Iowisota
Things to do around Iowisota
The Driftless Area of northeast Iowa, southwest Wisconsin, and southeast Minnesota is rich with recreational, educational, and cultural activities. The list below is just a small taste of the things you can find within 10 or 50 miles of Iowisota!
Within 10 Miles
Lansing, Iowa: 5 miles
This nearest town is quite scenic, with several delightful and eclectic shops, several dining options, a bridge across the Mississippi River, and even a Kwik Star. Check their website for a full list.
Driftless Visitor Center : 6 miles
This free visitor center is a "must-see". It provides interpretation of the geological, cultural, and natural history of the area. You can spend a couple of hours taking it all in!
Mount Hosmer: 6 miles
A narrow, winding road takes you from Main Street, Lansing, to the top of this bluff. At the top you'll find a picnic area, hiking/mountain biking trails, and an amazing view of the Mississippi River.
Horsfall's Variety: 5 miles
Renowned for its assortment of goods: bargains, things you need, and a lot of other stuff! Bring cash.
Fish Farm Mounds: 2 miles north of Iowisota
State-managed property with native American mounds and hiking trails.
Within 50 Miles
Lacrosse, Wisconsin: 34 miles
Lacrosse serves as a regional center, with major medical care and pretty much anything you might need to acquire. Plus several neat touristy things.
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin: 36 miles
Prairie du Chien is located just above the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, and is the oldest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi River. It is has many historic and scenic places to visit, and a Bridge across the Mississippi River.
Decorah, Iowa: 41 miles
Located in scenic northeast Iowa, Decorah is home to Luther College, Vesterheim museum, and Toppling Goliath brewery, and scores of other interesting destinations.
Decorah, Iowa: Top Attractions, Hidden Gems & Local Favs (visitdecorah.com)
Houston, Minnesota: 41 miles
Like many other wonderful small towns in the southeast corner of MN, Houston has many unique things to see and do!
Effigy Mounds National Monument: 29 miles
This sacred site includes 200 plus American Indian mounds located in one of the most picturesque sections of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Visitor center and hiking trails offer opportunities to contemplate the meanings of the mounds and the people who built them.
Effigy Mounds National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School: 40 miles
With over 33,000 artifacts and 12 historic buildings, Vesterheim welcomes people to explore American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience.
Norskedalen: 44 miles
Norskedalen (which means the Norwegian Valley), is a nature and heritage center dedicated to preserving, interpreting and sharing the natural environment and cultural heritage of the area surrounding Coon Valley in southwest Wisconsin.
Decorah Fish Hatchery: 41 miles
With a trout stream emerging straight out of the bluff and the opportunity to see and feed the trout, a visit to this DNR site is great fun!
Friends of Decorah Fish Hatchery – Supporting the Decorah Fish Hatchery
Yellow River State Forest: 21 miles
Comprised of more than 8,900 acres across six units, YRSF offers over 50 miles of multi-purpose trails as well as opportunities for kayaking, trout fishing, and horseback riding.
International Owl Center: 37 miles
The IOC in Houston, MN, has several static and interactive displays where people can learn more about owls and what you can do to help them.