Visit Decorah

10/09/2026

Outdoor adventures, local traditions, Friday Night Lights, and the little moments that make a place memorable. There’s so much to discover in Decorah and sometimes the best way to experience it is through the eyes of the people who call it home.

In the first video of our new Life in Decorah series, join the LaBelle family as they explore the outdoors, enjoy local activities, and experience the community that makes this place so special.

From exploring Northeast Iowa’s Driftless Region to finding your own favorite local experiences, we invite you to see what makes Decorah a place worth discovering.

🎥 Watch the video and get inspired for your next Decorah adventure!

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

10/08/2026

Art + Fall Color + Scenic Drives!

The 29th annual Northeast Iowa Artists' Studio Tour is happening this weekend, October 9-11! Explore the creative side of Northeast Iowa.

From painting and pottery to jewelry, wood, glass, fiber, sculpture and more, artists throughout the region are opening their studios for a behind-the-scenes look at where-- and how-- their work comes to life. Meet the artists. See their tools and creative spaces. And, of course, take home a one-of-a-kind piece directly from the person who made it!

Studios are open 10AM - 5PM each day. The 2026 tour features 41 artists at 31 locations.

Pick up a map at the Decorah Visitor Center and plan your route!

Winneshiek County Development & Tourism, Inc. Visit Northeast Iowa Travel Iowa

10/06/2026

Fall color is starting to show in Decorah!

The first hints of autumn are making their way across the Iowa Driftless, with pockets of yellow, gold and red beginning to pop among the trees. It’s just the beginning, but we’re officially entering one of our favorite times of year. 🍁

Want to keep an eye on how the season is unfolding? The Iowa DNR’s Fall Color Report is a great resource for tracking leaf color across the state — and we’ll be watching Decorah’s transformation right along with you. https://www.iowadnr.gov/programs-services/forestry-resources/fall-color-report

Consider this your sign to start planning a fall drive, hike, bike ride along the Trout Run Trail, or paddle along the Upper Iowa River. Make it a day, or better yet make it a weekend in the Iowa Driftless.

10/05/2026

The Wild Driftless Adventure Race is heading to Decorah in 2027! Save the date for October 2, 2027.

The Wild Driftless Adventure Race is a Northeast Iowa based challenge that takes participants through a secret course (revealed on race day) and includes various activities (biking, paddling, and trekking). Participants have a set time limit and must navigate the course only using provided maps and a compass. A true adventure!

10/01/2026

Looking for a fall getaway? Midwest Living shares why Decorah is the perfect trip location for outdoor adventures, cozy meals, and unforgettable autumn color.

Home to Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, is perfect for fall adventures like paddling the Upper Iowa River and leaf peeping at Palisades Park and on the Trout River Trail. Take a break for a farm-to-table meal at Luna Valley Pizza Farm or La Rana Bistro, or sip local brews at Toppling Goliath and Pulp...

10/01/2026

Unique opportunity this Saturday, October 3 at 1:30PM! ** The Winneshiek County Historical Society is hosting a special Walking Tour of Decorah's Broadway-Phelps Park Historic District. No RSVP necessary. Free & Open to the Public -- simply meet on the West side of the Winneshiek County Historical Society at 302 South Mill Street.

A tour of Decorah's Broadway-Phelps Park Historic District will be held on Saturday, October 3rd at 1:30 pm. The tour is sponsored by the Winneshiek County Historical Society as part of their commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary and the Historic District's 50th birthday. It will be led by WCHS board member, Elizabeth Lorentzen. Those interested are asked to meet on the west side of the Winneshiek County Historical Society at 302 S. Mill Street by 1:30 pm. If necessary, the rain date will be Sunday, October 11th at 1:30 pm, meeting at the Historical Society.

In an effort led by Lucile Price of Decorah, the Broadway-Phelps Park Historic District.
received National Register designation in 1976 during the nation’s Bicentennial year.
The Decorah Branch of the American Association of University Women developed a walking tour pamphlet at that time with information on the Historic District’s architecture which provides a “time capsule” of our county seat’s development and growth. A replica of that pamphlet will be given to those in attendance.

09/23/2026

Get ready to step back in time at the 50th Annual Fort Atkinson Iowa Rendezvous THIS weekend -- September 26-27.

For 50 years, this beloved Winneshiek County tradition has brought the sights, sounds and spirit of the 1840s frontier to life at Fort Atkinson State Preserve. Throughout the weekend explore the historic fort and imagine 1840s-era life through skilled historical reenactors, military and black-powder demonstrations, traditional crafts, music, contests, children’s activities, and more.

In today’s photo: Longtime Fort Atkinson Rendezvous historical reenactors Jeff Hopper, Kayla Hopper, Nick & Darcy Hopper visiting Downtown Decorah. And they don’t just dress the part — they practice traditional crafts, too! Jeff is a tin & coppersmith, Nick is a woodworker, and Darcy is a seamstress. They highly recommend watching at least one Cannon Drill/Anvil Shoot at the Rendezvous, offered several times throughout the weekend.

📍Fort Atkinson State Preserve // 24 minute drive from Downtown Decorah
☑️ Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
☑️ Sunday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
🎉Free admission + free parking

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

08/05/2026

Keep your eyes open --- adventure is everywhere in Decorah and Winneshiek County!

Awaken your sense of wonder—and all your senses along with it. Listen to the birds overhead, breathe in the fresh Driftless air, feel the trail beneath your feet, and discover something new around every bend.

Drift Less. EXPLORE MORE.

08/04/2026

Looking for a fun Saturday adventure? 🌟
Just 15 minutes south of Decorah, the community of Ossian is celebrating Ossian Fest on Saturday, August 8—making it the perfect addition to your weekend in Winneshiek County!

Start your day with a free pancake breakfast, then enjoy a full lineup of family-friendly fun including a kiddie parade, car and tractor show, vendors, food trucks, face painting, live music, co****le, a grand parade, and free evening entertainment.

Whether you're staying in Decorah or just exploring Northeast Iowa, it's a great opportunity to experience another welcoming community and discover even more of what makes Winneshiek County special.

4 DAYS TO GO!

The countdown is on! In just 4 days, Ossian Fest 2026 will be here, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Get ready for a full day of:
🥞 Free Pancake Breakfast
🎈 Kiddie Parade
🚜 Car & Tractor Show
🚲 Kids Pedal Pull
🎨 Free Face Painting
🎶 Live Music All Day
🌽 Co****le Tournament
🛍️ Vendors & Food Trucks
🎉 Grand Parade
🎸 FREE Live Entertainment featuring High Mileage

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate 250 Years of Stars, Stripes & Freedom with us in Ossian!

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
📍 Ossian, Iowa

Who’s counting down with us? Let us know what you’re most excited for in the comments!

07/22/2026

Drift less. Celebrate Nordic Fest (and BUTTER) more!

Nordic Fest returns July 23–25, transforming downtown Decorah into a celebration of Scandinavian heritage, community, and unforgettable experiences. This year's playful theme—BUTTER—adds an extra layer of fun to a weekend already filled with traditions. Stroll through downtown for live music, Nordic inspired foods, artisan demonstrations, shopping, family activities, sporting events, and the Grand Parade. Then take time to discover everything else Decorah has to offer—from scenic hiking and biking trails to award-winning breweries, local boutiques, museums, and welcoming places to stay.

Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Nordic Fest is the perfect time to experience the charm, culture, and hospitality that make Decorah such a special destination.

Explore the full schedule at nordicfest.com and save the dates for next year too ---- July 22-24, 2027!

🧈 Spread the word! The 2026 Nordic Fest Program has arrived.

The full lineup of events, entertainment, demonstrations, sporting events, and special butter-themed fun is now available.

🖥️ View it online for FREE at NordicFest.com
📖 Prefer a printed copy? Pick one up for just $5 at the Decorah Visitor Center. Grab a BUTTER theme button too for just $1.

Start planning your BUTTER filled Nordic Fest! 🎉