Decorah has been named a winner in the 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards presented by Midwest Living. The recognition highlights Decorah as a standout destination in the region for Best Small Towns, celebrating the community’s vibrant culture, outdoor beauty, and welcoming spirit.
Hand-selected by the magazine’s editors, the Best of the Midwest Awards honor nearly 150 established and emerging leaders in travel and hospitality across the region. The awards span 16 categories, recognizing exceptional hotels, restaurants, vacation destinations, resorts, and travel experiences throughout the Midwest and beyond.
“We’re honored to see Decorah recognized by the editors of Midwest Living,” said Alyssa Ritter of Visit Decorah. “Visitors come here for so many reasons—exceptional local dining, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and easy access to the outdoors—and this recognition reflects how those experiences come together to create something truly special.”
Located in the scenic Driftless Region of northeast Iowa, Decorah is known for its rich Norwegian-American heritage, thriving arts scene, locally owned shops and restaurants, and miles of trails and waterways that draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round for day-trips, weekend getaways, or intentionally-longer experiences.The full list of 2026 Best of the Midwest Award winners will appear in the Spring 2026 issue of Midwest Living and is available online at: www.midwestliving.com/best-midwest-small-towns-2026.
