You’ll find a wide variety of activities to do in the Amana Colonies. We are famous for our unique history, to best enjoy your visit we suggest a stop at our Amana Heritage Museum. Once you understand our past you will better enjoy our present.
You’ll also note the many special events and festival that are spread out through the year. Some reflect our heritage and culture while others are just plain fun.
One thing you will notice is that we like to eat and drink in the Colonies, in fact, we are famous for our foods, wines, and beers. Amana Colonies restaurants have been serving family-style meals of over 75 years but we offer more than the traditional fare these days.
Are you a shopper? You’ll find wonderful small shops, each will specialize in a certain type of craft or item. Many products are made here in our small villages while we also offer products from far away places.
Art in its many forms is also part of our heritage. The Amana Art Guild has classes that you can take and local artist display their works in galleries and shops throughout the villages.
Want to experience and enjoy the scenic land in our river valley? We have nature and biking trails along with the Iowa River for you to explore.
We invite you to come to the Colonies, stay a few days, and discover all there is to do.
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Listings of Things to Do
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Some years ago, three Amana men decided to revive an art that hadn’t been practiced in Amana for years–the art of brewing beer. Carroll F. Zuber and brothers, James and Dennis Roemig had a dream of building a small brewery to produce small batches of hand brewed beer reminiscent of Europe’s finest brews. To brew the best they needed the best, so they called on one of America’s premier brewers, Joseph Pickett Sr. who helped in the brewery design and in development of the robust Schild Brau Amber. Currently Millstream brews 15 different beers throughout the year. In 1985 Millstream Brewing Company opened it doors-the first brewery to operate in Amana since 1884 and the first micro brewery in Iowa. So the Millstream Brewery was born and so it has come to be recognized as the home of quality brews of rewarding tastes. We start with pure water and the finest malted grains from America’s heartland. We add European varieties of American hops and our own Bavarian yeast. Unlike the big breweries, we can take the time to cold-filter our beer, giving you the clear, crisp, full flavors and resilient, creamy head characteristics of a well-made lager. We are still here in Amana, making beer the way it should be… and we have the awards to back it up. The Schild Brau Amber is an 16 time national award winner, the John’s White Ale has received 9 awards, the German Pilsner has received 4 awards, the Back Road Stout has received 4. For a total of 33 national awards! Visit our brewery in the scenic Amana Colonies. We are located just across from the Woolen Mill in Main Amana. Enjoy the gemutlichkeit of the hospitality room/gift shop and sample our beers and sodas. Viewing windows allow visitors to see the brewing and bottling areas, as well as the fermentation cellar. Then relax and enjoy a beer in our hop-covered biergarten.
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Amana textiles express the heritage, value and essence of the originating Amana community. The Amana Woolen Mill is the oldest business in the Colonies and Iowa’s only remaining woolen mill. It’s 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’s use, the Mill helped to 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 that they’re a part of your future. The Woolen Mill showroom is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 11am-5pm weather permitting.
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“Where your love story is captured in a celebration as unique as the love that brought you together” As an ordained minister in the state of Iowa, I’d be honored to be your Wedding Officiant. I thoroughly enjoy working with couples to create a special ceremony just “as you wish” – formal or informal, spiritual or secular, serious or light-hearted while incorporating your own beliefs, lifestyles, and vows. I specialize in outdoor ceremonies and have built a breathtaking site which overlooks one of the ponds on our property located in the timber just north of Amana. I honor all beliefs and lifestyles. Please contact me to learn more about my services and how I can help create your special day!
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Visit Outlets Williamsburg for famous brands at outlet prices. Located just minutes from the Amana Colonies, at I80, Exit 220, offers great deals from Coach, Nike, Ralph Lauren Polo, Under Armour, Banana Republic and many more. www.outletswilliamsburg.com for more info.
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Mini-Americana is the largest known collection of 1/12 scale miniature replicas built by one man, woodworker Henry Moore (1911-1983). Following a scale of one inch to one foot, Mini-Americana is a unique display of over 200 miniatures that depict the history of rural America. Each building, an exact replica of an original structure either past or present, took an average of six months to complete. Each exhibit is finished in complete detail, inside and out: Shingles are fashioned from real cedar, siding is worked to exact proportions, and windowpanes are made of real glass. Houses have curtains; the blacksmith shop has a forge; and the barns have pens, mangers and even movable stanchions. Activities abound from fertile imaginations. Charlotte Moore (1913-1993) was responsible for collecting the over 3,000 small items, farm equipment, livestock, people, etc. in the displays. Clothing was hand made for each of the dolls and the livestock was hand painted. Mini-Americana is a warm, personal experience filled with educational history, architecture and wonderment. Many of our visitors have commented that it is a “trip worth taking for the young and old alike.”
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Established back in communal days in 1857, the store’s exterior and interior have remained virtually unchanged all these years. The original tin ceiling, wooden floor, and glass-topped display cases still remain. Throughout the store are charming reminders of the good old days, of a simpler time, of the past preserved. They just don’t make stores like this anymore, and there sure aren’t many of them left in existence! The store is truly a “museum” and an authentic general store in one. We have stocked the shelves with an interesting variety of hard-to-find trinkets and unique treasures from days gone by. We offer a wide assortment of gift and food items, toys, books, housewares, handmade soaps, and much more, all reasonably priced. Everyone is sure to find something that brings a smile to their face.
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Brau Haus: (Definition) The name simply means Brewing House! In August 2016 the Millstream Brau Haus was born! For years the Millstream Brewery owners had said that it would be wonderful to add an authentic German Bierhalle to the Amana Colonies. Great German bar food paired up with great German-style beers (plus a few others…) is now the theme of our new venue! Adding the Brau Haus gives Millstream 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! No family style meals here, just good old Amana made brats, Chicken Schnitzel Sandwiches, Hand-made twisted pretzels and much more. We create a “One of a kind” experience for all to enjoy during your visit to the Historic Amana Colonies. With our great staff, we feel blessed to have such a wonderful family at the Millstream Brau Haus! We hope you enjoy your visit!
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Norway’s baseball tradition grew into 20 state championships, and many college, semi-pro and professional baseball players came from this small community. This museum features the history of baseball, championship trophies, major league players from the community, other major league players, and THE FINAL SEASON movie made in Norway, Ia. The museum includes a small gift shop, murals, written history, and a narrated tour. Our museum is always open by appointment by calling 319-721-6288.
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The Amana Colonies Visitors Center is located in the village of Amana, in a restored corn crib. The Visitors Center is your first stop for information about the Amana Colonies; providing Visitors Guides, maps and brochures for area businesses. Menus for all Amana Colonies restaurants are also provided. The Amana Colonies Visitors Center also serves as the offices of the Amana Colonies Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB). Founded in 1965, the ACCVB is the oldest organized Convention & Visitors Bureau in Iowa. The ACCVB is a membership organization representing the many businesses and entities making up the tourism industry in the Colonies. The ACCVB operates the Amana Colonies Visitors Center, publishes the annual Visitors Guide and maps, and maintains this website. Our Visitors’ Center is open Daily from 10am-4pm. Lodging The Visitors Center provides a lodging wall to assist you in making your overnight accommodations. Information for local bed & breakfasts, inns, motels, and hotels is provided. Visitors Center staff is happy to assist you. Rentals The Visitors Center rents wheelchairs and strollers for your convenience. Contact the Visitors Center for availability and pricing. Tours Village Voyage History Tour-Join us Monday -Saturday from May thru October we as we lead a guided tour of the Amana Colonies we call our Village Voyage. This 2-hour tour includes stops at most of the key Amana Colonies historical sites where you will learn about our unique history. The tour includes a 20-minute video presentation along with stops at the only surviving Communal Kitchen, the Church Museum, and a century-old General Store. The cost is only $20/adult and $18/ child. The tour departs from the Visitor Center at 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. and seats are limited. We suggest you call 319-622-7622 to reserve your seat. Village Voyage Sampling Tour-Our popular history tour takes on a tasty twist every Friday at 11 a.m. as we feature a sampling of original communal era foods. This tour takes you to the Amana Heritage Society’s main building for a 20-minute video presentation and then it’s off to Middle Amana and the only surviving intact communal kitchen. You’ll learn how the “kitchen boss” served 5 meals a day to about 40 people and better yet you will get to taste so of those same classic Amana Colonies’ foods that were eaten years ago. The cost is $30/person and seats are limited. Please call 319-622-7622 to reserve your seat. Driving Directions From Interstate 80, take Exit 225, turning north on Hwy 151. Travel along Hwy 151 for five miles until you reach the intersection of Hwy 151 and Hwy 6. Turn left on Hwy 6 to go to South Amana, West Amana and High Amana. Turn right to go to Homestead, Amana or Middle Amana. The Amana Colonies Trail, Hwy 220, is a 17-mile loop that connects all seven villages.
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You hungry? An Amana Colonies Tradition Since 1940. World famous for American and German food served “Family Style.” Hearty and light portions including chicken, hand cut steaks, roast beef, sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel cutlets, Amana brats, ham, pork chops, catfish, shrimp, sandwiches, salads, homemade soups and desserts including rhubarb custard, chocolate & coconut cream pies. Pies to Go. Daily Specials, Children’s and Carry Out menus. Local, American and imported wines, beers and cocktails. Bierstube Bar & Outdoor Biergarten. Banquet and meeting rooms, museum and gift shop. Motor coaches welcome – step on tour guide service. Handicap access. Complimentary WiFi. An Amana Colonies Tradition since 1940 Serving Monday – Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Banquets. On Sundays a Four Entree Brunch Buffet, Lunch, Dinner and Banquets. Seasonal hours. During the winter and inclement weather serving times may vary please call ahead. Reservations and Gift Cards on-line at oxyokeinn.com.
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Our shop is located in the village of West Amana, right next door to our Giant Walnut Rocking Chair. Come watch our broomaker handcraft brooms on an old ‘kicker’ broom winding machine. Our baskets are made locally and include traditional German willow baskets with the replaceable bottom rims. We also carry a large selection of handcrafted wooden items made by Schanz Furniture and local craftsmen. So much to see here that you will not want to miss this stop during your visit to the Amana Colonies! Also at this location: The Philip Dickel Basket Exhibit/Museum Gallery features a changing exhibit of baskets from across the USA.
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Located in the historic village of Amana, Iowa, White Cross Cellars is a new approach to the Amana Colonies wine industry. While the Amanas have long been famous for fruit wines, White Cross Cellars delivers a more traditional approach to the wines of the Amanas. We feature Award-winning wines from classic wine grapes as well as Midwestern varieties; producing a wine in the European or California style. Our specialties are white wines reminiscent of the traditional German and French styles, along with red dinner wines designed for beef and Italian dishes. Our wines are available in limited quantities and sold exclusively at our retail site in Amana. White Cross wines were born from a desire to handcraft a traditional grape wine for the visitors to the Amana Colonies. White Cross wines feature decidedly German, French, and California styles while using classic wine making grapes along with Midwestern varieties many grown at a vineyard within 20 miles from our shop. Our wines are designed and handcrafted to meet a particular palette. We determine the style of wine desired and then employ our winemaker to achieve that style. Our goal is to change the way our visitors think of wine from Amana. White Cross Cellars is setting a new standard in Amana Colony wines. Join us on facebook: at White Cross Cellars Visit our blog: The Gourmet Colony thegourmetcolony.tumblr.com/ as we celebrate food and wine from the Amana Colonies and beyond. Join us for our Vintner’s Dinners or take our Food and wine Pairings 101 class. Visit our website for more information. SEASONAL HOURS-Jan-Feb closed Monday-Thursday. Please check if weather is questionable.
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The Kolonieweg, or Colony Way, is a 3.1-mile trail connecting the villages of Amana and Middle Amana. Most of the trail is paved, but a small portion is gravel. The trail offers scenic views of Lily Lake, the Millrace, pastures, farmland and the surrounding countryside. The trail is also home to numerous plants and animals. The village of East Amana and the Amana Colonies Golf Course are also accessible via a marked bike route. Parking is available at two locations along the trail: along Highway 220 between Middle Amana and Amana where parking and picnic spots are available at the Lily Lake and the recently restored Amana Depot in the village of Amana which serves as the trailhead for the Kolonieweg, providing parking and seasonal restrooms.
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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 case. Don’t miss the daily samples of our delicious sausages and other Amana foods while you are here.
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Join us for one of our many festivals in the Amana Colonies. January brings Winterfest and a celebration of winter. We mark the beginning of warmer weather with Maifest the first weekend in May. June 20th is the date for our first Wurstfest and August 15th is Model A day in the Village of Amana. Of course, Iowa’s longest running Oktoberfest takes place here in the Amana Colonies the first weekend in October and it’s followed by our Christmas in the Colonies events of Tannenbaum Forest and Prelude to Christmas during the holiday season. There is something special happening almost every week so be sure to check our schedule of events on this website or go to our Festivals in Amana website.
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Visit the extraordinary world of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art! Enter through a towering plant-filled atrium and branch off into galleries filled with a selection of more than 2,000 years of art. From Roman busts to American landscape paintings to contemporary art and craft, experience an ever-changing selection from the Museum’s permanent collection of 5,600 works of art. Included amongst the CRMA’s treasures is the world’s largest collection of works by Regionalist artist, Grant Wood, who lived and worked in Cedar Rapids most of his life. In addition, see exciting and thought-provoking temporary exhibitions on display throughout the year. There’s something for everyone at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art!
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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 dierence 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 insights. Enjoy our workshop viewing gallery and learn more about handcrafting authentic Amana Furniture while watching our craftsmen work.
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The Old Creamery Theatre is dedicated to performing high-quality, live professional theatre for audiences of all ages and interests. The company offers a wide variety of plays each season, as well as many different educational opportunities. The 300-seat Main Stage season features favorite comedies, musicals, mysteries, and more. The Old Creamery Theatre is Iowa’s longest-running professional theatre. All actors, directors, designers, and technicians are paid professionals. These professionals are gathered together from all over the country to provide a high-quality theatrical experience for audiences. Since opening its doors in 1971, just over two million patrons have enjoyed live performances by The Old Creamery Theatre. For more information or to see what’s playing call the box office at 319-62-AMANA (319-622-6262) or visit our website at www.oldcreamery.com.
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Come visit Iowa’s Largest Walnut Rocker. This rocker is a big one….over 11 feet tall and weighing more than 650lbs! We invite you to climb on in and take a family picture. The kid in you will be glad you stopped in on your tour of the Amana Colonies. Located at the Broom & Basket Shop in West Amana. There is no charge for this attraction but a free will donation is greatly appreciated.
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Situated along the Iowa Scenic Byway, patrons of family-owned Fireside Winery can unwind while sipping wine under the vine-covered veranda, stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds, or chat with new friends in the tasting room all while enjoying a glass of their favorite handcrafted Fireside wine. At Fireside Winery, there is a wine to please every palate and an experience for every taste. When you long for a quiet break from the hectic pace of life or an upbeat Friday night with music, we invite you to discover everything Fireside Winery has to offer. #ourfiresideoryours
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The new Amana Colonies Golf Club is located in historic Amana, Iowa. The golf course is consistently ranked as one of the top public courses in the state of Iowa by both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. The distinctive setting provides the perfect golf experience. Rolling hills and dense forests with dramatic elevation changes, creates striking views on every hole. Amana Colonies Golf Club opened for play in 1989, and has been masterfully designed to preserve the natural features of the land. Our 18-hole championship golf course winds through 500 acres of stately white oak trees and forest. The golf course features meandering streams, shining ponds, and striking scenery that add to the aesthetic beauty and enjoyment of the game. The golf course offers five sets of tees, ranging from 5,228 to 6,284 yards, designed to accommodate players of all skill levels. Many of our guests describe the course as “beautiful, breathtaking, charming, enjoyable, playable, tough and intimidating. Now under new ownership and management, along with a newly constructed clubhouse. Come see what all the excitement is about!
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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 Amana General Store and the Amana Art’s Guild. Route B also begins in Middle Amana at the entrance to the Amana Colonies Golf Course, riders will travel to West Amana rather than High Amana. This route is more challenging and approximately a 17 mile round trip. West Amana features Iowa’s Largest Walnut Rocking Chair, Basket and Broom Shop, Opa’s Tractor Museum, Michele Maring Miller Studio and Gallery, and the landscape that inspired Grant Wood to paint his famous Young Corn. For a map and list of attractions on the Amana Colonies Gravel Bike Routes, visit the Amana Colonies Visitors Center. We also have these links that will provide a map: Bike Route 1 Bike Route 2
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Schanz Furniture & Refinishing is a Family Owned Business specializing in New Furniture, Repairing and Refinishing Old Furniture and Creating Custom Furniture in your Choice of Woods. Located 1/2 mile East of South Amana, Iowa on U.S. Hwy 6 Trail.
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Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) is a unique program that helps people protect and develop their economic, natural, and social resources in ways that improve their area’s economy, environment, and quality of life. The Iowa Valley RC&D provides ways for Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, Poweshiek, Tama county and Meskwaki Settlement residents to plan and implement projects that will make their communities better places to live.
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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 in 1870. An audio visual presentation on Amana’s history is shown regularly in the Schoolhouse auditorium. The original washhouse/woodshed, an integral part of communal Amana, houses wine-making and gardening displays. With an intact communal-era kitchen, cooper shop, blacksmith shop, a well-preserved church museum, a research library for scholars and a working General Store, we preserve and make available to the public all aspects of Amana’s history. We also have a museum bookstore that has many great books for both adults and children on topics ranging from Amana history to cooking and knitting. Check out our virtual bookstore here.
