Seeking a weekend getaway? Perhaps a “hidden gem” in Iowa? Look no further than Decorah! Here’s a combination of different recs that our team has heard about and tried themselves if you plan a weekend trip up to Decorah. Don’t see your favorites below? Let us know!
Updated by: Claire Tuchek, DSMG Contributor
There isn’t much better than a long vacation, but sometimes going far gets complicated or too complex. This is where the weekend getaway saves the day by being low-maintenance, drivable and lower cost, but still a welcome departure from our normal routines. That’s where Decorah and the Upper Iowa River comes in handy. With tons of outdoor adventures, breweries, and small town vibes to match the best of them, we think this is the perfect weekend trip for some rest and relaxation perfect for all seasons.
Breweries
Toppling Goliath Brewery
- 1600 Prosperity Road, Decorah, IA
- Open Mon- Sun at 11 AM
Start at Toppling Goliath Brewery and dabble with a flight, it is also the farthest out from the rest of breweries so it is a good starting point or if you prefer ending point. Wonderful food as well and not long ago they released their first gluten-free beer. They host many events throughout the year and have beer release parties too.
Pulpit Rock Brewing Company
- 207 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101
- Opens Mon-Thurs at 2 PM, Fri-Sun at 12 PM
Then Pulpit Rock Brewing Company is delicious second stop. In the winter, they have igloos, and in the summer they have a wonderful patio with umbrellas. They also have a quaint taproom and are right along biking trails. Many whom stop enjoy their pastry sours. The patio is dog friendly. And if you get hungry right next door in an old laundromat is The Landing Market home to delicious food and coffee that you can take next door to Pulpit or stay for a while and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Dixie’s Biergarten
- 310 College Drive, Decorah, IA, United States, Iowa
- Open Sun-Wed at 2 PM, Thurs-Sat at 11 AM; Kitchen: Wed-Sat 11AM -8 PM
And last is my personal favorite with a quaint atmosphere. It is very cozy and beautiful all year long. In Toppling Goliath’s old brewery location is Dixie’s Biergarten featuring local Iowa brews and ciders. You can also get flights here which is wonderful and their patio in the summer overflows with greenery. They also offer a delicious handcrafted menu with occasional ‘secret menu’ items. If you love Toppling Goliath’s beer you may be tempted to order a ‘Kevin’ which is Dragon Fandango and Pseudo Sue combined.
Pivo Brewery
- 101 Huber Drive Calmar, Iowa
- Wed-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 11 AM-6 PM
If those three stops weren’t enough, not far from Decorah is Pivo Brewery situated in Calmar, IA. The best part about Pivo is that their 40 brews on tap are all named for the very small towns and communities surrounding Calmar. A good atmosphere, food, and outside patio area. They also have a small event area for rent.
Outdoor Activities: Upper Iowa River
The place to be on a perfect summer day, in our humble opinions. On the river itself, many will kayak individually, but really we are all just floating, not many paddle. There is also many canoes and tubing. Pack your cooler, a speaker, sunscreen, and water shoes and you’re on your way. Your phone is not a necessity because there is minimal cell service on the river. The best part of it all are the bluffs along the way and sandbars where you may find yourself stopped with others. Around the river are numerous bikes trails, but be prepared for all of the hills. Here are a few recommendations to get started on your adventure.
To Stay: Bluffton Resort
- 2619 West Ravine Road, Decorah, Iowa 52101
“Come to Bluffton to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Experience our beautiful bluffs, go kayaking, enjoy some hot pizza and a cold beer, and most importantly, relax!”
Rentals: Off The Driftless
Off the Driftless in Decorah is another spot to rent kayaks, canoes, and tubes.
To See: Dunning’s Spring Park
- Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
This is a must-see waterfall in Decorah that you can actually drive to! The park features a walking path, scenic overlook, and bridge crafted by local stone mason, Ted Wilson. Plus, plenty of spots for picnicking. Just bring bug spray.
To Explore: Trout Run Trail
You’ll want to walk or bike at least part of this scenic 11 mile loop around Decorah. The views of the limestone bluffs are beautiful and if you go in the middle of summer, the wildflowers are plentiful! From Visit Decorah, “The scenic Trout Run Trail loops through and around historic and picturesque Decorah and the surrounding area, passing along dikes, abandoned rail beds, and private farmlands. The trail offers views of forested limestone bluffs, rare algific talus slopes, and the beautiful Oneota Valley and Upper Iowa River.”
Shopping
Decorah Farmers Market
The farmers market runs on Saturday mornings from 9AM – 12 PM in the summer (May through October) or if you are there during the week 3-6 PM on Wednesdays. Once their summer season is over, they move inside at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds on Saturday mornings from 9 AM- 12 PM. It’s a true local gem complete with local Norwegian pastries you won’t want to miss after grabbing breakfast or coffee downtown!
Check out the latest dates.
Water Street Shopping
- Boutique: Modish
- 217 W Water St, Decorah, IA, 52101
- Women’s clothing boutique with something for everyone.
- Thrift Shop: The Get Up
- 212 W Water St, Decorah, IA, 52101
- A hand-curated selection of gently loved clothing for the entire family, newborn to adult!
- Outdoors: The Decorah Hatchery
- 406 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
- For the outdoor enthusiast.
Coffee, Cafes and Ice Cream
Impact Coffee
- 101 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
- Open Mon-Fri 6:30 AM, Sat 7 AM, Sun 8 AM; Thurs-Sat open until 9 PM
Simply a great hangout and study spot is Impact Coffee located in an old 3 story JC Penny’s building. They also have delicious Belgian waffles! If you stop by later in the afternoon they stay open past dinner a few days a week offering craft cocktails and fun events ranging from trivia to live music.
Check their events here.
Magpie Café and Coffeehouse
- 202 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
- Wed-Sun 7:30 AM-2 PM
Woman owned and operate since 1996 serving as Decorah’s first cafe; it is as cute as can be for your coffee fix and cafe vibes right along Water street.
Whippy Dip
- 121 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101
- Mon- Sun 10 AM-9PM
Ice Cream is also near and dear to Decorah. So many love the Whippy Dip and it is walk up window service only. So if you catch it on a perfect sunny day you may find yourself waiting for 30 minutes and on a dreary day you will have better luck 😉 Be sure to bring cash with you for this dessert!
Check their seasonal hours here.
The Sugar Bowl
- 410 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
- Mon – Thurs 2-9 PM, Fri- Sun 12 – 9 PM
Another Water St. resident with lots of fans is The Sugar Bowl. This is more hard scoop ice cream, than Whippy Dip’s soft serve vibe offering 32 flavors! They also serve flights to try different flavors and raw safe-to-eat cookie dough.GF & Non-Dairy Options.
Check their seasonal hours here.
Restaurants
La Rana Bistro
- 120 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101
- Tues-Sat, Lunch: 11:30 AM -2 PM, Dinner: 5 PM – Close
Mabe’s Pizza
- 110 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
- Opens Mon- Sun at 11 AM
With a long family history and quite the reputation in Decorah, you don’t want to miss this made from scratch pizza! It is delicious and cut into squares. Great for dining in or take out.
Blazing Star
- 120 E Water St. Decorah, IA 52101
- Mon-Sun 10 AM -3 PM, 5-8 PM, closed Tuesdays
This vegetarian cafe offers a lighter fair that’s perfect while strolling the shops of Water Street. They offer tasty grain bowls, salads, and baked good with local ingredients. Many of their items are also gluten free.
T-Bocks Sports Bar & Grill
- 206 W Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101-1728
- Open Mon-Sun 11 AM, closed Tuesdays
Located right along Water Street is this sports pub that serves the Original Peanut Butter Cheeseburger, plus a bunch of great salads if that’s your thing.
Want recommendations in Kansas City?
A mere three hour drive from Des Moines can land you in Kansas City, home to some of the nation’s best barbecue, two major-league sports franchises and our friend Katie Snyder (who has since authoring this has moved back to. Des Moines herself! She has laid out some of the best things to eat, drink and do if you have just a day or two to spend in KC. You’ll notice these recommendations are sorted into the most popular places to go, as well what she believes to be the best kept secrets in town (so mum’s the word).
