Steyer Opera House inducted into Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame

The Steyer Opera House at the Hotel Winneshiek will be inducted into the Iowa Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame over the weekend in Arnold's Park on Sunday.

Joseph B. Steyer opened Steyer's Opera House at Decorah in December of 1870. The building was constructed at a cost of $53,000 and housed commercial establishments on the first floor, offices and apartments on the second and a ballroom/hall on the top floor known as the Opera House.

In the past the Opera House has been used for wrestling matches, basketball games, roller skating, plays and rock and roll concerts and dances.  After Helen Basler purchased the property in 1997, she began a two-year project to restore the entire building to its original grandeur. It was sold to Rebound Enterprises Inc. in 2009 and continues in operation today.

Today the Steyer Opera House is adorned with five chandeliers, pressed tin ceilings, mezzanine and main floor seating.