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Decorah

Get ready to fall in love — just as thousands of others do when they first discover the beauty and magic of Decorah and Winneshiek County in northeast Iowa. Just an hour’s drive from La Crosse, Wis., visitors to the area find incomparable scenic beauty, rolling farm land, towering limestone bluffs, cascading waterfalls, and stunning vistas of the Upper Iowa River.

The area is also rich in history, fascinating museums and attractions, architectural beauty, quaint shop and boutiques, award-winning restaurants, recreational opportunities, and fun-filled festivals and events.

Nature lovers, canoers, bikers, hikers, anglers and others cherish the area for its recreational offerings. Decorah and Winneshiek County’s extensive and growing trail system is the ideal setting for a romantic evening stroll, power walk, or challenging bluff-side workout. Biking enthusiasts at all levels love the area for its diversity of trails. In fact, mountain biking in the Decorah area was recently named one of the “52 Great American Weekends (under $200) in the United States” by Men’s Journal magazine.

The Upper Iowa River offers some of the best canoeing in the tri-state area, but don’t take our word for it. National Geographic Adventure magazine called it “One of the top 100 adventures in the United States.” This is what their editors had to say: “Sections of the Upper Iowa River have deep, narrow valleys heavily wooded with pine and cedar, maple, birch, oak and hickory. Steep limestone bluffs — some are 300 to 400 feet tall — create massive, craggy backdrops to the river’s tight bends.

Cliffs have been carved into unusual palisade-like configurations by eons of weather and water. The most outstanding are the tall, slender conical bluffs, called chimney rocks, about four miles upstream from Bluffton.

After the days of summer and fall have passed and the midwest winter is in full-force, the Decorah area is a warm, cozy and romantic escape to make you feel like you are a world apart. With plenty of distinctive bed and breakfasts, rustic cabins and lodges, and a number of well-appointed hotels, the area is the perfect spot to unwind or rekindle a romantic spark. Excellent restaurants, bistros and tea rooms also abound, and boutique-style shopping offers something unique for everyone.

There is no shortage of enticing events in Winneshiek County. Annual events include Women’s Weekend Out, Laura Ingalls Wilder Days, Nordic Fest, Fort Atkinson’s Rendezvous Days, and the Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour, to name just a few. Museums like the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, with its extensive campus of more than 12 historic buildings in downtown Decorah, also host a wide array of celebrations and folk art classes.

Ace Hardware

Business
Ace Hardware
Street
200 E Main St
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-3538
Website
decorahacestores.com
Category
Decorah, Iowa, Services, Shopping
Description

Chain retailer stocking household tools, supplies & more (many family-run or independently owned).

Blue Herron Knittery, LLC

Business
Blue Herron Knittery, LLC
Street
300 West Water St.
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-517-1059
Website
www.blueheronknittery.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Description

Knitting & Crocheting supplies. Unique locally made items. Fine yarns. Select fair trade yarns. Books & patters. Spinning & felting fiber. Classes offered: beginning knitting, felting, socks and more... call for details!

Canoe Ridge Kennels

Business
Canoe Ridge Kennels
Street
2773 Lannon Hill Rd
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-0400
Website
canoeridgekennels.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Iowa, Services
Tags
Pets
Description

Boarding, Grooming & Retail Products. At Canoe Ridge Kennels, we promise to treat your pets with loving care, just as if they were our own.

Decorah Drift Less – Visit Decorah

Business
Decorah Drift Less – Visit Decorah
Street
507 W Water St
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-3990
Website
visitdecorah.com
Category
Attractions, Decorah, Eating & Drinking, Iowa, Recreational, Services, Shopping
Description

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.

Dixie’s Biergarten

Business
Dixie’s Biergarten
Street
310 College Dr
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-277-1295
Website
dixiesdecorah.business.site
Category
Decorah, Eating & Drinking, Iowa
Tags
Craft Beer
Description

We're a craft beer bar located right in the heart of driftless region aka Decorah Iowa! If beer isnt your jam try a cider or a glass of wine! (We do not serve food but allow deliveries or carry-ins).

Don Jose Mexican Family Restaurant

Business
Don Jose Mexican Family Restaurant
Street
201 E. Water Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-6052
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Eating & Drinking, Iowa
Tags
Bar
Description

Enjoy our homemade, fresh Mexican food, cocktails, beer & wine available. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Reservations & orders to go available.

Donlon Pharmacy

Business
Donlon Pharmacy
Street
201 W. Water Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-362-2626
Website
donlonpharmacy.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Tags
Health
Description

Prescriptions. Medication reminders. Home Medical Alert Systems. Therapeutic Shoes. CPAP Cleaning Machines. Home Medical Equipment.

Dragonfly Books

Business
Dragonfly Books
Street
112 W Water St
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-4275
Website
dragonflybooks.com
Category
Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Description

Dragonfly Books is a family-owned general interest bookstore located on Water Street in downtown Decorah, Iowa. We are your one-stop shopping place for books of all kinds. Whether you enjoy mysteries, history, fiction, or looking for cookbooks and children's books, you will find it at Dragonfly Books.

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Business
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Street
2041 State Hwy 9
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-8800
Website
www.marriott.com/lsefd
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Hotels & Inns, Iowa, Lodging
Description

Now open!

Luxury Short Term Rentals

Business
Luxury Short Term Rentals
City
Decorah
State
IA
Category
Decorah, Iowa, Services
Description

For questions please email jackie.bohr@gmail.com

Market 52

Business
Market 52
Street
3220 US HWY 52
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
319-939-3039
Website
shopmarket52.com
Category
Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Tags
Antiques
Description

Bringing a smile to your space! New home decor and antiques.
Fo current open dates please check our website or Facebook page.

Oneota Community Food Cooperative

Business
Oneota Community Food Cooperative
Street
312 West Water Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-4666
Website
www.oneotacoop.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Eating & Drinking, Iowa, Shopping
Tags
Grocery & Specialty Foods
Description

The Oneota Community Food Co-op is a cooperatively-owned grocery store specializing in organic, local, and sustainably produced products since 1974. For over four decades we have been providing whole foods at a reasonable cost, with an emphasis on organic, local, and bulk foods. Everyone is welcome at the Co-op!

Oneota Film Festival

Business
Oneota Film Festival
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-265-1646
Website
oneotafilmfestival.org
Category
Attractions, Decorah, Iowa
Description

Oneota Film Festival’s mission is to inform, inspire, and engage viewers and filmmakers in compelling issues of our time by building and sustaining a community of film lovers through film, discussions, and other media to engage a large and diverse audience in Decorah and surrounding communities.

Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins

Business
Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins
Street
2475 State Hwy 9
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-0010
Website
www.pintersgardenandpumpkins.com
Category
2021-2022, Attractions, Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Tags
Agriculture, Event Center, Gifts, Lawn & Garden
Description

Your Decorah destination for everything garden. Full service garden center. Experienced landscaping design and installation. Don't forget the bakery. Stop in for sandwiches, homemade fudge, pie and other sweet treats. Fall family fun too! Pumpkin patch, hay rides, playgound, corn maze and more.

Red-Roxy Quilt Co.

Business
Red-Roxy Quilt Co.
Street
415 Water St.
52101
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-4646
Website
redroxyquiltco.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Description

Sewing | Quilting | Embroidery

Red’s Retreat & Guesthouse

Business
Red’s Retreat & Guesthouse
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-380-5772
Website
redsretreatdecorah.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Iowa, Lodging, Vacation Rental
Tags
Event Center
Description

Our 3 story farm house, built in 1914, will comfortably sleep 13 guests scattered on 3 levels with a full bath on each level. An additional 1,100 square foot common space is perfect for your family gatherings, quilting retreats and more.

Revelation

Business
Revelation
Street
111 E. Water Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-6212
Website
revelation-leswigsrenee.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Tags
Apparel
Description

Women's clothing and accessories. Merle Norman Cosmetics & Skincare. High Fashion Wigs.

Rubaiyat

Business
Rubaiyat
Street
117 West Water Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-9463
Website
www.rubaiyatrestaurant.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Eating & Drinking, Iowa
Tags
Event Center
Description

Dinner Hours: Wednesday-Saturday opening at 5pm. Sunday brunch: 9am-1pm. Happy hour: Wednesday-Saturday 5-6pm. Private dining room available, seating up to 50 people. Great for rehearsal dinners, reunions, birthdays, holiday parties. Check out our wine shop for a variety of wines to take home. Gift certificates available in any amount with no expiration date. A great gift for anyone. Iowa's most extensive wine and beer list.

The Depot Outlet

Business
The Depot Outlet
Street
510 Montgomery Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-2700
Website
depotoutlet.org
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Tags
Apparel, Gifts
Description

Donate. Shop. Reuse. Clothing, books and household goods.

The Landing Market

Business
The Landing Market
Street
211 College Dr
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-277-1893
Website
thelandingmarket.com
Category
Attractions, Decorah, Eating & Drinking, Iowa
Description

Nestled in the West side of Decorah, The Landing Market is a modern food hall. We are home to local vendors, assorted craft beverages, grab and go options and so much more! The owners, Pete and Kari Espinosa, wanted The Landing Market to provide opportunities and support for all groups of people in Decorah through positive interactions and inclusion. This vision of warmth and community delivers a comfortable and convenient setting to relax and indulge, while also extending a welcoming opportunity to engage and employ our friends at The Spectrum Network.

The Silver Birch

Business
The Silver Birch
Street
104 W Water St
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-4432
Website
silverbirchdecorah.com
Category
Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Description

The Silver Birch Christian Books and Gifts is a locally owned independent bookstore located in Decorah, Iowa, and serves the Driftless Region in northeast Iowa, southeastern Minnesota, and southwestern Wisconsin. We are grounded by our core values, which guide us through all aspects of the bookselling industry. We take enormous pride in our stock, and we are committed to offering a carefully curated and diverse selection of books and gifts for customers of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Our commitment to carrying “only the best of the best” extends to all sections of the store.

Toy Jungle at Donlon Pharmacy

Business
Toy Jungle at Donlon Pharmacy
Street
201 W. Water Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-2626
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Iowa, Shopping
Tags
Gifts
Description

The largest toy store in Northeast Iowa! Toys, games, puzzles, books, 6 foot ferris wheel, giant giraffe, dinosaur, and unicorn.

Upper Iowa Marine

Business
Upper Iowa Marine
Street
1651 State Hwy 9 E
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
866-382-9387
Website
upperiowamarine.com
Category
Decorah, Iowa, Recreational, Services, Shopping
Description

We sell Alumacraft & Crestliner fishing boats, Premier & Viaggio Pontoons, Suzuki & Mecury outboards, and Pelican Kayaks.

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum

Business
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
Street
502 W. Water Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-382-9681
Website
www.vesterheim.org
Category
2021-2022, Attractions, Decorah, Iowa
Tags
History, Museum
Description

A national treasure with the most comprehensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world, plus festivals, classes, store, group tours and more! Open all year in Decorah, IA. Preserving a heritage. Connecting us all.

Winneshiek Wildberry Winery

Business
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery
Street
1966 337th Street
City
Decorah
State
IA
Phone
563-735-5809
Website
www.wwwinery.com
Category
2021-2022, Decorah, Eating & Drinking, Iowa
Tags
Catering, Event Center, Gifts, Wine
Description

Enjoy a fun, friendly wine experience amidst the beautiful, rolling hills of Northeast Iowa. Voted "Best Fruit Wine" at the Mid America Wine Contest. Wine tasting, outdoor seating, gift shop, party room.

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Iowa Towns

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  • Burr Oak
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  • Cresco
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  • Dyersville
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  • Fort Atkinson
  • Hawkeye
  • Highlandville
  • Kendallville
  • Lansing
  • Lime Springs
  • New Hampton
  • Marquette-McGregor
  • Protivin
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