Visit Decorah

05/27/2026

Adventure is calling in Decorah on Saturday, June 6! 🌿☀️Whether you prefer rugged trails or paddling the river, it’s shaping up to be an exciting day in the Driftless Region with TWO signature outdoor events happening right here in Decorah:

🏃 The Crater Trail Run invites runners to experience the unique terrain of Decorah through challenging and scenic trail courses. Expect beautiful views, wooded paths, and an unforgettable race-day atmosphere with 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K, and Kids mile course options. 👉 https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133365

🚣 The Driftless Paddle Battle brings kayakers and canoeists to the Upper Iowa River for a fun and competitive paddle through one of the Midwest’s most stunning waterways. Choose your adventure with a 34 mile or 11 mile course. 👉https://driftlesspaddlebattle.com

Whether you’re racing, cheering from the sidelines, or simply looking for an excuse to get outside, June 6 is a perfect day to experience adventure in Decorah.

04/16/2026

Since 1975, Decorah's Seed Savers Exchange has been stewarding America's culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. Tune in TONIGHT, Thursday, April 16, at 7:30 PM on PBS Wisconsin to see SSE featured on Wisconsin Foodie with Chef Luke Zahm. 👉https://pbswisconsin.org/watch/wisconsin-foodie/airdates/

After being inspired by the episode, make your plans to visit SSE's Heritage Farm in person!

View all upcoming episodes and airdates for Wisconsin Foodie on PBS Wisconsin.

04/13/2026

We are honored to have Decorah recognized by Midwest Living as one of the Best Small Towns of 2026!

Tucked into the Driftless Region, Decorah stands out for its striking limestone bluffs, cold-water trout streams, and miles of trails—paired with a vibrant downtown full of local shops, craft beverages, and a thriving arts and culture scene. It’s a place where Norwegian heritage, outdoor adventure, and creative energy come together in a truly unique way.

Come see what makes this corner of the Driftless Region so special and why we encourage everyone to Drift Less & EXPLORE MORE.

Take a look at the full list 👉: https://www.midwestliving.com/best-midwest-small-towns-2026-11910474

Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce City of Decorah Winneshiek County Development & Tourism, Inc. Travel Iowa Visit Northeast Iowa

Small towns hold the promise of a slower pace, room to breathe, historic architecture, walkable streets, friendly people, and authentic experiences. Our best-of list includes one town from each of the 12 states in our region ⬇️

04/06/2026

Grab your friends—it’s Women's Weekend Out in Decorah! ✨

From April 10–12, downtown Decorah turns into a 3-day shopping, dining, and entertainment experience filled with local finds, special events, and plenty of reasons to treat yourself. Wander more than a dozen walkable blocks, discover your favorite shops (and a few new ones), and enjoy a weekend made for connection, laughter, and a little indulgence.

Make it even more fun with a Women’s Weekend Out swag bag—packed with goodies, deals, and surprises from local businesses.
Whether you're planning a girls’ getaway or a day trip, this is your perfect excuse to explore, sip, shop, and soak up spring in Decorah. 👉 Plan your weekend + learn more: https://www.decorahareachamber.com/event/womens-weekend-out-3/

03/31/2026

We’ve got something big to celebrate—Decorah is now an IMBA Trail Town! 🚵‍♂️

From winding singletrack to scenic routes that lead you right into downtown, our trails are a huge part of what makes this place special. They connect people to the landscape, to local businesses, and to the experiences that keep visitors coming back again and again.

This recognition is a testament to the riders, volunteers, partners, and community members who have helped build and care for these incredible trail systems. We’re proud to be part of a place where outdoor adventure and community go hand in hand.

Ready to ride? 🌿

We’re proud to announce Decorah has been recognized as a 2026 International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Town!

This national designation recognizes communities that value trails and the people who use them. Trails are an important part of what makes Decorah such a great place to live, work, and play.

We are grateful for our collaborations with Decorah Parks and Recreation, Visit Decorah, Northeast Iowa RC&D, Luther College, City of Decorah, and all other individuals and groups that help Decorah lead with trails.

IMBA Trail Towns demonstrate strong trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan. Your support helps strengthen our trails and our town – thank you!

03/21/2026

👀 We spy the Upper Iowa River and Dunning’s Spring Waterfall!

02/12/2026

From trail walks and museum wandering to local brews and cozy eats, winter weekends here are anything but ordinary. Come see why Decorah is worth the getaway! ⬇️

02/05/2026

The Galentine’s Day Shop Hop is happening in Decorah this Saturday, February 7, inviting friends to stroll, shop, and soak up all the fun our local boutiques have to offer. 💗

Many shops have been reset for the new year with brand-new merchandise and Valentine-inspired finds. Planning to visit at least three shops? Grab a stamp card while you’re out and about—just three stamps enters you to win gift card prizes, with winners announced the week of Feb. 9.

✨ Participating shops include:
Rendered Unique • Modish • Jenny Wren Gift Market • Decorah Ace Stores - Ace Kitchen Place • The Country Garden Flowers and Gifts Decorah IA • Mercantile 1028 • Heavenly Made Gift Shop by Linda Wolfs • The Getup • Interior Design by Emily • Twisted Gnome • Storied Folk & Co.

02/02/2026

The 2026 Iowa Travel Guides have arrived! They're packed with inspiration for your next Iowa getaway -- and plenty of ideas to help you explore more of the state.

Request a guide here 👉https://www.traveliowa.com/order/orderform/
Or grab one the next time you stop by the Decorah Visitor Center & Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce.

We may be a little biased, but we especially love how much inspiration the new guide offers for Decorah and Winneshiek County. From outdoor adventures to local flavor, it's the perfect starting point for planning your next Northeast Iowa escape.

Grab a guide, start dreaming, and get ready to explore more, linger longer, and discover something new.

👀P.S. Can you spot all the places Decorah and Winneshiek County are mentioned in this year's guide? Hint -- it's a lot, so look for Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Seed Savers Exchange. Porter House Museum, Dragonfly Books, Decorah Ace Stores, Agora Arts, Decorah Hatchery, Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., Hotel Winneshiek : Hotel + Bar, Magpie Cafe & Coffeehouse, Koreana Sushi Cafe, Trout Run Trail, ArtHaus, Dunning's Spring, PIVO Brewery, Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum - Burr Oak, Iowa, Nordic Fest, and Fort Atkinson Iowa Rendezvous.

Travel Iowa

01/28/2026

✨ Decorah Restaurant Week is HERE! ✨

From cozy comfort food to creative chef specials, our local restaurants are serving up special prices, special features, and limited-time menu additions you don’t want to miss. Now’s your excuse to try somewhere new—or revisit an old favorite.

🍴 Eat local. Eat well. Repeat.
https://www.decorahareachamber.com/event/restaurant-week-2026/