Let us help you plan your adventure!
Spend a few days enjoying Upper Iowa Resort or extend your stay to discover all the area has to offer. Utilize this local guide filled with our favorite spots for easy planning and unforgettable memories!
Arrival
Check into your campsite or cabin. Depending on your arrival time you can, explore the store, hit the beach, and gather around a campfire.
Plan Your Days
Canoe, kayak, or tube the Upper Iowa River. Book your rental + shuttle time in advance.
Take a walk/bike around the resort. Explore the multiple playgrounds. Play volleyball or basketball.
Spend the day swimming, lounging at the beach, reading, fishing the river, or simply unwinding.
Departure
Enjoy a peaceful morning before you pack up. Stop by the store to grab some merch and start planning your next trip - this area has so much to offer in every season! Thank you for staying with us!
Extend Your Stay
Lansing, IA - 25 Miles
Spend a day along the Mississippi River and take the scenic Great River Road to the charming town of Lansing.
- Mt Hosmer is a breathtaking overlook with hiking trails.
- Browse the local shops and be sure to stop at Horsfalls, an old-school variety store.
- Grab a drink with a river view at Coffee on the River, Shep’s, or the Tiki Bar, lunch at The Buck Stops Here, and an ice cream at Skinny Dip.
- Make time for the Driftless Area Education Center and the Museum of River History.
Decorah, IA - 23 Miles
- Hike the steps at Dunning Springs to the top of the 200' waterfall. Afterward, walk 1/2 mile to Ice Cave State Preserve.
- Park and walk downtown Water Street which is known for its local shops, sweet treats, and dining.
- Explore Phelps Park with a playground for all ages and some awesome hiking trails. Find miles and miles of paved and off-road trails throughout town. Rent a bike from Decorah Bicycles.
- Don’t forget to visit the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Bring quarters and a cup to feed the fish.
Waukon, IA - 12 Miles
Waukon is the closest town with gas stations and grocery stores for essentials you might need during your trip.
- Take a few hours to explore the downtown. Start with a coffee at Aztec Parlor.
- Find a huge wooden park and walking trails at the City Park, and don’t forget to grab the famous cheese curds at WW Homestead Dairy before you leave town.
Fishing
This area is known for the BEST fishing in Northeast Iowa. Fishing licenses can be purchased online.
- Local Trout Streams
- Upper Iowa River - smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Rent a canoe and we can shuttle you upriver for a day of fishing the Upper Iowa River.
- Trout map download or pick one up at the office
Hidden Gems - Under 25 Miles
- City Meat Market - New Albin, IA
- Golfing - Decorah, Caledonia, & Waukon
- Pontoon Rental - S&S Boat Rentals - Lansing, IA
- Wired Rooster & Caledonia Bakery - Caledonia, MN
A Few Other Gems - Over 25 Miles
- Effigy Mounds, downtown McGregor, & Pikes Peak - Harpers Ferry & McGregor, IA
- Niagara Cave - Harmony, MN
- La Canasta Mexican Market and Greene Street shops - Postville, IA
- Yellow River State Forest - Harpers Ferry, IA
Local Wineries & Breweries
- Empty Nest Winery - Waukon, IA
- Safe House Saloon - Lansing, IA
- Fat Pat’s Brewery - Spring Grove, MN
- Rock Filter Distillery - Spring Grove, MN
- Pulpit Rock Brewery - Decorah, IA
- Toppling Goliath Brewery - Decorah, IA
- Winneshiek Wildberry Winery - Decorah, IA