Dunnings Spring Park
Dunnings Spring Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
226 reviews
Excellent
161
Very good
56
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9
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traveltheworld012
Rochester, MN13,544 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.
Kay W
Dubuque, United States3 contributions
Aug 2022
This multi- leveled gentle Falls finishes a relaxing walk that runs along the stream. Even more exciting after a nice rain. Such a great finish without a long haul.
Written October 2, 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.
Kate S
Pioneer, OH81 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.
Fdale1949
Greensburg, IN8 contributions
Jul 2022
Sort of a surprise. A flowing waterfall in the middle of a small town with easy access and no park or visitor's fee. When you get to the springs (short walk), it is hard to believe you just left a grocery store or the nearby brew pub.....your not far from the Upper Iowa river and also a college campus.
Written August 23, 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.
jfadds
Naperville, IL4,777 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.
robinn508
Cedar Rapids, IA114 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
After a short walk on a paved road, we had a lovely view of the falls. It was raining and the wooden climbing paths were slippery, so we just enjoyed the view.
Written July 1, 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.
50613
Cedar Falls, IA43 contributions
May 2021
Dunnings is well maintained. Very clean surroundings. Walking paths were the best. Climbing the stairs to the waterfalls overlook gave a feeling of safety.
Written June 1, 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.
EngelkingCGMN
Cottage Grove, MN2,025 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.
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.
Justin P
Raleigh, NC4,482 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.
Terry C
Marion, IA25 contributions
How far is the hike from the parking lot to the springs/falls? Is it an easy walk?
wisteriabarb
Stilwell, KS520 contributions
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.
Are you able to swim here?
aschindel17
Ames, IA111 contributions
No. Water isn’t deep and is super cold.
Lois V
Reasnor
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
zoeandjack
Tuscaloosa, AL22 contributions
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.
How do we get to the waterfalls? We can not find them.
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.
Is there camp there or near by?
Captain Z
Decorah, IA5 contributions
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.
Am I allowed to bring my dog here?
JEBtravel2018
Minnesota332 contributions
yes
Dunnings Spring Park (Decorah) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunnings Spring Park
- Hotels near Dunnings Spring Park:
- (0.50 mi) Hotel Winneshiek
- (0.37 mi) Location! Walk to Everything
- (0.39 mi) Newly renovated apartment located in the middle of downtown Decorah.
- (1.34 mi) Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Decorah, IA
- (0.59 mi) Bed & Breakfast on Broadway
- Restaurants near Dunnings Spring Park:
- (0.48 mi) Rubaiyat Restaurant
- (0.52 mi) Mabe's Pizza
- (0.30 mi) Good Times Grill
- (0.40 mi) Whippy Dip
- (0.46 mi) T-Bock's Sports Bar and Grill
Dunnings Spring Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 161 |
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Very Good Reviews | 56 |
Dunnings Spring Park Photos | 102 |