Turkey, deer, waterfowl, and pheasant hunting on state designated public hunting areas is available at appropriate times throughout the year. Information on public hunting areas and state public regulations can be found on the Iowa DNR website.

Fishing is a popular past-time throughout the year in Clayton County. Streams, ponds, and rivers are plentiful, and well-stocked with fish, especially trout. For a full list of good fishing holes, please visit our fishing page.

There are numerous walking trails snaking through forests and along rivers throughout Clayton County. While visiting Elkader, be sure to check out Pony Hollow Trail, a multi-use trail that begins near the Elkader City Park and follows the old Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad tracks for about 4.4 miles through some of the most scenic and nature-filled areas in the entire midwest.

The east side river walk is another very scenic path from the City Park or Deer Run Resort to Elkader's Historic downtown. Be sure to pause along the way to enjoy the vista on the river or at times to watch the fish and wildlife in one of Iowa's most beautiful settings.