1883 when a large flood severely damaged the dam. After paddling past a farm, a veteran group of red cedars stand guard on a narrow limestone bluff. The timbered ridges on both sides of the river rise high and close together giving this stretch a remote canyon feel. On this section of the river you will float past numerous scenic 150-foot vistas, abundant wildlife, and 100 year old native white pines growing from limestone rocks. Three miles beyond Motor Mill, Pine Creek enters on the river-left; paddle in a short way to view a spectacular rock bluff topped with native white pines. Seven miles downriver from Pine Creek, the Volga River enters the Turkey. After going under the Elkport-Garber bridge, you curve left and the takeout is just past the next bridge on the river-left (#20). This section of the river has a gradient of 3.4 feet per mile.

Elkader(#39B) to Motor Mill(#32)This 6.5 mile scenic section of river is accessed from historic downtown Elkader (#39B). Elkader’s eclectic shops and ethnic restaurants draw visitors from around the region. The Elkader Opera House hosts both local and national music and theatrical performances. Elkader boasts extensive public and private campground facilities, dozens of bed and breakfasts, and multi-use land trails for water trail visitors who want to spend more time in the area.

Cross under the Highway 13 bridge at Turkey River Park (#38), and all remnants of town are left behind. The river stays reasonably straight until you paddle past a large spring fed stream called Robert’s Creek. Robert’s Creek provides a vital habitat for many spawning species of fish including smallmouth and redhorse. From the creek, the river meanders through a narrow valley with wooded bluffs. After floating through a set of enjoyable riffles, historic Motor Mill can be seen down river on your left. Ride the riffles past the mill and through the leftward bend, where takeout will be on river-left (#32). Gradient: 3.4 feet/mile.

Canoe, Tube Rental563.245.3802563.539.4272563.422.5531, 563.380.3201, 380.2899563.423.5144 or 563.426.5593563.423.7338 or 563.380.0841

Turkey River Outfitters (Elkader)Big Foot Canoe Rental (Monona) Rollin’ River Rentals (West Union)Double J Tube & Canoe Rental (Clermont)Skip-A-Way Resort (Clermont)

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(Auburn)

SUNSET RD

Gouldsburg Park(Access #98) to Eldorado(Access #86)the river provides extraordinary scenery for several miles.  Large limestone boulders covered in moss and ferns line the bank.  Above you, hardwood forests claim the bluffs with the white bark of aspen trees lightly scattered in.  Smallmouth bass and native sucker species can be seen darting upstream in the frequently crystal clear river.  Surprisingly abundant freshwater mussel beds (clams) can also be seen in this stretch, an indicator of a healthy aquatic com-munity.  Past the Auburn access the valley starts to widen.   After joining the waters of the Turkey River you pass under the Highway 150 bridge and an access can be found shortly after the bridge on the right. The 5.7 feet per mile gradient of this stretch provides frequent riffles.