TRAILS/BIKING

Runners, walkers and bike riders love to follow the trails that wind throughout the community of Spencer. The riverfront viewing area, located on the north side of the river, on West Park Street in Spencer, is a part of the Little Sioux Trail Riverfront Project. There are over 11 miles of paved trails within the city limits in Spencer, extending up to Fostoria. Hop on for a ride or walk along the banks of the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan rivers, weaving in and out among forested areas and prairies filled with wildflowers and wildlife. Or, check out some of Clay County’s other options for hiking like Kindlespire Complex, Riverton Wildlife Area, Wanata Park, and many more!

The Sporting Life

If you’re ready to get your sport on, Clay County’s got you covered. From traditional sports like golf and tennis, to disc golf and skateboarding, there’s something for everyone. The Spencer Golf and Country Club is one of Iowa’s premier courses. The 18-hole, par 72 course is the site of the Northwest Amateur Golf Tournament which began in 1921. The town also houses the Spencer Municipal Golf Course, Spencer Skate Park, public tennis courts and Pederson Park ball fields. Don’t forget to check out the disc golf courses in Spencer and Royal, too!

HUNTING/FISHING

Stolley Park, near the west Spencer Industrial Park, is a haven for fishermen and walkers, who can be found from dawn to dusk. Many other areas in Clay County are available for hunting, like Burr Wildlife Area, Vera and Gilbert James Wildlife Area and Mori Prairie, to name a few.

Day Tripping

Take a day to explore the county! Stop by one of Spencer’s coffee shops, like Medlar Coffee Co. or Black Earth Java, for a quick pick-me-up, then head north up to Fostoria. Take in the natural beauty of the Prairie Flower, where native prairie flowers and grasses flourish on the site. Pop in to the Picket Trail (open Wednesday through Saturday), for an array of vintage finds and repurposed wood items.

Art

Clay County has an abundance of artistic elements from graffiti murals around town to art exhibits at Arts on Grand in Spencer. Arts on Grand offers exhibits by local artists featuring painting, jewelry, pottery and much more. Additionally, Arts on Grand often hosts classes and art nights. Vermeer Glass Art treats visitors to fusible colored glass in many different forms, and also offers at least two organized classes per month. Take a trip to McGee Gallery and Framing in Peterson to see custom framing, painting and gallery space.