Iowa is full of fascinating geographic wonders – like the breathtaking Loess Hills and regions full of Karst Topography. One particular spot gets people talking though – because you’ll need to bring a coat, even if you’re hiking on a 100-degree day! Of course, I’m talking about the Decorah Ice Cave.

The Decorah Ice Cave is located at Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Google Local / Tony Hess
It's part of a large park system that makes the city of Decorah the perfect destination for a day trip.
You'll have to do some hiking to get there, so be sure you wear sturdy sneakers and bring everything you need for a short hike.
Google Local / Quang Lam
Trust us, it's going to pay off big time when you get to see this natural wonder.
As you climb higher, you'll notice signs on the trail pointing toward the Ice Cave.
Google Local / Alex Rau
Keep following those signs; it's really easy to identify once you're getting close.

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Finally, there's a stone staircase that will lead you to this geologic wonder.
Google Local / Cheryl LaMont
It's a fittingly dramatic entrance for a very unique and unusual site.
The Decorach Ice Cave is part of the Driftless region of Iowa, where interesting geography, topography, and geology are common.
Google Local / Alex Rau
The science behind the cave is simple, but incredibly interesting. This whole area actually was not glaciated during the last Ice Age, so the ice isn't caused by any sort of glacier that hasn't yet melted. The cave creates a cold air trap thanks to the way the cave is formed. While I'm sure a geologist could explain it more scientifically, the cave is based around the fact that warm air rises. The entrance is higher than where the ice lies, so the cold cave air remains in the cave all summer long, because the warm air is lighter and escapes from the top. In the winter, sometimes cooler air can get in, though, pushing out any warm air and adding to the chilly temperatures of the cave.
The cave rarely rises above 35 degrees in temperature, and there's ice on the ground and in the cracks of the rock for most of the year!
Denise Krebs / Flickr
Ice starts to form on the walls in January, and by May, it's several inches thick! This ice remains until late August, when it finally melts. Unless you're visiting the cave in the dead heat of summer, you should prepare to bundle up while exploring the cave.
Be sure to bring a flashlight and be prepared for how chilly it is in the Decorah Ice Cave!
Denise Krebs / Flickr
A little nip in the air is worth it, though, to see this stunning ice cave in Iowa.

Have you visited the Decorah Ice Cave? If so, let us know in the comments below. We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique experiences.

While you’re there, stop by the charming town itself – after all, it is the Most Beautiful Town In Iowa.

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More to Explore

Hiking In Iowa

CC | January 17, 2024

Where can I hike in Iowa?

Iowa is a state positively bursting with natural beauty. There’s so much to see, you may just want to move here! But for now, let’s start with some accessible hikes through the beautiful natural landscape of the region. Check out these amazing hikes in Iowa after you’ve visited this cool (see what we did there?) ice cave.

  • Brown’s Woods Trail
  • Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail
  • Maquoketa Caves Loop
  • Cedar Cliff Trail
  • Kruidenier Trail around Gray's Lake
  • Dozer Cut and Fox Run Ridge Trail
  • Brent’s Trail Extension
  • Preparation Canyon Overnight Route
  • Paint Creek Unit Loop
  • Squire Shore, Weasel Run, Mushroom Forest Trail
  • West Lake and East Lake Trail Loop
  • High Trestle Trail
  • Carlson Park
  • Lake Meyer Trail
  • Cedar River Crossing Conservation Area Loop
  • Sycamore Trail
  • Bill Riley Trail
  • Fort Des Moines Park Nature Trail

 

Where can I visit hot springs in Iowa?

Nothing feels quite as good as a soak in some natural hot springs. There aren’t many in Iowa but you can find some cool springs with a little hunting. Check out these hot springs in Iowa after spending a glorious day hiking the trails or hanging out with the family.

  • Richmond Springs

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Ice Cave Road, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA