🎙️ Episode 175: Discovering Decorah, Iowa – Nature, Culture & Family Fun
Series: Small Towns, Big Adventure
Guest: Alyssa Ritter, Visit Decorah
Description:
In this kickoff episode of our Small Towns, Big Adventure series, we're spotlighting Decorah, Iowa—a scenic and culturally rich destination nestled in the Driftless Region of the Midwest. From its striking natural beauty to its vibrant Norwegian heritage, Decorah offers a unique and meaningful travel experience for families of all ages.
Our guest, Alyssa Ritter from the Visit Decorah shares everything you need to know to plan your trip—from outdoor adventures and indoor escapes to family-friendly restaurants, local festivals, and lodging options.
🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Where Decorah is and why its landscape is so unique
✅ Top outdoor activities for families with kids, teens, and even college students
✅ The magic of Dunning Springs, Trout Run Trail, and Upper Iowa River paddling
✅ Year-round attractions like Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Kingpin Entertainment Center, and Sunflower Discovery Center
✅ Must-visit food spots: Mabe’s Pizza, Luna Valley Farm, Impact Coffee, and more
✅ Tips for visiting during festivals like Nordic Fest, Laura Ingalls Wilder Day, and Lawn Chair Night
✅ Where to stay: from Pulpit Rock Campground to unique vacation rentals
✅ Pro travel tips to make the most of your time in this walkable, bike-friendly town
🗓 Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall (May–October) for warm weather, vibrant foliage, and full access to seasonal attractions and festivals.
🛶 Rob & Traci’s Takeaway:
Decorah is the kind of place where you can truly relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories—with no need for a vacation after your vacation. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, eating local, or immersing yourself in Nordic culture, this small town delivers big adventure.
📸 Connect with The Family Vacationer:
- Follow us on Instagram: @thefamilyvacationer
- Get behind-the-scenes content and travel tips on our Substack: thefamilyvacationer.substack.com
🎒 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow travel-loving families.
The Family Vacationer
A podcast dedicated to families that travel. So many of our memories come from time spent with our family. We want to help you make the most of your family vacations. We do that by covering travel destinations, travel apps, and gadgets, and talk to travel experts for ways to make family travel less stressful. Who doesn't want that?
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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