The Decorah High Point Cabins offer luxurious glamping and sky-high natural splendor.
Writer: Hailey Evans
Photos: Shanyn Hart
There’s camping. There’s glamping. And then there are luxury lodges à la Vail or Jackson Hole. Iowa can’t match the altitude of Colorado or Wyoming, but a few renovated cabins in the state’s northeast corner rise to the same standards for style and amenities.
The Decorah High Point Cabins perch on 60 acres of secluded hills, with nine rental options to choose from, depending on the type of stay you prefer. The biggest draw are the four luxury homes with private hot tubs and uninterrupted views of the scenic Driftless landscape. Inside, a modern rustic aesthetic welcomes guests with soaring exposed-wood ceilings, glamorous living spaces and full kitchens, plus floor-to-ceiling windows that would make a planetarium jealous.
We asked property owner Shanyn Hart a few questions about the cabins and surrounding area. Her answers, below, have been lightly edited for clarity.
When did the cabins open?
We bought the cabins in May of 2016. My husband and I are originally from Wisconsin, and we love being outdoors. We were initially looking for a hunting property. So when we found this property in Decorah, we knew we wanted it, but there were already a couple of cabins here, and it was a little out of our budget. The bank told us, “If you can come up with a business plan to use these cabins, we’ll give you the loan.” So we did. We started with five little cabins with no AC, and the whole property used to shut down in the winter because none of them were insulated. Since then, we’ve obviously grown and updated most of the cabins to be used year-round. I’ve really fallen in love with hospitality and owning a little microresort like this.
What do you hope guests experience during their stay?
I want to show everyone that Iowa is more than corn. The Decorah area is so beautiful. We have 60 acres that overlook the Upper Iowa River and over a mile-long hiking trail with another beautiful lookout. The setting makes you feel like you’re in the mountains. Not everyone has the luxury to get far away on vacations, so this is an easier option for people closer to home. Our Pine Cabin hosts up to 16 people, so it’s great for bachelor or bachelorette trips and family reunions, a great place to bring people together. I’ve kind of pivoted with our newer cabins to make them more luxury, romantic spaces for couples, so they’re great for a weekend away to reconnect and spend time together that way, too.
What activities would you recommend in the area?
Summer is obviously busier because of people’s vacation schedules, and there’s plenty to do. There’s kayaking, tubing, canoeing, fishing, hiking. You can hike to some pretty great waterfalls, and the Ice Cave (near Dunning’s Spring Park). In the colder months you can still hike and enjoy winter activities in the snow. It’s more secluded in the winter, and some people really like that kind of vibe. Our cabins are about a 30-minute drive from the Toppling Goliath brewery and to the city of Decorah, where guests can go for a fun day or a night out.
Any tips for booking?
Book really far in advance. Our cabins fill up quickly, especially on weekends and around holidays or popular vacation times. If you’re planning a weekend, try to schedule at least a month in advance. By next year, we plan to have all our cabins insulated for year-round use and are working on more luxury cabins like the Magnolia Cabin, which is our most popular.
