Finding something to do in the Amana Colonies is no chore. See Iowa’s largest walnut rocker or experience one of our multiple historical museums. We also have many festivals, both large and small, as well as host many niche groups, such as classic car clubs and culinary events. There is always something special to experience in the Amana Colonies throughout the year.
Celebrate our German heritage with Maipole dancers at our spring Maifest or polka the night away with the Burgermeister at Iowa’s original Oktoberfest. Don’t miss our month long holiday celebration featuring Tannenbaum Forest and Prelude to Christmas. Start the New Year off with Winterfest in the Amana Colonies and fully embrace Iowa’s January weather with our outdoor games and many indoor activities. From the machine museum to the 19th century intact communal-era kitchen, the entertainment possibilities are endless in the Amana Colonies.
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Millstream Brewing Co. is Iowa’s original craft brewery. It all started in 1985 with a dream and a small batch of German Pilsner. Today, Millstream produces nearly 8,000 barrels of beer and soda each year. That equals 2.5 million pints (in case you were counting). Our Amana, Iowa taproom features 20 rotating beers on tap, new releases each week, and some of the best live music in the Midwest. There’s no better way to spend your day than sitting along the banks of the Amana millstream with the sun in your face, a cold beer in your hand, and a
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Tom Milligan has been a working theatrical professional for the past 45+ years, working as an actor, director, scene designer, producer, and writer. Originally from Des Moines, companies credited to his resume include Charlie’s Showplace Dinner Theatre, The Drake Opera, The Drama Workshop, The Old Creamery Theatre Company, The Iowa Theatre Artists Company, as well as many other arts groups around the state. Deb Kennedy has been working professionally for the past 25 years, working throughout the Midwest onstage, offstage, touring, and occasionally onscreen. Deb & Tom’s career paths crossed in 2005, where they quickly realized they were a
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The name “Brau Haus” simply means “Brewing House!” For years the Brewery owners had said that it would be wonderful to add an authentic German Bierhalle to the Amana Colonies. In August 2016, the Millstream Brau Haus was born! Adding the Brau Haus gave the Brewery the opportunity to make more ‘one of a kind’ brews and specialty beers only to be sold in the Brau Haus! And of course, these special brews are complemented by delicious German-style pub food! Under new ownership, the Brau Haus continues the tradition of serving delicious German-inspired food in a festive, welcoming atmosphere. No
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The Amana Colonies Visitors Center is located in the village of Amana, in a restored corn crib. Make it your first stop for information about the Amana Colonies. Pick up a visitors guide, map or brochures for area businesses. Menus for Amana Colonies restaurants are also available. The Visitors Center also houses the offices of the Amana Colonies Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB). Founded in 1965, the ACCVB is the oldest organized Convention & Visitors Bureau in Iowa. Lodging The Visitors Center can assist you in planning your overnight accommodations. Information for local bed & breakfasts, inns, motels, and hotels
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Amana textiles express the heritage, value, and essence of the original Amana community. The Amana Woolen Mill is the oldest business in the Colonies and Iowa’s only remaining working woolen mill. It has been in continuous operation since 1857 and can be traced back more than 300 years to Germany. Textiles were critical to Amana’s beginnings. In addition to producing goods for the community, the mill helped support the colonists’ communal living. Selling textiles across the country gained Amana a national reputation for superior quality. Now, with updated designs, colors, and materials, we want to ensure they’re a part of
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We now have an active mining water sluice!! Come “pan” for treasures in the comfort of the indoors!!  The Noble Stone is a treasure trove of fossils, rocks, geodes, crystals, gemstone jewelry, kids stuff, all within everyone’s budget. We have sought out artisans from all over the world to fill our shop with unique and wonderful items. It fun for kids of ALL ages!
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The Amana Heritage Society maintains a group of arts-and-culture museums that display and interpret artifacts and photos of the history of the Amana Colonies. The Amana Heritage Museum is comprised of three 19th Century buildings, set in spacious grounds. The Noé House, built in 1864, was originally a communal kitchen and later a doctor’s residence. Recently updated exhibits in the Noé House trace the history and development of Amana, include stories about Amana residents, and display the varied crafts and industries of the Inspirationists. Temporary exhibits and special programs focus on particular aspects of Amana’s culture. The Schoolhouse was built
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The tradition of the Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse began when the seven villages were a communal settlement and families enjoyed meals together in kitchen houses. Each village had its own meat shop and smokehouse where ham, bacon, and sausage were cured the old-world way with long-held recipes and a commitment to quality. Today the tradition of quality continues. Each year thousands of visitors come to Amana to visit our historic shop, sample our products, send gifts through our catalog, and take home the flavors of another century. Enjoy the personal service and great selection of mouthwatering steaks, chops, and bratwurst from our fresh meat
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Amana furniture, designed and hand-built in the Colonies since the 1850’s, has an enduring reputation for high quality and timelessness. The Amana difference is a focus on craftsmanship, using century-old building methods that have been passed down for generations. Today, these standards are still applied to our exceptional heirloom-quality furniture, clocks, and home décor. Meticulous care is taken in matching wood grains, testing durability, and expert finishing to enhance the wood’s natural beauty. Many locally made gifts also available. Our craftsmen are both designers and builders, and turn their experience, passion, and know-how into pieces that expertly blend heritage craftsmanship with modern
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The first Amana Colonies Gravel Bike Routes are ready for use. The routes each begin in Middle Amana, separating into Route A going to High Amana and Route B going to West Amana. While on the gravel routes, the riders will experience historical points of interest in Middle, High and West Amana. Route A begins in Middle Amana at the entrance to the Amana Colonies Golf Course and takes riders on a scenic gravel route through native hardwood timberland to High Amana. This route is moderately easy and approximately a 7 mile round trip. High Amana features the historic High
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