Amana Colonies, Iowa: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever thought about going back in time and diving into a unique German-American culture? The Amana Colonies in eastern Iowa are your ticket. They're a mix of history, culture, and fun attractions. Since 1965, these seven historic villages have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

They're eager to explore the rich history and culture here. It's a place where the past meets the present.

Key Takeaways

• The Amana Colonies offer a step back in time to a unique German-American heritage.
• Visitors can explore the seven historic villages, discover the colonies' rich history, and indulge in German cuisine.
• The Amana Colonies feature a variety of festivals, outdoor activities, art and culture, and handcrafted goods.
• Visitors can experience breweries, wineries, and unique accommodations in the Amana Colonies.
• The Amana Colonies have been a National Historic Landmark since 1965, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

What secrets and stories lie waiting to be uncovered in the Amana Colonies? Get ready for a journey through this unique destination. Discover the best things to do in this historic Iowa gem.

Explore the Seven Historic Villages

The Amana Colonies in Iowa are a unique and captivating destination. They are made up of seven picturesque villages. These villages show off the region's rich history and communal way of life. Each village has its own special character, inviting visitors to dive into the Amana Colonies' cultural heritage.

Amana

Amana is the largest of the Amana Colonies villages. It's a bustling place with shops, restaurants, and historical sites. You can walk down the charming Main Street, which is about six blocks long. It's filled with clapboard homes, handcraft stores, and the famous Amana General Store.

East Amana

East Amana is a peaceful village with a deep history. It's home to the Amana Heritage Museum, which teaches about the colonies' religious community and its history. Don't miss the Amana Woolen Mill, which has been in business since 1857.

High Amana

High Amana sits on a hilltop and offers beautiful views. You can stroll through the village's streets, seeing historic buildings and the Amana Arts Guild. The guild showcases locally made artwork and textiles.

Middle Amana

Middle Amana is a quiet village that shows the Amana Colonies' focus on self-sufficiency and communal living. You can see the communal kitchens and the Amana Meat Shop. The meat shop is famous for its high-quality meats and mail-order services.

South Amana

South Amana has a unique character, with family-style dining and the Ox Yoke Inn, known for its German dishes. You can also visit local wineries and breweries like Ackerman Winery and Millstream Brewing Co. to try the Amana Colonies' drinks.

West Amana

In West Amana, you'll find the peaceful Buh Schloss, a charming bed and breakfast. It's perfect for those looking for a cozy and relaxing stay. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the Amana Colonies' biking trails and beautiful landscapes.

Homestead

Homestead is the seventh and final Amana Colony. It's a peaceful place for visitors to explore. You can learn about the colonies' history and culture at the Amana Heritage Museum. The museum gives a full view of this unique community.

Each of the Amana Colonies' seven villages has its own story to tell. This makes it a top spot for those wanting to learn about the region's rich heritage and lively present-day scene.

Discover the Amana Colonies History

The Amana Colonies in Iowa let visitors explore a unique communal society's rich history. At the center is the Amana Heritage Museum, in three 19th-century buildings.

Amana Heritage Museum

The Amana Heritage Museum is full of exhibits that show the colonies' growth and the lives of its people. It has interactive displays and guides. These help visitors understand the Amana Colonies' history and the communal life once here.

Guided Tours

Guided tours give a closer look at the Amana Colonies' history. They show what life was like for the community and the role of the communal kitchens. These kitchens once served meals to everyone.

Communal Kitchens

The communal kitchens were key to the Amana Colonies' life. The last one still stands today. It was where people came together to eat and feel connected. Visiting these kitchens shows the deep cultural roots of the Amana Colonies.

The story of the Amana Colonies is one of resilience, community, and preserving culture. By visiting the museum, taking tours, and seeing the communal kitchens, you dive into the amazing story of this unique American place.

Indulge in German Cuisine

Dining in the Amana Colonies is a must for many, with a big focus on German cuisine. Family-style restaurants like the famous Ox Yoke Inn have been serving big, shared meals for over 75 years. You'll find dishes like chicken, roast beef, sauerbraten, and wiener schnitzel, plus homemade soups, salads, and desserts.

The Amana Colonies also have vegan and vegetarian options for those who prefer plant-based meals. Whether you like traditional German dishes or modern meatless ones, you'll find something to enjoy.

Family-Style Restaurants

In the Amana Colonies, dining is all about sharing. Family-style restaurants offer big portions of traditional German food. You'll get to share platters of roasted meats, side dishes, and homemade desserts. It's like dining with family, just like in the colonies' old days.

Ox Yoke Inn

The Ox Yoke Inn has been a favorite in the Amana Colonies since 1940. It's famous for its real German cuisine, like sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, and apple strudel. The inn's cozy, rustic feel and friendly staff make it a top spot for dining in the Amana Colonies.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Even though the Amana Colonies are known for German food, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options too. You'll find everything from veggie-packed main dishes to tasty meatless desserts. So, everyone can find something they like.

"The food in the Amana Colonies is a true taste of Germany, with family-style dining and classic dishes that have been perfected over generations."

Shop for Handcrafted Goods

The Amana Colonies are famous for their amazing handcrafted goods. They show off the rich history and skilled craftsmanship of this historic place. As you walk through the seven charming villages, you'll find shops full of unique items. You can find everything from cozy blankets and tasty double-smoked summer sausage to beautiful furniture and carved art.

Amana Furniture Shop

At the Amana Furniture Shop, you'll see beautiful furniture made in the Amana Colonies since the 1850s. These pieces are made with great care and show the timeless beauty and strength that make Amana furniture so popular. They have been loved by families for many years.

Amana Woolen Mill

The Amana Woolen Mill is the oldest business in the Amana Colonies. It's a place you must visit if you want to see high-quality textiles that show the true spirit of the Amana community. You can find handwoven rugs, quilts, and other textiles here. These items are made by the skilled weavers of Amana.

There's more than just the Amana Furniture Shop and Amana Woolen Mill in the Amana Colonies. You'll find many specialty shops, art galleries, and craft studios. They offer a wide range of handcrafted goods. From custom signs and hand-dyed wool wraps to local produce and artisan pastas, there's something for every shopper in this unique historical place.

Amana Colonies, Iowa: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

The Amana Colonies in eastern Iowa are a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. They are a top spot in Iowa, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly. You can explore seven historic villages and try delicious German food for an experience you won't forget.

At the Amana Heritage Museum, you can learn about the Amana Society's history. This group of German immigrants came to the area in the 1850s. You can see how they lived through guided tours and communal kitchens.

For those who love crafts, the Amana Furniture Shop and Amana Woolen Mill are great spots. They offer furniture, textiles, pottery, and artwork made locally. The many shops and boutiques let you see the work of talented artisans.

Craft beer fans will love Millstream Brewing Co., Iowa's oldest brewery. Wine lovers can check out wineries like White Cross Cellars. There's also hiking, biking, and more on the Amana Colonies Recreational Trail.

The Amana Colonies have festivals and events all year, like Maifest, Oktoberfest, and Prelude to Christmas. These events let you dive into the local culture and traditions.

Whether you like history, food, shopping, or outdoor fun, the Amana Colonies have it all. Plan your trip to this charming Iowa spot and see the best it has to offer.

Experience the Breweries and Wineries

The Amana Colonies are famous for their brewing and winemaking. Visitors can dive into this tradition by checking out the top breweries and wineries.

Millstream Brewing Co.

Millstream Brewing Co. leads Amana's beer scene. It's Iowa's first craft brewery, started in 1985. They make tasty German-style beers. Visit their taproom with 20 rotating taps to try their award-winning beers.

White Cross Cellars

White Cross Cellars is a new but fast-growing winery. It's known for its top-notch wines, from European styles to Californian favorites. They offer a wide variety of white and red wines.

"The Amana Colonies' brewing and winemaking traditions are a true reflection of the region's German heritage and commitment to quality craftsmanship."

If you love beer or wine, the Amana Colonies are a great place to explore. Check out the Amana Colonies breweries and Amana Colonies wineries. Learn about their history and how they make these drinks.

Outdoor Activities in Amana Colonies

The Amana Colonies sit in Iowa's scenic river valley, offering many outdoor activities. You can find adventure or peace here. The outdoors in the Amana Colonies has something for everyone.

The Amana Colonies Bike Trail is a 3-mile path through historic villages. It's perfect for those who love cycling. For a bigger challenge, try the Amana Colonies Gravel Bike Route. It connects Middle Amana to other villages and has hills.

Hiking fans will love the Amana Colonies Nature Trail. It's a 3.2-mile path through a beautiful hardwood timber. You'll see amazing views of nature. Or, enjoy canoeing or kayaking on the Iowa River, which runs through the area.

The Amana RV Park & Event Center is great for motorsports fans. It hosts the Omaha Speed Racers event. For a chill day, check out the Millstream Brewing Co. and Price Creek Event Center. They have summer concerts and outdoor activities.

Looking for nature, adventure, or a quiet spot? The Amana Colonies have it all. It's a chance to dive into the area's history and beauty.

Explore Art and Culture

The Amana Colonies show off the area's deep artistic and cultural roots. At the center is the Amana Arts Guild. It's a key spot for learning and making art, thanks to its many classes and workshops.

Amana Arts Guild

The Amana Arts Guild is buzzing with creativity. It's where local artists show off their skills in pottery, weaving, painting, and woodworking. Here, visitors can try their hand at these crafts, learn from the pros, and appreciate the Amana Colonies' artistic past.

Galleries and Exhibitions

There's more to see than just the Arts Guild. The Amana Colonies have many galleries and exhibitions. They feature the art of local and regional artists. You'll see paintings, sculptures, and more that tell the story of this special place.

If you love art or just want to dive into the Amana Colonies' culture, you'll find plenty to do. The area is full of chances to experience its lively art scene.

Attend Festivals and Events

The Amana Colonies in Iowa are alive with festivals and events all year. They celebrate the community's German heritage and traditions. Visitors can dive into the culture with the Maifest in spring, Oktoberfest, and Prelude to Christmas.

Maifest: Honoring Spring's Arrival

Every May, the Amana Colonies welcome spring with Maifest. This festival honors the season change. You can see Maipole dancers, enjoy German music and food, and join in family activities.

Oktoberfest: A Harvest Celebration

When harvest comes, the Amana Colonies celebrate Oktoberfest. You can dance to Bavarian music, taste German food and craft beers, and join in traditions that honor the land's bounty.

Prelude to Christmas: A Winter Wonderland

The Amana Colonies sparkle during the holidays with Prelude to Christmas. You can walk through the Tannenbaum Forest, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy the cozy German Christmas vibe.

These festivals and events let you experience the Amana Colonies' culture and traditions. They make lasting memories for all who visit.

Stay in Unique Accommodations

For an authentic Amana Colonies experience, visitors can choose to stay in historic inns or cozy bed and breakfasts within the charming villages. These unique accommodations offer a chance to immerse themselves in the area's rich heritage and communal way of life.

Historic Inns

The Amana Colonies' inns are nestled among historic buildings, giving guests a peek into the past. Many of these properties have been carefully restored. They feature 19th-century architecture and furnishings that take guests back in time. Guests can expect comfortable suites, welcoming hosts, and amenities that reflect the colonies' traditions.

Bed and Breakfasts

Amana Colonies' bed and breakfasts offer a more intimate and personalized lodging experience. These cozy spots are often in the villages, letting guests connect with the local community. Guests can enjoy homemade breakfasts, unique artwork, and the warm hospitality the Amana Colonies are known for.

Whether you pick a historic inn or a cozy bed and breakfast, staying in the Amana Colonies will be memorable. These unique places let you step back in time. You'll get to experience the charming history and culture of this unique Iowa spot.

Conclusion

The Amana Colonies in Iowa offer a unique experience that combines history, culture, and fun. Visitors can explore seven historic villages and learn about the past. They can also enjoy German food, buy handcrafted items, and try local breweries and wineries.

There's something for everyone here, from adventure seekers to those looking for culture or peace. The Amana Colonies are a top spot for anyone wanting to experience the American dream. They celebrate the spirit of this special community.

The Amana Colonies mix old heritage with new attractions, making it a top spot for a Midwestern visit. You'll find historic buildings, lively festivals, and a mix of past and present. It's perfect for history buffs, art lovers, or outdoor enthusiasts.

In short, the Amana Colonies in Iowa are a key place for celebrating German-American culture. They offer a wide range of activities and cultural experiences. Visitors get to experience both the past and present, making memories that last a lifetime.