If you are visiting Iowa or have lived here all your life, you must take at least a day to visit the Amana Colonies. The Amana colonies consist of seven different areas, each with their own unique stores and restaurants.
In a busy world, the Amana Colonies is one place that will take you back to a time when things were simple. As you stroll the sidewalks, you will see architecture from the 1850s. The buildings show the great craftsmanship of the Germans who built them.
There is plenty to do outside at the Amana Colonies for the whole family. The campground is superb. There are three main trails that you can take with your family. The Amana Colonies Trail connects the seven colonies together through a beautiful drive.
The Kolonieweg Recreational Trail goes from the Village of Amana to Middle Amana. The third trail is the Amana Colonies Nature Trail which is an unpaved walking trail through the Amana forest to the Iowa River. For the golfer in the family, there is the 18-hole Amana Colonies Golf course. This is a championship course.
There are plenty of small, specialty stores to enjoy. One of my families favorites is the Amana Woolen Mill. In this store, you can watch as blankets are being made. Another kid favorite is the Little Red Wagon. This toy store is full of unique and nostalgic toys. Another one of our favorites is to browse the Schnitzel’s Ecke. It is full of nutcrackers, toys and other collectibles.
You must make sure that you visit the Christmas Room anytime during the year. Another must see store is the Fern Hill Gifts & Quilts. You will absolutely be amazed by the beautiful needlework of the quilts. These are just a few of the stores in the Amana Colonies.
After all this walking and shopping, you will definitely need a good meal. There are several restaurants to eat at for any meal. My favorite is the Ronneburg Restaurant. They serve authentic German food, as well as American dishes. Just like the other restaurants in Amana, they serve the delicious food family style.
Everyone in the family is full and content after a meal here. Both the Ox Yoke Inn and Ox Yoke Interstate have free wireless internet for their guests. The Colony Inn Restaurant offers homemade desserts. So no matter where you eat, you will not be disappointed.
If you are looking to stay more than a day, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts, motels and condos to stay in. Or if you are with your family, you may want to stay at the Wasserbahn Waterpark Resort. No matter how long you plan to stay, you must make a trip to the Amana Colonies.
