Decorah, Iowa, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Decorah, Iowa, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Decorah, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Decorah, Iowa, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Decorah, Iowa, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Decorah, Iowa, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Decorah, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Decorah, Iowa, United States of America by month

January

January in Decorah can be bitter cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain sometimes. It also snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

Traveling to Decorah in February, you will notice that it can be extremely cold. Expect it to rain once in a while and snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Decorah is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Decorah during April, you may find that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Decorah is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Decorah is warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in this region is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Decorah during August, you might find that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you are traveling to Decorah in September, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Decorah is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

Traveling to Decorah in November, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Decorah is very cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain once in a while. It also snows a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Decorah. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Decorah, Iowa, United States of America

Decorah, Iowa is a charming small town nestled in the northeast corner of the state. Its picturesque landscapes dotted with rolling hills and sparkling streams make it a popular destination for tourists seeking a combination of breathtaking natural beauty and a slow-paced escape from their busy lives in the city.

Here are the top tourist attractions in Decorah, Iowa:

1. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum

The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is an extensive museum dedicated to the preservation of the Norwegian-American heritage in Decorah, Iowa. The museum displays an impressive collection of artifacts, furnishings, paintings, and traditional clothes to help visitors understand and appreciate the rich history of Norwegian immigration to the United States. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum also hosts a wide range of workshops, cultural events, and summer camps that are ideal for tourists of all ages.

2. The Decorah Fish Hatchery

The Decorah Fish Hatchery is a great place to visit for tourists interested in nature and wildlife. Established in 1964, the hatchery has been responsible for raising and stocking fish in Iowa’s streams, rivers, and lakes. The hatchery offers daily guided tours which include a virtual overview and a walk-through of the grounds, an indoor tour of the fish rearing facility, and viewing of the supply ponds.

3. Ice Cave

The Ice Cave is a unique natural attraction in Decorah, Iowa. The cave is located within the Dunning's Spring Park and is formed out of a limestone cliff with a small stream flowing through it. During winter, the waterfall that cascades over the cave freezes over, forming an ethereal and stunningly beautiful ice formation. The best time to visit the Ice Cave is in the winter when the waterfall is completely frozen.

4. Luther College

Luther College is a small liberal arts school located in Decorah, Iowa. The college is famous for its lively music scene and has a well-respected music department that prepares students for careers in performance, composition, and education. The college also hosts a range of events and concerts throughout the year that are open to the public.

5. Pulpit Rock Brewing Company

Beer lovers can enjoy a wide variety of local brews at the Pulpit Rock Brewing Company in Decorah, Iowa. The brewery features a taproom and a restaurant that serves a range of appetizers, burger, and sandwiches which complement their delicious beer. The atmosphere in Pulpit Rock Brewing Company is friendly, and their staff is always ready to offer recommendations on the best beer for visitors to try.

6. Dunning's Spring Park

Dunning's Spring Park is a 100-acre park located in Decorah, Iowa. The park features several picnic grounds, hiking trails, and a large playground which makes it the perfect place for tourists to spend a relaxing day out with friends and family. The park also has a natural spring and an impressive waterfall that provides a stunning background for tourist photographs.

In conclusion, Decorah, Iowa is a hidden gem with so much to explore and discover. These six tourist attractions offer a great combination of history, natural beauty, and entertainment which make it a perfect getaway destination for tourists looking for a unique and relaxing experience.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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