Wild Driftless Adventure Race

09/09/2026

Last chance for race t-shirts! To guarantee a t-shirt, register by tomorrow (September 9). We need to get our final numbers to Bike Rags for these fine race tees! If you have been sitting around, waiting to register, now is the time!

Register today at https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/Elkader/WildDriftless

Race information at
www.wilddriftless.com

09/09/2026

Paddle scouting update:

Water is seasonably low. Assuming it stays similar through race day, this means slower paddling and more bouncing off rocks and scraping in riffles.

But it also means there are some perfect rapids sections for paddling newbies right now. Very safe, splashy and fun, and also, if you can read a river, you will have a big advantage.

And if you can't read a river, maybe bring a bailing device?! Cuz it won't be a matter of if--but rather how many--canoes get tipped if the river is low.

2026 Wild Driftless Adventure Race

09/08/2026

Hey, look at us! Thanks, Times-Register!

📰 Here's a look at this week's Times-Register. 📰

If you'd like to subscribe to the print or online edition, go to: https://anvil.times-register.com/order-tunnel/ #/plans

09/06/2026

Race weekend notes:

It is going to be a wild weekend of fun and adventure in Elkader on October 2-4. Make sure you plan ahead for the best experience!

Below, you will find our recommendations for overnight stays and events for friends and family as well as racers pre and post race!

Events:
Our headline event is the 2026 Wild Driftless Adventure Race on Saturday, October 3, but for a town of 1,200, Elkader has LOTS happening this weekend, including:

Friday night Cabin Concert sponsored by Wild Driftless through Turkey River Arts and Music. 6-10 p.m. Coulee Creek Barn, west side of Elkader

Art in the Park Fine Art Festival, 10-5 Saturday, 10-3 Sunday. Art in the Park expects 2,000 visitors to Elkader.

There are also scout groups in town, a soccer tournament, and probably things we don't know about! With all that said, PLAN AHEAD! There will be plenty of parking for participants at the City Park, but you need to plan for a place to stay, especially if you are looking for hotels since the closest options are ~25 miles away.

Best campground for tents with no pre-registration: Elkader City Park
Best campground for pre-reservations / electric sits: Osborne Park (reserve through Clayton County Conservation - ~5 miles from Race HQ
Great local coffee: The Brim Coffeehouse - Elkader
Great local pastries: Pedretti's Bakery
Great restaurants in town, including: Schera's Restaurant and Bar, Fennellys' Irish Pub, TD's Sports Bar and Grill, 2 Mit Burgers
Post-race meal from Johnson's Restaurant.

Visitors Menu Visitor’s Guide Attractions All Attractions Recreation Historic Sites Food & Drink Lodging Shopping & Retail Elkader Day Trip Ideas Elkader’s History Elkader’s History Historic Sites Downtown Historic District East Side Cemetery Burials Find Elkader Lodging After a drive on the b...

09/04/2026

Local partners! We are thrilled to be partnering with so many great local organizations and businesses, who are providing financial support, in-kind gifts, volunteer hours, or who have welcomed us in with open arms. While you are in town, stop by and thank so many of these great local folks!

We especially want to lift up:
Race day coffee from The Brim Coffeehouse - Elkader!
Volunteer support from Turkey River Recreational Corridor and Starmont Community School District Cross-Country!
Media coverage from the Times-Register!
Music partners with Turkey River Arts and Music!
Weekend event partners with Art in the Park Fine Art Festival!
Land use and facility use from Clayton County Conservation, City of Elkader, Central Community School, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Bethany Church Elkader, and several private residents!

We are so excited to be in town.

09/04/2026

An announcement for Cedar Rapids / Mt Vernon area adventurers, who might need some map help, from Laura Bigler:

Adventure Racing Maps Session

Join us for a morning of map reading practice and adventure race strategies. Maps will be provided.

Friday, September 11th, 9am-11am
Cole Library - Mt Vernon, IA
1st Floor Meeting Room
Bring pen, highlighter, and any other supplies you like to have when looking at maps

Google maps link to the parking lot, use the basement entrance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rqk6gcmc745FpD1u7

To ensure we have enough maps, please RSVP to Laura Bigler by 9/9. You can contact me by Facebook Messenger or replying to this post.

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

09/03/2026

One month to race day and Race Update #1 just hit racers inboxes!

The 2026 Wild Driftless Adventure Race is October 3 in Elkader, IA.

Race update #1:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1__u26M80_WhuBWUu6G9rUt-91O_063lh/view?usp=sharing

Ewalu Bible Camp & Retreat Center
CrawDaddy Outdoors
Wisconsin Adventure Racing Series
USARA
Bike Rags
Travel Iowa
Main Street Elkader
Turkey River Recreational Corridor
Turkey River Recreational Corridor
Clayton County Conservation
Zanfel
The Brim Coffeehouse - Elkader
The Dark Zone: An Adventure Racing Podcast
GearJunkie
Monticello River Rentals
HJR Financial

08/31/2026

When we talk about loose and chunky gravel, this is one of many examples.

Also, I *definitely* got off to take a picture to illustrate this and not because I couldn't make it up this 10% grade.

Still time to get your teams together to enjoy all kinds of gravel and more at the 2026 Wild Driftless Adventure Race!

08/31/2026

You know it's getting real when we're busting out the 4HourFuel for a course scouting ride!