Decorah, County seat in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States.
Decorah is a city in northeastern Iowa that sits along the Upper Iowa River, surrounded by bluffs and limestone outcroppings. The location on an elevated plateau at 268 meters creates a natural setting where water, rock, and settlement interact.
The city took its name from Ho-Chunk leader Waukon Decorah and was established in 1849 when the Day family arrived from Tazewell County, Virginia. This early settlement became the foundation for its later role as county seat.
The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum holds thousands of objects from Norwegian immigration and folk art traditions. The collection shows how Norwegian newcomers maintained their heritage in their adopted home.
Visitors can explore the Luther College campus and attend public lectures, performances, and cultural events throughout the year. The variety of programs offers something to do in each season.
Beneath the city lies an ancient meteorite impact crater formed around 470 million years ago that holds geological evidence of early oceanic life. This hidden feature connects the modern town to a distant past beneath the ground.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve
1.1 km
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
331 m
Luther College Farm
2 km
Painter-Bernatz Mill
486 m
Porter House Museum
60 m
Winneshiek County Courthouse
245 m
Decorah Municipal Bathhouse and Swimming Pool
1.6 km
Locust School
14.5 km
Washington Prairie Methodist Church
8 km
Steyer Opera House
457 m
Cooley-Whitney House
1.9 km
Decorah Woolen Mill
349 m
Horn House
5.5 km
Steyer Bridge
1.7 km
Koren Hall
1.5 km
Decorah Commercial Historic District
342 m
Jacobson Farm
14.5 km
Norris Miller House
420 mTen Mile Creek Bridge
8.9 kmBirdsall Lime Kiln
1.9 kmHenry Bridge
8.5 kmMary Christopher Park
763 mMerlin Moe Park
11.4 kmMiller Park
1.6 kmPulpit Rock
1.4 kmSilvercrest Golf Club
4.1 kmStorre Theatre
1.7 kmKristin Wigley-Fleming Gallery
1.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes