The Highlands

The Highlands is a skilled nursing community perched in Decorah, Iowa — one of the most scenic and culturally rich small cities in the Midwest. Located at 607 Highland Drive, the community benefits from Decorah's dramatic Driftless Area landscape, where limestone bluffs, the Upper Iowa River, and lush wooded valleys create an environment of uncommon natural beauty. As a nonprofit corporation, The Highlands directs its resources toward compassionate care and community commitment rather than profit generation, reflecting the cooperative values long embedded in this corner of northeast Iowa. Decorah is home to Luther College, a nationally recognized liberal arts institution whose campus events, concerts, and public programming enrich the cultural life of the entire community — including seniors and their families. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, one of the finest ethnic museums in the United States, speaks to Decorah's proud Scandinavian heritage and draws visitors from across the country. Phelps Park offers walking paths and picnic areas within the city, while the Upper Iowa River corridor provides canoeing, trout fishing, and scenic vistas that make every season in Decorah memorable. For medical care, Winneshiek Medical Center — a critical access hospital affiliated with Mayo Clinic Health System — is located within Decorah, providing families with confidence that specialized and emergency services are close at hand. This affiliation with Mayo Clinic's regional network is a significant advantage for residents requiring complex care coordination. The Highlands' nonprofit structure means the community remains deeply accountable to the people it serves. Care teams are stable, long-tenured, and deeply familiar with both residents' needs and the rhythms of Decorah life. For families seeking skilled nursing in a setting that combines clinical quality with natural beauty and Midwestern warmth, The Highlands represents a genuinely compelling choice.