The One Iowa Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Decorah has three very distinct features that make it a truly unique place to visit. Its strong Norwegian heritage is reflected in its dining, festivals, and attractions, while its geographic position in the Driftless Area means the surrounding landscape is somewhat unique and unexpected for a town in the midwestern plains. Decorah is also a thriving producer of craft beer and is known for its brewery scene. For its diverse culture, natural setting, and local food and drink, Decorah is the one Iowa town everyone should visit at least once.
Scandinavian Heritage
A trip to Decorah should really begin at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School that explores and illustrates the immigration story of generations of Norwegian-Americans and showcases work by the most talented in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk arts. The museum exhibits a vast collection of artifacts across four floors, as well as Heritage Park, an open-air museum that houses an additional 12 historic buildings. Artifacts from home life related to identity, beauty, and faith, and larger pieces such as a log home from 1853 and a wooden boat that sailed the Atlantic Ocean, are all available for viewing via self-guided or guided tours. Vesterheim also hosts classes in a wide range of areas, including cooking, weaving, metalwork, woodwork, and music.
Don’t just learn about the culture; partake in it at Nordic Fest, an annual celebration of Scandinavian heritage, culture, and food. The three-day festival occurs every July and features entertainment in the form of arts and crafts vendors, Nordic dancing, traditional skills demonstrations and workshops, a Skjaldborg Viking encampment, and plenty of food. Be sure not to miss the opening ceremonies and parade that kick off the event. Enjoy traditional dining options, including rosettes & rømmegrøt, meatballs, krumkake, lefse, lingonberry treats, and more!
Unique Geography
The Driftless Area is geographically unique in that it was not impacted by the most recent glaciation, and possibly others before it; therefore, the land was not ground down and flattened by the advancement and retreat of glaciers like much of the Midwest, leaving it untouched with varying degrees of landscape. Witness this phenomenon firsthand at Will Baker Park, where towering cliffs and picturesque trails take visitors through lush forests to Pulpit Rock. The focal point of the park, named for the truly iconic feature in Norway, is a natural rock formation that provides sweeping views of the undulating landscape for miles.
Explore more of the Driftless Area at Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve. Named for the layers of ice that form every year in January and last through August, the trails in the park that surround the cave contain steep inclines that cut around vines and limestone. The ice cave is one of the largest in the Midwest and is truly something to see, especially in summer when the walls remain frozen despite the heat.
Craft Beer
Named in honor of the local landmark, Pulpit Rock Brewing Company has been a staple in Decorah since 2015. The rotating tap list experiments with classic styles, brazen hoppy flavors, and bold infusions, with a goal to provide guests with a range of tastes and experiences. Housed in a former dairy facility, the modest brewery was founded by four Luther alumni who embrace the challenge of producing and serving creative beers. Visit the taproom to enjoy a porter, IPA, or pilsner for a true taste of Decorah.
For more locally recognized brews, check out the award-winning Toppling Goliath Brewing Company. Opened in 2009, the company has become world-renowned for its IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, including winning gold at the 2021 US Beer Open Grand National Championships, being named the #2 brewery in the world by Beer Advocate, as well as holding the title of the #1 beer in the world since 2015 for its Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout. See for yourself why these beers received the recognition they deserve with a tasting, beer flight, or tour of the brewery.
Nearby Towns
To keep the good times rolling in a similar fashion, take a trip just outside Decorah to Waukon and enjoy a tasting at Empty Nest Winery. The family-owned business grows and handpicks small batches of local berries and whole, real fruit to give their wine a more unfiltered flavor, color, and body. Though they specialize in wines, ports, ciders, and sangrias, they also sell craft beer in their tasting room. Before or after a visit to the winery, head to Waukon Golf & Country Club for a round on the challenging 9-hole course situated near the Mississippi River and scenic Yellow River Forest.
Another 30 minutes just outside town, Cresco features a unique heritage space in Beadle Park. Displaying an assortment of items and artifacts from early settlement and pioneer days, including a cabin created from hand-hewn logs and a restored 101A/Model FP7 diesel-electric locomotive, this is not your average nature park. For a relaxing evening and a bit of culture, catch a show at the Cresco Theatre and Opera House. Built as an opera hall in 1914, the landmark venue presents films and live productions by the Cresco Community Theatre.
Burr Oak’s main attraction is the Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum. The Masters Hotel, which her family managed and where they lived between 1876-1877, is the only childhood home of the author that still remains on its original site. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a lovely way to spend an afternoon in Burr Oak. After a tour of the grounds and historic buildings, opt for dinner at Barney’s Bar & Grill, where you can expect classic American comfort food in a casual, friendly setting.
From traditional Norwegian crafts and culture to award-winning local brews, ice caves, and limestone bluffs in the heart of the Midwest, Decorah offers something for all its visitors to create their own unique itinerary. Learn about the region's geographic history, explore the town's cultural roots, and sample unique craft beers with a personalized excursion. Pack your bags for a long weekend in the desirable town of Decorah and discover why it’s the one Iowa town everyone should visit at least once.
