This Small Iowa Town Has The Best Downtown
Decorah is a charming riverside town with scenic landscapes from rolling hills and forested ridges to deep river valleys. Downtown is picture-perfect with historic buildings and colorful murals. The town's Norwegian-American heritage is evident in the area's culture. The downtown area boasts quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an appealing place to spend an afternoon with friends and family. Decorah also boasts a vibrant community, with various festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Considering all of the town's charms, it is no wonder Decorah is the small town with the best downtown in Iowa. The outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and friendly atmosphere all contribute to making it an inviting destination for visitors. Here, we explore what makes Decorah's downtown the best.
Historic Architecture
Walking through Decorah's downtown streets is a pleasant experience, with charming storefronts and vibrant street scenes. Here, Norwegian heritage meets Midwestern charm in the historic buildings lining the streets. The buildings will transport you back in time. Many of them date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They showcase styles like Italianate and Queen Anne.
Some particularly notable historic buildings downtown include the Old Winneshiek County Courthouse, which was built in 1904 in the Classical Revival architectural style. The beautiful building continues to serve as the seat of county government. The Lincoln Cigar Factory is another unique historical building downtown. It is an Italianate style with arched windows and a decorative brick cornice. The Cigar Factory was originally a grocery store and later a cigar manufacturing site, reflecting the area's history in cigar production. These historic buildings contribute to the town's vibrant streetscape.
There are also many charming storefronts downtown, with some being in historic buildings. The Agora Arts is a gallery featuring contemporary art and fine crafts from over 250 artists housed in the historic Hotel Winneshiek. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is a key cultural landmark in Decorah's historical downtown. The museum has exhibits showing the area's Norwegian-American heritage.
Cultural Events and Activities
In the heart of the historic downtown district, numerous community events contribute to the area's lively atmosphere. The Decorah Farmer's Market takes place in the historic district from May to October and is a great place to browse local food and goods from small producers and artisans in Northeast Iowa. Another annual fest in downtown Decorah is the Nordic Fest, which celebrates Norwegian culture with food, music, and traditional crafts.
Visitors can also enjoy the variety of unique shops and cozy cafes, enhancing the small-town ambiance downtown. Magpie Café & Coffeehouse is a cozy spot known for its welcoming atmosphere. Lefse Lodge Kafe is a breakfast spot that pays homage to the area's Norwegian-American roots.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Access
One of the aspects of Decorah's downtown that makes it enchanting is the natural beauty that surrounds the downtown. The downtown is surrounded by the scenic Driftless Area, which has scenic bluffs and the Upper Iowa River. There are several picturesque parks located near the downtown area, including Dunning's Spring Park, which features a stunning 200-foot-tall waterfall that cascades over limestone rocks. Visitors can hike a short trail to get to the waterfall.
Decorah also has trout streams, which are best experienced on the Trout Run Trail. The 11-mile loop trail has scenic views for biking, birdwatching, and hiking. True to its name, fishing is also one of the most popular activities to do on the Trout Run Trail. One of the most incredible landmarks in town is the iconic Ice Cave. This natural cave remains frozen all year round and features a unique karst topography. Explore the ice cave and get a photo of this natural wonder. There is a sign that warns adventurers to be cautious and go into the cave at their own risk.
Hospitality
Beyond its natural beauty, Decorah is also known for its hospitality. Downtown boasts a welcoming atmosphere, thanks to its local shops, cafes, and restaurants. The downtown area is set up to be inviting, featuring benches, flower planters, and information kiosks for visitors. There are also lots of comfortable lodging options for visitors looking to spend a weekend exploring the downtown. The historic Hotel Winneshiek offers a luxurious stay with a dramatic octagonal atrium lobby and accessible facilities. For a cozy environment, consider a Bed and Breakfast such as the B&B on Broadway. The lovely B&B was built by Norwegian immigrants in 1910. It is conveniently located in the heart of the historic district, near the Winneshiek County Courthouse, making it a great base to explore the beautiful downtown.
Making Memories in Decorah's Downtown
Decorah's downtown area is special due to its inviting atmosphere, combined with the natural beauty and historic charm of the surrounding area. Downtown offers not only shopping and dining options, but it also serves as a rich cultural center. The beautiful brick buildings lining the streets make the area picturesque and tell the story of the town's past. In nearly every shop and brick building, there is a story to tell about the town's past. The area's rich history makes Decorah's downtown particularly special. All these things contribute to making a walk along Decorah's downtown streets memorable.
