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.
The Amana Colonies Golf Club is open to the public and winds through the timber north of Middle Amana. A beautiful course, it can be challenging but the key is to select the right tee for your ability. Before your tee time step up to the driving range to loosen up and catch the great view of the valley below.
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.

STAMMTISCH RIDING GUILD Bike Nite @ The Brau Haus
Millstream Brau Haus 741 47th Ave, Amana, IAGet your bike out and ride with with the STAMMTISCH RIDING GUILD! The plan is to meet every Tuesday night at the Millstream Brau Haus and ride a different route…
Night at the Museum: August 11
High Amana General Store 1308 G St., High Amana, IAJoin us for Night at the Museum at the High Amana General Store on Thursday, August 11 from 5pm – 7pm. More details to come!
Live Music on the Patio: Brook Hoover
Electric Thread Social Club 800 48th Ave, Amana, IAJoin us for live music, food, and drinks on the Electric Thread patio featuring local artist, Brook Hoover.
Field of Dreams Watch Party
Hotel Millwright - Merino Loft 800 48th Ave, Amana, IAWe're bringing the ball game to the Merino Loft! Ballpark food, drinks, and games will start at 5:30 with the live stream of the Field of Dreams game at 6:15.
Communal Meal: Communal Kitchen Museum, Friday, August 12
Communal Kitchen and Cooper Shop 1003 26th Ave, Middle Amana, IAJoin us for an in-person dinner in the Communal Kitchen Museum on Friday, August 12. Check in starts at 5pm with dinner being served at 5:30pm. Menu: Swabian Meat…
Live Music by Andrew Hoyt
Fireside Winery 1755 P. Ave, Marengo, IAEnjoy live music as you watch the sunset and unwind from a busy week. Delicious Fireside wine and appetizers are available as local artists perform.
Brau Haus Friday Night Live Music
Millstream Brau Haus 741 47th Ave, Amana, IAStop by the Millstream Brau Haus every Friday evening from 6-9pm for live music! Enjoy supper, locally brewed beer, great performances and fantastic friendship!
Millwright Movie Night: Field of Dreams
Hotel Millwright 800 48th Ave, Amana, IAA post-game party featuring the movie, Field of Dreams. Roast a s'more at 7pm and then relax on the Greenspace for the movie at 8:15pm. Blankets and chairs welcome.
Bike Ride of Iowa County (B.R.I.C.)
Hotel Millwright - Green Space 800 48th Ave, Amana, IAThe Seventh Annual Bike Ride of Iowa County, also known as “BRIC” is scheduled for August 6th. This fun ride begins and ends in the village of Amana and travels…
Ackerman Winery | Fireside Winery Production Tour
Join 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.…
Grant Wood Prairie Rebel at Ackerman Winery
Ackerman Winery 4406 220th Trail, Amana, IASaturday, August 13th at 2 pm, actor Tom Milligan will present, "Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel". Grant Wood chats with the audience in this 45 minute, one man show, as if…