Family Fun
Somethings the family can do
Are you looking for some family fun in the Amana Colonies? Here are some things that you can do.
Visit the Little Red Wagon, our local toy shop, for unique toys and gifts for kids of all ages. Find books, toys, games, and other specialty items at this one-of-a-kind business! The Little Red Wagon specializes in classic and retro toys with a collection powered by old-fashioned play and imagination.
The village of Amana has quite a few shops and some have food samples like the Chocolate Haus or the Amana Meat Shop. Others show you how their products are made, such as furniture being handcrafted at the Amana Furniture Shop in Amana, and at Schanz Furniture in South Amana. Keep an eye on our special events and festivals for days when the Woolen Mill is offering tours of their production facility to see how our unique blankets, available at Warped and Woven Mill Mercantile, are woven.
If you’re looking for some hands-on activities The Noble Stone has a few things that the kids will love to do. They have a pebble pit that the little ones can dig into and find a fossil or special type of rock. Inside the shop, there is a mining sluice. Purchase a bag of sand and then begin the mining. Each bag contains a variety of fossils, arrowheads, specialty rocks and more. The kids will love being miners.
In High Amana, the Arts Guild offers art classes throughout the year. With a little pre-planning, it’s possible to take an art class with them for some hands-on fun. The Arts Guild has a new gallery called Gallery on Main in Amana open as well, featuring art made by local artisans, including pieces like woven rugs and pottery that classes are offered for.
Do your kids like nature? If so bring your bikes and ride the Amana Colonies Bike Trail. It’s a flat ride that is about 3 miles in length. Circling the Lily Lake, you’ll see a variety of birds, turtles, and other wildlife. It’s different in each season of the year but if you look closely you’ll always see something interesting. The trail can also be walked which gives you more time to see the wildlife.
The Amana Colonies Nature Trail, near Homestead, is a 3.2-mile walk through a hardwood timber. It winds through the forest from near the intersection of Highways 6 and 151 to a bluff overlooking the Iowa River. Just below the bluff sits an ancient fish weir that Native Americans once used to catch fish. Due to the recent floods and changing of the river the fish weir is covered with silt and vegetation and is no longer visible. Long before the Amana Colonies were here Native Americans lived along the river. The Nature Trail passes by Indian burial mounds and a variety of wildflowers (in season). When winter arrives this trail is wonderful for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
The Iowa River offers yet another adventure. Bring your canoe or kayak and put in near South Amana. Paddle the twisting river and hop out on the sand bar for a rest or maybe a little fishing along the way. This trip is strikingly beautiful in the fall of the year as the leaves turn.
Are you up to a challenge? The Amana Colonies Gravel Bike Route goes past the golf course and through the timber on the county’s gravel road. It connects Middle Amana to two other villages. There is a flat section from Middle Amana to High Amana but the route from High Amana to West Amana has some elevation changes. It will certainly test you and is not recommended for the young one but the teens will get a good workout.
After dark, you’ll notice how peaceful the Colonies become. Sit back and count the stars. Can you spot the Big Dipper or maybe Orion’s belt? You’ll hear the crickets and maybe even catch a few fireflies. This is rural Iowa at its best.

Beckster Fest
Amana RV Park & Event Center 3850 C. Street, Amana, IA, United StatesJoin Barefoot Becky for her annual polka/variety music festival always held the weekend after Memorial Day at the RV Park in Amana, IA. We have 5 great bands playing music…
Live Music by Adam Whitehead
Fireside Winery 1755 P. Ave, Marengo, IA, United StatesWonderful music, delicious wine, and a gorgeous sunset are here to make summer nights better! Live music will be from 6-9p.m. Appetizers will be available until 8p.m.
Colonies in Bloom – Hunt for the Hidden Gems
A new twist on a favorite Amana Colonies Event. This year our June date will feature all the hidden gems in the villages of Homestead, High Amana, Middle Amana, South…
31st Annual Iowa Renaissance Festival & Gathering o’ Celts
Middle Amana Community Park 801 27th Avenue, Amana, IA, United StatesJoin us in the Middle Amana Community Park for our 31st Annual Iowa Renaissance Festival & Gathering o'Celts! We're bringing together over 55 merchants from around the US featuring many…
31st Annual Iowa Renaissance Festival & Gathering o’ Celts
Middle Amana Community Park 801 27th Avenue, Amana, IA, United StatesJoin us in the Middle Amana Community Park for our 31st Annual Iowa Renaissance Festival & Gathering o'Celts! We're bringing together over 55 merchants from around the US featuring many…
Music by Billy Heller
Fireside Winery 1755 P. Ave, Marengo, IA, United StatesJoin us for wine, music and friendship. Along with our delicious wine, we encourage you to try an appetizer or two.
SUCCULENT ARRANGING CLASS AT ACKERMAN WINERY
Ackerman Winery 4406 220th Trail, Amana, IA, United StatesOn June 4th at 2pm, stop by for some serenity with our SUCCULENT ARRANGING CLASS. All supplies provided. $30 per person. And YES, you may enjoy wine whilst playing with…
Live Music by Cassie & Randy
Fireside Winery 1755 P. Ave, Marengo, IA, United StatesWonderful music, delicious wine, and a gorgeous sunset are here to make summer nights better! Live music will be from 6-9p.m. Appetizers will be available until 8p.m.
Live Music on the Patio: Cole Thomas
Electric Thread Social Club 800 48th Ave, Amana, IA, United StatesJoin us for live music, food, and drinks on the Electric Thread patio featuring local artist, Cole Thomas. Admission is free.
Fireside Winery Production Tour
Fireside Winery 1755 P. Ave, Marengo, IA, United StatesJoin us for a guided tour of our production facility. Get insider tastings & pairings while learning about the winemaking process. Each tour will take about 20 to 30 minutes.…
Live Music by The Lone Soul
Fireside Winery 1755 P. Ave, Marengo, IA, United StatesJoin us for wine, music and friendship. Along with our delicious wine, we encourage you to try an appetizer or two.
GLASS PAINTING CLASS AT ACKERMAN WINERY
Ackerman Winery 4406 220th Trail, Amana, IA, United StatesJoin us at Ackerman Winery for our Glass Painting Class! We will lead you with a step-by-step tutorial in painting this colorful "POPPIES" design. All supplies included. $20 And -…