Dunning's Spring Park
4.8(1.4K)google
5.0(1)yelp
WaterfallHikingScenic LookoutOutdoor
Overview
Dunning's Spring Park is a wooded park located in Decorah, Iowa. The park consists of 115 acres of pathways, bridges, and a waterfall. The park is surrounded by Decorah in the South, East, and North, and Ice Cave Hill Park to the West.
Practical Info
Mon7:00 AM – 11:00PM
Tue7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wed7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thu7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sun7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeLate spring (May to June) for peak water flow and October for autumn colors represent the premier windows. Hiking into the glen early between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM is highly recommended; soft morning sunbeams pierce the limestone cliffs to light up the cascading 200-foot spring waterfall, creating a misty, rainbow-filled scenery before the afternoon crowds pack the boardwalk.
Getting ThereTucked along the scenic bluffs of the Upper Iowa River in northern Decorah. Drive and navigate to Ice Cave Road, Decorah; from downtown Water St, cross the river bridge and immediately turn right onto Ice Cave Rd. Drive about 1 minute to the landmark wooden arch bridge entrance, where a compact, free gravel parking strip is provided right at the trailhead.
Travel Tips
- The 200-foot waterfall vapor causes severe black ice slicks over the wood observation platforms; flip-flops or smooth-soled footwear are dangerous, requiring deep-lugged trail runner platforms.
- The tight turning radius at the trailhead lot hard-caps inventory at 20 standard vehicles, barring any tow-rigs or extended RVs over 20 feet from entry under strict municipal safety codes.
- Unstable limestone shelves drop fractured debris throughout spring thaw cycles; passing the posted structural wire fences to execute free-solo climbing triggers heavy state trespassing citations.
Reviews
Positive
- A stunning natural waterfall cascading down a massive limestone cliff, located just a two-minute walk from parking.
- Entirely free to the public, with a beautiful stone arch bridge and accessible viewing deck—a perfect natural photo spot.
- The trail scaling the side of the falls is cool, shady, and crisp; the sound of rushing stream water offers immense peace.
- Though a raw nature site, picnic tables, trash bins, and basic parking facilities are kept neatly organized and well-managed.
Heads up
- The iconic wooden steps and dirt trails climbing to the top get incredibly slick and muddy after rain, lacking guardrails in parts.
- The dedicated parking lot is tiny, holding only a dozen cars; on weekend afternoons, it fills up, causing bottlenecks on the access road.
- The park contains zero modern restroom facilities; visitors needing a toilet must drive miles back into downtown Decorah.
- Lacking on-site rangers, some tourists leave litter or bypass fences to trample wild fauna during peak times, marring the vibe.