Decorah Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of northeastern Iowa, Decorah is a hidden gem that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. This charming city, known for its Norwegian heritage, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One of the biggest draws of Decorah is its stunning natural beauty. The region is blessed with rolling hills, lush green valleys, and sparkling rivers, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The crown jewel of the area is undoubtedly the breathtaking 200-foot waterfall at Dunning's Spring Park. The cascading waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and towering trees, create a mesmerizing sight that will leave you in awe.

For those interested in history, Decorah boasts a rich and fascinating past. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is a must-visit attraction, showcasing the culture and heritage of the Norwegian settlers who played a significant role in shaping the region. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical exhibits that offer a glimpse into the lives of early immigrants.

Art and culture thrive in Decorah, and visitors can explore the vibrant local arts scene. The city is home to numerous art galleries, showcasing the works of talented local artists. The annual Nordic Fest is a much-anticipated event, where the streets come alive with traditional music, dance, and delicious Nordic cuisine, offering a true taste of the region's heritage.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to indulge in. The Upper Iowa River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, allowing visitors to soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes while enjoying a thrilling adventure. Trout fishing is also a favorite pastime in Decorah, with the region renowned for its pristine streams and abundant fish.

Alternative names: Population: 7.9 thous.Area: 7.14 mi²Elevation: 876 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°18'15"N, 91°47'16"W

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IowaUnited States

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Decorah Top Attractions

Decorah Attractions - What to See and Explore

Decorah offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Burr Oak House/Masters Hotel, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Porter House Museum, Locust School. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum
Burr Oak House/Masters Hotel
The Burr Oak House/Masters Hotel, also known as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Park, is a historic building located in Burr Oak, Iowa, United States. The 1½-story frame structure was built in 1856, and features a full width front porch and a raised basement. Its significance is derived from three elements of its history.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa is the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, with over 33,000 artifacts, 12 historic buildings, and a library and archives.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Porter House Museum
The Porter House Museum is a house and museum in Decorah, Iowa. It was the home of Adelbert Field Porter and his wife, Grace Young Porter, as well as Grace's mother and father, until their deaths. On August 6, 1975, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Museum • History museum • Vernacular architecture
Locust School
Locust School is a historic building located north of Decorah, Iowa, United States. Built in 1854, the one-room schoolhouse is composed of rubble ashlar limestone and capped with a gable roof. The lintels and window sills are also stone. A belfry with round-arch openings is located above the main entrance.
Tower
Winneshiek County Courthouse
The Winneshiek County Courthouse is located in Decorah, Iowa, United States. It is the second building used for court functions in Winneshiek County. The courthouse was included as a contributing property in the Broadway-Phelps Park Historic District in 1976.
Concerts and shows • Opera • Theater
Steyer Opera House
Steyer Opera House is a historic building located in Decorah, Iowa, United States. The three-story, brick commercial block was designed by F.G. Brant of Dubuque.
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve
Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve has one of the largest ice caves in the Midwestern United States. It consists of a 3-acre parcel of land at the edge of Barbara Barnhart VanPeenen Memorial Park in the northern portion of the city of Decorah, in Winnesheik County, Iowa.
Museum • History museum • Vernacular architecture
Norris Miller House
The Norris Miller House, also known as The Stovewood House, is a historic residence located in Decorah, Iowa, United States. The 1½-story frame house features a vernacular Classical cornice, symmetrical plan, a gable roof, and a limestone basement.
Museum
Painter-Bernatz Mill
Painter-Bernatz Mill, also known as the Old Stone Mill, is a historic building located in Decorah, Iowa, United States. The original part of the mill was constructed by William Painter in 1851, and it was expanded to its present size in the next year or two.
Neighbourhood • Victorian architecture
Decorah Commercial Historic District
The Decorah Commercial Historic District is a nationally recognized historic district located in Decorah, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
43°18'17"N • 91°47'19"W
Decorah Woolen Mill
Decorah Woolen Mill, also known as the Meritol Building or Decorah Tire Service, is a historic building located in Decorah, Iowa, United States. The mill was originally constructed in 1867, and was operated by various owners in the years to come.
Neighbourhood • Victorian architecture
Broadway–Phelps Park Historic District
The Broadway–Phelps Park Historic District is located in Decorah, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The original boundaries of the historic district is composed of seven blocks of a residential area and the city's oldest park. It is located on a prominent hill in the heart of Decorah.

Day trips

Decorah – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Decorah, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Villa Louis (Prairie du Chien), Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (La Crosse), Riverside Park (La Crosse).

36 milesSE
Museum, History museum, Victorian architecture
Villa Louis, Prairie du Chien
The Villa Louis is a National Historic Landmark located on St. Feriole Island, in Prairie du Chien, southwestern Wisconsin. The villa and estate are a historical museum operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The site has been restored to its appearance during the late...
44 milesNE
Church, Historical place, Sacred and religious sites
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Catholic shrine located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The 100-acre grounds include a visitors' center and outdoor devotional areas such as a rosary walk, Stations of the Cross, and a votive candle chapel.
44 milesNE
Park, Historical place
Riverside Park, La Crosse
Riverside Park is a public park located on the riverfront of downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. It hosts events such as Riverfest, Fourth of July fireworks, Oktoberfest, Moon Tunes, and the Rotary Lights. The steamboats American Queen, La Crosse Queen, and Julia Belle Swain make stops along the river in the park.
46 milesNE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Playground
Copeland Park, La Crosse
Copeland Park, also referred to as "The Lumber Yard", is a stadium in La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA. It is primarily used for baseball and is the home field of the La Crosse Loggers baseball team.
44 milesNE
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman, La Crosse
The Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman is the mother church of the Diocese of La Crosse. The cathedral, designed by architect Edward J. Schulte, was completed in 1962. Built of limestone, it has a tall clock tower which rises above the surrounding buildings in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin.