Waterfall Hero Hikes: Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve

Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve is a 3-acre Iowa State Preserve in Winneshiek County that protects one of the largest glacières or ice caves in the midwest. The preserve was dedicated in 1973 and is managed by the town of Decorah as Dunning's Spring Park and Ice Cave. Ice formation is caused by cold winter air bringing the temperature of the cave wells well below freezing. When water seeps in during the spring, it freezes and forms ice that lasts through summer.

Directions:

From IA-9 and US-52 south of Decorah, go north on US-52 for 1 mile and turn right on Pulpit Rock Road. In 0.5 miles, turn right on 5th Avenue and drive 0.7 miles to College Drive. Turn left and then immediate right onto Quarry Drive, which becomes Ice Cave Road. Parking will be on the right in about 0.2 miles.

Ice Cave:

The ice cave is open to exploration at visitor's own risk. However, due to collapses within the cave, it's only possible to go about ten feet or so inside.