Category: Off the Beaten Path

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!

Check out our other Off the Beaten Path adventures! 

Iowa may be known for its rolling farmlands, but the state also boasts a vibrant theatre scene. From historic gems to modern marvels, there’s a stage waiting to captivate every audience. So, grab your popcorn (or tickets to a live show!), and let’s explore some of our favorite theatres in Iowa!

Historic Gems:

Hoyt Sherman Place (Polk County): Take a step back in time at Des Moines’ Hoyt Sherman Place. This beautifully-restored historic theater offers a wide variety of events, ensuring there’s something for everyone from concerts and plays to comedy shows and family-friendly productions.

The Brown’s Century Theater (Plymouth County): Quaint theater and live music lovers, rejoice! Brown’s Theater in Le Mars is a historic landmark offering a live music experience, complete with a vintage popcorn machine and the charm of yesteryear.

Donna Reed Theater (Crawford County): Celebrate the legacy of Hollywood legend Donna Reed at the Donna Reed Theater in Denison. This historic venue not only showcases classic films, but also hosts local productions that keep the community spirit alive.

Pella Opera House (Marion County): Opera lovers won’t want to miss the grand Pella Opera House. This historic venue offers a stunning backdrop for beautiful performances with acoustics that will leave you awestruck. Check out our Off the Beaten Path adventure in Pella here!

Corning Opera House (Adams County): Travel back in time at the Corning Opera House. This beautifully preserved theatre offers a glimpse into the past while hosting a variety of events, ensuring the grand stage remains a vibrant part of the community.

Surf Ballroom (Cerro Gordo County): Step into music history at Clear Lake’s Surf Ballroom. Known as the final performance venue of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper, this legendary ballroom continues to host live concerts, special events, and tours. With its vintage charm and deep roots in rock ‘n’ roll, the Surf Ballroom is a must-visit for music lovers and history buffs alike. Check out our Clear Lake Off the Beaten Path adventure here!

Val Air Ballroom (Polk County):Experience the energy of live entertainment at West Des Moines’ Val Air Ballroom. A longtime staple in Iowa’s music scene, this historic venue has hosted countless concerts and events spanning multiple genres. Whether you’re dancing to rock, country, or pop, the Val Air Ballroom remains a vibrant destination for unforgettable performances.

Modern Marvels & Unique Experiences:

Voy 61 Drive-In (Clinton County): Catch a flick under the stars at Voy 61 Drive-In near Delmar, an experience both nostalgic and thrilling. Pack your pajamas, load up the car with snacks and enjoy a night at the movies beneath the Iowa sky. You can also find drive-in theaters in Blue Grass, Newton, and Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Englert Theatre (Johnson County): The Englert Theatre in Iowa City is a historic gem that showcases a diverse array of live performances from music to theatre, ensuring there’s always something new to discover on this iconic stage.

Adler Theatre (Scott County): Experience the magic of Broadway and other live performances at the modern Adler Theatre in Davenport, a cultural hub for the Quad Cities. This state-of-the-art venue boasts excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, making every performance a delight.

Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts (Jefferson County): Immerse yourself in the arts at the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts in Fairfield. This regional center offers a variety of theatre, music and dance performances, providing a platform for local artists and a space for the community to appreciate a diverse range of artistic expressions.

Clinton Area Showboat Theatre (Clinton County): Enjoy live theater with a view at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre. Docked along the scenic Mississippi River, this unique floating venue offers a season of professional performances, ranging from classic musicals to contemporary plays. With its intimate setting and picturesque location, the Showboat Theatre provides a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for visitors of all ages.

This is just a taste of the theatrical delights Iowa has to offer. So, get ready for an unforgettable performance – the curtain is waiting to rise!

Welcome Iowa’s charming communities, the Amana Colonies, where history, culture, and local craftsmanship come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, there’s so much to explore. Let’s dive in!

Start your journey at the Amana Heritage Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of these unique colonies and get a sneak peek at some of the stunning locally-made creations you’ll find throughout the community.

Main Street in the Amanas is like stepping into a Hallmark movie, especially during the holidays. With so much to see and do, you’ll definitely want more than a day to take it all in.

Fireside Winery is a personal favorite. Not only can you sample delicious wines like Glow and Brianna, but you’ll also find a variety of specialty foods, from meats and cheeses to jams and jellies. If you love entertaining, this is the place for unique kitchen essentials, wine accessories, fun aprons, and serving platters.

Another must-visit is Ackerman Winery, the oldest operating winery in Iowa. Known for their classic fruit wines since 1956, favorites include cranberry and plum. After a tasting, explore their selection of wine racks, glasses, and unique home décor. Be sure to check out more award-winning wines at White Cross Cellars and  Village Winery.

The General Store is a treasure trove of local and international finds. Built in 1858, this historic landmark offers everything from specialty foods and snacks to Amana-branded clothing and home décor. Downstairs, the Amana Coffee & Tea Company features flavored whole-bean coffees and loose-leaf teas. Don’t miss the International Christmas Market—a winter wonderland open year-round, filled with ornaments and décor from around the world.

For lunch, we chose the Ox Yoke Inn, an Amana tradition famous for its family-style American and German food. The homemade desserts are impossible to resist. Other great dining options include the Ronneberg Restaurant, serving similar classic dishes and Millstream Brau Haus for German-style bar food like pretzels paired with local beers.

After lunch, we visited the historic Amana Woolen Mill, Iowa’s only remaining woolen mill. Since the 1850s, their beautiful, handcrafted products have gained national recognition for quality. You can even watch the looms in action! Their blankets, towels, and scarves make perfect gifts.

The Amana Furniture and Clock Shop showcases timeless, handcrafted furniture made in the colonies since the 1850s. The store also features a workshop viewing gallery where you can watch artisans at work.

For unique shopping, check out the Painted Cupboard for antiques and collectibles, Amazing Grace for handmade soaps and lotions, and the Creative Colony for gifts handcrafted by Iowans. The Little Red Wagon is perfect for kids, offering personalized gifts, toys, and puzzles. Don’t miss Yana’s Clothing and The Clothes Encounter for women’s fashion and accessories.

A sweet treat always tops off the flavor of a trip, so we stopped at the Chocolate Haus. With homemade chocolates, specialty candies, and their famous fudge, we think it’s a little slice of heaven.

There are so many other great local shops and bakeries in the Amanas; I wish we had time to visit them all. After a day of exploring, relax at Millstream Brewing Co, Iowa’s first microbrewery, and enjoy one of their award-winning brews.

When it’s time to unwind, stay at a cozy bed and breakfast or the stunning Hotel Millwright. This beautifully renovated woolen mill now features modern accommodations, a restaurant, bars, and a conference center.

Thank you for exploring the Amana Colonies with us. We hope you enjoyed the journey as much as we did. I can’t wait to come back. Stay tuned for our next adventure off the beaten path in Iowa!

Check out our Off the Beaten Path in the Amana Colonies vlog by clicking here!

Check out our other Off the Beaten Path adventures!