Ice Cave Hill Park
Discover the surprising chill of Ice Cave Hill Park, a unique geological wonder with glistening walls and a cool microclimate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak ice and cooler temps
Ice Cave Hill Park
Best Time
Peak ice and cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the surprising chill of Ice Cave Hill Park, a unique geological wonder with glistening walls and a cool microclimate.
"Such a coool, short, and easy stop!"
Flashlight Recommended
Bring a flashlight for a better look inside the cave entrance. 🔦
Check Road Conditions
The access road can sometimes be closed for maintenance. Stay on marked paths. 🚧
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 189 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ice Cave Entrance
Near Dunning's Spring
Experience the surprising chill and glistening walls of this unique geological formation. A quick, cool stop!
Dunning's Spring Waterfall
Adjacent to Ice Cave Hill Park
A beautiful, accessible waterfall with a short, paved path. A perfect complement to your ice cave visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Ice Cave
Access and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Flashlight Recommended
Bring a flashlight for a better look inside the cave entrance. 🔦
Check Road Conditions
The access road can sometimes be closed for maintenance. Stay on marked paths. 🚧
Suggestions for Decorah trip
I'm headed to Decorah (from Des Moines-ish) mid-October with some friends and figured reddit may have some suggestions of things "not to be missed." The current plan is to head up there Friday afternoon and stay til/through Sunday. We've rented an AirBnB and totally understand…
Upper Ice Cave Trail, Dunnings Spring Park, IA
Visiting family in Iowa and made a trip to Dunnings Spring Park to hike to the spring and the Ice Cave. Pretty fun hike that was perfect for the whole family.
Best for a Quick Stop
It's a cool, short, and easy stop, especially if you're already visiting Dunning's Spring. ⭐
Cool Even in Summer
Even when the ice is gone, the cave entrance remains noticeably cold. :snowflake:
Best day trips to take from DSM for someone who's never been to the USA?
Here's a few things I've thought of to consider: Near Decorah are Ice cave Park and Dunnings Spring park. They were pretty cool. Also over there is Pikes peak state park and the Mississippi river of course. Also up that way are the Bily clocks: https://www.bilyclocks.org/ in…
Tips
from all over the internet
Flashlight Recommended
Bring a flashlight for a better look inside the cave entrance. 🔦
Check Road Conditions
The access road can sometimes be closed for maintenance. Stay on marked paths. 🚧
Best for a Quick Stop
It's a cool, short, and easy stop, especially if you're already visiting Dunning's Spring. ⭐
Cool Even in Summer
Even when the ice is gone, the cave entrance remains noticeably cold. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ice Cave Hill Park a 'cool, short, and easy stop,' particularly enjoyable for its unique chilly atmosphere at the cave entrance. While the cave itself is limited in depth due to a natural collapse, its novelty and proximity to Dunning's Spring make it a worthwhile, quick diversion for many, especially families.
"The cave doesn't go in very far but the kids still thought it was cool"
Kaitlyn
"Such a coool, short, and easy stop!
In the same parking area as Dunnings Springs. You walk about .5 miles down a paved road, closed due to erosion/road slippage. Must stay on the road, the sides are private property.
There was some construction at the entrance in late July 22 but you could still access it easily.
You can't walk in too far due to a collapse at the entrance of the cave, but it was still really cool to see and feel how cold it is at the entrance!"
Amanda Bird
"Nice diversion for a few minutes. If already at Dunning Springs, drive a little further, pull over at roadblock, proceed a few yards, and walk the steep historic steps. You will need a flashlight. Best seen in June/July. Ice gone by August."
Teresa Rogers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ice Cave Hill Park is located near Decorah, Iowa. It's often visited in conjunction with Dunning's Spring. From the parking area, you'll walk about 0.5 miles down a paved road, which may have temporary closures for maintenance. Always stay on the designated path.
Yes, there is a parking area. From there, you'll proceed on foot towards the cave.
No, the road leading directly to the cave is often blocked off for preservation and safety. You'll need to walk from the parking area.
Follow the paved road from the parking lot. While there might not be explicit signs, the path is generally clear.
The walk to the cave is on a paved road, but it can be steep in places. The cave entrance itself is limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ice Cave Hill Park is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit.
As a natural park, there are no set opening or closing hours. It's generally accessible during daylight hours.
You can only go a few feet into the cave entrance due to a natural collapse. It's more about experiencing the cool air at the opening.
There is no admission fee to visit Ice Cave Hill Park.
The cave is best experienced in late spring and early summer (June/July) when the ice is most prominent. By August, the ice is usually gone.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Use a flashlight to illuminate the glistening walls inside the cave entrance. The natural light at the opening can also be effective.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the paved path. Even in summer, the cave entrance is cool, so a light jacket might be nice. :athletic_shoe:
Yes, kids often find the cave cool and intriguing, even if they can't go far inside. It's a short and easy stop for them.
Dunning's Spring waterfall is right next door and highly recommended. Decorah itself offers many attractions.
A visit is typically very short, often just a few minutes to see the cave entrance and feel the cool air.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit