There is a little known hidden gem in Decorah Iowa, that is well worth a visit! At first glance Decorah is just another small town in Iowa with not a lot going on, but if you take the chance to visit, you will realize the area is packed full of adventure!

One of my favorite sites is the Dunning Springs and Ice Cave Trail. This area encompasses about 3/4 of a mile, and features some beautifully rugged Iowa terrain.

Dunning Spring sits up on the hillside about 200 years North of the Upper Iowa River, and is a 200 foot spring fed waterfall. There is a boardwalk trail that will take you all the way to the top. The waterfall cascades down the hill side and is a fun place to get during the hot summer months. There is also a cave right next to the waterfall that is fun to explore. If you follow the water all the way down from the spring to where it pours into the river you will find a second smaller waterfall. There are picnic tables set up throughout the park, and the rivers edge is a popular place for fisherman as well.

About a half mile East of the waterfall is the famous Decorah Ice Cave. This is another popular spot during the summer as the cool air can be felt just approaching the cave entrance. The city is currently working to build a better stairway to the caves opening. The area between the cave and the spring features a scenic overlook and numerous trails, along unique rock formations.

Aside from the waterfall and ice cave, the Decorah fish hatchery is just a few blocks away and is another place worth a visit. The fish hatchery is open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. About 130,000 catch-able-size rainbow trout are raised each year. Located behind the fish hatchery is yet another waterfall. Siewers Springs be sure to stop by this beautiful spot during your visit to the hatchery.  It’s the perfect place for a picnic, relaxing in the shade or dipping your line in for a trout. Water flows from an underground spring in the hillside and flows over a man-made structure creating a lovely cascade of water.

If that wasn’t enough reason to visit Decorah, than let me tell you about the Upper Iowa River. The Upper Iowa river is one of the most popular rivers in the Midwest for kayaking, canoe trips and tubing. I have used two different outfitters in the past and was very happy with both of them. Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Bluffton Resort Campground both provide equipment and full shuttle service.

If your looking for lodging or a campground, Decorah High Point Cabins has some of the most beautiful cabins I have ever seen. Pulpit Rock Campground has an amazing location just minutes from downtown Decorah.

This entire town has adventure all over it. Do yourself a favor and plan a trip to Decorah as soon as possible. You won’t regret it!

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The Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail Loop is Iowa’s first designated water trail. The trail begins within George Wyth State Park in Waterloo Iowa. The park is located at 3659 Wyth Rd, in Waterloo, Iowa. For more information, click here.

Cedar Valley Paddler’s Trail is a loop that connects the Cedar River, George Wyth State Park, and Hartman Reserve Nature Center. The trail consists of 8.4 miles of water and 1.6 miles of soft trail for portage. The trail consists of one main loop with some smaller offshoot options to lengthen or shorten your experience.

This 10 mile excursion travels through the chain of lakes, down the Cedar River, through George Wyth State Park before returning to the start.

The Chain Of Lakes consists of Fisher Lake, which serves as the official starting point, from there you connect with Alice Wyth Lake, before entering the Cedar River, and finishing your trip at George Wyth Lake. The trip takes 4-6 hours depending on skill.

This 10 mile excursion is an amazing adventure you won’t soon forget. Along the trail you will have the opportunity to encounter several different species of marine and animal life. On my trip, I saw deer, turtles, fish, ducks, and geese.

Along the trail you will come across several offshoots, and even an island. I highly recommend exploring all of these. The off shoots are fun to explore and the island had a very peaceful feel to it and even a nice beach. This would be a fun place to hang a hammock and camp on the water.

If you don’t have your own kayak, don’t worry. Maxx Rentals is located right across from the starting point and has a nice selection of kayaks available for rent. The staff has excellent knowledge of the area, as well as paper maps of the water trail. Maxx Rentals is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check out there website by clicking here.

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Willow River State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy year-round. Willow River State Park is located at 1034 Co Hwy A, in Hudson, Wisconsin. For more information, click here.

This popular park in northwest Wisconsin features spectacular views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge. Prairie remnants, miles of scenic hiking trails, family and group campgrounds, lakeside picnic areas and a nature center are all found within 2,800 acres of rolling countryside. Visitors will also enjoy paddling, fishing and swimming opportunities on Little Falls Lake.

Willow River State Park is open year round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas. For up to date prices on admission, click here.

The highlight of the park is no doubt the impressive Willow River Gorge, and the stunning Willow Falls. This area is one of the most gorgeous spots in the entire Midwest. Its also a popular destination during the summer months, as the area around the falls is a fun spot to get wet and cool off in the water.

The park has three separate campgrounds, as well as a special group campground. Campgrounds can accommodate tents, campers, and RV’s.  Willow River’s campground, on the southern shore of Little Falls Lake, is very popular and has one of the highest occupancy rates in the Wisconsin State Park System.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities enjoyed at Willow River State Park. The park has 13 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. The most popular hiking trail destination is the Willow Falls and the scenic overlooks of the river valley.

My advice is to visit the park during the weekdays during the summer months. The beautiful waterfall can get quite busy on weekends. The park also has a nice lake and beach area you can even rent kayaks!

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Of all the vacation homes we have  covered on this page, The Shanty ranks right up there as one of my favorites! The Shanty is located in Pocahontas Arkansas, and sits 50 feet from the banks of the gorgeous 11 Point River. This unique property is park of Trukees Cabin and Canoe Rentals, and can be found at 7060 Hwy 62 West, in Pocahontas, Arkansas. For more information, click here.

The Shanty is all about beach life, and even comes with its very own shaded sandy beach on the beautiful Eleven Point River! This unit is great for those who enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, & floating! Its also just a great place to relax next to the water!

The Shanty is a very secluded & peaceful cabin offers a fully stocked & updated 1 bed, 1 full bath and 1 half bath adventurous getaway. The cabin has one queen bed and six single beds.

Outside The Shanty you can enjoy amazing views from the deck or hammock! There is even a rope swing, fire pit and a hanging bench you can relax on!

If that wasn’t reason enough to visit, Trukees also offers an amazing float trip! Kayaking the 11 Point River is a bucket list worthy adventure in its own right. You will be hard pressed to find a cleaner, more pristine stretch of river! All float trips are custom planned so you end up right back at your site.The water flows clean, unpolluted and clear from springs in Missouri and Arkansas, maintaining an adequate flow for paddling year-round. The river is also packed with wildlife, wild horses, bald eagles and even wild boar have all been spotted in and around the river, Trust me this is one river you want to kayak, its really that good! Trukees has several different float trip options available, as well as numerous float vessels to choose from. Your options include tubes, rafts, canoes, kayaks, and more!

If your looking for a memorable experience, enjoying nature, The Shanty at Trukees Cabin and Canoe Rentals is just the place for you! At Trukees they have managed to combine 3 of my favorite things, An Incredible Adventure, Comfortable Lodging, and the Great Outdoors!

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The Owl’s Roost is a charming treehouse that will make your vacation memorable! The Owl’s Roost is located within Branson Treehouse Adventures. This Treehouse resort can be found at 159 Acorn Acres Ln, in Branson West, Missouri. For more information, click here.

The Owl’s Roost has two bedrooms, one with a queen sized bed and the other is a loft style room with two sets of bunk beds. This unit can comfortably sleep 6.

If your looking for a unique place to stay during your Branson vacation, this is it! The Owl’s Roost is the perfect place for a few nights of fun in the trees!

The main living area features a gas fireplace, bathroom with shower, and fully stocked kitchenette. There is also a  Samsung smart TV and a DVD player.

Outside you will find a wrap around deck  which connects to a lower picnic deck with patio furniture and grill. This is a perfect place to enjoy a meal, or to catch a glimpse of a deer passing behind the cabin.

The grounds at Branson Treehouse Adventures, feels much more like a campground then a resort. There is a playground, basketball court, volleyball net, and swimming pool . The pool is open Memorial Day To Labor Day.

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