Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry won’t wow you with the beauty of its architecture. Many of the homes are of the mobile variety and are occupied by seasonal residents only. A sleepy village of 300 people in the winter, the population jumps ten-fold in the summer. The area has several lodging options and many ways to experience the outdoors, but visitors passing through on the Great River Road will find few reasons to stop in the town itself.

You can get information about Harpers Ferry from either the Allamakee County Economic Development (563.568.2624) or Northeast Iowa Tourism.

It took a while for folks to decide what to call their town. In the early years, it was called Paint Rock Prairie, then Vailsville (after early settler Horace Vail). The village was platted in 1852 as Winfield by William Hall and Dresden Howard. The Iowa Legislature changed the name to Harpers Ferry in 1860, in honor of pioneer settler David Harper. With a wide, flat plain extending one mile to the bluffs and three miles along the slough, Harper recognized the potential for this area as a steamboat landing, a potential that never really materialized, however. The town never hit it big; it had 300 residents in 1913, about what it claims today.

Among the early settlers of the town were a number of Norwegians, including Ole Larson and Ole Knutson who arrived in 1850. (I just like the sounds of their names, so I included them.) Another early settler, Asle Knutson—another great name—was adept at improvising shelter. After he arrived, he cut down a hollow basswood tree, then cut off a 16-foot section. In one end, he stuffed hay, his belongings, and then himself; he closed the other end with more hay. A knot hole provided ventilation and, with the log oriented to the east, also served as an alarm clock. Asle was single, in case you were wondering.

The simple white frame building for St. Ann-St. Joseph Catholic Church (307 Orange St.; 563.586.2350) was built in 1897.

Two miles south of town, take in view of Harpers Slough from one of the picnic tables along a narrow strip of land between the river, a mobile home community, and the highway.

Just west of Harpers Ferry, Yellow River State Forest (729 State Forest Rd.; 563.586.2254) is a jewel in the crown of Iowa public lands. The state forest consists of many separate units, but most of the recreational opportunities (hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, horseback riding) are centered in the Paint Creek Unit, which is about five miles from Harpers Ferry. If you want to canoe on the Yellow River, rentals are available through Big Foot Canoe Rental (319.238.2064); they offer routes that last from two to nine hours and could get you all the way to the Mississippi River.

Tillinghast Park (1st and Vine Streets) is near the river and a nice spot for a picnic.

Harpers Ferry hosts a farmers market on Friday evenings (5-7) from June to September at Bluffview Park (County Highways X52 & B25).

In August, the town celebrates its heritage with Harpers Ferry Days (563.586.2421), a weekend party with a ski show, parade, music, and festival food.

Just north of town, Mohn Fish Market (1144 Great River Rd. 563.586.2269) is the place to go for fresh, local fish, whether ready-to-cook, smoked, or pickled.

A bit off the river road, Scenic View Campground (420 Old 16 Rd.; 563.535.7347) is a full-service campground next to the Yellow River; they have about two dozen sites for overnight campers that range from primitive to full hookups.

The Paint Creek Unit at Yellow River State Forest has two campgrounds with primitive sites, a horse campground, and sites for back-country backpackers. (Who knew it was possible to go back-country backpacking in Iowa?)

Friendliness is a priority at the Point of View Bed and Breakfast (416 Luster Heights Rd.; 563.586.2061), which sits atop a ridge just south of Harpers Ferry with four rooms and a cottage for rent. The house has views of the Mississippi Valley and backwaters (especially from the widow’s nest), plus extensive grounds with hiking trails.

Andy Mountain Campground (2335 Andy Mountain Lane; 563.586.2123; WiFi) has five beautiful log cabins available for overnight rental; on summer weekends, there is a two-night minimum stay.

• Post Office: 131 N. Greeley Ave.; 563.586.2175
• Dolores Tillinghast Memorial Library: 234 N. 4th St.; 563.586.2524

Heading upriver? Check out Wexford.

Heading downriver? Check out Waukon Junction.