Why This One Little Town Is Iowa’s Best Kept Secret
Nestled away in the heart of Northeast Iowa, in the middle of the scenic Upper Iowa River Valley, is one of Iowa’s true hidden gems – the city of Decorah.
Decorah, population 8,127, is a cultural hub known for its strong Norwegian heritage, as well as its charming and quaint Main Street shops and abundance of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages, during all seasons.
Image/Mary Grube
Whether you’re looking to spend a day or a decade in Decorah, there will always be something to do. If you’re a fan of festivals, you can’t miss Nordic Fest.
The festival features delicious Norwegian food, traditional crafts, a cultural parade, lively entertainment, sporting events, a fireworks display and more. This year's festival will be held from July 28-30.
If you’re someone who enjoys the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place as well. When in Decorah, it's a must to spend a day canoeing down the scenic Upper Iowa River.
Discover one of Decorah's beautiful waterfalls, such as Dunnings Spring Falls, shown above. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy as you relax by the waterside.
This prairie along the Upper Iowa River spans 34 acres and offers paths shared by hikers, bikers, runners, skiers and snowshoers. The Butterfly Garden features specimens of plants found in the prairie.
Don't forget to check out one of the many parks in town. Phelps Park, shown above, is a great spot to spend a sunny day soaking up some Vitamin D.
Take a walk through the Heritage Orchard, which features over 900 varieties of apple trees, wander through the display gardens, or visit the livestock out in the yard.
If you're a fan of culture, history or museums - don't miss out on the Vesterheim.
The Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum in Decorah is a premiere museum for anything Norwegian American. They were recently named one of the "15 Best Small Town Museums in the U.S."
Grab a bite to eat at one of Decorah's many delicious eateries.
And if you plan to stay overnight, the Hotel Winneshiek is a beautiful and historic option that offers fabulous rooms and a close proximity to all the downtown fun.
Not to mention Decorah has been rated as one of the safest cities, as well as one of the best cities to raise a family in. What more could you ask for in a town?
Michaela is a born and raised Iowan. She writes for a newspaper by day, and writes content for websites by night. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, or just binge watching Netflix.
