Holiday Lights 2024

Helping Services for Youth & Families welcomes you to the 20th Annual Holiday Lights event 2024!
You are invited to the Walk-through Night on Wednesday, Nov. 27nd from 5:00pm to 7:30pm at Pulpit Rock Campground off Hwy 52 in Decorah. This is your unique chance to walk through the Pulpit Rock Campground and get a sneak peek at the lighted displays before the official event starts on Thanksgiving. The night will include the following:
-Soups
-Cookies
-Coffee
-Hot chocolate
-Cider
-The Decorah Lions Club, Pokey Pete Rides
-Santa
-Holiday choirs
-A live Nativity scene
Parking is available at the soccer fields on Pulpit Rock Rd. Shuttles will bring to the gate.
Drive-Thru
Drive-through display from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
You are invited to experience one of the largest drive-through light displays in Iowa. Free-will donations support Helping Services programs will be taken as you drive in.
All event information can be found at www.HelpingServices.org/HolidayLights. If you have questions about the evening please call 563-387-1720.

Turkey Trot – Free Event!

Participate in Decorah Parks & Recreation’s Turkey Trot Thursday, November 28 thru Sunday, December 1!

Run or walk the 5k or 1-mile loop that we have marked out in the Decorah Community Prairie anytime Thursday, November 28 thru Sunday, December 1.

**Traditional routes have changed due to trail maintenance and closures. The 1-mile loop is available to walkers/runners. Participants choosing to follow a 5k route may follow the same path and complete the distance in laps. Please follow the map/signs posted**

Submit your run/walk online and send a photo of you completing your turkey trot to decorahrec@gmail.com to be entered in a drawing to win a prize! This is an on-your-own, self paced event that can be a fun challenge for individuals or for your entire household. The Decorah Community Prairie is located at the south end of Ohio Street (over the levee) in Decorah.

Palisades Park Closed for Season

Palisades Park is closed to vehicle traffic for the season. The park remains open to pedestrian traffic and will be groomed for skiing when weather allows.

2024 Turkey Shoot Results!

2024 Turkey Shoot Results

162 people participated in the 42nd Annual Decorah Park-Rec. Turkey Shoot on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. This parent-child free throw contest was held in the Decorah High School gym.  Participants were divided into age categories based on the combined ages of the participating parent and child. A turkey was awarded to the top scoring team in each category.  Turkeys are provided by Decorah Fareway and other prizes were purchased with donations from Deco Products and Prairie Lakes Church.

Turkey and drawing prize winners should pick up their certificate or prize in the Park-Rec. Office, which is open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

    Turkey Winners                                                                          Prize Drawing Winner

38 & Under    Jacob & Aschim Reindhardt                                        Justin & Wyatt Kupka

39-41              Emmett & Tyler Wedemeier                                   Dominic Pechota & Jalen Klus

42-44               Cody & Duke Webb                                                   Andrew & Brandon Bailey

45-47               John & Simon Vogel                                                        Jake & Nora Feller

48-50               Bryan & Beckham Panos                                              Carol & Chase Hopp

51-53              Derek & Drew Thompson                                            Bethany & Josina Noble

54-56               Tadd & Harper Schutte                                                Gabby & Emersyn Root

57-59               Joel & Brock Teslow                                                       Gregg & Kate Pattison

60-62               Amanda & Peyton Webb                                           Janice & Tristan Hanson

63+                    Mark & Justin Albers                                                  Nick & Carter Kargalskiy

                                                                                                                       Brandon & Harper Pitz

                                                                                                                    Nathan & Carter Todd

                                                                                                                    Sarah & Lydia Trimble

                                                                                                                      Adam & Archer Weber

Trail Access Closure

Beginning Wednesday, November 13, 2024 access to the trail bridge parking lot will be CLOSED to vehicle traffic for construction. Access will be not be available until Tuesday, November 19th.

Winter Recreation Brochure

Check out the upcoming activities for November -March here!

Turkey Shoot- November 12th

The 42nd Annual Decorah Park-Rec. Turkey Shoot will be held in the Decorah High School Main Gym on Tuesday, November 12, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

In this fun family event, a parent and child team up, combine their ages to determine their competition bracket, and each shoot 10 free throws in an attempt to win a certificate for a free turkey. In addition, all teams are eligible for a prize drawing. Winning teams will be posted on the Park-Rec. website and Facebook page by 5:00 pm Wednesday, November 13.  This is a free activity, no need to register, just show up!

This event is sponsored by Deco Products Company and Prairie Lakes Church. All turkeys are donated by Fareway here in Decorah!

West Main Street Parking Lot Closure

Access to Decorah’s West Main Street parking lot is CLOSED for construction. The trail will remain open, but access to Dug Road/Trout Run Trail will be unavailable at this location until further notice. Please use alternative trail heads or access points at this time.

Trick or Treating City of Decorah

The City of Decorah will have Trick or Treating on Thursday, October 31st from 5:00pm-7:30pm.

Wellness Weekend – Nov. 1st thru 3rd

The Decorah Chamber is pleased to celebrate Wellness Businesses on November 1st and 3rd. The Decorah Area has a lot to offer when it comes to services for personal wellness, self care, and fitness as well as exceptional spaces for exercise outdoors and healthy lifestyle. Use this weekend for trying something new and giving the gift of time for your personal wellbeing.

Details to come about participating businesses and special events.

https://www.decorahareachamber.com/event/wellness-weekend-2/