With the cold winter weather here, we’re dreaming of warmer days and planning our next summer getaway! Today, we’re taking you on a visit to Decorah, Iowa, a town full of rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique local treasures. So, grab your sense of adventure and get ready to explore!
As we hit the road, let me tell you a little about why we’re so excited about Decorah. It’s nestled in what’s known as the driftless region, where the landscape is characterized by its rolling hills, stunning bluffs, and untouched natural beauty.
We chose to stay at the Decorah High Point Cabins, and let me tell you, it’s a slice of paradise. With seven unique cabins offering spacious rooms, breathtaking views, and plenty of activities for the kids, it’s the perfect base camp for our adventure.
Another great place to stay is the historic Hotel Winneshiek located on the main drag in Decorah, in walking distance of lots of shops, coffee shops, and restaurants!
One of the highlights of Decorah is the Upper Iowa River, offering excellent fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. We even got some great tips from Off the Driftless for our float trip, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience.
Of course, no trip to Decorah is complete without a visit to local hotspots like Mabes Pizza for the best pizza in town, Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. or Pulpit Rock Brewing Company for a refreshing drink, Dunning Springs Park for an exhilarating hike to a 200-foot waterfall, and the Decorah Fish Hatchery to catch a glimpse of the famous eagles.
If you’re a coffee lover, you have to check out Impact Coffee located just across the street from Hotel Winneshiek. Their seasonal lattes are delicious and they have lots of monthly events!
If you want to really go off the beaten path, make sure to make reservations at Twin Springs Supper Club. A delicious meal and even better setting!
But our adventure didn’t stop there! We also explored nearby towns like Burr Oak, home to the childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Spillville, where we marveled at the incredible hand-carved clocks at the Bily Clock Museum.
And let’s not forget about the importance of honoring our history. In Lawler, we paid our respects at a memorial commemorating our service men and women, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom.
One of the things I love most about these off-the-beaten-path adventures is the unexpected discoveries, like stumbling upon the biggest playground ever at Mikkelson Park in New Hampton or discovering a beautiful rock garden memorial in the park.
Another iconic stop is the Vesterheim Museum – “the most extensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world!” Next door is the Veterheim Commons, designed by world famous architects, making it a definite must-see.
Photos by ZaigerVision
As we make our way home, we’re filled with gratitude for life’s journeys and the memories we’ve created along the way. So, if you ever find yourself in Iowa, I encourage you to take the road less traveled and discover the hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Well, that’s it for today. Thanks for joining us on this adventure, and until next time, remember to embrace the journey and explore the world around you. Stay tuned for our next adventure!
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