Attractions
in Clayton County |
Printable Clayton County Attractions Map |
| Clayton County, Iowa has a wide variety of attractions and entertainment opportunities. Whether you’re interested in History, Antiques, Casino Fun or Outdoor Recreation, Clayton County has something for you. |
| LOCK AND DAM 10, GUTTENBERG |
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Lock & Dam 10 has a public observation platform and restrooms open from dawn until dusk each day from April to November.
Constructed and placed in operation November 1937 the dam consists of a concrete dam 763 feet long with four roller gates and eight tainter gates. Earth embankment is 6,000 feet long with a concrete spillway 1,200 feet long. Lock is 110 feet wide by 600 feet long. Lock and Dam 10 is located on Mississippi River mile 615.0 near Guttenberg, Iowa. The site has undergoing major rehabilitation which began in 1989 and is scheduled for completion in 2006. Information from the US Army Corp of Engineers. |
| SHERMAN SWIFT TOWER |
The Friends of the Sherman Swift Tower have erected a replica of Althea Sherman's 1915 chimney swifts' tower at National, Iowa, with the goal of chimney swifts nesting there.
Althea Sherman (1853-1943) was a nationally known ornithologist who studied birds at her home in National, Iowa. National is on Hwy 52, six miles north of Garnavillo, Iowa. Visitors are always welcome.
Tours of the tower replica will be given in the spring and fall, when swifts are not nesting in the tower. Watch for Althea's birthday celebration to be held in the month of October. For more information, call 563783-7791 or 563-964-2535.
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| ELKADER KEYSTONE BRIDGE |
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Another impressive limestone structure is the Keystone Arch Bridge in Elkader. Constructed in 1889, the bridge is the longest keystone arch bridge west of the Mississippi River the Keystone Arch Bridge is included on the National Register of Historic places, as well as 8 other Elkader structures. |
ELKADER OPERA HOUSE |
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Built in 1903 boasts one of two surviving horseshoe balconies.
Renovated in the style of the times, the opera house has an active performance schedule and is home to the Opera House Players.
563-245-2098
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| LADY LUCK CASINO IN MARQUETTE |
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A few of the highlights include the Lady Luck Casino, Calypso’s Buffet, the Pink Elephant Showroom featuring free Las Vegas style entertainment every Friday and Saturday, and the lovely Lady Luck Hotel built on a bluff overlooking the casino, with one of the best views of the Mississippi River.
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| MOTOR MILL IN ELKADER |
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Built between 1867 & 1869, the 90-foot mill boasts six full stories & is believed to be the tallest structure of its kind in the Midwest. An inn, cooperage, icehouse & livery stable are also located on the site. Motor Mill is on the National Register of Historic Places. |
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| GROTTO AT NORTH BUENA VISTA
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Housed in a bluff surrounding the community of North Buena Vista visitors will find a grotto that was built in the late 1930's during the Great Depression. The town's residents
used rocks from the local area and a
700-pound statue was ordered from Terra Cotto, Germany.
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| CASSVILLE CAR FERRY |
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The Cassville Ferry connects two National Scenic Byways: the Great River Road and the Iowa Great River Road. Discover the natural beauty and the quiet and peacefulness of days gone by as you enjoy a ride on the Cassville Car Ferry. Experience the magic of the majestic Mississippi River while traveling across the river between Northeast Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin! It is the oldest operating ferry service in the state of Wisconsin, making the same trip back and forth across the mighty Mississippi today as it did as far back as 1833. Ferry operates April 29th - October 30, 2011. NOTE: It is advisable to confirm ferry schedule as it may be affected by river conditions. For information call 608-725-5180.
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| PLEASANT RIDGE (WILLIE) SCHOOL HOUSE |
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The first class was in the fall of 1894 and the last class was held in the spring of 1954. The school has been located on the Wille farm for 4 generations. The original road to the school is now known as Lace Road and ended at the school. The building is made out of rock with a pebble dash texture. In 1916 the entry of the school was built by Antonn Wille. The cost was $77.80. Some original items remain and various records are on display. After closing in 1954, the building was used for storage. Renovations began in 2005.
Hours open: April thru October
1st Saturday of each month 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Except August - Last Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
After hours visits please call 563-252-3776.
For more information on one room school houses in Clayton County, please click here. |
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