Amana Colonies Tours

Cedar Rapids - Iowa City which includes a house and heritage elements
Amana Colonies featuring a small town or village, a house and signage
Cedar Rapids - Iowa City featuring a house and signage
Amana Colonies featuring a house, wildflowers and a small town or village
Amana Colonies featuring a small town or village


Explore the traditional restaurants and artisanal boutiques and learn the customs in the villages of this former self-sufficient German settlement.

Amana Colonies is an area of seven villages with a German flair and an intriguing past. It was initially set up by German Pietists known as the Community of True Inspiration who were seeking isolation and refuge. Travel between the tightknit communities for a glimpse into their fascinating history.

Learn about the American dream of the German settlers, whose community flourished in rural Iowa. Take a step back in time, as you stroll through the pleasant streets that are flanked by historic brick homes. Old-fashioned lanterns and vegetable patches evoke images of yesteryear.

Get a comprehensive understanding of this exceptional settlement’s history via the exhibits of the Amana Heritage Museum in Amana village. Watch the 20-minute film and browse the displays in buildings dating back to the initial community.

Visit the Communal Kitchen and Cooper Shop in Middle Amana. Docents describe kitchen practices within the settlement. Make your way to the Homestead village to see the 19th-century Amana Community Church Museum and the Homestead Blacksmith Shop.

Note that the settlement was set up in 1856, after the Community of True Inspiration moved from New York to Iowa. Residents lived a communal and self-sufficient life, secluded from much of the outside world until 1932.

For a change of scenery, play a few rounds at the Amana Colonies Golf Course in the northern outskirts of Middle Amana village. The fairly dry and hot summer afternoons in this region are ideal for golf.

The district occupies a region of 26,000 acres (11,000 hectares) in Iowa County, which is in the eastern part of Iowa. Arrive at Eastern Iowa Airport and drive northeast for 15 miles (24 kilometers) to get here in less than 25 minutes. Get around the villages on foot and travel between them by car.

Amana Colonies is a quaint district with a German culture and a historic independence from the outside world.

Plan a trip to see Amana Colonies

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
American Inn Cedar Rapids South
Hotel Millwright
Residence Inn Cedar Rapids South

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Amana Colonies

Hotel Millwright

Hotel Millwright

3 out of 5
800 48th Ave, Amana, IA
Hotel Millwright
Die Heimat Country Inn

Die Heimat Country Inn

3 out of 5
4434 V Street, Homestead, IA
Die Heimat Country Inn
AmericInn by Wyndham Williamsburg

AmericInn by Wyndham Williamsburg

2 out of 5
2185 U Avenue, I-80 Exit 225 (Amana Colonies Exit), South Amana, IA
AmericInn by Wyndham Williamsburg
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Rapids Airport, IA

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Rapids Airport, IA

2.5 out of 5
9100 Atlantic Drive SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cedar Rapids Airport, IA
Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids CID Eastern Iowa Airport

Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids CID Eastern Iowa Airport

2.5 out of 5
710 America Drive, SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Comfort Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids CID Eastern Iowa Airport
Tranquil Cabin Retreat w/ Water Trampoline, Fishing Pond, & Family Activities

Tranquil Cabin Retreat w/ Water Trampoline, Fishing Pond, & Family Activities

Oxford
Tranquil Cabin Retreat w/ Water Trampoline, Fishing Pond, & Family Activities
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Williamsburg IA North

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Williamsburg IA North

2 out of 5
1708 N Highland Street, Williamsburg, IA
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Williamsburg IA North
AmericInn by Wyndham Cedar Rapids Airport

AmericInn by Wyndham Cedar Rapids Airport

2.5 out of 5
8910 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
AmericInn by Wyndham Cedar Rapids Airport
Motel 6 Cedar Rapids, IA - Airport

Motel 6 Cedar Rapids, IA - Airport

2 out of 5
616 33rd Ave S.W., I-380 Exit 17, Cedar Rapids, IA
Motel 6 Cedar Rapids, IA - Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Amana Colonies

Amana Colonies is a delightful tourist getaway offering a variety of activities such as hiking, golfing, and biking. Visitors can enjoy unique shopping options and immerse themselves in the rich culture of the colonies. Don't miss out on movie nights for a fun experience under the stars. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Amana Colonies provides a memorable tourist experience for everyone.

Shopping

Experience unique shopping in Amana Colonies at the Amana Furniture Shop, just 0.5 miles away, and the Amana Woolen Mill, 0.6 miles away. If you're up for a drive, explore the Tanger Outlets, located 10 miles away, offering a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

At Amana Colonies Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf amidst picturesque landscapes just 2 miles away, perfect for relaxation and outdoor fun. Marengo Golf Club, located 10 miles away, offers a similar experience with lush greens. Stone Creek Golf Club, 12 miles away, invites you to unwind while playing a game.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Hawkeye Downs Speedway Expo Center, located 14 miles from Amana Colonies. For family camping adventures, F.W. Kent Park offers outdoor fun just 9 miles away. Don't miss the excitement of indoor karting at Speedeezz 2, also 14 miles from Amana.

Nightlife

In Amana Colonies, The Old Creamery Theatre offers a charming blend of culture and entertainment just 0.2 miles away, perfect for a family night out. For a broader experience, the Paramount Theatre and The Englert Theater, both around 16 and 20 miles away, provide captivating performances and romantic vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Amana Colonies

Amana Colonies offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including urban parks, nature reserves, and event venues, making it perfect for outdoor and family experiences. Don't miss the Amana Colonies Visitor Center and Amana Heritage Museum for a deeper understanding of the area. Explore the unique charm of Amana to fully enjoy your vacation in this historic destination.

  • Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark: Located 3 miles from Amana Colonies, this historic site immerses visitors in the rich culture of the communal lifestyle of the Amana Society, showcasing unique architecture and traditions.
  • Amana Heritage Museum: Just 0.2 miles away, this museum offers an insightful journey through the history of the Amana Colonies, featuring exhibits that celebrate the area’s heritage and the stories of its early settlers.
  • The Barn Museum: Situated 2 miles from Amana Colonies, this charming miniature display captures the essence of rural life, making it a perfect spot for families to explore and enjoy the interactive exhibits together.

Best time to go to Amana Colonies

The best time to visit Amana Colonies is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January20.3°F (-6.5°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February23.0°F (-5.0°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March38.1°F (3.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Amana Colonies

To save money on your visit to Amana Colonies, consider traveling during the off-peak months of March or December to January, when prices are lower. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, avoiding the higher Saturday prices. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to filter options by budget and location, and look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Amana Colonies are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Amana Colonies is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Amana Colonies is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For the best rates and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Amana Colonies with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia