Decorah, Iowa. The City of Decorah notes that it isnt responsible for accident or injury in the cave. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. A weekend in the northeastern Iowa community is a walk through nature with eagle viewing as well as hiking trails. Union Pacific Railroad Museum(Council Bluffs, Iowa). Wake up to the sound of a working farm starting its day. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Guests can enjoy the original marble walls, terrazzo floors, cherry pillars and three-story glass atrium. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Jump, tumble, and flip until youre (or your children) are worn out. You can visit any time of the year. [1] The film is considered one of the worst films of all time . Update: Unfortunately, the restaurant I visited, Rubys Restaurant and Catering, is now closed. Find the best rental shops in IA. Winter Weekend Getaway: Decorah Explore Decorah in the winter for a fun-filled weekend of museums, craft beer and outdoor adventure. In 1968, she changed the name of the restaurant to Mabes Pizza. Chewy, thin- crust pies from this 66-year-old staple have drawn national attention. 18.) The Viking statue outside holding a slice of pie as his shield is a different take on Decorahs Scandinavian heritage. Learn how your comment data is processed. 49.) Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath, These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing, Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland, An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make, Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall, DIY Pistachio Wheat Stalks for Fall Decorating. Dubuque is known for its classic architecture, which combines modern improvements with vintage charm. Jester Park Nature Center(Granger, Iowa). Find all Des Moines Public Libraries eventshere. Its loud, with games on the screens, and fun food and drink options to keep everyone happy. Its in the North Bear Creek Wildlife area in Winneshiek County near Highlandville (18 miles north of Decorah). Bily Clocks Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit. Winter weather doesn't mean outdoor activities have to come to a halt in Decorah, IA. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates(Des Moines, Iowa). Up to 30% OFF Sale. What is there to do in and around Decorah outside of watching eagles? You can spend From home decor and kitchen accessories to beeswax-infused soy candles, Sparrows Candles and Gifts offers unique gifts for yourself or family and friends. Decorah has a few microbreweries to choose from. Check the museum calendar for a list of classes in decorative painting, woodcarving and textiles. So many great exhibits to teach kids about Iowa (and adults might learn a thing or two as well). However, check out Texas Bills Pancakes, a meal that features two large and fluffy pancakes, hash browns, and your choice of meat. If you have a hankering for BBQ, head to Old Armory. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. If youre fortunate to see them close-up, youll notice how large each eagle is. 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 Decorah Fish Hatchery has 24 raceways and three rubber lined earthen ponds where rainbow trout are raised. Old School Pinball and Arcade(Grimes, Iowa). Located downtown, this counter-service restaurant offers affordable slow-smoked meats and homemade sauces. Mabel ran the family-owned eatery until 1981, when her son took over. As you stroll through the downtown area, youll be tempted to stop in each store just to take in the beauty of store displays. Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, Story County. The menu constantly rotates and features new styles. Ranked as the number one attraction in Decorah by TripAdvisor users for good reason. En espaol, visite aarp.org/elcoronavirus. 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! The nest sits high in a tree near the Decorah Trout Hatchery in Decorah. The whole family will love this one. Things to Do in Decorah. In the states northeast corner, Decorah (population: 8,200) has deep Norwegian roots and great outdoor adventures. Check out the spectacular 200-foot waterfall located minutes from downtown. 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. Give your kids a hands-on experience of the good ole days of the 80s). The park has a large parking lot and hiking trails. Please contact the business prior to making travel plans. 6.) Without knowing what a pizza was, she gave him her approval. 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. Find information about getting a COVID-19 vaccine in your state. Decorah is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. Built in 1905, the hotel is elegance defined, but at a reasonable rate. Simple yet so enjoyable! 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. COPYRIGHT © 2023 TRAVEL IOWA. From infancy to adulthood, you can see all sizes of trout. Find it easily at Dunnings Spring Park. Go to anIowa Wild Game(Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa). 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). Harpers Ferry. 21.) For many visitors, it happens at Decorah. A pair of eagles have a well-known nest near the trail and if you dont spot them on your own, youll likely spot fellow bird watchers eyeing them. Now's the time to hit the slopes in Iowa. It features seasonal American fare with locally-grown greens, meats and more. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KWWL) - Day three of Alex Jackson's triple murder trial started at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. 9.) 13.) 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. Rubys is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. READ: 10 soccer quotes Ideas. 22.) 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 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden(Des Moines, Iowa). 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. Definitely left with ideas for the garden. See features Get Things, Get Done Whatever it is you want to accomplish in life, Things can help you get there. We have some great bowling alley options all around Des Moines. Iowas annual cultural calendar is jam-packed full of festivals and among the very best is the Des Moines Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of the arts in downtown Des Moines.Frequently drawing more than 200,000 art enthusiasts, the event features visual and performing arts, live music, interactive arts activities, a Jazz and Wine Not ready to commit? In her free time Ashlen enjoys exploring all Des Moines has to offer, road trips, and adventuring all with the kids in tow. Located in Decorah, Iowa, Vesterheim is a museum complex dedicated to the influence of Norwegian immigrants on Iowan life. The Vesterheim has colorful paintings, silver wedding crowns, woven tapestries and a boat that sailed the Atlantic Ocean. Check out your local ski and snowboard shops. Offering personalized gifts, The Stone Path is the perfect stop to pick up a souvenir or trip memorabilia. 6. Tim and his wife Lisa have been writing their blog The Walking Tourists for eight years. Adults and children come to Dunnings Spring Park to see its star attraction, a 200-foot waterfall. 12.) O.F.F. 29.) Here are some Iowa trails that offer the perfect backdrop for walking in a winter wonderland: Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor. Today, her grandson and his family own the restaurant. 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. Community centers. 43.) The providers terms, conditions and policies apply. State Historical Building(Des Moines, Iowa). Things is a 1989 Canadian independent direct-to-video horror film, directed by Andrew Jordan and written by Jordan and Barry J. Gillis. 8.) 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. Then there's Luther College, a liberal arts school founded 150 years ago by Norwegian immigrants. 600Share. Tim is a freelance writer and online content creator. Go through the photos, reviews and book now! Shops include the Decorah Hatchery (outdoor gear in a former chicken hatchery), Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor, Red Roxy quilting (Amys note: they have some cool eagle patterns! Check out local agriculture at Iowa's Dairy Center in Calmar, a working farm with a 250-head dairy herd. Don't mistake the leading Things to do In Decorah, Iowa, things to do and iconic places to visit in Decorah, Iowa. Bowling. 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. While at Dunnings Spring Park, take time to explore the trails, including mountain bike trails. 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. Do not miss this incredible sight! And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. Our favorite time to go is Sundays during the winter when there is blues music being played. Its about ahalf-mile walk from the parking lot heading east on Ice Cave Road. For many Midwesterners, holiday feasting kicks off with a relish tray. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Rubys Restaurant and Catering is known as the home of traditional Norwegian food as well as American standards. Its an easy drive from Des Moines and makes a fun weekend getaway. The first thing you should know about the Upper Iowa River is that it has some fans. The Driftless Area, in case you were wondering, is a region in the upper Midwest, that had glaciers. hotelwinn.com. Download files and build them with your 3D printer, laser cutter, or CNC. Visit theDes Moines Art Center(Des Moines, Iowa). Bauders Pharmacy(Des Moines, Iowa). Up to 30% OFF Sale Learn More. mabespizza.com, Dig into local ingredients at the hot food bar, which might be serving roast pork, turkey tenderloins or Moroccan meatballs. Learn about the centuries-long history of Norwegian-Americans in northeast Iowa and across the country. Here is the list of things to do in Decorah and tourist attractions in city. 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. This museum honors Iowans who have contributed to the growth of aviation. This special event features musical performances from U of M students and the greater Twin Cities community. Great place for meeting friends (both big and small) and playing games. Try the King Sue Double IPA, voted one of the top 50 beers in the world by website RateBeer. The trail is not entirely flat, and some hills may be a little challenging for beginners. Decorah, Iowa | Map It Driftless Area Email Us 563.382.4158 There is also a museum gift store where memorabilia can be purchased. 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. Family Table Restaurant has been a Decorah staple for nearly 70 years, after starting as a root beer stand. After your historical morning, combine shopping with flavorful food. 0. My experience with Luna Valley Farm is a memorable one, though I didnt get to glamp there (yet!). Refuel at this northeast Iowa favorite located in downtown Decorah. A day at Merle Hay Mall(Des Moines, Iowa). Walk through the historic building to see exhibits that showcase how agriculture has helped in the fight against world hunger. 41.) The weather in the winter doesnt always Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. Relax with a handcrafted brew at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company, rated one of the best breweries in the world. Top Things to Do in Decorah. You can still see the original fort stockades, barracks and post commissary. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ashlen Sheaffer is a proud Des Moines resident who was born and raised here. Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center has Imagination Playschool toys, Valley Community Center has a playground, and Grimes Community Complex has a gym, toys, climbing toys, and more. The village occasionally hosts reenactors, who perform traditional jobs such as blacksmithing and whisk broom making. When you visit, be sure to bring your bike, your binoculars, a kayak or two, and an interest in all things Norwegian. Youll be tempted to buy some pellets to toss into the water and watch the fish scramble to gobble up the goodies. 19.) What cross country ski trails are near me in Decorah, IA? Indoor water park Comfortable rooms A weekend full of great memories Plus, its located in Dubuque, where there are plenty of restaurants and fun to be had. There are stairs, making an easy route to get to the top of the falls. 42.) This beautifully restored historic hotel first welcomed guests in 1905. During his time in Spillville, Dvorak composed "American Quartet" and his piece "Humoresque" was inspired by the town. You can walk a boardwalk that takes you above the waterfall, offering beautiful views. Dubuque, Iowa, provides guests with various romantic activities for couples. Things To Do; Contact; KWWL News 7; Storm total snow amounts of 5 to 9 inches are likely in Winter Storm Warning, with lesser amounts along and south of Interstate 80. The Decorah fish hatchery stocks 15 streams in northeast Iowa. High Trestle Trail, Woodward. The award-winning gallery features art prints, as well as traditional folk art sculpture and jewelry. 30.) A full menu of food is served for lunch and dinner. Blank Park Zoo(Des Moines, Iowa). Your email address will not be published. Proud of its Norwegian heritage, Decorah, Iowa, is definitely the place to visit to take in all things Scandinavian. seedsavers.org, Immerse yourself in Decorah's local arts scene and Norwegian roots by exploring downtown along Water Street. Enter dates. In todays video @cole_burge is checking out Seven Oaks located in #Boone What is your favorite winter activity in Iowa? With so much to tempt you, almost everything on the menu jumps out. Ice skating(Des Moines, Iowa). Always a balmy atmosphere, even on a cold winter day it can feel like summer. After our first cold weekend of the season, it got me looking ahead to winter in Iowa. Get ready for your summer adventure with a safe (and warm) indoor climbing experience. Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Family Table Restaurant also offers lunch and dinner. Vacationing in Iowa? 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. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. However, if you are anything like me, you instantly forget all of these great options as soon as someone says what should we do?. Decorah is known for its awesome mountain bike trails. A great time for the entire family. 14.) Des Moines Childrens Museum(Valley West Mall, West Des Moines, Iowa). (The alternate version, with ham and cream, is excellent too. Backbone State Park has great hiking in the warmer seasons, but the parks also boast 12 heated cabins. It is a quiet place but has been maintained very nicely ensuring that who so ever comes carrie Vesterheim is a popular Norwegian-American museum and heritage center located in the heart of Decorah. 34.) Harpers Ferry is a small Mississippi River town, about 40 miles east of Decorah. Get things done! Great for music lovers, where you can jump back in time by simply entering the ballroom. Vesterheim is a popular Norwegian-American museum and heritage center located in the heart of Decorah. The word things can refer to anything it can refer to physical objects or articles but also to nonphysical entities. The bar has over 30 tap beers, 100 bottled beers and 200 varieties of wine. Begin your second day by admiring 24,000 artifacts and 12 historic buildings at the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum. Luckily, we have plenty of indoor options, as well as some fun winter activities to do outside. 20.) This 11-mile loop around Decorah runs right next to the hatchery and features sculptures along the trail and an LED-lit bridge. Like BIG fans. Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. The Hall(Valley Junction, West Des Moines, Iowa). Personally, we head to the Waveland Golf course when we get a good snowfall. The festivities begin with the Amana Colonies Freezer 5K run at 10 a.m., which and make homemade ice cream. No visit to Decorah is complete without a visit to The Whippy Dip ice cream stand. 48.) Enjoy nearby events, activities and interesting things to do! Decorah, Iowa, is home to a world-famous bald eagle nest. Open Gymnastics atSapphire Gymnastics(Urbandale, Iowa or Des Moines, Iowa). rubaiyatrestaurant.com, The bar is known for its peanut butter cheeseburgers, but you'll find plenty of other options, too. Dancing, drinks, food, and flowers in perfect temperatures at the botanical gardens. Seven Oaks Recreation(Boone, Iowa). There are plenty of places for a hike, picnic or just to take in the beauty of the area. The East Village also has excellent restaurants, unique shops, and fun things to do in the winter! The Western Potato consists of hash browns topped with onions, peppers, diced ham, and American cheese. Libraries have so much to offer: fun programming, events, books, and movies to check out. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Decorah and around. Glaciers missed us, so be sure you dont. What Iowa ski and snowboard shops are near me? The pizza is made with ingredients grown or raised on the farm. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so. People are known to stand in the waterfall and let the cool water flow over their feet. The farm is also home to a herd of White Park cattle, an endangered cattle breed that once roamed the British Isles. With an excellent selection of flavors including butter pecan, enjoy a cone, a cup, a sundae, or another treat. Now that you've worked up an appetite, prepare for what some call the best pizza in the world. Check out a local festival. While youre there, tour the Iowa State Historical Museum Top Things to Do in Decorah, Iowa An Excellent Getaway Any Time of Year. Another great place for train fanatics! Things to Do in Decorah, Iowa: See Tripadvisor's 5,986 traveller reviews and photos of Decorah tourist attractions. A store and an attraction Seed Savers Exchange seeks to improve the gardening experience. Plan to share the deliciousness that is the cinnamon roll, with its soft, moist texture and impressive taste. North Bear Creek. Snowshoeing/cross-country skiing. It is open for tours at select times. Where can I rent skis and snowboards in Decorah, IA? While you're at the hatchery, view Decorah's famous bald eagle's nest, located across the street. With more than 30,000 artifacts on display, it is proud to be home to the From antiques and home decor to yard art and clothing, Decorah is home to several mom-and-pop shops. The museum is also home to a living history village with an authentic sawmill, a one-room schoolhouse, a Lutheran church, and houses. Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. is another great option. Within the hour, youll have everything off your mind and neatly organized from routine tasks to your biggest life goals and you can start focusing on what matters today. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. 46.) This gorgeous nature center provides plenty of opportunities for learning and exploring both outdoors and indoors. 45.) Rathbun Lake features plenty of outdoor winter activities or you can simply spend all of your time at the indoor water park. They have a wood-fire pizza oven for pizza dinners on Friday nights seasonally. 7.) Trout Run Trail, Decorah. Limestone cliffs and clear streams dodged the last glaciers. Check out the rates and availability. Sample award-winning wines made on-site and tour winery facilities. In fact, the transformation of the Iowa landscape opens up opportunity for hitting the skiing and snowboarding slopes, practicing your moves at local ice skating rinks, and getting a serious cardio workout cross-country skiing on the trails in your area. The atmosphere at Luna Valley Farm is welcoming where you get to know the people sitting next to you. A fun few hours of hockey, singing, and cheering. You'll find everything from traditional rosemaled (decorated) wooden plates to T-shirts reading "Hanging with my gnomies. All Rights Reserved. Dubuque is the ideal location for weekend trips in Iowa, with its artisan beer, rich history, stunning bluffs, and Loras College. This national treasure features the most comprehensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world. Winter in Iowa is chilly. Take it back with wheels, disco lights, and bathroom stall doors that do not lock. January 17, 2023 RaptorResource. Mabels Lunchroom quickly became known for its pizza. 40.) There was live music the night we were there. In the winter season, several groomed cross-country ski trails crisscross throughout the town. We dare not mess with an iconat least, not too much. The THINGS initiative was born out of the idea that we can overcome these challenges by working on a shared set of objects, allowing us to bridge the gap between brain and behavior, recording techniques, species, and artificial intelligence. 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. 32.) Story and photos by Robin Brumm. Having been a manager of people, he is intrigued by people's leadership qualities and practices. Oh, and food. Just a few miles down the road, you'll find the World's Smallest Church. Each tent has a king-sized bed with luxury linens. Youll be mesmerized watching fish splash about and leap out of the water as you stroll past more than a dozen pools. Grab a game on your way in (or bring your own, as we have done many times) to keep the kids busy. Climb Iowa(Grimes, Iowa). What ice skating rinks are near me in Decorah, IA? A hat and boots are also necessary in the thick of winter. Honey Creek Resort(Moravia, Iowa). Swanky New Train Station Coming To Orlandos Airport How It Will Help You Explore Florida, Hilton Adds A Pocketbook-Friendly Hotel Brand To Its Collection What To Expect From Spark, My 10 Favorite Restaurants To Experience In Bradenton, Florida, My 10 Favorite Restaurants To Experience In Davenport, Iowa, 12 Places You Need To Visit In Iowa But Probably Havent Heard About, Visiting The Field Of Dreams In Iowa: 6 Things To Know, 9 Fantastic Things To Do In Beautiful Fort Dodge, Iowa, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, seven fun places to explore in Northern Iowa. South of Dubuque, Maquoketa Caves isnt false advertising for a fancy hole in a cornfield. At Wisconsin supper clubs, the steak is served rare and the traditions are well done. Things to Do in Decorah Enter dates Filters Attractions Traveller favourites Category types Attractions Tours Outdoor Activities Food & Drink Shopping Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Museums Fun & Games Nightlife Spas & Wellness Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Traveller rating & up Good for Free Entry Youll want to see the commotion when you drop food into one of the tanks. ), Blue Heron knitting, the Oneota Cooperative grocery, Broker Leather (smells great too) and Agora Arts. Your place for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing this winter. The cave is open to the public and free. While Decorah is home to several hotels, I strongly recommend that you check into the Hotel Winneshiek. The trail provides a glimpse into what makes the terrain of the Driftless Area so fascinating, including the algific talus slope in the limestone walls. The Highlander Hotel (Iowa City, Iowa). Mabel White opened a sandwich shop downtown in 1949. We have the low-down on the best cross-country ski rental shops and retailers in IA. 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. Wear decent climbing shoes if youre going to attempt to go up the waterfall. 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. 1.) vesterheim.org, Chewy, thin- crust pies from this 66-year-old staple have drawnnational attention. Absolutely delicious cakes. Dunning's Spring Park Dunning's Spring Park Ice Cave Rd. The farm features several trails to hike. Iowa Hall of Pride(Des Moines, Iowa). 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).