We can practically taste the lefse already.
RAGBRAI riders and support crews take note—the only truly difficult decision you need to make when rolling through historic Decorah on Friday, July 28 is whether to dust your warm and buttered fresh lefse with brown sugar or white sugar and cinnamon.
The annual festival celebrating the town’s proud Norwegian heritage draws thousands of visitors every year, and for good reason beyond great food. This year’s entertainment calendar does not disappoint.
Whether you casually take a stroll down Water Street and enjoy live music under the canopies or find entertainment off the beaten path, Friday’s meeting town stop provides an impressive list of entertainment choices for all ages. For more, check out VisitDecorah.com and the 2017 Nordic Fest Program.
Nordic Fest Canoe Race
Time: 6:30 am Start
Location: 212 Pulpit Rock Road, Decorah, IA 52101
Beverage Garden Featuring Mike McAbee and Gaelstorm
Beverages, Food Booths, and Live Entertainment
Time: 7 am - 2 pm
Location: River and Day Spring Lane
Butterfly Garden Walk at the Decorah Community Prairie
Prairie along the Upper Iowa River with paths on 34 acres, shared by hikers, bikers, and runners. The Butterfly Garden's paved walkways feature specimens of plants found in the prairie, along with a sun/rain shelter, picnic tables, and benches.
Time: 7 am - 9 am
Location: 4 Ohio St, Decorah, IA 52101
Food, draft, bottle sales, hydration station, and a first aid station.
Time: 7 am
Location: 310 College Dr, Decorah, Iowa 52101
Vesterheim - The National Norwegian-American Heritage Center
Traditions new and old abound throughout the weekend. There is always lively dancing, challenging sporting events, delicious food, and lots of other entertainment.
Location: 523 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Artisan and Craft Show
Artisan and craft show featuring many local exhibitors. Location: 405 Winnebago St, Decorah, Iowa 52101 Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Water Street Live Music Under the Canopies
Water Street will be closed throughout Nordic Fest and open to pedestrian traffic—take a stroll through the historical business district and take in live music under the three canopies.
Time: 10 am
Location: Canopy 1 Water & Washington St, Canopy 2 Water & Court St, Canopy 3 Water & Mechanic St
Unique handmade pottery, jewelry, photography, paintings, prints, and more. Time: 10 am - 5 pm
Location: 508 W. Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
Family Fornøyelse
Family Fun for all ages! A toddler area with a bouncy house, STEM activities, Norwegian arts/crafts, button making, and ping-pong (including a tournament with prizes!). Hosted at the United Congregational Church.
Time: 11 am - 5 pm
Location: 209 W Broadway St, Decorah, IA 52101
Northeast Iowa Montessori Water Games
Come cool off with Northeast Iowa Montessori School!
Time: 11 am - 5 pm
Location: On Water St between River & Mechanic St.
Don't forget to check out the complete weekend schedule at 2017 Nordic Fest Program. And save some white sugar and cinnamon for me!
