Back in 2022 we polled you all on fun little “hidden gems” you’d like recommendations for. Decorah was highly recommended. 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 Decorah favorites at the below? Let us know. We’d love to edit this as we go! 

Compiled by: Claire Tuchek and Melanie Brown, DSMG Contributors 

There is little 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.

Breweries

Toppling Goliath Brewery

  • 1600 Prosperity Road, Decorah, IA

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. They host many events throughout the year too and have beer release parties too.

Pulpit Rock Brewing Company

  • 207 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101


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 where 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

And last is my personal favorite and I can’t quite pinpoint why. It is very cozy and beautiful in the summer. 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! Their patio in the summer is overflowing with greenery and sometimes they have a food truck available. 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

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.

Cidery Option: Convergence Ciderworks

  • 302 Washington Street, Decorah, Iowa 52101

This relatively new cidery is located in a historic building in the “old lumber yard” in Decorah, Iowa, at the convergence of the Plains and the Driftless regions, home to a diversity of hardy apple varieties and small local farms dedicated to responsible growing practices, the preservation of local heritage, and service to the community. It is the combination of these elements and intentions that brings Convergence CiderWorks into being. It opened in 2021.

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

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 8am-11am in the summer (May through October). It’s a true local gem complete with local Norwegian pastries you won’t want to miss after grabbing breakfast or coffee downtown!

Water Street Shopping 

 

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Coffee, Cafes and Ice Cream

Impact Coffee

  • 101 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101

Simply a very hangout and study spot is Impact Coffee located in an old 3 story JC Penny’s building. They also have delicious Belgian waffles!

 

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Magpie Café and Coffeehouse

  • 202 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101

Woman owned and cute as can be for your coffee its and cafe vibes right along Water street.

Whippy Dip

  •  121 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101

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 😉

The Sugar Bowl

  • 410 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101

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. They also serve flights to try different flavors and raw safe-to-eat cookie dough.GF & Non-Dairy Options.

Restaurants

La Rana Bistro

  • 120 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101
This restaurant may be one of the best-kept secrets in Iowa. The food on the menu is incredibly fresh and locally sourced, and it’s absolutely fantastic. It’s an intimate and small bistro though, so make a reservation ahead of time.

 

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Don Jose

  • 201 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101

For the classic family Mexican that we Iowans know and love, hit up Don Jose for Decorah’s take of the always delicious. Don’t forget a margarita or the guac!

T-Bocks Sports Bar & Grill

  • 206 W Water Street, Decorah, IA  52101-1728

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).

tips for kc