Decorah, Iowa, welcomes visitors year-round, but festival season is the best time to plan your trip to town. In mid-April, the Oneonta Film Festival introduces independent films through screenings and panel events. In mid-May, Decorah's Norwegian heritage shines as residents and locals alike celebrate Syttende Mai or Norway's Constitution Day. Don't miss the children's parade or the dance performances. In late July, Decorah's Norwegian pride is again the cause for celebration, as the annual Nordic Fest brings traditional food and costumes, sports, crafts, and family-friendly entertainment to town.
Don't want to book your stay until you're sure you got a great deal? Check out the best group rates and hotel discounts in Decorah.
Members of the military can get discounts at the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Prairie Du Chien. Located just over the Wisconsin border, this property has over 60 comfortable rooms and all your favorite amenities. You'll appreciate the free airport shuttle, the complimentary breakfast, and the seasonal pool. Hosting an event? Inquire about the property's two available conference rooms.
AAA members can save at the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Prairie Du Chien. Also located in Prairie Du Chien, this budget-friendly property offers affordably priced rooms equipped with amenities like mini fridges and microwaves. With free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and an available conference room, this hotel offers ample value.
AARP members can get low rates at the Quality Inn & Suites. This Prairie Du Chien hotel has both standard rooms and suites, along with plenty of extras. From the indoor pool and fitness room to the free breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi, this midrange hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Looking for the best value in town? Don't miss Decorah's top-rated midrange hotels.
When you stay at the Quality Inn & Suites, you'll be on the southeastern side of Decorah, just minutes from the city's best attractions. This midsize hotel has over 50 guest rooms, with options ranging from standard queen rooms to king suites with sofa beds and seating areas. No matter which room type you choose, you'll appreciate the in-room coffee makers, mini fridges, microwaves, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Fuel up with the hotel's complimentary breakfast buffet and find shopping, dining, and entertainment just minutes away.
In nearby Fayette, Iowa, the Boarders Inn & Suites also offers plenty of value. Choose from over 40 guest rooms, including standard queen rooms and spacious king suites. Most guest rooms include microwaves and mini fridges, and some feature hot tubs too. With a complimentary breakfast buffet, an on-site convenience store, high-speed wireless internet access, and an indoor swimming pool, this hotel has just what you need for a comfortable stay.
For an average group discount of 9% and over 50 affordably priced rooms, book your stay at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in nearby Marquette, Iowa. After a great night's sleep, start your day with a workout in the hotel's on-site fitness room, and fuel up by helping yourself to the complimentary breakfast bar. Use the free Wi-Fi to map out your day in Decorah or head to a meeting in the hotel's 750-square-foot conference room. Traveling with pets? They're welcome at this Cobblestone Inn & Suites.
If it's your first trip to Decorah, you'll want to put a visit to the Porter House Museum at the top of your must-do list. This 19th-century Italianate villa is a house museum that tells the story of its fascinating former inhabitants. Don't miss the many crafts, travel mementos, and the rock wall throughout the home.
To learn more about the area's heritage, be sure to visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center. This large museum houses the world's largest collection of Norwegian-American objects, with over 33,000 artifacts and 12 buildings. Here, you can see everything from a Norwegian home and a 19th-century stone mill to costumes and folk art.
To get a breath of fresh air, take your pick of parks throughout Decorah. Barbara Barnhart Van Peenen Memorial Park spans 120 acres and features hiking and cross-country skiing trails, while the Community Prairie & Butterfly Garden is home to a butterfly area and 105 acres of prairie.
For a bigger adventure, head to Malanaphy Springs, where you'll find a beautiful waterfall, over 300 plant species, and ample opportunities for paddling. Nearby Ice Cave State Preserve is another popular destination for outdoor adventurers, thanks to its namesake ice-containing caverns. Visit in June for the most stunning ice formations, or visit any time of year to explore the 450-million-year-old caves.
Eager to plan your trip to Decorah? Book the ideal place to stay and start designing your itinerary.
Below are reviews of the city of Decorah, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Great town, so much to do and see. Plan to come again.
Walking and bike paths are very nice.
Decorah is a small town feel with lots of shops, fun things to do and many friendly people in a very pretty area. Love it.
Beautiful scenery, very well maintained city!
Beautiful scenery, very well maintained city!
Decorah is a beautiful town! We rode the 11 mile bike trail loop. There is a waterfall, I believe called Dunnings, and it is so pretty... cute shops, movie theater and all kinds of things to do. Such a clean town!
Scenic town. Nice college town.
Nice parks!
Decorah was absolutely amazing! We hiked quite a bit, visited the fish hatchery, the falls, an ice cave, a lovely coffee shop and a brewery. We were very impressed with how friendly everyone was and the amount of hiking in the area.
The people of Decorah are friendly, the town is like a Hallmark movie. Very nice place.
In a lovely setting, so much green in and around the city. Very clean looking city.
A nice Norwegian community. Quaint.
Friendly. It felt safe when I walked outdoors early in the morning. Nice shops. The breweries were fun.