Decorah, Iowa is full of great destinations to explore – but if you want a change of pace, another adventure is only a quick drive away. Located only thirty minutes away by car, Waukon is one of the best Iowa small towns to spend a day exploring. Whether you’re looking for good food, stunning views, or a chance to relax with friends and family, you’ll find something to love in Waukon.
In less than half an hour, you’ll go from bustling Decorah to the welcoming town of Waukon, Iowa.
Waukon Iowa/Facebook
Waukon’s downtown is like a time capsule, with a friendly atmosphere and old-fashioned storefonts celebrating small businesses.
Waukon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
There is a lot of green space to explore, so make sure to pay a visit to the gorgeous Waukon City Park for a walk.
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If the kids need to blow off some steam after the car ride, take them to Hideaway Park - one of the best playgrounds in Iowa.
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If there is one stop in Waukon you can’t miss, it’s WW Homestead Dairy - one of the best specialty food stores in the state.
WW Homestead Dairy/Facebook
A bag of their house-made, squeaky cheese curds make the perfect snack for dairy lovers.
WW Homestead Dairy/Facebook
But save some room - you won’t want to miss the rustic diner-style atmosphere at S&D Cafe.
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Open every day for breakfast and dinner, the restaurant serves hearty sandwiches like this cheesesteak with a side of au jus.
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The locals will tell you not to leave without a slice of the homemade pie - such as this towering lemon meringue.
S&D Cafe/Facebook
As the day winds down, take a minute to gaze at the sunset. You won’t believe how beautiful the Iowa prairie can be.
WW Homestead Dairy/Facebook
For the perfect nighttime activity, pay a visit to Empty Nest Winery - Waukon’s best stop for specialty beverages.
Management/TripAdvisor
The owners stock a wide range of local berry wines and host a tasting room, so why not raise a glass to the perfect day in Waukon?
Management/TripAdvisor
Have you visited any of these top destinations in Waukon? Is there a must-see stop we missed? Let us know in the comments section. Waukon is excited to welcome you and the town is opening new businesses all the time, so make sure to visit their official website and the town’s Facebook page before you make the drive from Decorah.
Waukon Iowa/Facebook
Waukon Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
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WW Homestead Dairy/Facebook
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S&D Cafe/Facebook
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Address: Waukon, IA 52172, USAAddress: Waukon City Park, 1013 Rossville Rd, Waukon, IA 52172, USAAddress: Empty Nest Winery, 1352 Apple Rd, Waukon, IA 52172, USAAddress: WW Homestead Dairy LLC, 850 Rossville Rd, Waukon, IA 52172, USAAddress: S & D Cafe, 13 W Main St, Waukon, IA 52172, USA
