Madison & Kyle
Madison & Kyle
WELCOME TO DECORAH AND WINNESHIEK COUNTY, IOWA
We’re in the Driftless, a part of the country the glaciers missed, leaving hills, rivers and limestone bluffs that draw outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
When you visit, be sure to bring your bike, your binoculars, a kayak or two, and an interest in all things Norwegian. And don’t forget to pack your fly fishing gear, along with your love of craft beer, bald eagles, charming downtowns, and your passion for Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Glaciers missed us, so be sure you don’t.
Trout Run Trail
Trout Run Trail is an eleven-mile loop trail that circles the town of Decorah. The entire pathway is paved and the name comes from the five trout streams that the path crosses as well as its connection with the Decorah Trout Hatchery. Trout Run Trail has numerous inclines and switchbacks and offers a challenging trail for cyclists and walkers. For copies of the trail maps, visit: https://parks.decorahia.org/trail-maps
Climb Pulpit Rock at Will Baker Park
It’s a one-mile loop trail that climbs a narrow trail with stone walkways and leads to a scenic view overlooking the Upper Iowa River.
Phelps Park
Phelps Park was the very first park in Decorah. It’s best known for its traditional role as a picnic park (meaning playgrounds and picnic shelters), but it also has some incredible stonework and scenic views over the Upper Iowa River. There’s also a short trail (probably 1/2 mile there and back total) that leads down the hill to connect with the Trout Run Trail.
Address: 613 Park St, Decorah, IA 52101
Palisades Park
Palisades Park is best known for its scenic overlooks with a great view of downtown Decorah. There are also miles of trails for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking.
Address: Ice Cave Road, Decorah, IA 52101
Decorah Fish Hatchery
Technically known as the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery, it is commonly referred to as the trout hatchery, as they mostly raise rainbow trout for 15 various streams in northeast Iowa. There are more than a dozen pools that house trout of all sizes. Be sure to bring some quarters if you would like to buy some fish to feed the fish! Address: 2321 Siewers Spring Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Just beyond the hatchery is Siewers Spring, a man-made waterfall that flows into a small trout stream. In fact, you’ll usually see people fishing for trout at this location. Here’s the google map location for Siewers Spring.
The internet-famous Decorah Eagles are also near the hatchery. For several years, the Raptor Resource Project maintained a webcam allowing thousands of visitors to watch as the couple hatched their eaglets. However, the couple has recently built a new nest that is outside the range of the camera, but you’re welcome to tune in at https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/ to check on their progress of following the eagles.
Dunnings Spring and Ice Cave
Iowa’s tallest waterfall is Dunnings Spring. Although it’s technically 200 feet tall, the water doesn’t come down in one single fall but instead steps its way down from the top. Because it stair-steps its way down, you’ll frequently see people wading in the steps of the waterfall, so you might want to plan to bring shoes that can get wet! Address: Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101 Parking for Dunnings Spring is located at this google map location.
From the parking lot, you must walk about 200 feet up a paved path to get to the falls.
This same parking lot is also your starting point for the Ice Cave. Instead of walking north uphill towards the falls, instead, you’ll walk east along Ice Cave Road for about 1/2 mile before you find the steps that lead up to the ice cave. Oddly enough, the ice is typically thickest in the cave during summer and fall.
Toppling Goliath Brewery
After successfully brewing at home, Clark and Barbara Lewey launched Toppling Goliath Brewing Company which is known for IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. At their Decorah location, they offer a full menu of food in addition to a wide array of drinks. Also, check their calendar for ongoing events and live music. You can also reserve a spot to get a behind-the-scenes tour.
Address: 1600 Prosperity Road, Decorah, IA
Pulpit Rock Brewery
Known for contemporary American beers that are crafted in Decorah. Although Decorah has its own Pulpit Rock, the name of this brewery is a reference to the real Pulpit Rock in Norway, as the founders mother is originally from Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, Norway. Beers are always on tap, but there is no food menu, but you are welcome to bring in your own food.
