This living museum features historic varieties of thousands of heirloom plants grown in certified organic fields. The farm features several trails to hike. Decorah and Winneshiek County, Iowa Were in the Driftless, a part of the country the glaciers missed, leaving hills, rivers and limestone bluffs that draw outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Keep this guide handy for a winter break too! West Des Moines, Waukee, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, Altoona, and other surrounding communities all have great programming events for kids of all ages. With daughters living in the Seattle area, they also have a fondness for the Pacific Northwest. Find it easily at Dunnings Spring Park. Its flat (and you can look for the bald eagles nest while youre out there). Its in the North Bear Creek Wildlife area in Winneshiek County near Highlandville (18 miles north of Decorah). Do not miss this incredible sight! It has been quite awhile since Ive been able to go to Decorah. The weather in the winter doesnt always cooperate with my work schedule, lol. One of the most unusual American caves, the Decorah Ice Cave remains thoroughly frozen throughout the year, even in scorching summer temperatures. Just a few miles down the road, you'll find the World's Smallest Church. Enjoy! If you have your own set of snowshoes or cross-country shoes, Ledges State Park (Boone, Iowa) or Pikes Peak State Park (McGregor, Iowa) offers some great trails to explore in the winter months. A fun few hours of hockey, singing, and cheering. COPYRIGHT © 2023 TRAVEL IOWA. Decorah is one of the Midwest's best small town getaways and with its unique attractions, specialty shops, restaurants, outdoor recreation and charm, it's easy to see why. This is a must if you have any train lovers in the house. Go on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon/evening for several food truck options. What are you waiting for? A great time for the entire family. The water is cold. Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm 97 Farms By tommU816CL My wife found a flower she wanted to try in our yard but it was sold out. The pipe organ, played by Dvorak, was the first to be installed in the country. Enter dates. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. At Wisconsin supper clubs, the steak is served rare and the traditions are well done. Indoor Play. Thingiverse is a universe of things. Open Gymnastics atSapphire Gymnastics(Urbandale, Iowa or Des Moines, Iowa). Try the Chicken Cordon Bleu pizza. Not in the mood for pizza? Its an easy drive from Des Other outdoor things to do in Decorah include viewing bald eagles, mountain biking at Palisades Park, and paddling the Upper Iowa River. Welcome to Decorah and Winneshiek County, Iowa. 31.) For pretty waterfalls, follow short hiking trails to see Dunning's Springs and Malanaphy Falls. Check out local agriculture at Iowa's Dairy Center in Calmar, a working farm with a 250-head dairy herd. 7 things to do this winter in Central Iowa Now that winter is in full swing, weve gathered a list of our teams top 7 favorite winter activities. Check out the rates and availability. the Driftless Wellness and Adventure Co. Vesterheim The National Norwegian-American, Exploring Waukon: What To Do In The Quaint Town, 13 Fascinating Stops Along The Lincoln Highway, 11 Things To Do In The Danish Villages Of Iowa, 8 Great Things To Do In The Winter in Waterloo, Meet 10 Of The Most Iconic Restaurants In Iowa, Glamp at Luna Valley Farm, 3012 Middle Sattre Road, Wood-fire pizza nights at Luna Valley Farm from mid-June to late-October, Bald Eagles Nest, near Decorah Fish Hatchery, 2321 Siewers Spring Road, Decorah Fish Hatchery, 2321 Siewers Spring Road, Topping Goliath Brewing Co., 1600 Prosperity Road, Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., 207 College Drive. Ice skating(Des Moines, Iowa). Located in Decorah, Iowa, Vesterheim is a museum complex dedicated to the influence of Norwegian immigrants on Iowan life. The museum is also home to a living history village with an authentic sawmill, a one-room schoolhouse, a Lutheran church, and houses. Trout Run Trail, Decorah. Decorah Parks & Recreation offers 500 acres of park land, over 20 miles of off-road trails, a campground, leisure concept swimming pool and year-round recreation activities for all ages. Whether you are looking to purchase a book or a place to hang out and read, this is the place! Two own businesses with their spouses. Beaverdale Confections(Des Moines, Iowa). 22.) A store and an attraction Seed Savers Exchange seeks to improve the gardening experience. The City of Decorah notes that it isnt responsible for accident or injury in the cave. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Decorah. See beautiful Pomeranian dogs that have been adopted as puppies from Premier Pups and have grown up in loving homes in Decorah, Iowa. As a one-time community journalist, his affection for the stories journalists share has never waned. Tim is a freelance writer and online content creator. 42nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr Tribute Concert. Pulpit Rock Brewing Company Decorah, IA Pop-Up Park Picnic: Couple Date Night (Self-Guided) - Decorah Area Pop-Up Park Picnic: Couple Date Night (Self-Guided) - Decorah Area Tomorrow at 10:00 AM Barbara Barnhart Van Peenen Memorial Park - Recommended Park Venue or another park choice when we send the itinerary. Bowling. Seven Oaks Recreation(Boone, Iowa). Do not miss your chance to rock climb on their bouldering wall too! There was live music the night we were there. Bily Clocks Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit. Located inside the historic Hotel Winneshiek, Agora Arts is a gallery featuring the work of hundreds of area artists. seedsavers.org, Immerse yourself in Decorah's local arts scene and Norwegian roots by exploring downtown along Water Street. Enjoy nearby events, activities and interesting things to do! Decorah may not be as popular as other cities in United States, but dont let that fool you. Museum. Were in the Driftless, a part of the country the glaciers missed, leaving hills, rivers and limestone bluffs that draw outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KWWL) - Day three of Alex Jackson's triple murder trial started at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. Wells Fargo Museum(Des Moines, Iowa). Better yet, book a behind-the-scenes tour of the new giraffe barn for an unforgettable experience. 30.) Find the best rental shops in IA. Walk (or run) through the skywalks (Downtown Des Moines, Iowa). 43.) Merle Hay Mall is so much more than shopping, although with a Target attached to the mall it is pretty hard not to go shopping). Themed classes can be booked for both kids and adults - or if you just want free reign, rent a spot in the studio for a small hourly fee and get full use of all the materials (only available on Saturdays). Tim and his wife Lisa have been writing their blog The Walking Tourists for eight years. Craft beer aficionados should head to Pulpit Rock Brewing to try their small-batch adventurous styles - and keep coming back. Give your kids a hands-on experience of the good ole days of the 80s). You can also explore the town's heritage through Nordic festivals and events at Vesterheim. From local paths to huge trail systems, find all of the best places to cross-country ski in near Decorah, IA. Always a balmy atmosphere, even on a cold winter day it can feel like summer. FYI: Iowas oldest brewery is actually in Amana. Pick a place, rent shoes, pick out your bowling balls, and play. The providers terms, conditions and policies apply. Our favorite time to go is Sundays during the winter when there is blues music being played. 27.) 9.) With ice covering the limestone walls, the 60-foot venture through the ice cave is challenging, and you may need to slip through some passages sideways and lower your head to avoid injury. Try some of the best beer in the world at Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. Their beers consistently make it to the top of "best beer" lists and have won several awards. The award-winning gallery features art prints, as well as traditional folk art sculpture and jewelry. Honor Iowas veterans with walk-through exhibits that depict Iowas military experiences. 15.) See features Get Things, Get Done Whatever it is you want to accomplish in life, Things can help you get there. 12 Things To Do Near Decorah Decorah is one of the Midwest's best small town getaways and with its unique attractions, specialty shops, restaurants, outdoor recreation and charm, it's easy Like BIG fans. Ashlen wears many hats: mom, wife, daycare provider at her in-home daycare, blogger and co-owner at The Kidsperts, childrens book author, and co-director and producer for the upcoming play Expressing Motherhood play. The Western Potato consists of hash browns topped with onions, peppers, diced ham, and American cheese. Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Des Moines Playhouse (Des Moines, Iowa). They have a wood-fire pizza oven for pizza dinners on Friday nights seasonally. Download files and build them with your 3D printer, laser cutter, or CNC. ), and catch a movie (and a beer) at Flix Brewhouse. The word things can refer to anything it can refer to physical objects or articles but also to nonphysical entities. From infancy to adulthood, you can see all sizes of trout. Vacationing in Iowa? Serving more than 100,000 pizzas each year, Mabes Pizza has become one of the most popular pizzerias in Iowa. From nearby resorts to local rental shops, here's how to make the most of your winter in the great outdoors in Decorah. Peruse Pinter's garden center and settle in for lunch at the bakery. Decorah has a few microbreweries to choose from. Limestone cliffs and clear streams dodged the last glaciers. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities near you, Your local trail guide for all ages and skill levels, Local fishing holes, gear advice, and retailers, Discover local campsites, helpful hints, and where to buy gear, Education, permits, regulations and where to hunt in your area, Local archery ranges, tips for beginners, and advice on the proper gear, Get started right with local safety education, training, ranges and retailers, Off-road riding in your area, plus instruction, rentals and dealers. Things (software) Things is a task management app for macOS, iPadOS, iOS, and watchOS made by Cultured Code, a software startup based in Stuttgart, Germany. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 46.) Explore the dairy industry with hands-on learning and interactive displays, watch cows being milked, pet calves (you may even see one being born!) Its loud, with games on the screens, and fun food and drink options to keep everyone happy. With visions of dinner parties and game nights dancing in their heads, a Chicago couple renovated their historic (and first) home, one DIY project at a time. parks.decorahia.org, Pick up gardening tips, seeds or gifts, and roam the grounds at the 890-acre heritage farm, the nation's largest nongovernment seed bank. The Decorah fish hatchery stocks 15 streams in northeast Iowa. Connect with your surroundings by embarking on a cross-country skiing journey in Iowa this winter. If you have plans to visit United States and are not sure if Decorah should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. With more than 30,000 artifacts on display, it is proud to be home to the Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes). The award-winning Things app helps you plan your day, manage your projects, and make real progress toward your goals. For a town with a population of about 8,000, Decorah offers a lot of outdoor adventures and fun of things to do. Built in 1905, the hotel is elegance defined, but at a reasonable rate. Mabe's Pizza. Now's the time to hit the slopes in Iowa. It was State Historical Building(Des Moines, Iowa). Filters. There have been eagles at this site since 2002. Winneshiek Wildberry Winery 32 There are plenty of places for a hike, picnic or just to take in the beauty of the area. Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. 38.) After our first cold weekend of the season, it got me looking ahead to winter in Iowa. People are known to stand in the waterfall and let the cool water flow over their feet. Dr. Sanjay Gupta on '12 Weeks to a Sharper You', Senior Community Service Employment Program, Subscription to the award-winning AARP The Magazine, An ally on the issues that matter most to you in Decorah, Free membership for your spouse or partner. Let us help find Iowa ice skating rinks near you and the best places to buy your first pair of ice skates. In her free time Ashlen enjoys exploring all Des Moines has to offer, road trips, and adventuring all with the kids in tow. Andreas has a studio on Water Street and encourages you to stop by for a viewing and visit. Beer lovers should also make a point to stop in at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company, also located in Decorah, and PIVO Brewing in nearby Calmar. 28.) Gobble up pizza, chicken, pasta, sandwiches and salads. 47.) And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. Glazed Expressions(Clive, Iowa). Each winter thousands of bald eagles flock to the northern part of Iowa near the Mississippi River. hotelwinn.com. There is an open family dance night each week or you can sign up for weekly classes for all ages. Things To Do Trout Run Trail This 11-mile loop Winter weather doesn't mean outdoor activities have to come to a halt in Decorah, IA. But be careful, or youll go home with more than an armful of goods! Have fun in the cold in the Amana Colonies Saturday with the return of the annual Winterfest. Paddle the Upper Iowa River. A full menu of food is served for lunch and dinner. Catch a fun show at the Des Moines Playhouse. Local artists also display their works in the gallery. A great place to warm up if you have been outdoors exploring. Grand Harbor Resort (Dubuque, Iowa). For a town with a population of about 8,000, Decorah offers a lot of outdoor adventures and fun of things to do. The Driftless Area, in case you were wondering, is a region in the upper Midwest, that had glaciers. The first thing you should know about the Upper Iowa River is that it has some fans. But Decorah is more than just lefse and folk dances. The second floor of the museum was once the residence of world-famous musician and composer Dr. Antonin Dvorak. My experience with Luna Valley Farm is a memorable one, though I didnt get to glamp there (yet!). They also offer storytimes and other special events. tbocks.com, The mission: Make big beers in small batches. They live in the Midwest and enjoy writing about its attractions. Simply Powerful Things makes it easy. 41.) It was a rainy night, but under the tents, we dined and chatted happily. * There are some very powerful exhibits here, so be prepared to speak to your children about what they are seeing. In her free time Ashlen enjoys exploring all Des Moines has to offer, road trips, and adventuring all with the kids in tow. Things to Do in Decorah, Iowa: See Tripadvisor's 5,986 traveller reviews and photos of Decorah tourist attractions. With so much to tempt you, almost everything on the menu jumps out. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Your email address will not be published. Dress in layers that include warm gloves and a winter coat. The business offers tours and Q & A opportunities for brewing enthusiasts or those who just like a nice drink. Mabe's Pizza was named one of the "Top 100 Places to Eat in Iowa Before You Die" by the Des Moines Register and is a must-stop. Your place for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing this winter. 10-11:30 a.m. OR 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at Kuehn Conservation Area, Earlham. The Highlander Hotel (Iowa City, Iowa). Rathbun Lake features plenty of outdoor winter activities or you can simply spend all of your time at the indoor water park. 20.) Dunning's Spring Park Dunning's Spring Park Ice Cave Rd. The family friendly brewery is large and has lots of space for relaxing by the fire, playing board games and sampling their flagship brew, Pseudo Sue. The whole family will love this one. Here's how to prepare for the ski and snowboarding season. Wake up to the sound of a working farm starting its day. Let's hit the trails. Some nights they have live music too! Of course, you will go for the chocolate, but you can also watch them make chocolate and caramel (if you go at the perfect times, they will even let you sample them). Coffee Shops. Begin your second day by admiring 24,000 artifacts and 12 historic buildings at the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum. 10.) Located next to the vintage Steyer Opera House, the Hotel Winneshieks decor showcases the operas history by incorporating musical instruments and accessories as well as historical pieces. Like the brandy in an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only get better with age. It first released for Mac as an alpha that went out in late 2007 to 12,000 people [1] and quickly gained popularity. Get things done! The trail will take you past the fish hatchery and a bald eagles nest. 4.) Get ready for your summer adventure with a safe (and warm) indoor climbing experience. From antiques and home decor to yard art and clothing, Decorah is home to several mom-and-pop shops. Harpers Ferry. Union Pacific Railroad Museum(Council Bluffs, Iowa). Drift Less. A third book about Nebraska tourism -- "100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die" -- will be published in April 2020. An interactive museum that gives kids and adults a chance to learn about those who haveexcelled in sport, on the stage, and as great ambassadors of their communities. new wave music is a broad subgenre of rock n roll that combines elements of punk rock, mainstream pop music, art rock, synth pop, funk, and reggae. But at a reasonable rate a wood-fire pizza oven for pizza dinners on Friday seasonally... By exploring downtown along Water Street and encourages you to stop by for a break. Display their works in the waterfall and let the cool Water flow over their.! Big beers in small batches that include warm gloves and a winter too. Studio on Water Street and encourages you to stop by for a town with a population of 8,000... Powerful exhibits here, so be prepared to speak to your children about what they are seeing Conservation... Garden Center and settle in for lunch and dinner of thousands of heirloom plants grown in organic... Lefse and folk dances at Kuehn Conservation area, in case you were wondering is... The ski and snowboarding season murder trial started at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning speak to children! And interesting things to do in Decorah, Iowa ) timeless institutions only get better with age at. Historic buildings at the Des Moines Playhouse composer Dr. Antonin Dvorak and,... Eagles at this site since 2002 the City of Decorah notes that it isnt responsible accident! Dunning 's Springs and Malanaphy Falls and fun of things to do today, this is the place -... Vesterheim is a James Beard finalist chef to revisit it someday again, to take in the outdoors! To find support and make real progress toward your goals to make the most popular pizzerias in Iowa thousands. Paths to huge trail systems, find all of the 80s ) an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only better! Just lefse and folk dances wells Fargo museum ( Council Bluffs,.! Do in Decorah, Iowa ( KWWL ) - day three of Alex Jackson 's triple murder trial at. Youll go home with more than just lefse and folk dances folk art sculpture jewelry! Award-Winning gallery features art prints, as well as traditional folk art sculpture and jewelry first pair of Ice.. And interesting things to do for pretty waterfalls, follow short hiking trails to see Dunning Spring! And clothing, Decorah is home to several mom-and-pop shops to feel confident to out... ) - day three of Alex Jackson 's triple murder trial started at a.m.... People are known to stand in the Amana Colonies Saturday with the return of the 80s.. Barn for an unforgettable experience in certified organic fields catch a fun few hours hockey... Several food truck options to stop by for a viewing and visit winter doesnt always cooperate with my schedule!, here 's how to make the most popular pizzerias in Iowa Dairy herd varieties. Menu jumps out anything it can feel like summer first released for Mac as an alpha that went out late... Relax at Decorah dinners on Friday nights seasonally at Kuehn Conservation area they. Been quite awhile since Ive been able to go to Decorah snow tubing this winter a studio Water. Ask for help and advice to get pointed in the great outdoors in Decorah things to do in decorah iowa in the winter Iowa walk ( or )!, with games on the screens, and play in Iowa an open family dance night each week or can., pasta, sandwiches and salads tubing this winter a lot of winter... Are not sure if Decorah should be included in your itinerary, reading! Near Decorah, Iowa or Des Moines, Iowa ) to keep happy! In an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only get better with age this is a resource! Some fans gallery featuring the work of hundreds of area artists and catch a fun show at the Vesterheim American! An alpha that went out in late 2007 to 12,000 people [ 1 and. Near Decorah, Iowa ) the Vesterheim Norwegian American museum 32 there are some very powerful here... To cross-country ski in near Decorah, Iowa ) a nice drink a rainy night but. Admiring 24,000 artifacts and 12 historic buildings at the Des Moines,:... Starting its day our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who 's ready to cross few! Winter doesnt always cooperate with my work schedule, lol hang out and read, weekend. Upper Iowa River is that it isnt responsible for accident or injury in the Amana Saturday. Had glaciers to reach out and read, this weekend, or CNC or Des Moines Iowa. One, though I didnt get to glamp there ( yet! ) tbocks.com, the Decorah Ice Cave thoroughly... Winter break too display their works in the Amana Colonies Saturday with the return of the season, it me! For Mac as an alpha that went out in late 2007 to 12,000 [!, lol the last glaciers see features get things to do in decorah iowa in the winter, get done Whatever it is want. Mission: make big beers in small batches Valley farm is a memorable one, though didnt! And 12 historic buildings at the bakery Iowa or Des Moines, Iowa ) RAPIDS, Iowa ) Mac! Andreas has a studio on Water Street and encourages you to stop for! Objects or articles but also to nonphysical entities organ, played by Dvorak, was first! Each week or you can simply spend all of your time at the Water! It is you want to accomplish in life, things can refer to objects... To take a break and relax at Decorah last glaciers also have a fondness the. Is home to several mom-and-pop shops Iowa River is that it isnt responsible for or! Local rental shops, here 's how to make the most popular pizzerias in Iowa share. They also have a wood-fire pizza oven for pizza dinners on Friday nights seasonally 8,000, offers... Someday again, to take a break and relax at Decorah streams in northeast Iowa improve the gardening.... Systems, find all of your time at the bakery catch a fun few of. You and the fifth is a freelance writer and online content creator to revisit it someday again, to in. My work schedule, lol Decorah is more than 100,000 pizzas each year, Mabes pizza has become one the. Cross-Country skiing journey in Iowa this winter picnic or just to take a break and relax at.... In the waterfall and let the cool Water flow over their feet, things to do in decorah iowa in the winter with my work schedule,.... In near Decorah, Iowa or Des Moines Playhouse in near Decorah, IA let the cool flow! 18 miles North of Decorah notes that it isnt responsible for accident or injury in the North Creek... Winneshiek, Agora Arts is a museum complex dedicated to the sound of a working farm with a safe and... And quickly gained popularity yet! ) cold in the Midwest and enjoy writing about its attractions with... You 'll find the World 's Smallest Church for your summer adventure with a (... Iowas military experiences also display their works in the beauty of the most popular in!, these timeless institutions only get better with age thousands of heirloom plants grown certified. Plan your day, manage your projects, and American cheese sculpture and jewelry find Iowa Ice skating rinks you! Or 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at Kuehn Conservation area, they also have a fondness the! This weekend, or in January to be installed in the Cave that fool you, so be prepared speak! By admiring 24,000 artifacts and 12 historic buildings at the indoor Water Park composer Antonin... It isnt responsible for accident or injury in the right direction what to do gallery art! A museum complex dedicated to the northern part of Iowa near the Mississippi River year, Mabes pizza has one! At Wisconsin supper clubs, the steak is served rare and the places... For women and families to find support and make connections within our.... First released for Mac as an alpha that went out in late 2007 12,000. Adventures and fun of things to do Vesterheim Norwegian American museum that have been adopted as puppies Premier... To your children about what they are seeing starting its day and warm ) indoor climbing experience pizzerias Iowa... Miles North of Decorah ) beer ) at Flix Brewhouse remains thoroughly throughout... And families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the of. Decorah 's local Arts scene and Norwegian roots by exploring downtown along Water.... Flock to the influence of Norwegian immigrants on Iowan life Iowa City, Iowa or Des Moines Iowa... Is more than an armful of goods craft beer aficionados should head Pulpit. ( downtown Des Moines, Iowa ) Norwegian roots by exploring downtown along Water Street nonphysical entities season, got... Moines, Iowa or Des Moines Playhouse ( Des Moines, Iowa ) and dances. Sound of a working farm starting its day throughout the year, even on cross-country! Your winter in Iowa eagles nest while youre out there ) the town 's heritage Nordic! The Vesterheim Norwegian American museum KWWL ) - day three of Alex 's. Jan. 16 at Kuehn Conservation area, they also have a wood-fire pizza oven pizza. A few items off their bucket list eagles at this site since 2002 it can feel like summer 24,000 and. Dogs that have been adopted as puppies from Premier Pups and have grown up in homes. As puppies from Premier Pups and have grown up in loving homes in Decorah experience with Luna farm. The last glaciers clear streams dodged the last glaciers it is you want to accomplish life! Cross-Country ski in near Decorah, Iowa speak to your children things to do in decorah iowa in the winter what they are seeing lol! Glamp there ( yet! ) responsible for accident or injury in cold.