With the days getting colder and shorter, a little weekend winter getaway in Winneshiek County is the perfect solution for everyone! Check out our list of top recommendations across the county!
In Calmar:
Stop by the Prairie Farmer Trail, PIVO Brewery, and Smoky Dough in Calmar. Enjoy a walk or cross-country skiing along the beautiful Prairie Farmer Trail. After your outing, warm up and refresh at PIVO Brewery, which is conveniently located along the trail. PIVO offers award-winning beers along with a diverse menu of ciders, ales, sours, lagers, and IPAs. It’s a fantastic place to catch up with friends, warm up, and sample some of the finest craft beers from Northeast Iowa. Once you’ve finished at PIVO, head over to Smoky Dough for a selection of smoked meats, pizza, sandwiches, and a warm, small-town welcome. If you’re visiting earlier in the day, check out Euphoria Coffee, a business new for Calmar, for your caffeine fix!
In Ossian:
If you’re planning a day trip to Ossian, make sure to visit Blooms on Main, Kollective Memories, and Bambino’s. Blooms on Main is a charming, locally owned flower and coffee shop. It features a variety of hand-arranged bouquets, home decor, seasonal plants, and a full-service coffee bar. Next, stop by Kollective Memories to warm up and get creative! It’s a great spot for ceramic painting, a popular activity among locals. After a day of exploring Ossian, head over to Bambino’s, a bar and grill that showcases the best of local cuisine. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Bambino’s offers a menu filled with comforting dishes and delicious specialties that highlight the community’s love for great flavors. Bambino’s was awarded Best Burger in Iowa in 2021.
In Decorah:
Stay at one of the many Airbnb’s or hotels in the area. We recommend the beautiful Twin Springs Lodge or Bluffside Gardens, both have flexible sleeping options for whatever size you’re traveling with and are conveniently located in the downtown district. As Decorah is the largest town in Winneshiek County, we’ve compiled a of our Top 5 must-do winter activities:
- Shop Small in Downtown Decorah!: Explore the charming shops in Decorah’s downtown district for a memorable small-town shopping experience. Each store offers something unique, and you’re sure to find a special treasure while supporting local businesses.
- Eat and Drink Local: From cozy cafes to award-winning breweries, Decorah is a food lover’s paradise. Enjoy the flavors of the region at spots like Impact Coffee, Toppling Goliath Brewing, Family Table, Rubaiyat, and TBocks Sports Bar and Grill. No matter where you go, you’re in for a great meal and a warm welcome.
- Visit the Holiday Lights: Don’t miss the Holiday Lights at Pulpit Rock Campground, a magical drive-through light display open nightly from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Best of all, it’s a free-will donation fundraiser benefiting Helping Services for Youth and Families. Experience the holiday magic from the comfort of your car!
- Embrace the Outdoors: Whether you’re walking, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, Decorah offers endless outdoor adventures. Explore scenic spots like Van Peenan, the Decorah Community Prairie, and Carlson Park to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Driftless region.
- Discover Vesterheim Museum: A must-see in Decorah, Vesterheim is the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School. With exhibits celebrating Norwegian-American heritage, folk art, and immigration, this world-class museum is a true gem. Explore over 33,000 artifacts, wander through Heritage Park’s 12 historic buildings, and even try your hand at a class at the Folk Art School. You don’t have to be Norwegian-American to appreciate the history, beauty, and creativity Vesterheim has to offer!
Winter in Winneshiek County offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and small-town charm. Whether you’re hiking through snow-covered trails, enjoying a cozy meal at a local eatery, or soaking in the festive spirit of the Holiday Lights, the season brings a special kind of magic to this beautiful region. Embrace the season and discover all the hidden gems that make this area a perfect winter destination!
