Hello from La Crosse, Wisconsin, where I’ve landed after four lovely days and nights in Decorah. You might recall that I recently asked readers which nearby destination I should report on—and Decorah, won. So off I went!
And guess what? I got more than I bargained for: three new finds that surprised me in the best way. I’ll start with those, then share five longtime favorites that will always make the trip worthwhile—plus my latest restaurant picks, of course
What’s New in Decorah
Well, new to me, anyway, and unless you’re a Decorah regular, I’d imagine these spots might be new to you, too.
New Lodgings: Bluffside Gardens
1020 Park St, Decorah
bluffsidedecorah.com
I wasn’t able to stay here (they were booked solid!), but a groundskeeper/manager was kind enough to show me around and let me peek into a couple of the cabins.
Opened in 2023 and nestled on a short ridge above Highway 9, this cluster of modern cabins sits beside woodlands and an expansive flower garden. Spacious, bright, and airy, each one comes with a kitchenette. Bring your friends! While smaller cabins sleep 1 to 4 guests, mid-size units house 4 to 7, and the largest can accommodate up to 11.
In the future, the plan is to offer a sauna and a hot tub—how nice after a day of biking, hiking, or cross-country skiing.
A New-ish Supper Club: Twin Springs Supper Club
2149 Twin Springs Rd., Decorah
(563) 382-4096
This relatively new supper club opened about a year before the pandemic. Located in a woodland setting just outside of town, it was operating at full capacity on a Tuesday night (a good sign, I’d say). I’ll give the full rundown in a separate post on Dining in and Near Decorah, but in brief, I highly recommend this spot!
Lanesboro!
Lanesboro, MN
About a 45-minute drive from Decorah.
Well, this town his hardly new (it was founded in 1869), but it’s a lovely surprise for anyone who’s never been. I suggest taking a drive through the farmlands up into Minnesota and getting there in time for either a bike-ride or a short hike along the Root River Trail + time for poking around this cute small town nestled in the bluffs. Then, have dinner at the charming Juniper’s Restaurant, which hugs the Root River. Be sure to reserve. More details on Juniper’s in the upcoming Dining in and Near Decorah post.
Five Things You Must Do in Decorah over a Long Weekend
Give yourself at least three nights, as the list of attractions grows long. Having spent four days and nights there, I’ve whittled it down to the most rewarding, especially if you’re here to enjoy the great outdoors.
1. Check Out Dunning’s Spring Park // Ice Cave Road
This compact attraction is perfect for your first stop in Decorah—you can easily cover it all in an hour before dinner. From one parking lot just across the river from town, visit both sights: a short walk on a car-free road leads to Ice Cave, where ice lingers into summer (inside, it was notably chilly even on an 85° fall day!), and a quick stroll the other way brings you to the lovely Dunning’s Spring waterfall.
2. Bike or Hike the Trout Run Trail
The 11-mile loop around Decorah winds through a compelling cross-section of the Bluff Country (aka Driftless) landscape—easy pedaling across bridges and farmland gives way to arduous switchbacks leading to great views of the area. If that sounds tough-going, you can rent pedal-assist e-bikes at Decorah Bicycles, near the downtown trailhead.
If you’d rather walk a stretch, start at the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Wander through the gardens, then follow the path north beside the Trout River, where the tree-covered bluffs rise on one side and cornfields spread out on the other. Walk until you’ve soaked it in enough for a day, then turn back when you’re ready for lunch (or maybe a beer at the area’s famous Toppling Goliath Brewing Company, with its pleasant taproom in the countryside.)
3. Picnic at Palisades Park
I went on a several picnics during my four days in Decorah and my favorite table was high atop the palisades in this park. Pick up sandwiches at the delightful Oneota Food Coop on Water Street. (Tip: I thought the grab-and-go sandwiches—like the Turkey with Brie and Blueberry Jam—bested the ordinary, custom-ordered sandwiches by a long shot.)
4. Walk to the Malanaphy Springs
This one-mile (each way) trail leads to a spring-fed stream murmuring over stones before tumbling into the river. Rocky in spots, with a few short climbs and dips, the unpaved path makes for a moderately challenging but peaceful hike—we didn’t meet another soul. With bluffs, river, woods, and that lovely stream, it’s a quiet example of all that’s great about the bluff country.
5. Wander Water Street
One of the things I love about Decorah is how the surrounding bluffs spared it from the fate of suburban sprawl. The steep hillsides helped preserve a compact, walkable downtown, which remains the city’s retail core. Even if you’re not a shopper, you’d do well to at least walk up and down Water Street—the two-lane main-street—for a look at the beautifully preserved historic buildings. Step into the Hotel Winneshiek while you’re there, if only to stand under the stained-glass skylight that crowns its lobby—a quiet reminder of the town’s enduring civic beauty.
And Now, Let’s Eat!
Later this week, in a post for paid subscribers only, I’ll offer more details on the two restaurants that I’ve recommended in this article. A third restaurant, which we had greatly enjoyed in the past, let us down on this visit. I’ll give details, plus an alternative I’d sooner visit next time I go. Be sure to subscribe for full access.
Beautiful trip, Wini! Thanks for taking us along!
I have an event in Decorah tonight. Sponsored by Dragonfly Books. I agree, Lanesboro is fun too.