Iowa County: Amana Culture and Nature Trails

When looking for a hotel in Iowa County, start by asking what you want to shape your stay: the history and culture of the Amana Colonies, or natural areas and routes in the county. The destinations differ in how they present these themes—from historic buildings and tours to bike trails, birdwatching, and camping. The Amana Colonies were founded by German immigrants in 1855.

Amana History and Crafts

The Amana Heritage Museum comprises three 19th-century buildings. The Noé House was built in 1864 as a communal kitchen and later used as a doctor’s residence. The Schoolhouse dates to 1870; its auditorium regularly features an audiovisual presentation about Amana’s history. At the Museum of Amana History, the Noé House, the Schoolhouse, and the Woodshed/Washhouse convey what communal life was like in the Amana Colonies.

The Rüdy Küche (Ruedy Kitchen) has been preserved as it was in 1932 and displays its original cooking equipment. The Homestead Folk Art Museum showcases traditional crafts, textiles, woodwork, and paintings by Amana Colonies artists—from the communal era to the present. The Amana Arts Guild supports the traditions of blacksmithing, copper work, broom making, and tinwork.

The Amana Community Church building was constructed from local brick in 1865. Docents guide visitors through the church and explain its religious background, history, and architecture, as well as the beliefs and practices of the Amana Church Society. There are several ways to explore historic sites: the Village Voyage is a two-and-a-half-hour guided van tour of four historic sites in the Amana Colonies. The Amana Colonies app offers self-guided historic driving and walking tours. The Visitors Center is located in a restored corn crib in the village of Amana.

Natural Areas and Trails

The Amana Nature Trail runs through the Amana forest to a hilltop overlooking the Iowa River. Three Indigenous burial mounds, about 1,000 years old, lie directly along the trail. Lily Lake and the Amana Nature Trail are designated public birdwatching areas. Along the trail, visitors can take in both the Iowa River landscape and archaeological and natural history features.

The bike routes described vary in length and course. The 3.1-mile Kolonieweg Trail connects Amana and Middle Amana and offers views of Lily Lake, the Millrace, pastures, farmland, and the surrounding landscape. The Amana Depot is the starting point; parking and seasonal restrooms are available there. The Amana Trail is 21 miles long and connects Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, and Homestead. The Amana Gravel Bike Route follows secondary roads between Middle Amana, High Amana, and West Amana. The difference in length is especially clear when comparing the Kolonieweg and Amana trails: 3.1 miles versus 21 miles; the gravel route is described by its secondary roads and the three villages it connects.

Camping and Outdoor Stays

Lake Iowa Park is the largest recreational area in Iowa County. It offers a public campground with sites that have electrical hookups and areas for tents. The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course and year-round nature programs. Dispersed camping is permitted in the Gunderson Wildlife Area. The camping options described therefore differ in type: Lake Iowa Park has a campground with electrical hookups and tent areas, while dispersed camping is permitted in the Gunderson Wildlife Area.

If the Kolonieweg is part of your plans, note that the restrooms at the Amana Depot are seasonal.

Discover more destinations: Amana, Fremont County, Hardin County, Osceola County, Jones County, Louisa County, Adair County, Pocahontas County.

For the broader travel overview: Iowa.