If there's one thing that Iowa has a bit of a shortage of, it's tunnels. There's only one highway tunnel in the whole state! There are a handful of train tunnels, some of which have been converted to rail-trail features for hikers and bikers to enjoy. But by and large, the vast majority of tunnels in the state of Iowa are of nature's own making, including wedged boulder tunnels, natural caves, and an Iowa tree tunnel or two.
There are so many natural wonders in the Decorah, Iowa area. Waterfalls. Bluffs. Rivers. With all this beauty taking front and center stage when it comes to Decorah's natural attractions, it would be easy to miss the treasure hidden within Barbara Barnhart Van Peenen (also often spelled Van Peenan) Memorial Park.
Van Peenan Park, as it's known to the locals, is the Decorah area's largest park. It covers 120 acres on the outskirts of the town. Perched on a bluff overlooking Decorah, the park features excellent views, miles of trails, acres of prairie, and a variety of wildlife (it's a designated wildlife area, in fact, so don't expect picnicking and camping facilities).
Plus, it connects (by trail) to some of the area's best attractions: Dunnings Spring, Ice Cave HIll, Palisades Park.
And on top of all that, tucked away along the lightly trafficked Van Peenen Park Loop Trail, is a stretch of woods known as "The Pines." Actually, there are two stretches of woods that lay claim to this moniker.
And, as you might suspect, "The Pines" portion of the trail features a magical Iowa tree tunnel - one of the most magical evergreen tree tunnels found anywhere in the state.
This Iowa tree tunnel trail is accessible year-round, especially if you have access to a pair of cross country skis. Even mountain bikers enjoy a ride through "The Pines" at Van Peenen if the trail conditions aren't too muddy.
To learn more about visiting Barbara Barnhart Van Peenen Memorial Park, with its stunning Iowa tree tunnel, see the Visit Decorah website here. You can also view the whole Van Peenen Trail Loop here on Alltrails. And if tree tunnels are your happy place, then check out the one at Wildcat Den State Park in Iowa as well!
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