New Visitors Center at the Decorah Fish Hatchery - KWWL.com

The Decorah Fish Hatchery, made world-famous by the online Decorah Eagle Cam, has a new visitors center for its guests. Community members met the new center Friday morning with the cutting of the fishing line. Private donations made the center possible.

"This is the only building that's ever been attempted on state property that was 100 percent funded by private donations. The Friends of Decorah Fish Hatchery have gone out and got private donations and grants to help fund this whole project," said Brian Malaise, a hatchery manager.

It isn't just the funding that makes the center unique. The facilities are modern but the architecture is from another era.

Justin Boshell brought his family up from Des Moines to fish in the river that runs along the hatchery. It's a memory from his childhood Boshell hopes to continue with his two sons.

"Used to be a yearly thing. My grandpa, my sister, and I would come up here. We'd spend a few days up here trout fishing," said Justin Boshell.

No matter if you're a fisherman or bird watcher, the Decorah Fish Hatchery is ready for your visit.