Area Attractions

Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum - 10 miles to the south. This park shelters a childhood home of noted author Laura Ingalls Wilder — her only childhood home still on its original site. Located in Burr Oak, the museum offers guided tours and a gift shop. It is open seasonally.

The Porter House Museum - 1/2 miles to the south. This museum is a stately Victorian home that stands as a reminder of a golden age in Decorah's history. It was built of native brick in 1867 and houses unique collections and furnishings. It's also surrounded by unusual rock wall.

Vesterheim Museum - 1/2 miles to the south. This is America's oldest and largest museum devoted to one immigrant group. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum complex includes 13 historic buildings, a gift shop and costumes, furniture, decorative and fine arts depicting Norwegian immigrant life.

Historic Norwegian Community Luther College - 2 miles to the north. Founded in 1861 by Norwegian immigrants, Luther College is an undergraduate liberal arts institution of about 2,600 students. The campus features a variety of historic buildings on 800 beautiful acres. Its landscape was planned by noted Prairie School designer Jens Jensen. The Upper Iowa River runs through a portion of campus.

Upper Iowa River Canoeing and Fishing - 1/2 miles to the north. Canoeing on this river was listed as one of the top 100 adventures in the U.S. by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.

Mississippi River Boat & Gambling - Ol’ Man River, the mighty Mississippi, is only 45 miles away. A variety of riverboat tours are available. Non-gambling excursions offer daily luncheon and dinner cruises, twilight cruises with live entertainment, and excursions to historic towns. Gambling buffs can try their luck on riverboat casinos offering slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, big wheel and live poker.

Fishing, Hiking, Biking and Trail Walking - Travel 1-20 miles in any direction and you'll find great opportunities for outdoor recreation. Be sure to visit the Siewer's Spring Trout Rearing station near Decorah, and cast for trout and other fish in area streams and lakes.