Eldora is a close-knit community by outdoor amenities in Hardin County
With a population of about 2,600, Eldora is a small community that comes together in meaningful ways, whether volunteering at the local food pantry or meeting at the county fair. “It’s just a small town, you know?” says Joan Grothoff, director of Eldora Public Library. “You know everybody.” The Iowa River and Pine Lake State Park neighbor the city, so residents have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. Eldora is the seat of Hardin County.
The courthouse in Eldora has stunning architecture and stands tall over the city.
The Iowa River flows along the eastern bounds of Eldora and provides water to the city.
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Pine Lake State Park and the Iowa River are nearby
The Iowa River winds past Eldora. “It’s a great little river to float down,” Grothoff says. Kayakers and tubers can find several access points along the riverbank, including at Rock-n-Row Adventures. This campground and tube rental is cash-only and has live music on Saturday nights during the summer. At Pine Lake State Park, visitors go camping and hiking along trails that lead into the city or around the titular lake. Popular catches include bass and crappie. Twister Park is one of a handful of city parks and has baseball fields, tennis courts and a playground. The Eldora Aquatic Center, which is open during the summer, is also at the park. Patrons of the Eldora Public Library can find more than a catalog of books, with passport services and the Iowa Adventure Pass, which grants admission to popular destinations like Blank Park Zoo and the Reiman Gardens. “We just try to be a one-stop shop for everything you need,” Grothoff says.
Boat docks can be found at Pine Lake State Park for locals to embark along the Iowa River.
The Eldora Public Library hosts after-school clubs for local students.
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Homes dating back to the early 20th century are along Eldora’s streets
Sidewalks line most of Eldora’s shaded streets, where homes have grassy front lawns dotted with maple trees. Wide driveways lead to detached garages. Most properties date back to the early 20th century, including storybook-inspired cottages and Foursquares. “We have some really lovely homes in Eldora,” Grothoff says. There are several midcentury ranch-style houses and split-levels, and new construction is hard to come by. Depending on size and condition, prices generally range from $60,000 to $315,000. Investment properties cost as little as $6,000.
American Foursquares with patios are one of the most common housing styles in Eldora.
Large trees sit on many of the front yards in Eldora, providing shade through hot summers.
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Eldora-New Providence Elementary was recently renovated
The community is part of the Eldora-New Providence Community School District, also called South Hardin Schools. Eldora-New Providence Elementary School received a C-plus from Niche and went through renovations, including a new library. South Hardin Middle School is unrated. South Hardin High earns a B-minus and has extracurriculars like active Future Farmers of America and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapters.
Eldora-New Providence Elementary has a student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1.
South Hardin Middle School in Eldora teaches roughly 200 students.
South Hardin High has an "alternative high school" for qualifying non-traditional students.
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Most locals rely on cars to get around, with access to U.S. Route 65
While Eldora’s size makes it walkable, most residents drive. State Route 175 goes through the city and merges with U.S. Route 65, which leads about 75 miles to Des Moines. Des Moines International Airport, about an 85-mile drive, offers nonstop flights to over 20 destinations. The closest emergency room is at Hansen Family Hospital, about 15 miles away.
Residents support local businesses and food pantries
Most of Eldora’s shops and restaurants are locally owned. Opalane Boutique sells apparel for South Hardin and Iowa State University. The Pickin’ Preacher has a wide selection of antiques. Sunshine Cafe is known for traditional diner food, while Panda One serves Chinese. People enjoy burgers, wings and other American fare at Firehouse Saloon & Grill. Hy-Vee and Fareway are two grocery stores in the area. Locals can get fresh produce from the Eldora Farmers Market on Thursday evenings from the end of May through early October, or grow it themselves at the community garden in the city. “People can get anything for free, or you can buy a little plot for a very reasonable bit of money, and you can grow your own produce,” Grothoff says. Walmart is about 16 miles away. Pine Lake Food Shelf is the largest food pantry in Eldora and is open to residents twice a week. “A lot of people volunteer with the food pantry to help sustain them,” Grothoff says. There are several other pantries throughout the city, including at the library, where nonperishable donations replace overdue fines.
Sunshine Cafe in Eldora serves breakfast and lunch fare, like its signature Sunshine Chicken.
Pick'n Preacher is an antiques and collectables store with an eclectic collection in Eldora.
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Events include Eldora Pine Lake Festival and Hardin County Fair
Locals come together every year for the Eldora Pine Lake Festival, a celebration of community every summer. Programming includes Truck-A-Palooza, where kids can see big trucks and farm equipment up close, and the annual BBQ Cook Off hosted by the Eldora Police Department. There are food vendors, inflatables and live music all weekend. The Hardin County Fair is every July and includes events like livestock shows from local 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters. There are also carnival rides and live music. Other celebrations throughout the year include the Eldora Christmas Festival, which includes a tree lighting and a visit with Santa.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Chris Freeman
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