Motor Mill Trail

Discover Motor Mill Trail in Elkader

Motor Mill Trail Guide

This 7.5 mile trail travels between Turkey River Park in Elkader to the Motor Mill Historic Site. There is parking at both ends of the trail.

Turkey River Park amenities include pit toilets, canoe/kayak access, fishing, and a large picnic shelter. From Turkey River Park, trail users will travel south along the River Bluffs Scenic Byway, utilizing the west  shoulder paved for bicycle traffic. The highway 13 hill has a consistent grade, making for a good workout southbound or a fun downhill coast northbound. Just past the Grace Evangelical Free Church, the Motor Mill Trail crosses Highway 13 to the Grandview Road section. This leg runs parallel to Grandview Road, offering ample scenic views of the rolling topography typical of Iowa’s Paleozoic Plateau, part of the greater Driftless Area of Southeast Minnesota, Southwest Wisconsin, Northeast Iowa, and Northwest Illinois. From Highway 13, the 10-foot-wide crushed limestone trail runs along the south side of the road for just over 0.3 miles before crossing to the north side. About 1.5 miles from Highway 13, the trail crosses onto seal-coated Grandview Lane before rejoining Grandview Road for another 0.3 miles. This portion of the trail offers long views, soft surfacing, and a gentle elevation profile. This segment leaves the roadway behind and travels cross country for just under one mile through private property consisting of  beautiful restored prairies and woodlands, offering an intimate glimpse of Clayton County’s natural beauty. Respect private  property by staying on the trail. Once joining Galaxy Road, the trail descends via shared road to the Motor Mill Historic Site. The park features guided tours of the 19th century historic site, a campground, a canoe access, and over four miles of hiking and equestrian trails through some of the finest natural areas in the Clayton County Park system.