Clayton County
So Much to Experience…
Clayton County is located in the beautiful hills of Northeast Iowa, bordering the majestic Mississippi River. Our scenic bluffs and natural beauty combine to provide unlimited recreational activities for visitors during all four seasons of the year…from ice-fishing on the Mississippi in the winter, to hiking trails highlighted by wildflowers in late spring, to canoe trips on our rivers in summer, to the breathtaking fall-foliage of autumn, Clayton County provides visitors with opportunities to experience the beauty of nature!
Our communities are scattered throughout the bluffs of Clayton County, and each has its own unique offerings to visitors who take the time to explore our country roads. We are fortunate to have the State of Iowa designated River & Bluffs Scenic By-Way, as well as the Great River Road located in Clayton County, which both lead visitors through several of these communities. We invite you to explore our communities’ Main Street retail stores, gift, and antique shops. From fine dining along the Turkey River or Mississippi River to more unique casual experiences, such as the Gunder-Burger or the World’s Largest Tenderloin, Clayton County is home to a wide variety of restaurants. Whether it is tent camping, RV camping, cabins, cottages, hotels, motels, Inns or B & B’s, Clayton County can be your home away from home for a good nights sleep.
From trout fishing, golfing, canoe/kayaking the rivers, exploring the trails, or enjoying a brewery or winery, there is something for everyone in NE IA.
Towns include Clayton, Elkader (the county seat), Edgewood, Elkport, Farmersburg, Garber, Garnavillo, Guttenberg, Luana, Marquette, McGregor, Monona, North Buena Vista, Osterdock, St. Olaf, Strawberry Point, and Volga.
Clayton County Development Group
The mission of the Clayton County Development Group is to enhance the opportunities for the creation of wealth for the citizens of Clayton County, Iowa through the promotion of Agriculture, Industry & Tourism; build strong profitable economic businesses through cooperation and education; create a destination for quality recreation and tourism and provide a quality of life that promotes public investment.