Dunnings Spring Park
Dunnings Spring Park
4.5
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
236 reviews
Excellent
167
Very good
59
Average
10
Poor
0
Terrible
0
traveltheworld012
Rochester, MN16,986 contributions
Oct 2022
Being right in Decorah, this park will naturally attract a lot of people from the town on a nice sunny day. Which was the case when we visited it on Saturday, October 15, 2022.
The primary path to the falls is a wide paved walkway only about 1/8th of a mile. This is what the majority of people do, and on this day it was very crowded. Actually VERY crowded. The parking lot across the road holds only a dozen cars or so, so there were another 25 or so vehicles parked on the side of the road. So if you want good photos, it is not likely. Go on a cloudy weekday and it may be much better.
On both sides of the falls, there are also paths that ascend the hill. On the left side, it is a well made stairs that will take you to the point where the falls emerge from the limestone rock cliffs. These stairs were also very crowded. However, on the right side the path goes up the hill but it is not improved with stairs. It is just a rough climb to the top with a spectacular view of downtown Decorah. We saw no one else on this path.
The waterfall by the way is said to be 200 feet high. One envisions it falling straight down for 200 feet. This is not so, it is a meandering falls that snakes around with multiple drops so only about 15 feet of height can be seen at one time.
The primary path to the falls is a wide paved walkway only about 1/8th of a mile. This is what the majority of people do, and on this day it was very crowded. Actually VERY crowded. The parking lot across the road holds only a dozen cars or so, so there were another 25 or so vehicles parked on the side of the road. So if you want good photos, it is not likely. Go on a cloudy weekday and it may be much better.
On both sides of the falls, there are also paths that ascend the hill. On the left side, it is a well made stairs that will take you to the point where the falls emerge from the limestone rock cliffs. These stairs were also very crowded. However, on the right side the path goes up the hill but it is not improved with stairs. It is just a rough climb to the top with a spectacular view of downtown Decorah. We saw no one else on this path.
The waterfall by the way is said to be 200 feet high. One envisions it falling straight down for 200 feet. This is not so, it is a meandering falls that snakes around with multiple drops so only about 15 feet of height can be seen at one time.
Written October 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin P
Raleigh, NC4,560 contributions
Aug 2020
We visited Dunning's Spring Park to see the waterfall while visiting Decorah. It's a lovely little waterfall right in town. A short paved path leads to the waterfall. It's claimed to be 200 feet high, but nowhere near that height, but still really scenic and unexpected here in Iowa. You can climb up the side of it to reach the spring that comes out of the cliff above. Being so easy to visit, it's very popular and was quite crowded when we visited.
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krissy W
Phoenix, AZ304 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Friends of ours who live in the area took us to see this place and it did not disappoint! The view is absolutely breathtaking. The water is like ice water, but refreshing with a quick dip of your feet on a hot day. Definitely climb to the top of the stairs located to the left of the bridge to view the falls from the top. We also brought along our dog and had no problems.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate S
Pioneer, OH109 contributions
Aug 2022
The falls were nice, easy walk on paved trail and steps. Worth the stop. However, parking is a stone pull off across the road from the entrance to the park. With a pretty steep drop off from the pavement. We were on MOTORCYCLES and could not park there, it was full of cars to start with but not good for bikes. We turned around in the road (the road is closed just past the parking pull off, you can't go around) and went back to an abandoned shopping center and parked there and walked back about 1/2 mile to the park. So don't even try to park there unless you are on adventure bikes, and then the lot may be full anyway.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeyne
Madison, United States23 contributions
Jun 2023
We only walked as far as the "ice cave". They are improving the entrance to this short hole in the rocks. I guess the cave used to be longer, but a recent rock fall blocks most of the length of the cave now. It was cooler inside, but not much to see. Not sure if you could squeeze past the rock fall or not.
The walk itself is easy (along an old road) and has views of the river. We saw many people with tubes floating back down the river. It looked relaxing. We didn't have time to walk all the way to the falls. If back in this area would defiantly do the whole walk next time.
The walk itself is easy (along an old road) and has views of the river. We saw many people with tubes floating back down the river. It looked relaxing. We didn't have time to walk all the way to the falls. If back in this area would defiantly do the whole walk next time.
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jfadds
Naperville, IL6,329 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Parking lot across the street from falls allows easy access.
The walk to the falls is short but slightly uphill. The falls themselves are small- yet worth the trek- something exhilarating about falling water. Just don’t expect some mammoth spectacle
The walk to the falls is short but slightly uphill. The falls themselves are small- yet worth the trek- something exhilarating about falling water. Just don’t expect some mammoth spectacle
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz C
Chariton, IA8 contributions
Mar 2021
I visited the springs with my friend and her toddler twins. The path to the spring was stroller friendly and lovely to see. There were some stairs to climb up to the tops of the spring, but we didn't venture that this time. I am eager to go back when the trees full of leaves.
Written April 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Genevieve_WI
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The recent rains made this a magical experience. Places to sit and take in the sights and sounds. Feeling adventurous, then climb the rock slope to get a better view. There is a bridge and stairway to the top as well. Great spot to soak your feet in a cool stream on a hot day.
Written June 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dambanker
Toronto, Canada1,807 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Came here to see the Dunnings Falls. There is enough parking nearby and its easy to find. A short walk up a road to the falls. There's a couple of picnic tables and benches at the bottom to sit and take it in. Pretty cool falls and the water is crystal clear. To get to the top you can either walk up the side and climb up the rocks... I did it in sandals, not really recommended. Or you can use the stairs that can be accessed at the bottom. Either will take you to the top and you can see the cave from where the water comes form. And the water up there is really cold. You can feel the cold coming out of cave too. We enjoyed our visit here and recommend it if your in the area.
Written September 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EngelkingCGMN
Cottage Grove, MN1,901 contributions
May 2021
There is one picnic table overlooking the river/stream near the parking area. It's a shame there aren't more because this park gets busy.
If you take the walk up to the waterfall, there are two additional picnic tables.
Overall, I think if they could add a few more it would allow more people to sit, relax and enjoy the area.
If you take the walk up to the waterfall, there are two additional picnic tables.
Overall, I think if they could add a few more it would allow more people to sit, relax and enjoy the area.
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is the hike from the parking lot to the springs/falls? Is it an easy walk?
Written June 17, 2019
Yes. A very easy walk to the falls. There is a bridge in front of the falls that is at the trails head and you can hike up into the hills from there. There is only one picnic table at the falls though.
Written June 18, 2019
No. Water isn’t deep and is super cold.
Written November 9, 2018
How far is it to walk just to see the falls? I have a group of ladies, limited time and some limited abilities? Any park admission charge? Thank you
Written March 23, 2017
No charge, the road to the waterfall is blocked off due to some rebuilding they are doing. Just park in the lot across the highway and walk in. It is rough surface (gravel) road. Probably 3/10 of a mile to the bottom of the falls. The stairs to the top would be a poor idea for someone who has knee, back or balance problems. The bottom is just as pretty.
Written March 23, 2017
Go east on Quarry Road, from the intersection of College Drive and Quarry Road in Decorah, for 0.4 miles. Turn left onto the single-lane road with a small sign "Dunning's Spring" and continue .1 mile to the parking and picnic area. The falls can be seen from there.
Written August 9, 2016
There is Hutchinson Camping ground if you prefer full immersion. Which is located about ten miles out of town on the Upper Iowa.
On the edge of town however there is the Pulpit Rock RV park. This place too offers a pleasant atmosphere despite only being 3-5 minutes from a Kwick Trip and McDonalds. It's just off the highway, tucked into the trees and surrounding bluffs just enough to still offer that coveted ambiance of seclusion.
Also as a bit of a tip if you happen to enjoy fishing. Decorah has some of the best trout streams in the state.
Written July 2, 2016
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