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
AmericInn by Wyndham Coralville
Hotel Millwright

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
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
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
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
Sudbury Court Motel and RV Park

Sudbury Court Motel and RV Park

2 out of 5
2211 Highway 6 Trail, Marengo, IA
Sudbury Court Motel and RV Park
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
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
avid hotel Cedar Rapids South - Arpt Area by IHG

avid hotel Cedar Rapids South - Arpt Area by IHG

2.5 out of 5
645 America Drive SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
avid hotel Cedar Rapids South - Arpt Area by IHG
Sleep Inn North Liberty

Sleep Inn North Liberty

2.5 out of 5
485 Madison Avenue North, North Liberty, IA
Sleep Inn North Liberty
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

In Amana Colonies, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, golfing, and biking, making it a perfect tourist getaway. The area also offers unique experiences like aperture tours, ideal for family reunions and movie nights, ensuring a memorable visit for everyone. Explore the charming culture and scenic beauty while engaging in these popular attractions.

Shopping

The Amana Colonies offer a delightful shopping experience. Visit the Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse, only 0.3 miles away, and the Amana Woolen Mill, just 0.6 miles from the center. If you're up for a drive, check out the Tanger Outlets, located 10 miles away, for more shopping options.

Recreation

Play a round at the Amana Colonies Golf Course, where the scenic views and fresh air enhance your game. For a unique experience, head to Cedar Rapids Ice Arena for ice skating, offering both fun and adventure. Alternatively, enjoy the outdoor setting at Marengo Golf Club for another fantastic round.

Adventure

Experience fun at Wasserbahn Waterpark Resort, located 8 miles from Amana Colonies, featuring thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. For a rush of adrenaline, head to Hawkeye Downs Speedway Expo Center, 14 miles away, where you can enjoy exciting motor racing events. F.W. Kent Park, 9 miles away, offers outdoor camping adventures for the whole family.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife in Amana Colonies with a show at The Old Creamery Theatre, just 0.2 miles away, offering family-friendly entertainment. For a broader selection, visit Paramount Theatre or The Englert Theater, both within 20 miles, showcasing culture and romance in a lively atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Amana Colonies

Amana Colonies offers a delightful mix of attractions for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors at nearby parks and nature reserves, or seeking a family-friendly urban experience, you'll find plenty to explore. The area also hosts event and conference venues, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers. No matter your interests, Amana Colonies promises a memorable getaway.

  • Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark: Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Amana Colonies, a living testament to the communal lifestyle of the German settlers. Explore historic buildings, gardens, and shops that reflect the unique traditions and craftsmanship of this vibrant community, located only 3 miles from Amana.
  • Amana Heritage Museum: Delve into the fascinating history of the Amana Colonies at this museum, located a mere 0.2 miles away. Discover exhibits showcasing the daily life, culture, and traditions of the settlers through artifacts and engaging displays.
  • The Barn Museum: Perfect for families, this miniature display showcases the agricultural heritage of the area. Located 2 miles from Amana, it offers a delightful glimpse into farm life through intricate models and interactive exhibits.

Best time to go to Amana Colonies

Visitor numbers around Amana Colonies is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Amana Colonies can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Amana Colonies falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Amana Colonies falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January20.3°F (-6.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February23.0°F (-5.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Amana Colonies

Amana Colonies is budget-friendly, offering free entry to its attractions. For the best savings, visit during the cheaper months of March and December to January, as hotel prices are lower compared to peak times like May and September to October. Booking on Mondays can also save you money, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly accommodations and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and cash back for future bookings, enhancing your travel experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 May and September to October, 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 preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in the 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.