Welcome to Trout River Log Cabin, a rustic 19th century Norwegian-built log house nestled in the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa, just seven miles from downtown Decorah, or three from TG Brewing. The cabin is open seasonally from April to October. Our family farm with its many acres of perennial grass fields, timber, and meandering Trout River is absolutely gorgeous. And while you're at it be sure to check out our other overnight stay, Decorah House, located five blocks from downtown Decorah.

The space
The cabin is really special. The walls are rich and textured and the colors are deep and vibrant. Pretty much everything you see, from the beadboard ceilings to the wood floors, were reclaimed from 19th century Norwegian-American log buildings. The cabin is really small and compact and measures just 17'x18'. But it has a functional kitchen, a really nice tiled shower, a mini split heat pump for AC and heating, and a gorgeous view of the Trout River valley.

The cabin was built originally in the 1850s as a Norwegian-Lutheran parochial school. Built of old growth oak, walnut, and elm trees, the house feels rich and textured, the product of a different era. In 1898 it was disassembled, moved across a field, and rebuilt as a house by Norwegian immigrant Peter Losen. It remained lived in until the late 1970s and fell into disrepair. In 2007 we disassembled the house, moved it to its present site, and spent three years lovingly restoring it. We warmly welcome you.

The cabin comfortably sleeps two. Upstairs is a comfy yet firm queen size bed. Linens and blankets are provided. There is a pullout twin sized bed that can accommodate a third person. The pullout bed is in the same space as the queen bed. Please note the steps to the upstairs are curvy and steep and that the bathroom is on the main level. Take care!

On the main level you'll find a small yet totally functional kitchen stocked with all the kitchen supplies you'll need. We also supply fair trade and organic Kickapoo coffee and teas. Also on the main level you'll find comfy arm chairs, a kitchen table, a bookshelf of interesting books, board games, photo albums of the log cabin restoration and information of the surrounding area.

The bathroom is on the main floor and the shower is upstairs in the bedroom. Both the bathroom and shower are stocked with organic soaps, shampoo and conditioner. Towels and wash cloths are provided.

Guest access
The porch is wonderful with amazing views of Trout River valley. The landscape is absolutely stunning and we think you'll agree! There is a fire ring with supplied firewood. With various infestations, please don’t bring your own wood.

You're welcome to fish and swim in Trout River. You can get to the stream by way of a five-ten minute path down the hill and through the woods. We recently won an award for our conservation practices, which include set-aside Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) native prairie lands around the stream and throughout the farm, stream bank stabilization, tree planting, and public fishing access. For forty years we've owned the only piece of private ground on Trout River that's open to public fishing and we're proud of that. You're welcome to hike the many trails, birdwatch, and poke around the farm as much as you'd like. But sorry, no hunting.

Your cell phone and Verizon cellular data work great here, but sorry, no TV or WIFI internet access. And AT&T coverage throughout the Driftless area is pretty terrible and unreliable.

Other things to note
The house measures 17'x18' and is two stories. Everything is tight and compact, but also surprisingly functional. Downstairs is the kitchen/living room and half bath. Upstairs is the bedroom and shower. The steps to the upstairs are curved and steep. Take care! If you're looking to spread out and want modern conveniences like TV, internet, a dishwasher, etc, this definitely isn't the place for you.

The cabin is 160 years old and sits in the country. There are bugs and long grass. The house is quirky and has resident crickets in the late summer months. If you're willing to put up with all that, you're in for a super relaxing and worthwhile time.

Our insurance does not allow guests to use the wood stove. Sorry.