Phelps Park — Attraction in Decorah

I grew up in Phelps Park. It was my back yard. The nature tales were just an extention of that. I watched countless Luther students get cozy on blankets next to the books they were supposed to be reading on warm fall days with the leaves swirling about. There were cookouts at the girl scout cabin, or was it a boy scout cabin... we neighborhood kids would climb on top of the roof of the cabin just to say we had done it. And there was the huge slide and fire pole across the street. Going down the first time was a rite of passage. They've taken out the slide and fire pole. Too dangerous they say. Most of the old playground equipment is gone, replaced by updated, safer models, but not nearly as fun. I drive up that way now and again. I marvel at the changes, and watch the children and think about how much has stayed the same. ...

A wonderful park to take the kids to the playground or to hike! Personally, I love to hike this bluff trail and appreciate the hand cut limestone walls and steps. Built in the 1930's, this wonder of masonry is kept up yearly using the same technique as when first created. The trail looks over the Upper Iowa River and the hills to the west. It isn't unusual to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle swooping by on an air current next to the bluff trail.

Solid shoes are needed if one wishes to walk the whole length of the trail, as there are many steps. If you don't feel up to a long hike, you can walk a few hundred feet to the gazebo at the beginning of the trail. From there, you can look over at the hills and see Luther College, the Upper Iowa River below and the true beauty of...

Beautiful park with a lot of shade and a section for 2-5 year olds, another section for 5-12, and plenty of hiking trails surrounding the area as well as a overlook view of Decorah. One section of the playground does have a ramp for a little more ease of accessibility but otherwise is more feasible for kiddos without wheelchairs as most sections have stair access only.

There are multiple pavilions that can be rented for gatherings, or used on a daily basis when not...