An Audubon-designated area in Iowa where you’ll see dozens of bird species in one day

I was in third grade when I first saw Pulpit Rock at Will Baker Park in Decorah, Iowa. I camped with my family at a nearby campground of the same name, and being a plains southerner, I was in awe of the huge limestone formation. Besides chasing trout with my dad in nearby Twin Springs, I spent most of that weekend scrambling up Pulpit Rock. What I didn’t know at the time was that those hikes to Pulpit Rock were actually scouting expeditions, and my family soon moved from Iowa City to Decorah. So, I grew up walking in the park. And as I got bigger, the trails got shorter, but I was still in awe of this rock formation in my backyard. Even though I moved away for college and haven’t lived in the city in a long time, I still think it’s pretty damn cool and love visiting when I get home.

In the time that has passed, my charming hometown of Decorah has become something of a tourist hotspot in the Hawkeye State, but with the Upper Iowa River, singletrack, and waterfalls, Pulpit Rock is often overlooked as an attraction. That’s why I think it’s one of Iowa’s best hidden natural gems.

The hike from the base of the cliff to the Pulpit Rock lookout is fairly short at just half a mile. But AllTrails appreciates it moderately complex – and my middle-aged body agrees – because of the steep climbs, stairs and uneven sections on the trail.

But a little effort on this hike will pay off big at the top, with great views of – as you’ll see from the all-too-aptly named Cathedral Rock and the bucolic Upper Iowa Valley.

After you’ve had your fill of exploring Pulpit Rock and Villa Baker City Park, continue with a cold brew from Pulpit Rock Brewing Co., where you’ll find 10 or so rotating brews on tap, as well as cans for sale. It is only a mile or so from the landmark of the same name, on the west side of the Doctor’s College Bridge over the Upper Iowa River.

It’s also a great starting point if you want to continue exploring the area by visiting Dunning’s Spring and/or State Reserve “Ice Cave”.. These two popular parks are adjacent to each other on Ice Cave Road, about a mile downstream from the brewery. Dunnings Spring Park is home to Iowa’s tallest waterfall. Inside the preserve, you’ll find the Ice Cave, which stays cool enough to store ice crystals year-round. Along with Pulpit Rock, these are two more reasons to visit the area. If you want to spend the weekend, I recommend you to book accommodation in Historic Winneshiek Hotelwhich offers a great location on Water Street in charming downtown Decorah and a great lobby bar. I think you will like it very much.