Discover the Difference in the Colonies

When you arrive in the Amana Colonies, you will notice things are a bit different than other towns. Even the farmland and timber surrounding the Colonies looks different. Even if you've been visiting for years, you might not be able to put your finger on it - what makes the Colonies different? Take a tour - you'll start to understand the differences. Want to explore on your own? Bring your Visitors Guide to the Amana Heritage Museum and receive a free Historical Walking Tour guide map - it'll get you started in understanding how the Colonies are different from other towns, and it's a great, fun way to learn about the history!

Trails

To fully appreciate the beauty of the Colonies and Eastern Iowa, drive the Amana Colonies Trail which links the seven Amana villages via Highways 151, 6 and 220. Visit all seven villages, stop and see the sights, meet the locals and enjoy the unique experience of traveling one of the most scenic and historical drives in the Midwest. The trail twice crosses the Millrace Canal and the Iowa River and offers unspoiled views of the villages, prairie, wetlands, and Amana Farms.

As you travel through the Colonies, you might see something unexpected - Amana Farms, Inc. has partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in several projects to reintroduce and repopulate endangered, native species. Trumpeter swans, river otter, grouse and wild turkey now make their home here thanks to these efforts, along with a healthy population of whitetail deer, waterfowl, red tail hawks, songbirds, eagles, coyotes and fox. In addition to animal species, Amana Farms has reintroduced several native grasses and wildflowers and restored lost wetlands along the Iowa River Valley, creating abundant habitat for both flora and fauna.

Open year-round, the 3.1 mile Kolonieweg Recreational Trail links the villages of Amana and Middle Amana circling the Lily Lake and extending along the historical Millrace canal. From the trail you'll see unmatched views of prairie and lake, and gain a new perspective of Amana's 140-year-old canal. Much of the trail is paved, however the stretch along the canal levee is crushed limestone. As you walk or bike the trail alongside the Lake and Millrace, watch for bald eagles, geese, ducks, beavers, muskrats, wild turkeys and river otters. Access the trail via the Lily Lake parking and picnic area on Highway 220 between Amana and Middle Amana or at the Amana Depot in the village of Amana.

The rustic Amana Colonies Nature Trail allows you to experience Amana on the wild side as it winds through the Amana forest and continues to the steep bluffs overlooking the Iowa River. You can walk the unpaved, woodland trail, or if there is snow on the ground, bring your cross-country skis and ski the 3.2 mile trail. Prehistoric Native American mounds and geologic features are noted on the trail, but its appeal is more than educational, as you will discover when you enter the forest and continue down a path that is timeless. The trailhead parking lot is located just north of Homestead near the intersection of Highways 151 and 6.

Golf

The Amana Colonies Golf Club is recognized as one of the top, 18-hole championship courses in the Midwest and perhaps one of the most scenic courses in the region. Consistently ranked highly by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, the course has won many national honors.

Open to the public, you can reserve your tee time, arrange for a group or business outing, take lessons from staff pros and practice your swing on what has to be one of the most spectacular driving ranges anywhere. Or just relax in the clubhouse and enjoy the view. The Amana Colonies Golf Club offers lodging just steps away from the course and dining at the Clubhouse and gladly accommodates groups.

With five sets of tees, the course accommodates all skill levels, but whether you're a golf novice or club champ, you'll be impressed by the sheer beauty of this pristine course.

Touring the Colonies

The Amana Colonies Barn Tour is unlike anything else you've ever done on vacation. First you'll explore century-old barns and hear about a vanishing heritage and way of life. These barns, most of which are over 130 years old, are ingeniously designed and seeing them with a guide who can explain their history, is a truly exceptional opportunity. You'll also tour Amana Farms, Inc. - one of the most advanced agricultural operations in the region - and learn about farming in the Colonies today. The Amana Colonies Barn Tour offers an unforgettable experience for you, your family or group. Contact the Amana Heritage Society for details.

The Amana Colonies by Car: an Audio Driving Tour is an easy-to-use CD; that provides an entertaining, point-by-point tour of the seven villages while offering insight regarding life in communal Amana and information about Amana history, architecture and lore. The CD is narrated by local residents and features an original musical soundtrack. The CD can be purchased at many local shops and at the Amana Colonies Visitors Center.

Take the Amana GPS Adventure. Stop by the Amana Heritage Museum in the village of Amana and receive your first coordinates. You may use your own GPS system or borrow a hand-held unit from the Museum. Then follow as the coordinates lead you on a chase around the Colonies. A great teaching tool for kids, the GPS Adventure concludes when you discover your token treasure. Contact the Amana Heritage Museum at 319-622-3567 or www.amanaheritage.org for additional information.

Enjoy Art Night in the Amana Colonies various Friday evenings May - August (see Event Calendar for specific dates). Here's a chance to explore behind the scenes as Amana Colony artisans open their galleries, workshops and studios for this relaxed, self-guided, evening tour. Refreshments are served, and there is no admission fee. Signs are posted outside participating galleries and workshops, and you can pick up a brochure with a map at the Amana Colonies Visitors Center, at the Amana Arts Guild Center or at a participating gallery.

The Amana Colonies have always been a favorite with groups of all kinds. Whether you are here for a convention, family reunion, RV rally or on a motorcoach excursion, be sure to schedule a Group Tour with one of our tour services. Step-on guide services are offered by the Amana Heritage Society, Colony Visits, the Colony Inn, the Ox Yoke Inn and the Ronneburg Restaurant. Group rates are available to Amana Heritage Sites through the Amana Heritage Society. The Old Creamery Theatre Company and the Iowa Theatre Artists Company offer group rates and ticket packages as well.

Camping

Pitch your tent, park your recreational vehicle, gather 'round the campfire - camping at the Amana Colonies RV Park offers you the opportunity to see and experience the villages from the comfort of your campsite.

The Amana Colonies RV Park, a 60-acre, full service, campground located in the heart of the Amana Colonies just 1/2 mile from the village of Amana, is a peaceful, scenic place to camp. Enjoy level campsites, full and partial hookups, showers, laundry, free Wi-Fi, a camp store and a four-vehicle sanitary station. The park offers over 400 RV sites as well as tent camping. Over 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space is available. The RV Park is open April - October with staff on duty year-round to help you plan your camping getaway or event. Large and small rallies welcome.

The Middle Amana Park, with self-registration, electrical hookups and fresh water available, offers fewer amenities but has a quiet appeal and lush landscape.