| Tour Planning Services | Sample Itineraries | Meeting Facilities |
The following are basic itineraries that can be altered depending on desired length of tour and interests of the group. For the best tour experience, schedule a full day of touring. Remember to utilize our Tour Planning Services: Colony Visits, a receptive tour planning service, Amana Heritage Society, or one of the participating restaurants for assistance in planning your tour, making reservations and arranging a local step-on guide. A local tour guide will help you navigate around the villages and brings the Amana story to life. A complete listing of these suppliers is found on the cover letter of this packet. Consult with each supplier individually regarding tour policies, cost, and hours of operation for each site.
Sample Itineraries
| Heritage & Hospitality | Shop'Till You Drop! | Farming in the Colonies | Barn Tour |
| The Deutsch & The Dutch | Maifest | European Christmas |
Heritage & Hospitality
A full day of touring in the Amana Colonies
MORNING: Begin your tour at the Amana Visitors Center, located in the village of Amana at 622 46th Ave. The Visitors Center has information on the Colonies and a new public restroom facility.
The Amana story is very unique; in fact there is no other religion like it any where in the world! Make your first stop the Amana Heritage Museum in the village of Amana where your group will discover the community's communal heritage and their religion of True Inspiration. (Allow at least 45 minutes). Continue on to the village of Middle Amana where your group will see an authentic communal kitchen just as it was when the last communal meal was served here in 1932. Right next door is the only original hearth oven bakery still in operation in the villages. On your way to the village of High Amana, you'll drive past Amana Refrigeration Products. Recently acquired by the Whirlpool Corporation, appliances have been manufactured here since 1934. (Unfortunately, the plant is not open for tours).
In the village of High Amana, drive past the village cemetery where your step-on guide will explain its uniqueness. The Amana Arts Guild Center (open May - September) features an array of fine art by local artists, special exhibits and periodic demonstrations.
Your group can see basket and broom making as well as a large (very large!) walnut rocking chair in the village of West Amana.
Before your group breaks for lunch, don't miss one of the most extensive collections of miniatures to be found anywhere in the country. The Mini-Americana Barn Museum in South Amana has been impressing visitors for over 25 years.
LUNCH: Food in the Amanas is legendary -- delicious and plentiful -- just as it was in the days of the communal kitchens. Enjoy a delicious family-style meal at one of our ACCVB member restaurants listed in the Dining/Specialty Foods section of the Visitors Guide (provided in this packet). Our restaurants are experienced with handling large groups and feature a variety of menu options.
AFTERNOON: Discover the religious heritage of the Colonies at the Amana Church in the village Homestead.
In addition to brooms and baskets, there are many other opportunities to see local artisans at work including furniture makers and wood crafters, painters, rug weavers and artists forging ironwork. Consult with your tour planner for a variety of possibilities. Make sure to include a stop at the historic Amana Woolen Mill where your group will see beautiful blankets and accessories being made, a tradition since 1857.
The Colonies boast a number of specialty food shops. A visit to the Amana Meat Shop is always a hit, topped off with sampling delicious fruit wines at one of the many wineries. Watch fudge being made the old-fashioned way or sample the nation's top rated root beer at Iowa's oldest micro-brewery. If your group is interested in more than just samples, schedule a visit to see the wine-making process up close or watch the brewmeisters at work at the micro-brewery.
Make sure you allow your group plenty of free time for shopping. In addition to Iowa's largest Christmas Shop, the villages overflow with unique specialty shops, including quilt and book shops, craft shops featuring locally made items, a gourmet kitchen shop, garden & home accessories, kid's toys and games, antique shops, coffee and tea shops, and designer clothing and jewelry shops. During communal times, there was a General Store in each of the villages. Today, three are open to the public where visitors can purchase souvenirs, food items, and or learn about the history of commerce in the Colonies. And remember, the shops at Little Amana, the "gateway" to the villages at I-80 Exit 225, are open until 8pm (depending on the season).
EVENING: Try another one of our legendary restaurants for dinner (don't worry; alternative menus are available if you desire something other than family-style this time).
If your tour falls between April and December, you must take in a performance by the Old Creamery Theatre Company, live professional theater at its finest! Comedies, musicals and more, your group will absolutely love this company and their spacious 300-seat theatre.
Wind down a wonderful day of touring at one of our comfortable hotels. A variety of properties - from limited to full-service - are available to groups. Consult the Accommodations section of the Visitors Guide.
Shop 'Til You Drop!
Amana, Coralville, Williamsburg . . . Oh My!
The Amana Colonies boasts nearly 60 unique specialty stores. Scattered throughout these seven quaint villages are quilt and needlework shops, quality antique shops, old-fashioned general stores, chocolate shops, a gourmet kitchen store, bakeries, a meat shop, coffee shops, wineries and a popular microbrewery. Iowa's largest Christmas room, chock full of unique holiday decorations and collectibles, is in the village of Amana. Talented artisans are hard at work making baskets, brooms, ironwork, heirloom furniture and clocks. The Amana Woolen Mill, in continuous operation since 1857, makes beautiful woolen blankets and accessories. Many of the shops are in the original homes of the communal settlers. Shopping in the Amana Colonies is a delightful -- and unique -- experience!
The Amana Colonies are located smack dab in the middle of two of Iowa's largest shopping malls, Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville (I-80 Exit 240), and Tanger Outlet Center in Williamsburg (I-80 Exit 220). Both offer specials for groups. Call 319-625-5500 for information on Coral Ridge Mall and 319-668-2885 for information on bringing a group to Tanger Outlet Center.
Farming in the Colonies-Past and Present
Communal-Era to High-Tech - A 1-Day Ag Tour
With over 7,000 tillable acres, 7,000 acres of grazing land for over 2,000 head of cattle, and 7,000 acres of hardwood forest, Amana Farms is one of the largest working farms in the Midwest. Colony Visits . . . Heritage Destinations hosts a delightful tour blending the history of the Amana Society farming operation with today's advanced methods. Guests will see a high-tech, 3,000 head cattle-feeding site and learn about the communal-era farming methods that preceded the Global Positioning Systems of today. The farm tour is enhanced with visits to the Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse; a winery to sample locally made fruit wines, and a village bakery with its original hearth oven. The Mini-Americana Barn Museum in South Amana features rural America in miniature. In fact, the museum houses the largest collection of miniatures built by one man, the late master woodworker Henry Moore. The Communal Agriculture Museum in South Amana has a unique collection of antique agricultural implements used on Amana's communal farms. Of course a mid-day 2-entrée, family style meal at one of the Colonies legendary restaurants is a highlight of the tour. For a specific itinerary, cost, and to schedule an ag tour in the Colonies, call Colony Visits . . . Heritage Destinations, 319-622-6178. This tour is seasonal May - October.
Looking for another unique Ag Tour?
Consider an Amana Colonies Barn Tour sponsored by the Amana Heritage Society.
With the Amana Colonies Barn Tour you will experience the unique history of agriculture in the Amana Colonies through historical barns. Wander through the kalberstall (dairy barn) in Amana, the gaulstall (horse barn) in High or the ochsenstall (ox barn) in South. Learn about adaptive re-use of barns, restoration projects and the architectural elements of barn construction. Tours can be customized to fit the interests of your group.
For more information on the Amana Colonies Barn Tour call the Amana Heritage Society at 319-622-3567.
The Deutsch & the Dutch!
The German culture of the Amanas combined with a little bit of Holland just 90 minutes away in the charming community of Pella - home of Pella Tulip Festival. No passport required for this 2-Day Tour!
DAY ONE
MORNING: Begin your 2-Day tour in the historical Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark tucked in the rolling hills of the Iowa River Valley. Make your first stop the Amana Heritage Museum in the village of Amana where your group will discover the community's communal heritage and their religion of True Inspirationalism. (Allow at least 45 minutes). Continue on to the village of Middle Amana where your group will see an authentic communal kitchen just as it was when the last communal meal was served here in 1932. Right next door is the only original hearth oven bakery still in operation in the villages. On your way to the village of High Amana, you'll drive past Amana Refrigeration Products. Recently acquired by the Whirlpool Corporation, appliances have been manufactured here since 1934. (Unfortunately, the plant is not open for tours).
In the village of High Amana, drive past the village cemetery. Next, the Amana Arts Guild Center (open May - September) features an array of fine art by local artists, special exhibits and periodic demonstrations.
Your group can see basket and broom making as well as a large (very large!) walnut rocking chair in the village of West Amana.
Before your group breaks for lunch, don't miss one of the most extensive collections of miniatures to be found anywhere in the country. The Mini-Americana Barn Museum in South Amana has been impressing visitors for over 25 years.
LUNCH: Food in the Amanas is legendary -- delicious and plentiful -- just as it was in the days of the communal kitchens. Enjoy a delicious family-style meal at one of our ACCVB member restaurants listed in the Dining/Specialty Foods section of the Visitors Guide (provided in this packet). Our restaurants are experienced with handling large groups and feature a variety of menu options.
AFTERNOON: Discover the religious heritage of the Colonies at the Amana Church in the village Homestead.
In addition to brooms and baskets, there are many other opportunities to see local artisans at work including furniture makers and woodcrafters, painters, rug weavers and artists forging ironwork. Consult with your tour planner for a variety of possibilities. Make sure to include a stop at the historic Amana Woolen Mill manufacturing beautiful blankets since 1857.
The Colonies boast a number of specialty food shops. A visit to the Amana Meat Shop is always a hit, topped off with sampling delicious fruit wines at one of the many wineries. Watch fudge being made the old-fashioned way or sample the nation's top rated root beer at Iowa's oldest micro-brewery. If your group is interested in more than just samples, schedule a visit to see the wine-making process up close or watch the brewmeisters at work at the micro-brewery.
Make sure you allow your group plenty of free time for shopping. In addition to Iowa's largest Christmas Shop, the villages overflow with unique specialty shops, including quilt and book shops, craft shops featuring locally made items, a gourmet kitchen shop, garden & home accessories, kids toys and games, antique shops, coffee and tea shops, and designer clothing and jewelry shops. During communal times, there was a General Store in each of the villages. Today, three are open to the public where visitors can purchase souvenirs and food items, or learn about the history of commerce in the Colonies. And remember, the shops at Little Amana, the "gateway" to the villages at I-80 Exit 225, are open until 8pm (depending on the season).
EVENING: Enjoy another terrific meal at one of our restaurants. (Don't worry; alternative menus are also available if your group wants a bit of a change from family style this time).
The Old Creamery Theatre Company would be a great choice for evening entertainment. This is live professional theater at its finest. Comedies, musicals and more from April through December, five days a week. Call 800-352-6262 for a schedule and information on group rates.
Adjourn to your Amana Colonies hotel for a safe, comfortable, and affordable stay.
Remember to utilize Colony Visits, a receptive tour planning service, the Amana Heritage Society, or one of the participating restaurants for assistance in planning your Amana Colonies tour, making reservations and arranging a local step-on guide. A local tour guide will help you navigate around the villages and brings the Amana story to life. A complete listing of these suppliers is found on the cover letter of this packet. Consult with each supplier individually regarding tour policies, cost, and hours of operation for each site.
The German culture of the Amanas combined with a little bit of Holland in the charming town of Pella.
DAY TWO
MORNING: Now, it's time for your group to discover another European culture, 90 miles down the road in the charming Dutch community of Pella.
Arrive at the Pella Historical Village - a 22-building complex including Wyatt Earp's boyhood home, wooden shoe shop, log cabin, miniature Dutch Village display and an authentic 1850 Dutch grain windmill. During the morning, your local step-on guide will point out the attractions throughout the community.
LUNCH: Dine at one of Pella's unique restaurants, cafes or coffee houses.
AFTERNOON: Tour one of Pella's most elegant treasures, a beautifully restored 1900's Opera House where your group will also enjoy a brief organ concert. The Klokkenspel, a Carillion clock with eight four-foot animated mechanical figures that move to music, will delight your group. Next, tour the Scholte House and Gardens. The elegant home of Pella's founder features an outstanding collection of European antiques and exquisite gardens.
Pella's town square is brimming with a variety of specialty shops so make sure you allow plenty of time for shopping including a trip to the Van Veen Chocolate Store, In't Veld Meat Market and of course Jaarsma Bakery, home of those tasty Dutch letters!
For a specific itinerary, cost and to make reservations for your Pella tour, contact the Pella Convention & Visitors Bureau, 641-628-2626 or 888-746-3882, www.pella.org.
EVENING: Depart for your Amana Colonies hotel.
Amana's Maifest Spring Celebration & Pella's Tulip Festival
Two of the Midwest's favorite spring celebrations create a delightful 2-Day Tour!
This combination is one of the most popular 2-Day Tour combinations anywhere! The Amana Colonies ushers in the return of spring with their colorful Maifest celebration, always the first Saturday and Sunday in May (verify these dates at www.amanacolonies.com). Pella's famous Tulip Festival is the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday in May providing an opportunity to combine these two celebrations and two unique cultures into one fantastic value-added tour!
Maifest makes the village of Amana extra special with wonderful German food, musical entertainment, working crafters and Maipole dancing.
During "Tulip Time," Pella celebrates their Dutch heritage with daily parades, live theatre, crafters, music, Dutch costumes and of course, a few thousand colorful tulips!
A European Christmas - in Iowa!
Two unique cultures combine their favorite holiday festivals for a value added experience!
Twinkling lights, unique customs, live theatre, special demonstrations, holiday house tours, and of course wonderful holiday shopping. Consider a 2-Day Tour during the Colonies' Prelude to Christmas festival and Pella's Christmas Tour of Homes. Both of these events overlap to give your group an extra special dose of two very unique European cultures - no passport required!
Remember to utilize Colony Visits, a receptive tour planning service, Amana Heritage Society, or one of the participating restaurants for assistance in planning your Maifest or Prelude to Christmas tour and arranging a local step-on guide. A complete listing of these suppliers is found on the cover letter of this packet. Consult with each supplier individually regarding tour policies, cost, and hours of operation for each site. For your group tour of Pella, call the Pella Historical Society 641-628-4311 or the Pella Convention & Visitors Bureau, 888-746-3882, www.pella.org.