Two-Day Amana Colonies Itinerary

The Amana Colonies—one of America's longest-lived communal societies—date to the mid-1800s, when German immigrants came to Iowa seeking religious freedom and affordable farmland. Schooling, medical care, housing and other resources were provided and shared by the community. More than 50 kitchens, for example, cooked meals every day for all residents. While this way of life ended in 1932 during the Great Depression, visitors can still experience the legacy of worship, craftsmanship and communal dwelling.

Day 1

The Amana Colonies stand within each reach of Iowa City. The colonies include seven original villages (with names like South Amana and High Amana), but the place to start exploring is Amana proper.

Stroll down the sidewalks and stop at Ackerman Winery (to sample black raspberry and rhubarb wines); Amana Furniture and Clock Shop (for handmade tables, chairs and grandfather clocks); and the Amana General Store (for food, gifts, decor and the year-round Christmas room).

Tasty brews draw patrons to popular Millstream Brewing Company, and at The Ronneburg, the sauerbraten and Wiener schnitzel come family-style.

Snuggle in at cozy Zuber's Homestead Hotel or the Hotel Millright, which opened in 2020 within the revitalized Amana Woolen Mill complex.

Day 2

In Middle Amana, the Ruedy House opened to visitors in 2022. Take a self-guided tour of the traditional Amana home, with the upstairs furnished to depict life from the 1850s to 1920s and the downstairs furnished as an Amana home would have been from the 1920s to 1960s. Visitors also can see the Ruedy Kitchen, the only intact communal kitchen remaining in the Amanas.

The lovely Iowa Valley Scenic Byway awaits your leisurely drive. Pastoral scenes of cornfields, charming farms and grazing sheep fill this backroads trip, which is especially nice in fall. End with a celebratory sip of Cordovan and some warm Brie dip at Fireside Winery in Marengo.