Decorah, Iowa

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Downtown Decorah

Decorah is a city in Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 8,172 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Winneshiek County^GR6.

1 History
2 Economy
- 2.1 Accommodation and Dining Options
3 Geography
4 Demographics
5 External links
- 5.1 Community External Links
- 5.2 Commercial External Links

[edit] History

Originally settled by people of English descent in 1849, Decorah has become popular as a center for Norwegian-American culture originating from a high number of Norwegian settlements beginning in the 1850s. Since 1862 it has been the home of Luther College, a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Each July Decorah is also the host of Nordic Fest, a celebration of Norwegian culture with ethnic dancing, food, and music. Decorah is also the home of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, the largest museum in the country devoted to one single immigrant group. Until 1972, one of the largest Norwegian language newspapers in the nation was published in Decorah, the Decorah Posten. Decorah is named for Chief Waukon Decorah, a Ho Chunk who cooperated with whites during the Black Hawk War and whose people were subsequently forced out of Wisconsin into Northeast Iowa.

[edit] Economy

Despite its rural location, Decorah has managed to acquire a strong economic base in Northeast Iowa through several diverse employers. The city boasts strong employment numbers from Luther College, Textron Corporation, Deco Products, Fred Carlson Company, Rockwell Collins, APAC Teleservices, Iowa Rotocast Plastics and Wapsie Produce, the largest capon producing plant in America. Decorah has a low unemployment rate and real estate values in the city are high. In 2000, the average home value in Decorah was $96,000, which was only second to Pella, Orange City and Sioux Center as the highest for smaller, rurally located communities in the state.

In the retail sector, Decorah has continued to offer a considerable amount of shopping options considering its size and location. JC Penney, Super Wal-Mart, Christopher & Banks, Maurice's, Hallmark and a number of other national chains have a stake in Decorah. The JC Penney store in Decorah is unusual in that it is not located in a mall, and is also located in downtown Decorah.

Residents of Decorah often frequent other commercial hubs in the tri-state area for many needs. Rochester, Minnesota, La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities are very popular spots for shopping, entertainment, and dining.

For banking, there are several local, regional, and national banks that have a presence in Decorah. Decorah Bank is the largest locally-owned bank in Decorah. Bank of the West recently entered the community when it accquired Community First Bank in December of 2004.

[edit] Accommodation and Dining Options

Decorah is rich in both hotel and restaurant options for the traveler. The Hotel Winneshiek, located in a beautifully restored building constructed in 1905 offers the guest a turn-of-the-century atmosphere with modern conveniences. The hotel includes restaurant, Albert's Lounge. The Bluffs Inn, Heartland Inn, Super 8 Motel, Country Inn & Suites, and various campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and cabins allow for a number of getaways in the Decorah area.

As restaurants go, Decorah boasts a selection that includes fast food chains McDonald's, Subway (restaurant), Dairy Queen, Pizza Ranch, and Pizza Hut Culvers while also featuring several other establishments with cuisines ranging from Mexican (Sabor Latino) to Norwegian (Dayton House Cafe). The Whippy Dip ice cream stand is known throughout Northeast Iowa for its ice cream. Mabe's Pizza is a local favorite especially popular with Luther College alumni. T-Bock's, a bar and grill is home to the surprisingly delicious Peanut Butter Cheese Burger. The Magpie Coffeehouse is the place to go for a great cup of hot java, as well as homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. La Rana Bistro on Washington Street offers an intimate atmosphere, Mediterranean-style dishes made with locally grown food, and a rich variety of fine wines, liquors, and beers. Decorah's nightlife highlights include The Corner Bar, The Haymarket, and Roscoe's, a popular Luther College student hangout.

[edit] Geography

Decorah is best known for being nestled in Northeast Iowa's bluff country with the Upper Iowa River flowing through town. The town's unique setting makes it popular for a variety of outdoor activities including canoeing and trout fishing. Natural features include Dunning's Spring, Ice Cave, and Siewers Spring. The city is home to several parks with beautiful views from bluffs, particularly Phelps Park, Palisades Park, and Pulpit Rock. Until 2003, Decorah was home to the Nor-Ski Runs Ski Area, a community attraction since the 1960s. It is located about 20 miles (30 km) away from the Minnesota - Iowa border. Depending on the direction of travel, it is either the first or last major community located along U.S. Highway 52 in Iowa.

Decorah is located at 43°18′06″N, 91°47′25″W (43.301795, -91.790218)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.7 km² (6.4 mi²). 16.6 km² (6.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.47%) is water.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 8,172 people, 2,819 households, and 1,561 families residing in the city. The population density was 492.2/km² (1,275.9/mi²). There were 2,968 housing units at an average density of 178.8/km² (463.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.99% White, 1.13% African American, 0.10% Native American, 1.60% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

There were 2,819 households out of which 22.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.6% were non-families. 37.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the city the population was spread out with 15.0% under the age of 18, 31.4% from 18 to 24, 17.8% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 81.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,485, and the median income for a family was $49,668. Males had a median income of $33,362 versus $22,399 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,351. About 2.7% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.