About

There’s nothing “fickle” about the quality and service you will receive at The Fickle Frog, one of Corning, Iowa’s premier shopping destinations. Donna Hogan, owner, has a 30 year history in delighting guests and showcasing over 100 artists from around the world (nation). In 1981, Donna started on her adventure, purchasing Acorn Pottery from Red Oak business owners Ruth and Gordon Will. Her entrepreneurial spirit and flair for design transitioned an area of her home into business. Strategically located among three metro areas, Donna opened a second shop in a fanciful house in Valley Junction (Des Moines) and the idea of the “The Fickle Frog” spawned (or perhaps at that time a twirky tadpole) with trusty cohort and sister-in-law, Kim Leonard hopping (grin) into action.

After 16 months of swimmingly (groan) good business the house sold to another. At the same time, the Hogan family was growing (3 tadpoles of her own with a Bullfrog) and Donna chose to relocate both businesses on main street in Corning. In tadpole to froggy fashion Donna remodeled part of the building with merchandise from the Valley Junction store, then several years later grew a little larger by opening a year-round Christmas room. In 1995, another area morphed into an Espresso Bar – a local and visitor fan favorite! Four years later Donna took a gigantic leap and with chef extraordinaire Lori Bain launched The Fickle Frog Tearoom, 3 days a week for lunch (no flies allowed). Currently, lunch is served by reservations only for armies of eight or more (Did you know a group of frogs was called an army? – neither did we.)

Most recently, a Children and Baby’s room has sprung up where the Christmas room used to be. Launch yourself from your pad to ours and check out some of the great books for all ages as well as many baby gifts, or warm up with one of the specialty drinks in our Espresso Bar, the Milky Way latte is always a hit. In the time it takes for the frog to flick out it’s tongue you can snatch up some gourmet foods, bedazzle yourself with a one-of-a kind jewel, develop a new style of home décor, or discover the perfect gift for that special someone. Merchandise is always changing as Donna travels to shows around the country. We can’t wait to meet you, stop by and let us know what you think of our website, just remember . . . no croaking allowed!