#seed saver’s exchange

[scribefindegil]

huehuehue the 2023 catalog for my second-favorite seed company goes live tomorrow! can’t wait to stare at some extremely weird vegetables!

[sharkcougarhawksnakescorpion]

Baker Creek also puts out inferior product in my experience. Their germination rates are low as hell. I’m excited about the experimental farm network! I’ve never heard of it and I’m stoked. I also want to share that Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit doing incredibly important work in protecting heritage and native plants and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is a worker-run cooperative.

I grow our own vegetables. Many hybrid and heirloom varieties are bred for flavor rather than for commercial appeal and travel. There are entire species on the allotment that you can’t easily buy in stores because of this - like salsify, a root vegetable that tastes of fish and shellfish. Our neighbours happily take it to make vegan latkes of alarming similarity to fishcakes. You cannot sell it in stores because - despite looking like a white parsnip - it turns brown when you pick it if you scrape/bruise/cut the white root in any way, or damage the delicate little hairs, for some reason, it BLEEDS RED and is very upsetting to look at.

There are whole classes of foods like this. Foods that just don’t ship well or look good on supermarket shelves. Forbidden fruits. Vegetables that bleed and taste like meat. Sorry about this

[cocoa-rococo]

Koopaling Headcanons: Wendy

Larry | Morton | Wendy | Iggy | Roy | Lemmy | Ludwig

The bold beauty of Bowser's army and queen of our hearts, Wendy! Truly an icon for us all.

Right-handed.

All her clothes have pockets in them. She sewed them on herself, and after much pestering, she taught Roy how to do it as well.

A superb figure skater and rollerblader. She likes practicing on her own time and going out to a rink with Lemmy and Larry to have fun. Her coordination for moves is perfect.

She is one of the most organized generals out of all of them, and one of the most well-liked among the troops. Also they have some of the best color coordination.

She keeps a self-care journal. She originally did it out of spite, but now genuinely likes the thoughtfulness it provides.

She's allergic to nickel, so she's been finding a lot of her jewelry in titanium or gold.

Likes to bake! She has Iggy help her in the kitchen and has Larry as her taste tester, and often likes bribing exchanging favors with her brothers for their favorite treats. It partially paved the way for her donut business, too.

Speaking of which, HUGE sweet tooth, and likes all kinds of desserts, but little pastries are her favorite. Lemmy once made her macaroons after she had a bad day, and she was so touched she cried, and now the two of them make them together.

Favorite fruit is watermelon. Roy taught her how to spit the seeds out at people (much to Kamek’s disapproval), and now everyone stays a good ten feet away from her when she's eating them. Pomegranate and grapefruit are close behind.

Looooves the beach. Would spend all day there if she had the chance.

Runs a side hobby of trying and reviewing different beauty products, and when she got frustrated on how a lot of them are aimed at skin and not scales, launched her own line of cosmetics. She spearheaded quite a movement in the industry because of this.

She's a big seafood fan! Especially stuff you have to crack open, like shellfish, crabs, and clams. Free stress therapy.

Favorite candy is life savers, but she loves a lot of different kinds, particularly chocolate candies with fillings.

No one knows what her phone password is, not even her siblings. Attempts have been made to discover it. Those attempts have not ended well.

She's not what you would call a professional sketcher, but she's still a pretty decent fashion artist. She keeps a few sketchbooks in her room for designing new outfit ideas.

She swims whenever she needs to think or contemplate something; she says it's relaxing and helps her focus. If she's ever lost or can't be found, the first place her brothers check is a pool.

While not as involved with her siblings in the 'engineering' aspect of kart-making, when they started making their own businesses, she did want to do something related to it with design. After a bit of debate, she decided to focus on making the car look nice, not just run nice. And so, Wendy's Car Interiors was created.

She is allowed to tease her siblings and rough them up, because she has to stand the nonsense these boys put her through all day, every day. Other people do not have that privilege. She will make sure anyone who thinks otherwise is aware that they do not have that privilege.

Has two styles of handwriting: one that's cursive and sweeping for her own diary, and one that's a type of short-hand for when she needs to take notes.

She also happens to be the fastest writer of the seven. Ludwig is a little awed by it.

While her favorite way to spend time is through shopping, she's a surprisingly responsible credit card owner, balancing several at a time and always paying in-full on time. Her reward points amount is in the hundred-thousands.

Likes beach-reads! She goes through a lot of romance novels, but she can enjoy a good cozy mystery or contemporary at times. She likes reading before she goes to bed, too.

She’s fond of a lot of flowers, and certainly won’t say no to some unusually colored roses, but her absolute favorites are plumerias.

She doesn't play an instrument, but if she did, she'd pick either flute or harp.

Aside from Roy and Ludwig, one of her other siblings she's close with is Morton. He lets her practice different makeup color palettes on him, and they like to bond by getting skin treatments and having spa days together.

Not that she would tell anyone, but she does hold both a rivalry and begrudging admiration for Princess Peach and Princess Daisy.

Loves dragging the hell out of reality TV shows with Ludwig, but prefers to listen to talk-shows or beauty videos; they let her have something to listen to while she works on her designs, bakes, or does her routines.

She likes doing yoga as a way to relax, especially with Pom-Pom.

She's a schemer. All her siblings are, but, apart from Ludwig, she might be the most dangerous one out of all of them; she's not gonna stop at one prank. She's in it for the long-haul.

She doesn't remember it much, but apparently she had a very intense phase of bedazzling and glitter-ifying things when she was younger. Larry remembers this especially well because she somehow managed to bedazzle all of his game controllers in the span of one night. He's still not entirely sure how she did it.

When she was younger, she really wanted to be a ballerina, and took classes for it. It's become less of a dream now, but she still likes doing it. Lemmy likes to join her sometimes.

Likes keeping a to-do list, something she picked up from Ludwig. Only difference is that everything’s on her phone, since she always has it with her.

The best, perhaps out of all of them, at portal / teleportation magic, given her rings, as well as enchantment spells. She's also not too shabby at illusions, though hers are more focused on herself (rather than tricks and performances like Lemmy).

Her social media accounts are f l o u r i s h i n g, and swoon-worthy. Lots of beautiful pictures and her living her best life, along with promos for her businesses.

[breelandwalker]

Seed Suppliers for Spring

If you're anything like me, the second the calendar flips to a new year, you're already looking ahead to the spring planting season. Whether you're growing from seed trays or just picking up plants from your local nursery, gardening is a fabulous hobby that can be both fun and productive.

For my fellow green-thumbs, here are some awesome garden supply sites where you can get everything from tools to seeds to live plants shipped directly to you. Most will mail you a free catalog if you request one and offer plants that can be grown in containers as well as in-ground gardens.

Burpee Seeds and Plants

Ferry-Morse Home Gardening

Gardener's Supply Company

Gurney's Seed and Nursery Co.

Harris Seeds

Seed Savers Exchange

If you're looking to do something a little different, consider trying an heirloom vegetable variety or an unusual flower. Remember to check your growing zone, soil type, and space requirements before purchase and good luck!

EDIT: Removed one recommendation, see comments. (Thanks everyone for letting me know, I had no idea!)

[tomorrowsgardennc]

ok, here goes my first ever garden update post...

garden update // june 4th, 2024

over the past 3 years i've been turning my front yard into a raised bed garden. i am just over halfway done with installing beds. the biggest hurdle has been getting compost/soil to fill the top bit. i have trees for days and can get wood chips delivered for free whenever i want. i think my favorite raised beds right now are the blueberry dot beds (circle beds, but i like calling them dot beds and the rest dash beds. i'm crazy like that.) totally not biased since the blueberries are coming in 😅 underneath the blueberry bushes are rosemary and thyme.

so i consider myself a seed farmer, and i sell seeds at a local farmers market. this bed has cilantro going to seed, which the pollinators have been enjoying, and lettuce seeds next to it.

i have walking egyptian onion in the same bed as the lettuce, and i have pink celery going to seed scattered wherever i had room last winter. i don't believe in leaving space between plants, in case that wasn't obvious 😅

my california early softneck garlic that i grew for seeds is done curing, and the pumpkins i put in their place established well. only some okra made it when i transplanted, so i'm starting more okra seeds to make sure i have plenty to sell the next few years. this year is clemson spineless okra, and next year i want to grow a red variety for seeds. the pumpkins are autumn blue and chinese mini white. orange pumpkins are boring to me, i love me white and blue and any other odd ball pumpkin.

i'm growing 3 varieties of tomatillos for the seed saver exchange test program. my garden started in these "barrel" containers, so they're slightly sentimental to me thus i still use them to grow even if they take up most of the sidewalk. at first i noticed a difference between the 3 varieties, but now they are all beyond happy and look and acting the exact same. whoops! will definitely have plenty to save seeds and have produce, too.

[dandelionsresilience]

We’ve all seen those posts saying “Grow native plants!” but there are a lot fewer posts telling us which plants are native to where. Here’s how to find out:

Keystone plant species by ecoregion

Find plants native to your zip code and see how many butterfly species depend on them

Native plants by state plus some state-specific plant-related resources

Native wildflowers by region

A bunch of different databases of native plants plus links to vetted retailers

And how you can get seeds or baby plants:

Enter your zip code to find plants for your growing zone

Free Heirloom Seeds (though it’s much better to donate if you can)

Seed Savers Exchange

How to get seeds out of plants

Resources on how to save seeds

Links to guides on saving your own seeds, plus a few exchanges and info/resources for seed libraries

A bunch of ways to get free seeds

Also how to get free compost

Free wildflower variety packet with every purchase

Landowners with 2+ acres can get free pollinator-supporting seeds

And some info you might need to know about them:

Plant toxicity to pets

A useful digital catalog with lots of good information (and purchases earn points toward free seeds)

Info on foraging, growing, and storing food, and more

[briarpatch-kids]

Heads up:

Seed Savers Exchange has been accused of union busting

[gardeningbythemoon]

In addition to teaching this weekend, I’m also *taking* a class—apple grafting from Seed Savers Exchange. I’m interested in growing multiple varieties on a single tree (my garden is so small and I love so many apples!) so I’ve wanted to get into grafting for a long time.

When the heirloom scions arrived with the rest of the kit earlier this week, I was really excited to see that one of the varieties goes back to 1850 in Granby, NY, which is just around the corner from where Maxx grew up and a half hour drive from where we live right now.

I got to thinking, I know where the apple tree’s ancestors were, but where were my ancestors during that time? I asked Maxx as well and between us, our ancestors were in Holland, Sweden, Ireland, Ohio, California, Quebec, the Catskills, and we each had ancestors in central New York.

In 1850, Granby had been settled for 58 years. It had been 71 years since George Washington wrote to John Sullivan, ordering him & his troops to destroy as many Haudenosaunee towns as possible, fields and villages included, with the explicit goal of destroying their foodways and sovereignty.

I love the rural areas of upstate New York, and I love the small towns here, and I know many of them were settled in those decades, that my ancestors moved in in the wake of bloodshed and destruction, or may have participated in the annihilation themselves. It’s impossible to separate our own ancestral stories, foodways, and the history of the land we live on. It’s not easy to think of our forebears enacting violence and even harder to of them suffering it—but, I think, the only way to deal with these histories is to meet them eyes open, even when it’s painful.

From Indigenous orchards being razed and replaced by European cattle, to the Irish potato famine, to the wars fought for the oil that fertilizes & ships produce, to contemporary famines & landgrabs, the basic human need for food has often been twisted towards profit and atrocity. If we want to build a truly healthy food system, we will need to address not only the invasive species in our gardens and the poisons in our soils, but the histories that have left them there.

[charring58]

Meskwaki Food Sovereignty Initiative, Red Earth Gardens and Seed Savers Exchange. They also explore the power of art and the beauty of seeds.

[clover-seeds]

the seed savers exchange catalog arrived while i was doing my plant breeding exam!

[scribefindegil]

Trick or treat!

White's Strain Butterbush my BELOVED!!! They may not look like much, but these are the most ambrosial cucurbits I've ever encountered! They're a rare variety (I learned about them from Member Variety seeds I got from the Seed Saver's Exchange), but it looks like at least one place is offering seeds now. They're so sweet the pan drippings turn to caramel when you roast them. They keep for six months easy. In good conditions one plant will produce nearly a dozen fruits. I will sing the praises of this squash until I'm on my deathbed.

[ediblegardenspointloma]

Dry Bean Harvest

I am bedazzled by the Tiger’s Eye dry bean, though, admittedly, I’ve not cooked them yet. Here’s the description from Vermont Bean and Seed Company. 80-90 Day. Bush. Originally from Southern South America. This dry bean has a wonderful rich flavor and smooth texture. The skins are very tender and disappear when cooked making them great for refried beans or chili. Can be used as a fresh shell bean. Very productive on 24 inch plants.

Tiger’s Eye is just one of six dry beans I grew this summer. For the past four years I’ve had difficulty growing tomatoes in my garden with our trend to cool and foggy summers. But I can grow beans. Emerite pole green beans thrive as do a variety of bush beans. In 2022 I decided to try dry beans.

My dry bean harvests are small because my city vegetable garden consists primarily of four raised beds totaling 120 square feet. With half an acre, I’d be planting rows of dry beans!

I’ve written about cranberry beans after my first encounter with them in a Farmers Market Box from Specialty Produce. I wonder if it was their color or their history as a beloved heirloom in New England since the eighteenth century. I grew them for the first time in 2022 and saved seed for this year.

My cranberry bean harvest was abundant a year ago so I planted a 24 x 24 inch block this year with 2 ounces of saved seed. This year’s harvest, pictured above was 7 ounces. You might call these hobby beans—maybe a couple of dinners but I’ll savor them.

Cannellini beans are favorites and useful in our plant-based, Mediterranean diet. They did poorly last summer but I gave them another opportunity to prove themselves. The results were dismal—perhaps location related. One ounce of seed produced 3 ounces. I have other beans that were very productive to take their place next year.

Renee’s Garden offers Heirloom Dry Beans, Soup Mix Blend. The seed packet lists equal parts of Painted Pony, Hidatsa Red Indian, Yellow Indian Woman and Jacob’s Cattle beans. To give them a fair chance, I planted 10 seeds of each in a 1 x 4 foot area. Two beans did very well and two harvests were quite meager.

The Jacob’s Cattle Gold beans will not make the cut for next year but should be nice in a winter bean soup. Ditto Hidatsa Red Indian beans.

Yellow Indian Woman beans, (also known as Buckeye by Rancho Gordo) on the dinner plate above is 3 ounces from just 10 seeds. These were the most productive of the soup mix beans. If they cook up well and we like them, I’ll definitely plant a large area next year.

Considering the yields from 12 square feet, I plan to at least double the area devoted to dry beans next year.

My Dry Bean Sources Cranberry Beans—Territorial Seed Co. (These were all dark red. Some seed companies only offer the predominately white cranberry beans splashed with red). Cannellini Beans—Territorial Seed Co. Heirloom Dry Beans, Soup Mix Blend—Renee’s Garden Source for Tiger’s Eye Beans—Vermont Bean and Seed Co. and Seed Savers Exchange.

Check out other dry bean seed sources such as Seed Savers Exchange, Vermont Bean and Seed Co. and Fedco Seeds,

Sample beans you might like to grow by ordering from Rancho Gordo. I found their method for cooking dry beans humorous and helpful.

Check the What I’m Planting Now page as I transplant and sow seeds for the cool season garden. Then head today to Harvest Monday, hosted by Dave at Happy Acres blog and see what garden bloggers around the world harvested last week.

To leave a comment, click on “Leave a comment/Show comments,” enter the comment, then insert your name. Finally, click on “Comment as Guest” to post comment.

[ookaookaooka]

STRONGLY tempted to order some indigo and/or woad seeds from seed savers exchange and try making dye….

[prairielights]

An Onion in My Pocket: My Life with Vegetables

Deborah Madison

When she was growing up in Davis, California, Deborah Madison would float down the irrigation ditches of the walnut groves near her house, ending up miles away.  That image could illustrate how this autobiography unfolds.  If you, too, remember the years of heavy brown baked goods and fake meat and wondered how she came up with gourmet vegetarian recipes in her seminal work Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone, this book maps the answer.  Many years as an acolyte and  cook in a San Francisco Buddhist center gave her a fundamental sense of appreciation of her ingredients, as well as abundant local access.  Her teachers included classic French cuisine cookbooks, stints at Chez Panisse and the American Academy in Rome, and the creation of two groundbreaking vegetarian restaurants.  Including authorship of award-winning cookbooks, work on the board of the Seed Savers Exchange and on the committee of the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity, Madison’s engagement in creating delicious, sustaining and sustainable food charts an inspiring course.

-Mary

[backyardgardenguru]

Growing Your Own Legacy: Why Heirloom Seeds Are a Must for Every Gardener

In the world of gardening, there’s something incredibly special about heirloom seeds. These time-honored varieties aren’t just plants—they’re living pieces of history, passed down through generations of gardeners.

If you’ve been looking for a way to make your garden unique, sustainable, and full of flavor, heirloom seeds are the perfect place to start. Let’s dive into why heirloom gardening is more than just a trend and how you can benefit from growing these cherished varieties.

What Exactly Are Heirloom Seeds?

Heirloom seeds come from open-pollinated plants that have been cultivated for decades, often over a century, without genetic modification or hybridization. This means that the plants grown from heirloom seeds are true to type, preserving their original characteristics, from taste to appearance.

These seeds are often treasured within families and communities, with stories and traditions attached to them.

Unlike hybrid or genetically modified seeds, which are bred for traits like uniformity and shelf-life, heirlooms are all about flavor, variety, and sustainability.

Why Grow Heirloom Vegetables?

1. Unrivaled Flavor: One of the biggest draws of heirloom gardening is the flavor.

Because heirloom vegetables haven’t been altered for mass production, they retain their natural, rich flavors.

From juicy tomatoes to crisp beans, heirlooms offer taste profiles you won’t find in typical grocery store produce.

2. Diverse and Unique Varieties: Heirlooms come in an incredible range of colors, shapes, and sizes.

You can grow purple carrots, striped tomatoes, or vibrant yellow cucumbers—bringing both visual and culinary excitement to your kitchen.

3. Sustainability and Seed Saving: Heirloom gardening is a sustainable practice.

Since these plants are open-pollinated, you can save seeds from your best crops and replant them year after year. This not only saves money but also allows you to create a self-sustaining garden.

4. Preserving History and Heritage: Each heirloom seed has a story.

Many varieties have been passed down for generations, making them a living link to our agricultural past.

By growing heirlooms, you help preserve these varieties and ensure they aren’t lost to history.

5. Better Adaptability: Heirloom plants have often been cultivated to thrive in specific regions and climates.

This means they’re more likely to be resilient in local conditions, making your gardening efforts more successful.

Top Heirloom Vegetables to Try in Your Garden

If you’re ready to explore heirloom gardening, here are some standout varieties to consider:

- Black Krim Tomatoes: With a rich, smoky flavor and deep purple hue, Black Krim tomatoes are a favorite for gardeners looking for something truly unique.

- French Breakfast Radishes: These crunchy, mildly peppery radishes are perfect for salads or snacking and grow quickly in most gardens.

- Purple Cherokee Tomatoes: Known for their rich, complex flavor, these tomatoes are ideal for slicing and adding a gourmet touch to any meal.

- Dragon’s Tongue Beans: These stunning beans feature purple streaks and offer a tender, juicy bite.

- Golden Bantam Corn: A sweet, tender heirloom corn variety that’s perfect for grilling or fresh off the cob.

Best Places to Buy Heirloom Seeds

When starting your heirloom garden, it’s essential to source your seeds from reputable suppliers. Here are some of the best places to find high-quality heirloom seeds:

- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – Known for a huge selection of rare and unique heirloom varieties from around the world.

- Seed Savers Exchange – A nonprofit organization focused on preserving heirloom varieties through seed sharing and education.

- Renee’s Garden – Specializes in gourmet and heirloom varieties that are perfect for home gardeners.

- High Mowing Organic Seeds – Offers a large selection of organic, non-GMO heirloom seeds that are perfect for sustainable gardening.

How to Care for Your Heirloom Garden

Heirloom gardening requires the same basic care as any other garden, but here are a few tips to ensure your heirloom varieties thrive:

1. Plant in Rich Soil: Heirlooms grow best in nutrient-dense soil. Add compost or organic matter to your garden beds before planting to ensure your vegetables have the nutrients they need.

2. Water Consistently: Make sure your heirloom vegetables get consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deep watering helps encourage strong root systems.

3. Mulch for Protection: Adding a layer of organic mulch around your plants can help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.

4. Practice Crop Rotation: To keep your soil healthy and reduce the risk of pests, rotate your crops each year. Planting the same variety in the same spot year after year can deplete soil nutrients and encourage disease.

5. Save Your Seeds: One of the most rewarding parts of heirloom gardening is saving seeds from your harvest. Let a few of your best plants mature fully, collect the seeds, and store them in a cool, dry place for next year’s planting.

The Rewards of Heirloom Gardening

Heirloom gardening isn’t just about growing vegetables—it’s about growing tradition, flavor, and sustainability.

Every time you plant an heirloom seed, you’re preserving a piece of history and adding your own chapter to it. These vegetables offer rich flavors, unique varieties, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re playing a role in protecting our agricultural heritage.

So, whether you’re looking to grow the best-tasting tomatoes, save seeds for future seasons, or simply try something new, heirloom seeds are the perfect choice for your garden. Ready to get started? Explore the world of heirloom gardening today, and discover the joy of growing your own piece of history.

[ryanrock0]

Discovering Iowa's Hidden Gem: The Nicest Town in the Hawkeye State

When people think of Iowa, they often envision sprawling cornfields, serene farmlands, and charming Midwestern hospitality. But beyond the pastoral landscapes lies a collection of picturesque towns, each offering unique experiences, history, and a sense of community that makes them stand out. While it's hard to choose the friendliest town in Iowa, one place that consistently captures the hearts of visitors and residents alike is Decorah.

A Scenic Haven Nestled in the Bluffs

Decorah, located in the northeastern corner of Iowa, is a town defined by its scenic beauty. Nestled in the bluffs of the Driftless Area—a region untouched by glaciers during the last Ice Age—Decorah boasts rolling hills, towering cliffs, and the meandering Upper Iowa River. This natural landscape offers unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities, attracting nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a peaceful retreat.

Whether you're into hiking, biking, or kayaking, Decorah has it all. Trails wind through the bluffs, offering breathtaking views, while the river provides a tranquil escape for paddlers. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing become popular activities as the town embraces the changing seasons.

A Strong Sense of History and Culture

Decorah is not just about its natural beauty—it's also a town steeped in history and culture. The area's deep Norwegian heritage is on full display throughout the town, most notably at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, one of the most renowned museums dedicated to Norwegian-American history. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the early Norwegian settlers who shaped the town, featuring artifacts, art, and interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.

Every year, Decorah hosts Nordic Fest, a celebration of Norwegian culture that draws thousands of people from across the country. The festival includes traditional music, dance performances, and authentic Norwegian cuisine, offering a fun and immersive experience for all attendees. Events like theseItsbring the community together and showcase the town's rich cultural heritage.

A Thriving Local Economy and Business Scene

Despite its small size, Decorah has a vibrant local economy and a flourishing downtown area. Local businesses, from artisanal shops to cafes, provide a unique shopping and dining experience that supports the town's sense of community. Stroll down Water Street, and you'll find an array of boutiques, craft stores, and farm-to-table restaurants offering locally sourced goods and produce.

One of the town's most beloved establishments is Toppling Goliath Brewing Co., a world-renowned craft brewery that attracts beer enthusiasts from far and wide. Known for its award-winning IPAs and stouts, Toppling Goliath has put Decorah on the map as a destination for craft beer lovers. The brewery's taproom offers a cozy space to enjoy a pint while mingling with locals and fellow travelers.

In addition to its breweries and eateries, Decorah is home to Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds. Visitors can tour the farm, explore the heirloom gardens, and learn about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Education and Community Spirit

Decorah's sense of community is evident in its commitment to education and family life. Luther College, a private liberal arts institution, plays a significant role in the town's culture. The college not only brings students from around the world to Decorah but also enriches the town's cultural and intellectual life through concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions.

Residents of Decorah take pride in their town's robust educational system, which has been consistently ranked among the best in the state. The combination of a close-knit community, quality education, and ample recreational opportunities makes Decorah an ideal place for families to settle down.

A Welcoming Place for Visitors

Decorah's residents are known for their friendliness and warm hospitality, which makes visitors feel instantly at home. Whether you're just passing through or planning an extended stay, there are plenty of options to enjoy the town's welcoming atmosphere. Several bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals provide comfortable accommodations with a personal touch.

For those seeking a more immersive experience in nature, Pulpit Rock Campground offers riverside camping and access to the town's many outdoor activities. It's the perfect place to relax, enjoy a bonfire, and gaze at the stars after a day of exploring Decorah's scenic trails and parks.

A Town That Feels Like Home

Beyond its beauty, history, and culture, what makes Decorah truly special is the feeling of community that pervades every corner of the town. Residents take pride in their town's traditions, welcome new faces with open arms, and work together to ensure that Decorah remains a vibrant, thriving place to live.

For those looking for a town that combines small-town charm with a rich cultural and outdoor experience, Decorah stands out as one of the most excellent places in Iowa. Its scenic landscapes, thriving local businesses, strong sense of community, and friendly atmosphere make it a hidden gem in the Midwest.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or considering a permanent move, Decorah offers something for everyone, from history buffs and nature enthusiasts to families looking for a safe, welcoming place to call home. Come for the beauty, stay for the community—Decorah will leave an indelible mark on your heart.