When June weather fills the state with warmth, you’ll see families enjoying the sunshine at one of Iowa’s gorgeous state parks. But if you journey to Decorah, you’ll find a starkly different sight. Ice Cave State Preserve is known for an unusual phenomenon: a cave filled with ice in the middle of our hottest months. No matter when you explore this unique natural attraction, you’ll be filled with awe. Come see why the Decorah Ice Cave is one of the strangest places you go can in Iowa.
As one of the largest caverns with ice in the Midwest, this destination is truly a sight to see.
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You’ll find this geological marvel inside Barbara Barnhard VanPeenen Memorial Park.
Greg Davis/AllTrails The surrounding area is full of picturesque views. Carve out some time to really enjoy the surrounding nature.
To reach the cave, you’ll have to climb a steep set of stairs.
Kelly B/TripAdvisor But we promise the effort is worth it! Everyone should explore this strange destination in Iowa at least once.
Soon you’ll reach the cave’s entrance.
Tim K/Google Images
The cave is made out of 450-million-year-old limestone and dolomite, but that’s not the only thing that will dazzle you.
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During the heat of summer, this cave is full of ice!
Kelly B/TripAdvisor But why do we still see ice during the warmest months? The answer is fascinating. Every winter, frigid winter air seeps into the cracks in the cave and lowers the rock’s temperature. When it thaws in the spring, water seeps into the cave’s cold walls and freezes on contact.
You’ll see the most ice during June, but it’s a fascinating place to visit year-round.
david coffey/Google Images To learn more about this incredible place in Iowa, check out the website for the Decorah Ice Cave.
Have you ever been to the Decorah Ice Cave? What do you think is the strangest place you can go in Iowa? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Denvergal1234/TripAdvisor
Greg Davis/AllTrails
The surrounding area is full of picturesque views. Carve out some time to really enjoy the surrounding nature.
Kelly B/TripAdvisor
But we promise the effort is worth it! Everyone should explore this strange destination in Iowa at least once.
Tim K/Google Images
Kristopher Knechel/Google Images
But why do we still see ice during the warmest months? The answer is fascinating. Every winter, frigid winter air seeps into the cracks in the cave and lowers the rock’s temperature. When it thaws in the spring, water seeps into the cave’s cold walls and freezes on contact.
david coffey/Google Images
To learn more about this incredible place in Iowa, check out the website for the Decorah Ice Cave.
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Address: Ice Cave Road, Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
