Decorah is a great town to visit. The parks, the trails, the fishing, it's got a little bit of everything. We planned a trip with Heather's family to check out all Decorah has to offer. We rented The Lodge from the Bear Creek Cabins, it sits 15 minutes north of Decorah right on South Bear Creek. It is beautiful and big enough to fit everybody!
Our first stop was to the DNR Fish Hatchery to check out all the trout!
It started to sprinkle, but the fish don't mind the rain so we decided to stay and check them out!
They have little 1 inch fingerlings all the way up to huge 24" monster trout...awesome!
The rain started to let up so we walked around the hatchery to see the sights
We brought a picnic lunch and ate at the shelter right by the stream, then we decided to try some fishing!
All smiles!
AP and Toby trying to catch some trout!
Garrett got board so he gave me his rod to cast!
The ladies
B running through the wild flowers!
All the cousins
Thumbs up from the dudes
Trigg found out that if he gets too close to the edge of the stream...he might slip in. Right up to his arm pits!
After the hatchery, we headed to Dunning's Springs Park, known for its waterfall!
We hiked up to the top of the waterfall to check it all out
The trail takes you right up the rocks!
Thumbs up at the top!
Huge rock formations at the top
G checking out the rocks
Gracie and Blythe exploring together
The next day, we headed down to South Bear creek to try our hands at fishing.
Just down the road from our cabin is public access trail that takes you to the creek.
Twists and turns and lots of places to fish!
Trigg helped me bring in a trout!
I got a fly rod this year and have been practicing in anticipation for this trip! I still have a lot of work to do on my casting but I'm starting to get the hang of it!
I even managed to catch a few trout this trip!
Chad trying to catch some fish!
Erin and Gracie enjoying the views of the creek!
A successful trip down to the stream!
The next day was forecasted to be sunny and warm, so we booked a river float trip down the Upper Iowa River through
Off the Driftless. We went to Twin Springs park for lunch before our river trip
Tried a little more fishing!
Trigg trying to catch some trout. These streams are so clear you can see the fish swimming around, which made it fun and frustrating when you can't catch them!
Camille and Blythe waiting for our shuttle to the river!
Trigg found a friendly butterfly!
On the river, Erin in her kayak (she recently broke her foot, so hoping to stay dry being n the kayak!)
Blythe and Heather shared a 2 person kayak
I was in a kayak with Garrett in his own kayak, he had a tow rope on his boat that I could clip to mine in case he needed help!
Everyone else was in a river tube!
Garrett did an awesome job paddling his boat!
Having fun on the water!
Enjoying the beautiful day!
All smiles from the front seat!
Fun in the sun!
Floating down the river!
Thumbs up from this guy!
What a ride!
Trigg enjoying the water
What a beautiful day!
B trying to be patient, the 4 hour river float may have been an hour too long for this 4 year old...she did great, she just got tired of sitting in a kayak
Before the last turn, we spotted some rope swings, so we pulled off to stretch and swing!
So fun!
It was a great pit stop before we had the final push to the stopping point!
I think this dude is hooked, he is already asking if we can get a kayak...
The whole crew and a successful river float! We had a great time in Decorah, it was relaxing with plenty of fun outdoor adventures. There is lots to do in this little town and plenty to explore!
Bonus fishing pictures....
I got up early each morning (about 5:15am) and was at the stream before the sun came up. It was beautiful to watch the sunrise over the water. Catching my first trout on a fly rod!
My nephew Nathan wanted to join me early one morning, I have an extra fly rod, so he tried his had at it...I think he's hooked (pun intented)
Another trout on the fly!
Right in the middle of this stream you can see a huge trout just chillin' and waiting for breakfast... I didn't catch this one, but it was fun to watch!
