Welcome to the Turkey River Recreational Corridor!

Pedal. Paddle. Explore

There are two bike and kayak racks in Elgin and Elkader that support trips along the Turkey River Recreational Corridor. Ride the trails, paddle the river, or combine both for a true land and water adventure connecting communities and nature throughout Northeast Iowa. Be sure to reference our Land Trail and Water Trail information to help plan your trip!

Black bike and kayak rack on concrete at a park
Black bike and kayak rack on concrete at a park with a bike fixit station

The pedal paddle rack at Motor Mill Historic Site also includes a bicycle fix it station thanks to support to the Motor Mill Foundation from the Clayton County Foundation for the Future and Clayton County Conservation!

Thank you to the Slagel Family (Garnavillo, Iowa) for supporting this project!

Paddling Safety Tips from the Iowa DNR

  1. Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket. Kids under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway. The vessel must have enough life jackets for all members on board.
  2. Paddle with a group, not by yourself
  3. Tell a friend or loved one where you will be paddling, including what access to what access, and when you are expected to return. It will be easier to find you if you need help.
  4. Avoid swimming, wading, paddling or boating near low-head dams. Often difficult to see from upstream, low-head dams have deadly recirculating currents. Watch for warning signs, listen for rushing water, and get out and scout when in doubt.
  5. Stay clear of downed trees, bridge piers, scrap metal or clusters of rocks or concrete. Avoid wading in fast water. Bridge construction projects across Iowa could close some sections of rivers this summer. Look for known hazards that have been reported to DNR through their interactive river map at https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/paddling-river-recreation/where-paddle.
  6. Always know your river conditions before you go paddling. For the latest river conditions, contact Iowa DNR Customer Service at 515-725-8200 or your local county conservation board for updates.
  7. Bring along a dry bag with a set of extra clothes you can change into if you get wet, a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio.
  8. Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear light, loose fitting clothing that dries quickly. Wear a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
  9. Find individual water trail maps, including access points at https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/water-trails/trail-maps-guides.