Cedar Rapids, Iowa Hotel near Amana Colonies

Amana Colonies Tours.

• Amana Colonies Barn Tour.

  Visit century-old barns, some of which are more than 130 years old, and learn all about their fascinating history from knowledgeable guides. You’ll also discover what farming is currently like in the Colonies when you stop by Amana Farms, Inc., an incredibly advanced agricultural operation.

• The Amana Colonies by Car: An Audio Driving Tour.

  An informational CD is your guide to the seven villages of the Amana Colonies. Soak up tons of fun facts about Amana history, architecture, and myth. The CD, which is narrated by local residents, is available for purchase at local shops and the Amana Colonies Visitors Center.

• Abend (Evening) Galerie Tour.

  This unique tour takes place the first Friday evening of each month, from May through September. You’ll go inside the galleries, workshops, and studios of Amana Colony artists. It’s a self-guided tour that takes place in the abend (evening). Brochures can be found at the Amana Colonies Visitor Center, the Amana Arts Guild Center or a participating gallery. Admission is free.

Amana Colonies Trails.

• Amana Colonies Trail.

  This trail, which connects the seven Amana Colonies villages, crosses the 140-year-old Millrace Canal and the Iowa River. Enjoy scenic vistas of the prairie, wetlands, and Amana Farms.

• Kolonieweg Recreational Trail.

  AA little over three miles, this picturesque trail links the villages of Amana and Middle Amana, encircling Lily Lake. Ideal for walking or biking, Kolonieweg Recreation Trail offers opportunities to see bald eagles, geese, ducks, beavers, muskrats, wild turkeys and river otters.

• Amana Colonies Nature Trail.

  Also a little more than three miles long, the Amana Colonies Nature Trail traverses the Amana Forest. You can walk the woodland path all year long. In the winter, bring your cross-country skis. Impressive prehistoric Native American mounds are highlights of this trail.

Amana Colonies Antique Stores.

• Cricket on the Hearth Antiques.

  This communal kitchen house from 1869 is home to a diverse collection of antiques. For more information, call 319-622-3088.

• Erenberger Antiques.

  Primitive original surface furniture and small antique items displayed in a home that was built in 1856. A must see shop if you like country, primitives and Americana. For more information, call 319-622-3230.

• Renate's Antique Gallery.

  Right next door to Erenberger Antiques, Renate’s serves up a wide variety of pottery, furniture, rugs, and bowls in eight jam-packed rooms. For more information, call 319-622-3859.  [Top]