The Most Underrated College Towns Across America, From A to Z

52. Decorah, Iowa: Nordic Roots, Progressive Spirit

Home to Luther College, Decorah surprises with its Scandinavian soul and fiercely independent streak. Nestled in the Driftless Area, its limestone bluffs and cold-water streams are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. But what sets Decorah apart is its fusion of folk culture and forward thinking—bike trails, solar panels, seed-saving co-ops, and a legendary co-op grocery. The town’s Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and vibrant local festivals keep heritage alive, while students bring a steady hum of creativity. In Decorah, the past and future don’t clash—they sing in harmony. It's proof that even small towns can be quietly radical.