Falling in love with Decorah: Iowa’s small-town autumn oasis
Five reasons why Decorah is the best small town in Iowa to spend a fall day.
Decorah is a dreamy small-town destination in northeast Iowa, no matter what season you visit. But during the fall, Decorah is especially enticing. Nature’s fall colors combined with this quaint college town’s hip vibe are well worth a weekend. With several cozy places to stay—check out the charming Airbnb listings around town or book a cabin stay at Decorah High Point Cabins—and lots of adventures to take in, you’ll quickly realize why Decorah might just be the best small town in Iowa to spend a fall day in.
Peep some leaves
Seeing the leaves change for the season in northeast Iowa is a truly stunning sight to behold. And there are plenty of popular outdoor spots to do so in and around Decorah. Added bonus: You’ll see a waterfall or two.
Don’t miss Dunning’s Spring Park, which is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Decorah. Smaller waterfalls and beautiful fall colors can also be seen at Malanaphy Springs and Twin Springs Park. Even walking along the nature trails at Luther College is a delight in the fall. There’s also Ice Cave State Preserve, where you’ll see some of the country’s largest ice caverns, and Pulpit Rock, where you’ll get a birds-eye overlook of the city. Palisades Park is a prime spot for fall colors because it is a heavily wooded park.
Another fun option you might even consider is hopping in a kayak to take in the fall leaves. This unique perspective is definitely worth the workout. The water isn’t too frigid just yet, but do come prepared for your time on the Upper Iowa River or the Turkey River.
Cast a line
Speaking of rivers, the Decorah area is well known for its trout fishing. The Volga and Turkey Rivers, along with a wide variety of streams (Canoe Creek, Ten Mile Creek, and South Pine Creek to name a few) are some of the best spots in the state to fly fish for cold water trout. And with the leaves changing colors for the fall, the backdrop is sure to be Instagram-worthy.
Whether or not you snag anything on your line, you can also stop by the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Here, you’ll not only see the fish but also get to feed them! Rainbow trout are raised in 24 raceways at the hatchery, so you can see fish of different sizes. Plus, there are some interesting sculptures scattered about the park to appreciate, as well as a great 11-mile paved trail loop if you bring along some bikes.
Pick a pumpkin
Visiting a pumpkin patch is on any good fall to-do list. Of course, there are several great spots to stop and pick a pumpkin in and around Decorah.
Pinter’s Garden and Pumpkins is a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. Not only can you pick out the perfect pumpkin from their patch, you can also take a ride on the grain cart, play a little mini golf, wander through the corn maze, or visit the goats. Plus, there’s an apple orchard too. It’s agri-tainment at its finest.
Another fascinating stop is Seed Savers Exchange. Here, you can wander along ten miles of trails through the Heritage Farm and see several display gardens where some 1,000 varieties of seeds are growing. The 890-acre farm, which features rolling hills, stoney bluffs, and beautiful rivers and streams, is dedicated to preserving culturally diverse food crops. The orchard is particularly abundant in autumn. Pop into their gift shop, where you can pick up a few packets of seeds to take home.
Savor the flavors
Of course, we can’t forget about recommendations of where to eat while you are in town. You could spend a few days eating your way through the tasty dining spots scattered around Decorah.
For outdoor dining with a lovely view, stop by Luna Valley Farm to enjoy their wood-fired pizza (they offer a wonderful glamping experience, too, if you can snag a reservation). You can also snag a slice of tasty pizza at Mabe’s, a perennial local favorite. If you feel like Mexican, grab a table and a burrito at Don Jose’s Family Mexican Restaurant. We promise you’ll have delicious meals at La Rana Bistro (upscale dining), Magpie Cafe (breakfast or lunch), Rubaiyat (more upscale dining), and Blazing Star (great vegan and gluten-free options).
Finish off your day with a sweet treat. We recommend a slice (or, heck, why not a whole pie) from Kozi Pie Shoppe or some soft serve at The Whippy Dip.
When you need to grab a drink, start your day at the drive-thru coffee spot, Mill Street Mocha. Once happy hour rolls around, pop into Toppling Goliath, Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., or Pivo Brewery to channel the Oktoberfest spirit. Convergence Ciderworks is newer to the adult beverage scene and is worth a stop and sip as well. And Winneshiek Wildberry Winery has a lovely outdoor patio to sit on while taking in the scenery and sample their local wines.
Shop til you drop
There are more than 100 small businesses right in the heart of downtown Decorah. So while you are in town this fall, pop into a few to stock up some early holiday shopping.
For a truly unique gift and experience, check out Agora Arts for arts and fine crafts by more than 250 American and Canadian artists. If you are looking to add a little magic to your fall, Magic Morpho should be a stop on your list. You could grab a new plant friend to help carry you through the cold winter months at Driftless Botanicals. Pick up a gift for your favorite baker or chef at Ace Kitchen Place. And who doesn’t love a small town bookstore? Dragonfly Books won’t disappoint.
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