Amana Colonies
Amana, IA
Seven villages founded by German Pietists who lived communally until 1932. Walk the brick and sandstone streets and stop for German-style food and crafts.
The Amana Colonies are seven villages in eastern Iowa, roughly 20 to 25 miles (30 to 40 km) northwest of Iowa City: Amana, East Amana, Middle Amana, High Amana, West Amana, South Amana and Homestead. German emigrants of the Community of True Inspiration founded them in 1855. In 1932 the "Great Change", prompted by financial losses in the Great Depression, separated religious and economic life and dissolved communal property. Since 1965 the colonies have been a National Historic Landmark.
Highlights include the Amana Woolen Mill in Main Amana (according to Wikivoyage the only woolen mill still operating in Iowa, free to tour on your own), the 3.1-mile (5 km) bike trail between Main Amana and Middle Amana, and German-style food, for example at the Ox Yoke Inn and the Ronneburg Restaurant. Millstream Brewing is considered Iowa's oldest microbrewery.
Practical notes: there is no public transit, and the villages are about an hour's walk apart. Getting around works best by car, bike or on foot. Wikivoyage lists an RV park (Amana Colonies RV Park, season roughly mid-April to October). Check dates for events such as Maifest (early May) and Oktoberfest (early October).
- Nearest town
- Amana, IA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.7995, -91.8707
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Kent Park Family CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Amana ColoniesWi-Fi
- Hannen Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover13 mi from Amana ColoniesMotorhomes
- Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Amana Colonies
- Morgan Creek CampgroundMotorhome stopover14 mi from Amana ColoniesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Sandy Beach CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Amana ColoniesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- East Iowa Bible CampCampsite23 mi from Amana ColoniesTentsCaravans
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Amana Colonies?
Amana Colonies is in Amana, IA, at GPS 41.7995, -91.8707. It is about 20 mi from Iowa City.
Can you camp near Amana Colonies?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Amana RV Park & Event Center, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Amana Colonies?
Amana Colonies is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Covered bridges, Dutch windmills and the Amana Colonies and Loess hills, covered bridges and bear mounds – across Iowa by camper from the Missouri to the Mississippi.
What is there to see near Amana Colonies?
Places worth a stop nearby: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Birthplace (28 mi), Backbone State Park (58 mi), Maquoketa Caves State Park (60 mi) and Vermeer Windmill (60 mi).
When is the best time to visit Amana Colonies?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)