You Won't Believe This Town Is In Iowa

Iowa, located in the Midwestern United States, falls in the middle of most things. From being the 26th largest state to the 31st most populous, the state is a quaint reprieve where people can relax and enjoy. That said, cities like Des Moines, the capital, and iconic landmarks like the Effigy Mounds National Monument provide a burst of vibrance, perfect for a vacation. However, while many people expect these sights, the town of Decorah stands out.

As the county seat of Winneshiek County, Decorah is a friendly community that abounds with history. However, unlike most of the state, which is farmland, this town is different. It is centered within the unique Driftless Area, a topographic and cultural region with large hills and bluffs that seem like mountains. To this end, Decorah abounds with iconic landforms, from tall cliffs to scenic streams, a sight rarely seen elsewhere. With this and much more, you won’t believe this town is in Iowa.

The Story of Decorah

While its landscape may be the standout feature today, Decorah also has a riveting past. During the mid-1800s, the area was the site of a Ho-Chunk village, a Siouan-speaking Native American tribe. This settlement was formed after they were removed from Wisconsin by the US Army, and the Upper Iowa River provided a suitable place to settle down. However, they were removed again in 1848, opening the way for English settlers, who arrived in 1849. These were the Days family, who named the settlement after the Ho-Chunk leader, Waukon Decorah. The following decades saw rapid growth, with the town winning a close battle over Moneek to become the county seat in 1851 and being officially incorporated in 1857.

By 1858, the first courthouse was completed, and in 1861, the Lutheran College was set up. Soon after, the railroad came to town, increasing connectivity. As most settlers in the area came from Norway and were of Dutch origin, the town is a Norwegian-American hub. Cultural activities and events are plentiful, and until 1972, it was host to one of the largest Norwegian language newspapers in the United States, the Decorah Posten. As of 2020, Decorah is a quaint yet charming town of 7,500, and the largest in the county. The government is the largest employer, and the town has a friendly vibe rarely seen elsewhere.

Decorah’s Unique Landscape

Along with its many quirks, from history to culture, what makes Decorah truly unique is its geography and landscape. Unlike most of Iowa, which is noted for being agricultural land with flat farming expanses, Decorah lies in the Driftless Area. This remarkable stretch of land, also known as Bluff Country, is defined by its steep hills, forested ridges, and deep river valleys. As it was never covered by ice during the last ice age, the striking landscape is one of the nation’s most extreme, and creates an environment that many don’t believe is within Iowa. To this end, Decorah’s outdoor opportunities are amazing, with adventurers from all over coming to explore the Driftless Area.

In addition to the rugged terrain, the area is known for its coldwater trout streams. North and South Bear Creek are prominent destinations, stocked with rainbow and brown trout, making it one of the best for fly-fishing. Meanwhile, the area also features karst terrain, which is when limestone bedrock erodes into caves and underground streams. Landmarks such as the Ice Cave are part of this, and this ice can remain present throughout the summer months. The combination of these unique features and its stark contrast from the rest of Iowa is what makes Decorah so special, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.

Things To See/Do In Decorah

With its rich Norwegian roots, rugged topography, and charming greenery, Decorah has plenty of fantastic landmarks. Whether you are a nature lover seeking to explore the nearby cliffs or a history lover who wants to join in on an event, there is something for everyone here. Learn more about some of the best things to experience that make Decorah unique.

Dunnings Spring Park

Tucked into a 115-acre natural area just north of downtown, Dunning's Spring Park is one of Decorah’s most beloved green spaces. Its main attraction is the 200-foot waterfall, which flows over limestone ledges and is easily accessible from a short trail. Visitors can hike additional paths that wind through the wooded hillsides or connect to the Ice Cave nearby. Picnic tables and open grassy spots make it a great place to relax after a walk. The rushing water, rocky outcrops, and peaceful forest make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Trout Run Trail

Decorah’s nearby trout streams are not common throughout the state, and the Trout Run Trail is a great way to experience this. The 11-mile loop runs along dikes, rail beds, and farmland, offering scenic viewpoints of bluffs and slopes. Visitors can walk, hike, and ski along the route with safe access to multiple trout streams. Thus, fishing is also one of the most popular activities, and you can try to catch dinner at one of many spots. Along with this, the Decorah Fish Hatchery is home to Siewers Springs and Decorah eagles, a treat for all nature lovers.

Ice Cave

When it comes to incredible natural landmarks, few places can top the Ice Cave, even in Decorah. Formally known as the Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve, this network of ice caves is one of the largest in the country, spanning three acres. This unique landmark is a characteristic of karst topography, which is present thanks to the Driftless Area’s topographic features. Visitors can check out the site from January to August, when it stays iced over and offers an ominous yet amazing vibe. Some parts remain blocked, and there is also a sign that warns tourists to enter at their own risk.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Nordic Fest

The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is the magnum opus of Decorah’s Norwegian-American culture. Founded in 1877, it was part of Luther College and became an independent institution about a century later. With over 33,000 artifacts and a dozen buildings, it houses one of the largest collections of artifacts on the topic. To this end, it offers a diverse view into the immigration and life of Norwegians in America.

One of the best times to experience this cultural heritage in action is during Nordic Fest, held annually in late July. This lively celebration includes traditional folk dancing, rosemaling displays, authentic Nordic food, a colorful parade, and performances that bring Decorah’s immigrant roots to life. Thousands of visitors attend the event, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of Norwegian pride and hospitality.

Decorah Commercial Historic District

Centered along Water Street, the Decorah Commercial Historic District features more than 60 historic buildings, many built between 1853 and the mid-2000s. This part of town is lined with Italianate and Romanesque Revival structures that give it an old-world feel. Notable spots include the Hotel Winneshiek and the Steyer Opera House. It is a small town in Iowa, but it has a deeper cultural heartbeat.

The Driftless Town In Iowa That Stands Out

Decorah stands out in Iowa not just for its charm, but for its terrain. Nestled in the heart of the Driftless Area, its bluffs, caves, and coldwater streams create a landscape that feels closer to Appalachia than the Midwest. Towering limestone cliffs, lush wooded valleys, and rugged trails offer outdoor experiences rarely found in the region. This geological contrast is what truly defines Decorah. It is a town shaped by ancient forces that invites exploration at every turn. For travelers, it offers a slice of Iowa that defies expectation.