If you love small-town history as much as we do you’ll get a kick out of these three historic landmarks in Elkader, Iowa. With purportedly over 27 historic sites in this small town of around 1,200 residents and an official nine listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll find plenty to pique your interest.

1. Elkader Opera House

Cultural and architectural history buffs will fall in love with this little gem. The Elkader Opera House opened in 1903 to replace the opera house that had burned down the previous year in the very same spot.

Over the years the Elkader Opera House has been used for everything from a firehouse, to a library, a dance hall, and even a roller rink. The building underwent a major restoration project in 1963 to return this majestic icon back to its original glory.

Local, national, and even international performers grace the opera house stage to this day to entertain and enthrall admirers of the arts.

2. Elkader Keystone Bridge

If a relaxing stroll through the historic town of Elkader is more your style, the Elkader Keystone Bridge is a must-see. Turkey River is a 153-mile tributary of the Mississippi River. It just so happens to meander through Clayton County. Fortunately for historic bridge enthusiasts that means it runs right through Elkader, Iowa.

This part of the country is rich in limestone, so when the old iron truss bridge was deemed unsafe in 1888, local officials saved a little money and built the new bridge out of local limestone. It set them back $16,282 which even by today’s standards was quite the bargain as some 130-odd years later the value would be just over half a million dollars.

Not only is this historic treasure a famous landmark in Elkader, but it is also one of the largest twin-arched keystone bridges west of the Mississippi River which may have had a hand in securing its spot on the National Register of History Places in 1976.

3. Schmidt House

Architectural wonders seem to be a theme in our top three list of Elkader, Iowa historic landmarks, so why not finish off this list with another famous building - the Schmidt House?

Two brothers, Wolfgang and John Blasius Schmidt immigrated to the United States with their parents as teenagers. They came of age helping their father run the family farm.

As adults, they felt the call of the entrepreneur, and like many Bavarian's had a rich history as beer enthusiasts. They married the two by building a brewery and creating their own business crafting Bavarian-style beer right there in Elkader, Iowa.

Unfortunately, the brewery was torn down sometime after 1884 when they had to close down the business due to prohibition laws. Their solid Federal-style two-story brick house built next door remains to this day. It even has the original wooden shutters from 1867.

While the house is not open to tours, it is easily enjoyed as a self-guided walk or drive-by tour year-round.

We’ve only just begun to tickle your history-loving fancy with these three historic landmarks in Elkader, Iowa. If you find yourself passing through this charming town, be sure to leave a comment telling us what you’ve discovered during your visit.