Cities and Towns in Clayton County, Iowa
Founded on Dec 21, 1837, Clayton County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Clayton County was formed from Dubuque County and Wisconsin Territory. The city of Elkader is the county seat. With FIPS code of 43, Clayton County has a population of 16,998 and area of 779 square miles (2,018 km²).
List of all cities in Clayton County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Clayton, IA | 52049 | 563 |
| Clayton Center, IA | 52043 | 563 |
| Communia, IA | 52043 | 563 |
| Edgewood, IA | 52042 | 563 |
| 52044 | 563 | |
| Elkader, IA | 52043 | 563 |
| Elkport, IA | 52044 | 563 |
| Farmersburg, IA | 52047 | 563 |
| Froelich, IA | 52047 | 563 |
| Garber, IA | 52048 | 563 |
| Garnavillo, IA | 52049 | 563 |
| Giard, IA | 52157 | 563 |
| Guttenberg, IA | 52052 | 563 |
| Hardin, IA | 52156 | 563 |
| Holy Cross, IA | 52066 | 563 |
| Littleport, IA | 52042 | 563 |
| Luana, IA | 52156 | 563 |
| Marquette, IA | 52158 | 563 |
| Mc Gregor, IA | 52157 | 563 |
| Mederville, IA | 52043 | 563 |
| Millville, IA | 52052 | 563 |
| Monona, IA | 52159 | 563 |
| National, IA | 52047 | 563 |
| North Buena Vista, IA | 52066 | 563 |
| Osborne, IA | 52043 | 563 |
| Rossville, IA | 52159 | 563 |
| Saint Olaf, IA | 52072 | 563 |
| Strawberry Point, IA | 52076 | 563 |
| Turkey River, IA | 52052 | 563 |
| Volga, IA | 52077 | 563 |
| Volney, IA | 52159 | 563 |
| Watson, IA | 52159 | 563 |
| Wood, IA | 52042 | 563 |
Major Cities and Towns in Clayton County, Iowa
Elkader
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.27 square miles
- Population: 1,209 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52043
- Latitude: 42.8547° N
- Longitude: 91.4035° W
Location and History
Elkader, the county seat of Clayton County, is located in northeastern Iowa along the Turkey River. Founded in 1846, the town was named after Emir Abdelkader, an Algerian resistance leader, in recognition of his fight for independence. Elkader’s scenic location in the Turkey River Valley contributed to its early growth as a milling and trading center, with the river providing water power for grist and sawmills. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the town’s economy. Today, Elkader remains a charming small town known for its historical significance, natural beauty, and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elkader is part of the Central Community School District, with Central High School serving local students. The town’s key landmarks include the Keystone Bridge, a historic stone arch bridge built in 1889, which spans the Turkey River and is one of the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi. The Opera House, built in 1903, remains an active cultural center, hosting theater productions and community events. Founders’ Park, located along the river, offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Elkader also hosts the annual Elkader Sweet Corn Days, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage.
Guttenberg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.14 square miles
- Population: 1,817 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52052
- Latitude: 42.7867° N
- Longitude: 91.1013° W
Location and History
Guttenberg is located along the banks of the Mississippi River in eastern Clayton County. The town was founded in 1851 by German immigrants and named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. Guttenberg’s riverfront location made it a vital port town during the 19th century, facilitating trade and transportation. The town thrived on agriculture, fishing, and river commerce. Today, Guttenberg is a picturesque river town known for its well-preserved German heritage, scenic river views, and tourism. Its historic downtown area remains a key feature, drawing visitors from across the Midwest.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Guttenberg is part of the Clayton Ridge Community School District, with Clayton Ridge High School serving the community. Major landmarks include the Lock and Dam No. 10, which regulates water levels on the Mississippi River and is a popular spot for viewing river traffic and fishing. The Guttenberg Heritage Museum preserves the town’s German-American history with exhibits on local life and industry. The town’s riverfront park offers trails, picnic areas, and a marina, making it a hub for outdoor recreation. Guttenberg hosts the annual GermanFest, celebrating the town’s cultural heritage with traditional music, food, and dance.
McGregor
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.07 square miles
- Population: 742 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52157
- Latitude: 43.0206° N
- Longitude: 91.1751° W
Location and History
McGregor is located in northeastern Clayton County, nestled between bluffs along the Mississippi River. Founded in 1847 by Alexander McGregor, the town became an important river port and trading center. McGregor thrived during the 19th century due to its position on the river, facilitating the movement of goods between Iowa and other parts of the Midwest. Steamboat traffic and railroads contributed to the town’s early prosperity. Today, McGregor is a quaint town known for its historic charm, with many buildings dating back to the late 19th century, and its proximity to natural attractions like Pikes Peak State Park.
Major Schools and Landmarks
McGregor is part of the MFL MarMac Community School District, with students attending MFL MarMac High School in nearby Monona. Key landmarks include Pikes Peak State Park, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs, along with hiking trails and camping facilities. The McGregor Historical Museum showcases the town’s riverboat and railroad history. The Effigy Mounds National Monument, located just north of McGregor, preserves Native American burial mounds and offers educational programs. McGregor’s annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival draws visitors to enjoy local art, food, and entertainment.
Monona
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.39 square miles
- Population: 1,471 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52159
- Latitude: 43.0519° N
- Longitude: 91.3915° W
Location and History
Monona is located in the northern part of Clayton County, about 10 miles west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1854, the town was named after the Native American word for “beautiful.” Monona grew as a small farming community, with agriculture—primarily corn, soybeans, and livestock—forming the backbone of the local economy. The town also benefited from its location on key transportation routes, including the railroad, which connected it to larger markets. Today, Monona remains a vibrant rural town, offering a peaceful atmosphere while maintaining its agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Monona is part of the MFL MarMac Community School District, with MFL MarMac High School located in town. Notable landmarks include Gateway Park, which features walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for family recreation. The Monona Historical Museum preserves the town’s history through exhibits on local industry and pioneer life. Monona celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Hay Days festival, featuring parades, tractor pulls, and other family-friendly activities. The nearby Yellow River State Forest offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities, attracting nature enthusiasts from across the region.
Strawberry Point
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.11 square miles
- Population: 1,279 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52076
- Latitude: 42.6792° N
- Longitude: 91.5344° W
Location and History
Strawberry Point is located in southwestern Clayton County, about 20 miles west of Elkader along Iowa Highway 13. The town was founded in 1853 and named for the abundance of wild strawberries that grew in the area. Strawberry Point developed as a farming community, with agriculture continuing to be the cornerstone of its economy. Over the years, the town has maintained its small-town charm and agricultural heritage, while also embracing tourism due to its unique claim to fame: home to the “World’s Largest Strawberry,” a fiberglass sculpture that has become a local icon.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Strawberry Point is part of the Starmont Community School District, with Starmont High School located nearby. The town’s most famous landmark is the “World’s Largest Strawberry,” a 15-foot-tall sculpture that draws visitors to the town. Backbone State Park, Iowa’s oldest state park, is located just south of Strawberry Point and offers hiking, fishing, and camping in a picturesque natural setting. The Strawberry Point Heritage Museum preserves the town’s history, and the town celebrates its heritage with the annual Strawberry Days festival, which includes parades, live music, and food vendors.
Garnavillo
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.16 square miles
- Population: 716 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 52049
- Latitude: 42.8661° N
- Longitude: 91.2439° W
Location and History
Garnavillo is located in northeastern Clayton County, about 10 miles north of Guttenberg along U.S. Highway 52. Established in 1843, Garnavillo was one of the earliest settlements in the area, originally serving as the county seat before it was moved to Elkader. The town was named after the Battle of Garnavillo in Mexico, in which a U.S. Army officer participated. Garnavillo developed as a small farming community, with agriculture continuing to play a major role in the local economy. The town’s historical significance and rural character make it a peaceful and welcoming place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Garnavillo is part of the Clayton Ridge Community School District, with students attending Clayton Ridge High School in nearby Guttenberg. Key landmarks include the Garnavillo Historical Museum, which features exhibits on early pioneer life and local history. The town is also home to Garnavillo City Park, which offers recreational facilities such as playgrounds and sports fields. Garnavillo celebrates its history with the annual Pioneer Day, a community event featuring parades, historical reenactments, and local food vendors. The nearby Mississippi River provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.