Elkader Opera House

The Elkader Opera House is a historic venue situated in the heart of downtown Elkader, Northeast Iowa. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, the Opera House is accessible from various major cities, including Cedar Rapids (75 miles), Dubuque (60 miles), Waterloo (80 miles), Des Moines (205 miles), and Davenport (130 miles). Visitors to Elkader can also explore local attractions and find accommodations through the Elkader Chamber of Commerce and the Elkader Lodging Association. ===History=== The current Elkader Opera House was constructed in November 1903, following the destruction of the original Turner Opera House by fire earlier that year. The community swiftly responded to the loss, raising $10,000 within four days to fund the construction of the new building. The Elkader Register, on April 16, 1903, described the upcoming structure as measuring 50 by 210 feet, featuring an elegant front made of pressed brick. The Opera House quickly regained its cultural significance with the staging of George M. Cohen's musical, "The Governor’s Son," performed by the Cohen Brothers, on November 27, 1903. This event was so popular that special trains transported audiences from neighboring towns to attend. The venue initially thrived by hosting productions on the Chicago-Minneapolis circuit, with some shows so large that actors were accommodated in private homes when local hotels reached capacity. Over time, as the touring acts from big cities dwindled, the Elkader Opera House adapted to serve multiple community functions. It has been a club and community room, dance hall, roller rink, library, fire station, economic development office, Main Street Elkader office, city hall, and the Abdel-Kader Sister City Museum. Despite these changes, the Opera House has remained a focal point for social and civic engagement in Elkader. In 1903, the Opera House also featured an orchestra on its stage, adding to its cultural offerings. Today, it continues to support the arts as the home of the Keystone Barbershop Chorus and the Opera House Players. ===Restoration=== In late 2004, the Elkader Opera House underwent a significant restoration to return the building to its original splendor. This restoration has not only preserved the historical integrity of the structure but has also positioned the Elkader Opera House as one of the most renowned and frequented small theaters in the Midwest, celebrated for its rich history and vibrant cultural contributions to the region.