Northeast Iowa, Winneshiek County, and Decorah have a variety of exciting and relaxing recreational activities for the outdoor enthusiast. The abundance of waterways, woods, timbers, limestone bluffs, and recreational trails make this area a treasure for the outdoor enthusiast. With the Upper Iowa River, Malanaphy Springs, the Turkey River near Fort Atkinson, North Bear and South Bear Creeks near Highlandville, there is a variety of activities to do for the outdoors person.
The rivers and creeks offer fishing, canoeing, kayaking and inner-tubing. The bluffs, timbers, and woods make the area an ideal place to hike and hunt. The recreational trails are great for biking, walking, hiking, running, and rollar blading. In the winter months, many of the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing.
The city of Decorah has 500 acres of parkland with year-round activities for people of all ages.
Fishing
Decorah and the surrounding areas have some of the best trout fishing in Iowa. Spring fed creeks and streams are stocked regularly throughout the year. Fishing for small-mouth bass, walleye, and sauger is also common in the area.
Hunting
Hunting is a popular outdoor sport in the area. Sportspeople with current license can hunt in season for turkey, pheasant, deer, and more.
Biking
Recreational trails throughout Decorah and the surrounding communities offer bicyclists plenty of riding. The hills, bluffs, and numerous rivers, streams, and creeks make the area a scenic, beautiful, and challenging place to ride.
Parks and Playgrounds
Decorah has 500 acres of parkland. Within the park system, there is everything from scenic walking trails, natural wildlife areas, butterfly gardens, waterfalls, and picturesque overlooks of the town.
There is a park for skateboarding in the summer, another for ice skating in the winter, and one where you can play horseshoes.
Many of the parks have picnic areas with places for cookouts and bonfires, along with playground equipment for the young and young at heart. Children can also enjoy their own fishing pond.
The Decorah Parks System includes a public swimming pool with a water slide.
Recreation Links
Additional links to assist you with finding recreational activities, equipment, and sites in and around Decorah: