WINNESHIEK COUNTY, IOWA | 10 MILES SOUTH OF DECORAH
Just 10 miles south of Decorah lies Calmar, a charming small town nestled in Winneshiek County. With a population of just over 1,100, Calmar is a place where trailheads meet taprooms, and local flavor and creativity shine. Whether you’re passing through or planning a scenic detour, Calmar offers big experiences in a small-town setting.
A NOD TO HISTORY
Founded in 1854 and named after Kalmar, Sweden, Calmar’s roots are steeped in railroad and immigrant history. The Calmar Passenger Depot, a beautiful 1915 structure now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, marks the town’s railroad legacy and serves as a launching point for the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail, a 20-mile scenic path connecting Calmar to Cresco.
RAISE A GLASS AT PIVO BREWERY & BLEPTA STUDIOS
Calmar is home to the award-winning PIVO Brewery, where more than 40 taps rotate through locally brewed beer, cider, and soda. But PIVO is more than a brewery—Blepta Studios, located in the same space, showcases original artwork and offers workshops, exhibits, and classes. It’s the perfect stop for both art lovers and craft beer enthusiasts.
FUEL UP AT EUPHORIA COFFEE
A must-visit for caffeine lovers, Euphoria Coffee Calmar offers hand-crafted beverages in a cozy, modern space right in the heart of town. Locally roasted and always welcoming, it’s a favorite spot for students, cyclists, and travelers alike.
DAIRY DISCOVERY AT IOWA’S DAIRY CENTER
Calmar is a hub for agricultural education, thanks to Iowa’s Dairy Center, a hands-on experience where visitors can learn how dairy products go from farm to fridge. Tour the robotic milking systems, meet the herd, and experience what modern farming looks like up close.
EDUCATION MEETS INNOVATION AT NICC
Right next door is Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), a vibrant campus that fuels Calmar’s future. NICC is a leader in hands-on learning and workforce training, and its presence adds energy, diversity, and opportunity to the community. Visitors can often catch public events, educational workshops, and cultural exhibits hosted on campus.
TRAIL TIME & OUTDOOR ESCAPES
Lace up your walking shoes or grab your bike—Calmar connects to some of the best trails in northeast Iowa. The Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail is a quiet, scenic route perfect for bikers and birders, while nearby Lake Meyer County Park offers fishing, kayaking, and peaceful camping options just minutes from town.
SMALL TOWN, BIG FLAVOR
Hungry? Calmar’s food scene delivers. Try Los Dos Amigos for crowd-favorite Mexican fare. Don’t miss The Smokey Dough for brick oven pizza, calzones, broasted chicken, pasta, and more. Also look for local food truck pop-ups on summer weekends!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Whether you’re exploring with kids, on a couples getaway, or looking for a quiet recharge, Calmar makes a perfect side trip from Decorah. With a vibrant arts scene, beautiful outdoor spaces, great local food and drink, and rich cultural roots, Calmar is one of northeast Iowa’s best-kept secrets.
