Arts & Culture

Whether it's an intricate hand stitched quilt, a scenic oil painting, a handcrafted kaleidoscope or a modern portrait of a cow, you can be confident that you will discover charming people making unique works of art throughout this entire region.  Northeast Iowa combines small-town charm with world-class creativity and craftsmanship.  You will discover art integrated into nearly all of the communities of this region.

Downtown murals, bronze statues, an abundance of historic limestone and brick structures and a dynamic landscape make for a rich visual experience.  Since this area is especially well-known for its many local artists, galleries and studios are common.  Decorah hosts a abundance of artistic opportunity, but make sure to include adventures to smaller dots on the map.  See a show in Elkader's beautifully renovated opera house, stop at the delightfully peculiar Bily Clock Museum in Spillville, explore galleries and antique shops in McGregor's downtown or set off on gravel road adventures to places like Waterloo Workshop and Allamakee Wood-Fired Pottery.  You can easily spend the entire day touring the Amish Boulevard in Buchanan County or learning how to make your own clay masterpiece at the Clay Studio before you enjoy an evening listening to or dancing to live, local music.

This website is supported, in part, by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.