let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
Trips & RoutesSmall Towns

Just 30 Minutes From Decorah, Waukon Is The Perfect Iowa Day Trip Destination

Waukon, Iowa, offers a variety of activities including parks, specialty food stores, and local wineries, making it a great day-trip destination from Decorah.

Updated Apr 19, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Decorah, Iowa, is full of great destinations to explore - but if you want a change of pace, another adventure is only a quick drive away. Located only 30 minutes away by car, Waukon is one of the best small towns in Iowa to spend a day exploring. Whether you're looking for good food, stunning views, or a chance to relax with friends and family, you'll find something to love and plenty of things to do in Waukon, Iowa.

In less than half an hour, you'll go from bustling Decorah to the welcoming town of Waukon, Iowa.

Sign welcoming visitors to Waukon, highlighting its location in Allamakee County with a map and local attractions.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr

Waukon's downtown is like a time capsule, with a friendly atmosphere and old-fashioned storefonts celebrating small businesses.

A quiet street scene featuring historic buildings, shops, and a cloudy sky in a small town.
Waukon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

There is a lot of green space to explore, so make sure to pay a visit to the gorgeous Waukon City Park for a walk.

Sign for Waukon City Park, featuring icons for camping, disc golf, and a pool, surrounded by greenery and trees.
Travel Iowa

If the kids need to blow off some steam after the car ride, take them to Hideaway Park - one of the best playgrounds in Iowa.

Sign for Hideaway Park with playground structures in the background, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
Travel Iowa

If there is one stop in Waukon you can't miss, it's WW Homestead Dairy - one of the best specialty food stores in the state.

A storefront with a sign reading "Welcome to the Cheese Curd Capital of Iowa!" and a mural of a cow on the side.
WW Homestead Dairy/Facebook

A bag of their house-made, squeaky cheese curds make the perfect snack for dairy lovers.

Several packages of white cheddar cheese curds labeled "Curd Fines," with nutrition facts and expiration dates visible.
WW Homestead Dairy/Facebook

But save some room - you won't want to miss the rustic diner-style atmosphere at S&D Cafe.

A cozy diner interior with empty tables and a waitress behind the counter preparing food.
Traveltheworld012/TripAdvisor

Open every day for breakfast and dinner, the restaurant serves hearty sandwiches like this cheesesteak with a side of au jus.

A plate with a sandwich filled with chicken, cheese, and vegetables, alongside a small bowl of dark broth.
Traveltheworld012/TripAdvisor

The locals will tell you not to leave without a slice of the homemade pie - such as this towering lemon meringue.

A close-up of a meringue-topped pie in a glass dish, with a smooth, fluffy texture and golden-brown peaks.
S&D Cafe/Facebook

As the day winds down, take a minute to gaze at the sunset. You won't believe how beautiful the Iowa Driftless Area can be.

A vibrant sunset casts orange hues over a field with cows grazing in the foreground and trees in the background.
WW Homestead Dairy/Facebook

For the perfect nighttime activity, pay a visit to Empty Nest Winery - Waukon's best stop for specialty beverages.

A modern building at night, illuminated with lights, featuring large windows and a welcoming entrance.
Management/TripAdvisor

The owners stock a wide range of local berry wines and host a tasting room, so why not raise a glass to the perfect day in Waukon?

A couple stands behind a bar filled with various bottles, in a cozy, warmly lit tasting room.
Management/TripAdvisor

Have you visited any of these top destinations in Waukon? What are your favorite things to do in Waukon, Iowa? Let us know in the comments section. Waukon is excited to welcome you, and the town is opening new businesses all the time, so make sure to spend some time exploring this Dritless Area hidden gem. Looking to spend a day or two? Book at room at Boarders Inn and Suites!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Experiences

The Hidden Attraction in Texas That People Still Seek Out to This Day

Head underground to this hidden attraction in Texas to discover local legends about bootleggers and ghostly sightings. It's worth the trip!

by Melanie Johnson
on Jun 5
Views of the rock formations inside Cave Without a Name, a hidden attraction in Texas.
Trips & Routes

Endless Outdoor Adventures Await in These 5 Small Towns in Illinois

From zip-lining to trekking with goats, these are five of the most outdoorsy towns in Illinois you need to add to your bucket list.

by Cait Kontalis
on Jun 5
A canyon in Starved Rock State Park in Illinois
Stays

This Campground Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park Is Perfect for an Ohio Escape

This secluded campground near Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of Ohio’s best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jun 5
White tents on platforms arranged in a semi-circle with green trees in the background and a picnic table visible.
Nature
National & State Parks

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Hungry Mother State Park

With a walkable main street, beautiful architecture, and plenty of Appalachian charm, Marion is the perfect home base for all your state park adventures.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jun 5
Historic brick bank building in downtown Marion, Virginia, on a street corner with mountains in the distance.
Stays
Camping

This Secluded Campground Near Pictured Rocks Is One of Michigan’s Best Kept Secrets

This secluded campground near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan's best kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.

by Trent Jonas
on Jun 5
Point-of-view shot from a red kayak gliding over smooth blue water toward a pine forest at Au Train Lake, Michigan.