Why This Iowa Town Deserves More Attention

Northeastern Iowa isn’t like most places in the United States. Part of the Driftless Area, it wasn't shaped by glacial drift — unlike many parts of North America. Instead, over the centuries, rivers and streams were allowed to take their natural course, carving out the deep valleys, sheltered caves, bubbling springs, and towering bluffs that give this region its stunning scenery. The Driftless Area includes not only Iowa but also parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.

Tucked deep into the breathtaking landscape of Iowa’s portion of the Driftless Area, on the banks of the Upper Iowa River, is an oft-overlooked destination that offers outdoor adventure and small-town charm: Decorah. Settled in 1849, this is a historic college town shaped by its Nordic heritage, farming roots, and natural environment.

There’s lots to explore in this Iowa treasure, from the town’s beloved bald eagles to the biggest — and most unusual — event in its busy calendar: Nordic Fest. Decorah isn’t your average Midwest town; it’s a one-of-a-kind destination packed with unforgettable experiences.

A Brief History of Decorah

Decorah was named after Waukon Decorah, a Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) chief who helped the American Army during the Black Hawk War and was later moved to northeastern Iowa under treaty provisions that resettled Native Americans. The town was incorporated in 1857, with a large number of farmers from Norway choosing to settle there, making the most of the fertile Upper Iowa River land, The town really began to grow with the establishment of Luther College in 1861. The College brought more Norwegians to the area which soon became known as their Vesterheim (western home). This rich history is still evident in the town today which has grown to over 7,500 residents but safeguards its heritage with cultural events, historic markers, and beautiful examples of well-preserved nineteenth century architecture.

Things to Do in Decorah

Learn more about Decorah’s humble beginnings and European connections at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School. Composed of 12 historic buildings and 33,000 artifacts, the museum presents a fascinating and detailed account of the town’s immigrant roots as well as offering year-round classes in traditional techniques such as woodworking, painting, and fiber arts.

Bookworms and adults of a certain age will love visiting the nearby Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum which pays tribute to the beloved children’s author who lived in the area in 1876 when she was nine years old. Both buildings on the site are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After wandering around Decorah and seeing the sights, quench your thirst at one of the town’s renowned wineries and breweries. The Empty Nest Winery, located in the gorgeous countryside between Decorah and Waukton offers a range of small batch berry wines made from handpicked fruit. If you can’t decide what to sip, you can sample 18 different varieties in the winery’s tasting room. Back in town, the Pulpit Rock Brewing Co serves up a rotating tap list in its rustic tasting room and shady patio.

Outdoor Attractions in Decorah

Decorah’s unique topography makes it a natural playground for hikers, bikers, and wilderness wanderers. The town is surrounded by beautiful views accessible from its many parks and trail networks. Dunning's Spring Park is home to a 200-foot-tall, spring-fed waterfall, a stone arch bridge, and a wooden staircase leading up to the top of the spring for incredible views of the cascading water. Be sure to take your camera up to Pulpit Rock Scenic Overlook at Will Baker Park to snap some of the best vistas over the town, accessible from a mile-long trail suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers. For a taste of underground adventure, visit the Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve where you can wander through one of the largest ice caves in the Midwest.

There’s plenty of wildlife to see around Decorah, including the town’s unofficial mascot, the bald eagle. This iconic species has nested near the Decorah Fish Hatchery since 2002. Over 30 eaglets have hatched in the area since then and birdwatchers stand a good chance of spotting these majestic birds on the Trout Run Trail near the Hatchery. Get a close encounter with more winged wildlife at the Decorah Community Prairie and Butterfly Garden, a 105 acre preserve with pathways and trails through wildflower-strewn prairie and butterfly habitats.

As a river town, Decorah also offers lots of water-based recreation including kayaking, paddling, and fishing. One of the best spots to enjoy the water is at the 1,200-acre Cardinal Marsh Wildlife Area which offers excellent paddling and fishing on Turkey River, especially if you want to hook a walleye. Other popular spots for anglers include the 33-acre Lake Meyer, south of Decorah, and North and South Bear Creek.

Decorah Festivals and Events

The biggest event in Decorah is Nordic Fest, held every year in summer. The festival has welcomed over 1.5 million visitors since it began in 1967 as a way to celebrate the town’s first residents who braved the trip across the Atlantic to carve out a successful community in the Driftless. The three-day event typically runs from Thursday to Sunday and includes local food vendors, fireworks displays, traditional craft demonstrations, a parade, live entertainment, and more.

The other staple of the town calendar is the Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour, held annually in the fall. This is a self-guided driving tour through the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Iowa, stopping at award-winning artists’ galleries and studios to view their work, see them in action, purchase a souvenir, or simply have a chat. The tour stops are all within 40 miles of Decorah.

The Best of the Midwest

A Scandinavian farming commune, a pocket of wild land untouched by glaciers, an artistic hub, and a welcoming small-town retreat — Decorah defies expectations to offer travelers a little bit of everything. From its unforgettable natural attractions to its hospitable, easygoing charm, it’s easy to see why this hidden gem of a town is earning a name for itself as a popular tourist destination. The glaciers may have missed this place, but make sure you don’t.