21 days in Northeast Iowa Itinerary

Decorah is a city in and the county seat of Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. Vesterheim and Froelich Foundation Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Escape the urban bustle at Pikes Peak State Park and Trout Run Trail. Change things up with these side-trips from Decorah: Montauk Historical Site (in Clermont), McGregor (Spook Cave & Paper Moon) and Marquette (Casino Queen Marquette & Eagles Landing Winery). There's much more to do: take in the dramatic scenery at Dunnings Spring Park, identify plant and animal life at Decorah Fish Hatchery, take an in-depth tour of Locust School, and examine the collection at Bily Clocks Museum.

To find traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Decorah day trip planner.

Onawa to Decorah is an approximately 5-hour car ride. You can also drive. While traveling from Onawa, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Decorah, ranging from highs of 74°F to lows of 54°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can go by car to Waterloo.

Waterloo is a city in and the county seat of Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. Head to Phelps Youth Pavilion and Here's What's Poppinfor some retail therapy. You'll explore and learn at John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum and Waterloo Center for the Arts. Venture out of the city with trips to Hawkeye Buffalo & Cattle Ranch (in Fredericksburg), Independence (Wapsipinicon Mill and Museum, Cedar Rock State Park (Lowell Walter Residence), &more) and LIttle Brown Church in the Vale (in Nashua). Spend the 29th (Wed) exploring nature at George Wyth State Park. Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, walk around Big Woods Lake Recreation Area, relax in the rural setting at Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy, and cool off at Lost Island Water Park.

To see traveler tips, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read Waterloo road trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Decorah to Waterloo takes 1.5 hours. In September, plan for daily highs up to 78°F, and evening lows to 54°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) early enough to go by car back home.