Every so often those who venture through life with eyes and ears and hearts wide open to the world around them will unexpectedly stumble across some new, beautiful, magical, enchanting place. It happened to Laura Ingalls Wilder, remember, when she found a buffalo wallow on the prairie that was brimming with violets. It happened to Mary Lennox in Francis Hodgson Burnett's classic "The Secret Garden" when she gained access to that hidden oasis. And it could happen to you, too, if you venture into Phelps Park in Decorah expecting nothing more than a run-of-the-mill city park. Are you ever in for a (pleasant) surprise!
Granted, Phelps Park is the city park you'd expect it to be in many ways. It's got playgrounds, shelters, restrooms, and hiking trails.
It's Decorah's oldest and largest city park, but that's not its best secret. It's got a band shell and a fountain and river bluffs, but even these aren't the most startling things to set it apart from other parks.
What elevates Phelps Park above and beyond any other city park we've ever visited are its beautiful, stone-lined pathways: works of art, every one!
It's the beautiful old stone-constructed buildings these pathways lead to.
Note the herringbone pattern on those rock walls!
And it's the views these beautiful old stone buildings and paths overlook.
These stone structures are the work of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) program from the days of the Great Depression.
To experience this magical hidden treasure for yourself, take the Trout Run Trail across the parking area from the playground. It's narrow and features some steep drop offs, so come prepared for an adventure! You can also start your hike on a trail near the park's fountain, and the two trails will eventually connect.
As you explore this park, watch for wildlife, including eagles.
Have you ever hiked any of the stone-lined walkways that lead to river bluff overlooks at Phelps Park? Learn more at the Northeast Iowa tourism website here. For another example of CCC stonework nearby, try a hike up to the Pulpit Rock Overlook!
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