Main Street Elkader

Main Street Elkader www.mainstreetelkader.com The Main Street Program focuses on four distinct elements which are key to building a positive, identifiable image for our downtown.

These areas are Organization, Design, Promotion and Business Improvement.

The simple beauty of a rainbow… ✨ We are so grateful to live in this beautiful area!Did you catch these rainbows from la...
06/24/2026

The simple beauty of a rainbow… ✨

We are so grateful to live in this beautiful area!

Did you catch these rainbows from last week? 😍

✨ “Unexpectedly fascinating small town.”✨ “Elkader is a genuinely underrated destination that consistently surprises fir...
06/23/2026

✨ “Unexpectedly fascinating small town.”

✨ “Elkader is a genuinely underrated destination that consistently surprises first-time visitors.”

✨ “The historic downtown has a beautifully restored opera house, local shops, and a relaxed riverfront atmosphere that is perfect for a June afternoon.”

We love these quotes mentioned by in their article about Iowa Small Towns That Make June Weekends Feel Like A Mini Getaway (Oh So Relaxing).

👉 Link to full article: https://www.travelmag.com/iowa-small-towns-that-make-june-weekends-feel-like-a-mini-getaway-oh-so-relaxing/

📸 during their Keystone Bridge Rehab Project in 2024.

Our next 🎶 Rhythm on the River 🎶 is THIS WEEK — 📆 Friday, June 26th!Mark your calendars and plan to JOIN US! ☀
06/23/2026

Our next 🎶 Rhythm on the River 🎶 is THIS WEEK —
📆 Friday, June 26th!

Mark your calendars and plan to JOIN US! ☀

We recently completed a community survey and are working to analyze the results. One of the comments received through th...
06/22/2026

We recently completed a community survey and are working to analyze the results. One of the comments received through this survey is shown here ⤵

“Treat everyone fairly; you cannot just be 'MAIN' street. The street is too small.”

Comments like these provide us an opportunity to communicate and educate the community on WHO we are as an organization and remind the community (and beyond) WHAT it is that we do. ❤

❓ Did you know Main Street Elkader is part of the National Main Street America program and has been since 1991? Our founders had to work to become accredited AND we have to continue this work in order to be a part of this nationwide organization of Main Street Communities.

The Main Street Elkader organization is named what it is because of this affiliation (not because of the physical address). The organization has a defined district which we operate in, that is approved by Main Street Iowa (part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority) and the National Main Street program.

🗺 If your business is located outside of our Main Street District: 🗺

➡ You still benefit from our organization and its resources! Did you know that our Economic Vitality (EV) Committee makes up the former Elkader Economic Development Association which actively represents and works on community-wide projects.

Did you know our Main Street Director’s role is split with the City of Elkader, having dual titles of Main Street Elkader Director and the Elkader Economic Development Director.

Recent examples of these community-wide projects are
1️⃣ The Breezy Summit Lots housing project
2️⃣ Casey’s General Store coming to Elkader's industrial park

As our mission states, "we are dedicated to the development of and the ongoing support of a vibrant downtown through economic development, historic preservation and educational programs with the benefits reaching out to the entire community."

Supporters and volunteers of our organization come from areas throughout the community of Elkader — both within the Main Street District and beyond. Why? Because "Strong downtowns help create strong communities."

‼ Week of 6/22 happenings in Elkader... ‼ ⬇ Please comment on the post with your information, events, happenings and mor...
06/21/2026

‼ Week of 6/22 happenings in Elkader... ‼

⬇ Please comment on the post with your information, events, happenings and more for that week ahead. (Please only focus on the week ahead, not any further out.) Tag pages & add a photo with your comment, if you wish to help promote your event.

Thank you for helping us spread the word about Elkader! ❤

We are excited and grateful to announce that we have received a $1,000 grant from the Foundation of Cornerstone Communit...
06/17/2026

We are excited and grateful to announce that we have received a $1,000 grant from the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities based in Guttenberg for our Shade Structures Project! 🙌 🎉

As you may know from our previous posts, this project will install THREE shade structures in public areas at Founder’s Park and Riverfront Park along the Turkey River — helping improve the comfort, accessibility, and usability of these outdoor community spaces for residents and visitors alike.

👉 If you’re interested in making an impact towards this project or any Main Street Elkader initiative, please reach out to Maggie at [email protected].

Learn more about the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities Endowment at https://dbqfoundation.org/giving-center/foundation-of-cornerstone-communities-endowment-donor

❓ Did you know... ❓Main Street Elkader does much more than organize events?As a nonprofit organization, Main Street Elka...
06/15/2026

❓ Did you know... ❓

Main Street Elkader does much more than organize events?

As a nonprofit organization, Main Street Elkader works year-round to strengthen our community through economic development, historic preservation, business support, and educational programs. Their mission is to create a vibrant downtown that benefits the entire community—not just Main Street businesses.

When you support Main Street Elkader, you're investing in local businesses, community growth, and the future of Elkader.

‼ Week of 6/15 happenings in Elkader... ‼ ⬇ Please comment on the post with your information, events, happenings and mor...
06/14/2026

‼ Week of 6/15 happenings in Elkader... ‼

⬇ Please comment on the post with your information, events, happenings and more for that week ahead. (Please only focus on the week ahead, not any further out.) Tag pages & add a photo with your comment, if you wish to help promote your event.

Thank you for helping us spread the word about Elkader! ❤

We’re thanking another round of our 2026 investors today! 🙌 These businesses have contributed to our annual investment d...
06/14/2026

We’re thanking another round of our 2026 investors today! 🙌

These businesses have contributed to our annual investment drive this year, giving to our community and supporting our local initiatives. We are incredibly grateful. ❤️ Big THANKS to…

▫️ The Brim Coffeehouse - Elkader
▫️ Styled Abode
▫️ Wilke’s Marketplace
▫️ The Collective Elkader

➡ Are YOU ready to give too? GIVE online, learn more, or download our investment drive letter at www.mainstreetelkader.org/join. You can donate in person at City Hall — 207 N. Main Street in Elkader.

Thank you, again!

Address

207 N Main Street
Elkader, IA
52043

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(563) 245-2770

Website

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