Area guide
Explore Elkader
A vibrant historic river town with year-round festivals and something for every age and interest.
Downtown · Our picks · On the river · A short drive · By season
Walk from the Mill
Historic downtown, on foot
Leave the car parked. Restaurants, bars, the movie theatre and the Opera House are all within walking distance of your suite.
Elkader Opera House · shows, concerts and community events · elkaderoperahouse.com
Elkader Cinema · movies right downtown · elkadercinema.com
Our picks · all walkable from the Mill
Where we send our guests
Restaurant
Fennelly’s Irish Restaurant
Good hearty food, with Guinness and Harp on tap.
Fresh bakery
Pedretti’s Bakery
A lot of small towns don’t have a bakery anymore. Elkader still has Pedretti’s, so don’t miss it!
Right outside
The Turkey River & Pony Hollow Trail
Fishing on the Turkey River and the Pony Hollow Trail are easy to reach from the Mill. Bring a rod, a bike or just good walking shoes.
And of course, the Keystone Bridge: the largest keystone bridge west of the Mississippi, and the view from every suite.
Day trips
A short drive away
5 minutes
Pony Hollow Trail
A path for hiking, biking, walking, snowmobiling and horseback riding.
10 minutes
Osborn Nature Center
Native wildlife exhibit, Pioneer Village, walking trails, welcome center and gift shop.
12 minutes · some gravel
Motor Mill Historic Site
Make time to tour the museum.
30 minutes
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Trail hikes, ranger talks and a museum tour.
30 minutes
Mississippi River & Pikes Peak
11 miles of trails and amazing views over the Mississippi.
Every season has its reason
Plan around Elkader’s favorite events, and book early: the suites go fast on festival weekends.
Spring
Trails reopen and the river comes alive.
March: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Summer
Bike and hike, fish and paddle the Turkey River, and spend evenings downtown.
Last weekend in July: Sweet Corn Days
Fall
Hunting season and color along the river bluffs.
October: Art in the Park · Witches’ Night Out
Winter
Snowmobile Pony Hollow Trail, then come back to a warm suite with a view of the bridge.