", The 11-mile paved biking-walking route circles the city limits, crisscrossing streams. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates(Des Moines, Iowa). The farm has glamping tents set on a wooden platform. 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 Hotel Winneshiek offers luxury accommodations in its 34 guest rooms, as well as an on-site restaurant and cocktail lounge. Featuring a look at Norwegian immigration through exhibits including small boats used to cross the Atlantic Ocean, replicas of Decorah homes, and personal items such as ale buckets and clothes, a visit to the Vesterheim will transport you to the early days of immigration. 34.) Iowa Gold Star Military Museum(Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa). Chewy, thin- crust pies from this 66-year-old staple have drawn national attention. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The cave is open to the public and free. Check out the rates and availability. 48.) Luna Valley Farm is a picturesque spot just outside of Decorah. Winter Fun around Decorah, IA - AARP Logout Home Member Benefits Travel Gas & Auto Services Technology & Wireless Limited Time Member Offers Health & Wellness Shopping & Speaking of county conservation, they are offering an ice fishing clinic on January 21 from 10 a.m.- noon at Green Castle Recreation Area in Gilman. Dancing, drinks, food, and flowers in perfect temperatures at the botanical gardens. rubaiyatrestaurant.com, The bar is known for its peanut butter cheeseburgers, but you'll find plenty of other options, too. Visit your local libraries. Then, sometime during the summer, the eaglets are ready to leave the roost and venture out on their own. Now that you've worked up an appetite, prepare for what some call the best pizza in the world. This national treasure features the most comprehensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world. The first thing you should know about the Upper Iowa River is that it has some fans. 3.) Copyright 2023 Let's Go Iowa | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Glamp at Luna Valley Farm (or at least go for the pizza), Climb a waterfall and look for an ice cave, Feed a bunch and I mean a bunch of fish. Try the Chicken Cordon Bleu pizza. From infancy to adulthood, you can see all sizes of trout. The Decorah fish hatchery stocks 15 streams in northeast Iowa. The first thing you should know about the Upper Iowa River is that it has some fans. 20.) You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. ), Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time. 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. Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter. A quarter buys a handful of food - make sure to stand back when you throw it in or you'll get splashed in the feeding frenzy! Toppling Goliath Decorah's lovely downtown district offers plenty of things to do between adventures. Top Things to Do in Decorah, IA - Decorah Attractions. (Northeast Iowa is part of the Driftless Area, rolling hills that also ripple into Minnesota and Wisconsin.). He has authored two books about Omaha attractions and restaurants: "100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die" and "Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha". Beer fans may already know one: Toppling Goliath. Ashlen is super excited to be able to share some of her familys adventuring with other Iowans and get other families out into the community. bandbonbroadway.com, The lobby's terrazzo floors, marble walls and cherry woodwork set the tone for the elegantly restored 1905 hotel, which has 34 rooms and suites in the heart of downtown. So many great exhibits to teach kids about Iowa (and adults might learn a thing or two as well). Get a cabin atBackbone State Park(Dundee, Iowa). Tim and his wife Lisa have been writing their blog The Walking Tourists for eight years. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KWWL) - Day three of Alex Jackson's triple murder trial started at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. Personally, we head to the Waveland Golf course when we get a good snowfall. Anchored by a 200-foot-tall waterfall, its odd to realize that a beautiful nature experience is only minutes from downtown Decorah. Libraries have so much to offer: fun programming, events, books, and movies to check out. Get ready for your summer adventure with a safe (and warm) indoor climbing experience. Story and photos by Robin Brumm. My experience with Luna Valley Farm is a memorable one, though I didnt get to glamp there (yet!). What ice skating rinks are near me in Decorah, IA? Go to anIowa Wild Game(Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa). 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 museum features hundreds of carved clocks, some which stand over nine feet tall. Paint pottery, make a candle, or take a canvas painting class (most are for all ages). Decorah is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. Vacation Rental Agritourism located in Decorah, Iowa 52101 on ByOwner.com. Rather than dropping straight down, the Dunnings Spring Park waterfall gingerly flows downhill without much force. 5.) 11.) Family Museum(Bettendorf, Iowa). 26.) Looking to purchase your own gear? Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Dubuque. Simply Powerful Things makes it easy. She was so trusting that she let people make their own sandwiches and even change at the cash register. Synonyms of things See Definition things noun plural of thing as in stuff transportable items that one owns gather your things and get out Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance stuff belongings possession effects gear goods holdings personal effects personal property personalty duds chattels paraphernalia movables moveables furnishings plunder Be sure to bring quarters for fish food. Swing up a stool at this classic soda fountain shop. Jump, tumble, and flip until youre (or your children) are worn out. The City of Decorah notes that it isnt responsible for accident or injury in the cave. Bowling. Try outfitters like Upper Iowa Resort for tubes, canoes and kayaks for floats on the Upper Iowa River. Grays Lake Park, Des Moines. 15.) The Des Moines Childrens Museum offers a great space for kids to play, pretend, and imagine their way through the day with tons of interactive exhibits. Dress in layers that include warm gloves and a winter coat. Check out a local festival. 7.) This museum honors Iowans who have contributed to the growth of aviation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Thingiverse is a universe of things. Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium(Dubuque, Iowa). Decorah Fish Hatchery 157 Nature & Wildlife Areas By benducklow Overall cool place to look at the trout 'hatchery' process. mabespizza.com, Dig into local ingredients at the hot food bar, which might be serving roast pork, turkey tenderloins or Moroccan meatballs. Having received recognition from USA Today, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is a popular tourist destination. According to his family, he would've been near Highway 13 In fact, the transformation of the Iowa landscape opens up opportunity for hitting the skiing and Its the kind of calm, scenic river youll want paddle. The Trout Run Trail, a paved loop of about 10 miles that rides along the Upper Iowa River through cornfields. Before leaving Spillville, step inside historic St. Wenceslaus Church. Things to Do in Decorah, Iowa: See Tripadvisor's 5,986 traveller reviews and photos of Decorah tourist attractions. 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. Chef Jorge Guzmn's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales. The park is also home to the largest ice cave (PDF) in eastern North America, which is accessible during spring and summer. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Now's the time to hit the slopes in Iowa. The Essentials to Getting Started. Despite an elevation below 900 feet, Decorah feels like a mountain town, a nook hiding more than an hour from any interstate. Honor Iowas veterans with walk-through exhibits that depict Iowas military experiences. Like BIG fans. 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. 24.) Mabel White opened a sandwich shop downtown in 1949. Walk through the historic building to see exhibits that showcase how agriculture has helped in the fight against world hunger. After a sandwich or salad, save room for their divine cupcakes, homemade fudge and other goodies. Our favorite time to go is Sundays during the winter when there is blues music being played. We are currently offering up to 30% off select breeds of puppies, 25% off select breeds of puppies, and 20% off all other breeds. Footwear with excellent traction is essential, and visitors are encouraged to bring a sweater or jacket if they intend to enter the cave. This 11-mile paved loop is next to the Decorah Trout Hatchery - one of the state's largest such fisheries. The standout feature here is the waterfall that measures around 200 feet. Located in Decorah, Iowa, Vesterheim is a museum complex dedicated to the influence of Norwegian immigrants on Iowan life. Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. No complaints! Tents sleep two people. Definitely left with ideas for the garden. There are sixteen buildings, two of which are included on the National Register of Historic Places. Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes). Its fun, and not just for kids. As one of the best cities in Iowa, Decorah offers plenty of things to do during any season, including music festivals, hiking trails, unique restaurants, and more. With a parade showcasing folk dancers, bands, and more, if youre in Decorah during Nordic Fest, plan to spend two hours watching the floats and other entrants pass by. A store and an attraction Seed Savers Exchange seeks to improve the gardening experience. 38.) Explore the city on sightseeing tours, soak u After our first cold weekend of the season, it got me looking ahead to winter in Iowa. James H. Andrew Railroad Museum(Boone, Iowa). In the states northeast corner, Decorah (population: 8,200) has deep Norwegian roots and great outdoor adventures. Despite an elevation below 900 feet, Decorah feels like a mountain town, a nook hiding more than an hour from any interstate. Dubuque is known for its classic architecture, which combines modern improvements with vintage charm. The weather in the winter doesnt always While the store offers a variety of seeds from tomato to pumpkin, youll want to explore the farm setting, with gardens dedicated to vegetables, flowers, and other plants. Relax with a handcrafted brew at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company, rated one of the best breweries in the world. Dunning's Spring Park | Decorah, Iowa | Travel Iowa Travel Guide Information provided here has not been updated within the last 12 months. No visit to Decorah is complete without a visit to The Whippy Dip ice cream stand. The menu constantly rotates and features new styles. While youre there, tour the Iowa State Historical Museum Top Things to Do in Decorah, Iowa An Excellent Getaway Any Time of Year. This museum offers a look at the history of immigration as well as Norwegian-American folk and fine art. Built in 1905, the hotel is elegance defined, but at a reasonable rate. Learn about the centuries-long history of Norwegian-Americans in northeast Iowa and across the country. Find all Des Moines Public Libraries eventshere. Decorahs culinary scene is worth a trip. Up to 30% OFF Sale. Shake Your Winter Blues. Our familys favorite coffee shop is Slow Down Coffee in the Highland Park area in Des Moines, Iowa. [1] The film is considered one of the worst films of all time . The trail is not entirely flat, and some hills may be a little challenging for beginners. The Highlander Hotel (Iowa City, Iowa). In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Decorah and around. Just a few miles down the road, you'll find the World's Smallest Church. Iowa Hall of Pride(Des Moines, Iowa). But Decorah is more than just lefse and folk dances. UPDATE: Marion Police are still searching for 83-year-old Theodore "Ted" Wolf. Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend, Click here for the Winter in Des Moines Guide, Experience Des Moines while Supporting Small Businesses, Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in February, 20+ Things to See and Do in Urbandale, Iowa, 9 Things Any Family Can Do at the West Des Moines RecPlex. This past weekend was supposed to be warmer, so on Sunday, I got up early and off I went! A great place to warm up if you have been outdoors exploring. From antiques and home decor to yard art and clothing, Decorah is home to several mom-and-pop shops. While at Dunnings Spring Park, take time to explore the trails, including mountain bike trails. As you stroll through the downtown area, youll be tempted to stop in each store just to take in the beauty of store displays. Its our go-to wintertime family activity on Sunday afternoons. State Historical Building(Des Moines, Iowa). A fun few hours of hockey, singing, and cheering. View and create your own art in this studio and creative space in downtown Decorah. Posted on Published: January 25, 2022- Last updated: May 23, 2022, Strange But True History: Squirrel Cage Jail, 7 Tasty Breakfast Spots In Council Bluffs. Mabe's has a full menu of burgers, sandwiches, entrees, pasta and more. Being able to sit in the classic red stagecoach is enough to excite everyone in the family. In her free time Ashlen enjoys exploring all Des Moines has to offer, road trips, and adventuring all with the kids in tow. This is a must if you have any train lovers in the house. Start your adventure in Spillville to see an amazing collection of hand-carved clocks at the Bily Clocks Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit. However, kids generally enjoy looking at the pieces (if youre still nervous, strollers are allowed). Enjoy! 10.) Wells Fargo Museum(Des Moines, Iowa). Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Rubys Restaurant and Catering is known as the home of traditional Norwegian food as well as American standards. Have fun in the cold in the Amana Colonies Saturday with the return of the annual Winterfest. Andreas has a studio on Water Street and encourages you to stop by for a viewing and visit. If you have plans to visit United States and are not sure if Decorah should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. After your historical morning, combine shopping with flavorful food. The waterfall is a short walk from the car lot, and its access trail is stable, level and easy to walk on. The Viking statue outside holding a slice of pie as his shield is a different take on Decorahs Scandinavian heritage. Absolutely delicious cakes. Offering personalized gifts, The Stone Path is the perfect stop to pick up a souvenir or trip memorabilia. They also provide picnic shelters and cabins for rent. However, if you are anything like me, you instantly forget all of these great options as soon as someone says what should we do?. Your email address will not be published. A one room school house that was operated continuously for over a hundred years, the Locust School is now owned and operated by the Winneshiek County Historical Society. The food! 13.) I was a bit panicked the first time I went here with my kids because its not hands-on. Decorah has a few microbreweries to choose from. ), and catch a movie (and a beer) at Flix Brewhouse. Decorah, Iowa, is home to a world-famous bald eagle nest. Youll be tempted to buy some pellets to toss into the water and watch the fish scramble to gobble up the goodies. Walk to shops, restaurants, river trails, museums, galleries and historic districts. The farm is also home to a herd of White Park cattle, an endangered cattle breed that once roamed the British Isles. Some nights they have live music too! Decorah celebrates Norwegian heritage with its three-day Nordic Fest the fourth week of July. Update: Unfortunately, the restaurant I visited, Rubys Restaurant and Catering, is now closed. January 17, 2023 RaptorResource. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ashlen Sheaffer is a proud Des Moines resident who was born and raised here. But be careful, or youll go home with more than an armful of goods! Just east of Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the Iowa City area, spend a long weekend at this fun and retro-inspired hotel which offers a huge pool! En espaol, visite aarp.org/elcoronavirus. 19.) This 11-mile loop around Decorah runs right next to the hatchery and features sculptures along the trail and an LED-lit bridge. West Des Moines, Waukee, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, Altoona, and other surrounding communities all have great programming events for kids of all ages. Seven Oaks Recreation(Boone, Iowa).