All across the United States, you’ll uncover heritage websites harkening again to the times of yore. Representing bygone instances, folks, and locations, these landmarks showcase a distinct form of life. The Amana Colonies in Eastern Iowa is a kind of locations.
As one of many nation’s oldest working communal societies, the Amana Colonies has been a group in Iowa since 1855. The seven villages that make up the colonies are often known as Homestead, Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, and Middle Amana.
What started as a solution to escape non secular persecution in Germany grew to become a group within the plains of America. Thousands of tourists come to the Amana Colonies annually to see the German-influenced villages. A go to right here is nearly like stepping again in time.
There are a number of Amana Colonies inns which can be within the villages themselves, nevertheless, the vast majority of Amana inns are elsewhere. You’ll discover many of those Amana Colonies inns within the surrounding space in cities like Cedar Rapids, Williamsburg, or Coralville. All of those inns are situated in a handy location to nonetheless get pleasure from all that the Amana Colonies have to supply.
TL;DR
Best Hotels Near The Amana Colonies in Iowa
1. Hotel Millwright
Address: 800 forty eighth Ave, Amana, IA 52203
Honestly, there aren’t luxurious choices across the Amana Colonies. However, for those who’re in search of a extra elevated lodge with a convention middle that’s inside strolling distance of facilities across the villages, Hotel Millwright in Amana is your finest guess. This is one spot the place you’ll be able to really be immersed in Iowa history.
Set in a former wool mill, this 65-room boutique lodge presents respite for even the weariest souls. Hotel Millwright pays homage to its roots by embracing its previous as a mill with a number of uncovered brickwork and a still-working textile firm — the lodge homes the solely textile mill left within the state of Iowa.
Each room sort honors native heritage as properly, which is obvious by the aesthetic of every. For instance, the Dye Haus Suite is aptly colourful to remind guests of the materials that have been as soon as dyed in that a part of the power. No matter which room sort you select, you’ll be greeted with modernity that meets wealthy historical past.
Pros:
- Walkable to different areas of the Amana Colonies
- Pet-friendly lodging
- Amana-made paintings
- Fitness middle
- Free wifi
Cons:
- Recent critiques point out higher-than-average space costs
- Rooms aren’t at all times quiet at night time, hallway noise
See Related: Best Things to Do in Iowa & Places to Visit
2. Zuber’s Homestead Hotel
Address: 2206 forty fourth Ave, Homestead, IA 52236
Also a part of the Amana Colonies, Zuber’s Homestead Hotel transports friends to a less complicated time for his or her stress-free keep. It’s one of many few inns in Amana and it’s excellent for each a brief keep or an extended haul. You’re additionally only a fast drive to an adventure in the city of Des Moines or kayaking in Quarry Springs.
Innkeepers Bonnie and Brian have welcomed friends to their homestead since they bought Zuber’s in 2013. Each of the 15 rooms on the homestead is embellished as one would anticipate of a comfortable mattress and breakfast.
All of the rooms are uniquely named and themed accordingly to provide friends a novel expertise each time they spend the night time right here. As the constructing is from the late 1800s, you may also anticipate a classic really feel from the second you step onto the property.
In true mattress and breakfast vogue, Zuber’s additionally serves an unimaginable unfold every morning. This isn’t your common continental breakfast smorgasbord both.
Bonnie and Brian change up the choices every day although you’ll at all times discover goodies like pastries and fruit. They can even accommodate dietary restrictions.
Pros:
- Fresh breakfast every morning
- Free wifi
- Area sights are walkable
- Treats throughout check-in
- Traditional B&B hospitality
Cons:
- Not pet-friendly
- Rooms have completely different charges
- Rooms could not accommodate a big household
See Related: Iowa Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting the Hawkeye State
3. Die Heimat Country Inn
Address: 4434 V St, Homestead, IA 52236
Like Zuber’s, Die Heimat Country Inn can be present in Homestead, which was the final of the seven villages of the Amana Colonies. A couple of minutes stroll will take you to the Amana Colonies National Landmark, whereas a 20-minute drive can get you to the closest airport. From right here the entire household has entry to something they may want, even for a day of bustling around the city of Cedar Rapids.
These 16 rooms encompass friends with vivid colours that can fill every morning with gentle as you head down to your free breakfast. Though it’s extra conventional than most inns, Die Heimat nonetheless has free wifi and different fashionable conveniences. There are additionally bbq grills on web site for those who really feel like rustling up your grub.
Die Heimat is housed in a constructing that originates from 1856, a yr after Homestead was based. It started as a stagecoach cease earlier than turning right into a communal kitchen and later a non-public residence. But because the 1960’s the construction has welcomed friends with lodging from inside the Amana Colonies.
Pros:
- Fresh breakfast every morning
- Smoke-free
- Walkable to close by websites
- Recent critiques point out lodge is quiet
- Terrific lodge to save cash
Cons:
- Does not have an elevator
- Room sorts might not be appropriate for big households
See Related: Best Weekend Getaways in Iowa
4. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Coralville
Address: 2571 Heartland Pl, Coralville, IA 52241
I’ve personally stayed at this Country Inn and Suites by Radisson in Coralville with my canine. This pet-friendly lodge is nearly 25 minutes down the freeway from the Amana Colonies, the native airport, the Field of Dreams filming location, and The Bridges of Madison County. Compared to different Country Inns I’ve stayed in, this one is by far the very best.
Although you’ll be able to’t simply stroll over to one of many eating places within the colonies from right here, you’ll be able to eat dinner, go grocery procuring and even do some common procuring from this central location. This can also be an incredible lodge to remain in for those who’re on the seek for faculties because it’s only some minutes from the University of Iowa.
Folks who journey with their pets, as I do generally, might be completely satisfied to know that you just and your pup might be positioned on the primary ground at this lodge. So your trip gained’t be spent traversing up and down the steps or elevator. Just ensure you point out your pet while you make your reservation to make sure first-floor placement.
Pros:
- Commuter-friendly space of Coralville
- Nice pool space
- Fresh cookies within the foyer
- Daily continental breakfast
- Free wifi
- Pet-friendly
Cons:
- Rooms could be noisy from the hallway
See Related: Best Iowa Family Vacations to Take This Year
5. Lace Lodging
Address: 617 forty fifth Ave #8026, Amana, IA 52203
Part of the Amana Colonies since 1855, Lace Lodging in Amana was as soon as used as a colony prayer assembly corridor. You have to recollect the Amana Colonies have been developed as a group of like-minded non secular people, so this lodge was a chunk of that historical past.
Remember innkeepers Bonnie and Brian from Zuber’s? They personal Lace Lodging too! This smaller lodge has 4 suites in addition to a salon and day spa. The Victoria Suite is ideal for big households as a result of it’s a four-room lodging that sleeps 5 with a kitchenette.
Although Bonnie and Brian have a B&B property, the Lace Lodging doesn’t serve breakfast. Instead, you’ll obtain a reduced breakfast coupon for the close by Ronneburg Restaurant.
If that’s not your jam you may also stroll to different eating places close by. You can even simply arrange a car service to the Des Moines airport.
Pros:
- Smoke-free facility
- On-site salon and day spa
- Free wifi
- Located within the Amana Colonies
- Large household suites
Cons:
- No breakfast
- No airport shuttle
See Related: What is Iowa known for? Facts about the Hawkeye State
6. Tru by Hilton Cedar Rapids Westdale
Address: 3900 Westdale Pkwy SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
From a house base like Cedar Rapids, you’ll be in prime place to see a variety of the state and tours around the city along with the Amana Colonies. You might even simply take a day trip to Des Moines from right here.
One of the very best locations you’ll be able to dangle your hat on a finances right here is Tru by Hilton Cedar Rapids Westdale. This pet-friendly locale is just not removed from lots of the parks in Cedar Rapids in addition to a number of eating places.
There aren’t a variety of frills right here like a swimming pool or on-site restaurant, however what you lack in facilities you make up for in financial savings. This is an elegant lodge with a number of completely different room sorts to accommodate completely different sizes of households. There can also be a snack store, health middle, free wifi, and the constructing is smoke-free.
Despite being away from the Amana Colonies, you do get the sorts of recent facilities you’d anticipate from a sequence lodge. The Tru by Hilton lodge is situated in a handy spot not simply to benefit from the metropolis of Cedar Rapids, IA however to hop onto the freeway to get again to the Colonies or the airport as properly.
Pros:
- Excellent location in Cedar Rapids
- Best lodge selection to save cash
- Different room sorts
- Accommodations for handicapped friends
- Pet-friendly
- Fitness middle
Cons:
- No pool
- No on-site restaurant
- Recent critiques point out EV charging stations are unreliable
See Related: Best Day Trips from Des Moines, Iowa
7. BEYONDER Getaway by Sleepy Hollow

Address: 3340 Black Hawk Ave NW, Oxford, IA 52322
Just south of the Amana Colonies in Oxford, BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow may not be a well-known identify to frequent Iowa guests. However this location, as soon as often known as Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground has operated since 1970. BEYONDER took over administration in June 2021.
From campsites to RV hookups, cabins, and even totally outfitted trip rental properties, Sleepy Hollow has a variety of lodging to suit the smallest to the biggest group of tourists. This pet-friendly campground even has free wifi, a number of exercise areas, and even a fishing lake to get pleasure from.
Kiddos will benefit from the giant pool on-site, whereas the entire household might be glad to meander to the close by Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, the Amana Colonies, or Coralville. You might even determine to take a day trip out to Davenport to get to know that metropolitan space. Located off of I-80, it isn’t arduous to get away from all of it or get again to all of it from Sleepy Hollow.
Pros:
- Pet-friendly
- Large pool and seashore areas
- Variety of lodging sorts
- Near Iowa City, North Liberty, and Cedar Rapids
- Save cash by tenting as an alternative of spending the night time in a lodge
Cons:
- Not a lodge
- Can’t assure smoke-free
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa
8. Village Guest Suite
Address: 4312 F St, Amana, IA 52203
Regarding inns in Amana, one of many few locations that function a type of lodge and a mattress and breakfast is the Village Guest Suite. Built in 1856, this charming little residence was as soon as a communal dwelling house for the folks of Amana. Now it homes 4 room sorts that do or don’t embrace breakfast.
From the Mini Suite, which fits two folks, to the 2nd Floor Suite Combination room sort that may sleep 4, there’s a small vary of choices for guests to select from. Particularly for the Mini Suite, room charges are affordable. Especially for those who take into account that these suites are within the coronary heart of Amana, you’ll be able to’t get a lot nearer than this.
Even for those who decide out of breakfast, meals is rarely distant. From Village Guest Suite, you’re simply steps away from a few of Amana’s most beloved eating establishments, shops, and the Amana Heritage Museum. It is a bit farther from the primary highways; nevertheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless simply get to Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, and Iowa City for day-tripping.
Pros:
- Food could be included
- Different suites and mattress sorts
- Location in Amana
- Way to save cash for bigger households
Cons:
- Only a number of rooms can be found
- Not pet-friendly
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Iowa City, Iowa
9. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Cedar Rapids
Address: 3320 Southgate Ct SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
This Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Cedar Rapids is a family-friendly spot lower than half-hour from the Amana Colonies. An IHG Hotel, the Holiday Inn and Suites helps you get monetary savings with out shirking on the modern-day facilities you need in a lodge.
With a pool, solar terrace, free parking, and smoke-free services, the Holiday Inn and Suites is snug for households of all sizes. Some of the rooms and suites can sleep as much as 4, although you may also ask forward of time for adjoining rooms with connecting door for those who want more room. As one of many fashionable inns close to Amana, you don’t should journey far to get to the Colonies.
Several Cedar Rapids parks are inside brief biking or driving distance from this IHG lodge. You may even stroll over to Perkins for those who crave pie — we don’t blame you; pie at all times hits the spot.
Pros:
- Smoke-free
- Excellent location in Cedar Rapids
- Several room and suites sorts
- Adjacent rooms with connecting door can be found
- Not removed from the native airport
Cons:
- Breakfast could have a restricted choice
- Hotel rooms could be noisy from the hallway or adjoining rooms
See Related: Where to Stay in Des Moines, Iowa
10. AmericInn by Wyndham Williamsburg
Address: 2185 U Ave, Williamsburg, IA 52361
For guests on the seek for inns in Amana, a keep in close by Williamsburg is a detailed second to staying within the Colonies themselves. The AmericInn by Wyndham is a means to save cash with out sacrificing consolation. This lodge has a number of room choices along with suites that may sleep as much as three or 4 people.
Breakfast is included irrespective of your lodging sort on this smoke-free lodge. With costs extra akin to a motel, the AmericInn is definitely a step up from that have.
Though like a Motel, it doesn’t have the vast majority of the facilities different chain inns have, like a pool or recreation space. Even so, it’s cozy and presents spacious rooms to spend the night time.
As far as proximity is anxious, this lodge is missing in comparison with the others on this checklist. There isn’t something walkable from the AmericInn, together with Williamsburg, which is a drive away alongside I-80. Don’t let that deter you, nevertheless, because the service is claimed to be good, contemplating it’s a two-star property.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly, a great way to save lots of
- A couple of room and suites choices
- Smoke-free
- Breakfast included
Cons:
- Not walkable location
- Few facilities
See Related: Best Places to Visit in the Midwest
11. Sleep Inn & Suites, Mount Vernon
Address: 310 Virgil Ave, Mt Vernon, IA 52314
A particular improve from the close by Sleep Inn in North Liberty, the Sleep Inn & Suites Mount Vernon gives you significantly better sleep every night time. These rooms and suites all present guests with free breakfast every morning, entry to the health middle and swimming pool, and even laundry services for those who want them.
Palisades-Dows Preserve and Observatory and the University of Iowa are a brief drive away, as are the Amana Colonies. Slightly dearer than space motels, the Sleep Inn gives an elevated expertise with out the value tag. Some suites even include a two-person scorching tub! Perfect for stress-free after a day of exploring Iowa.
This lodge is a fast hop to Cedar Rapids or close by Coralville. That additionally means the airport isn’t far both, making for a straightforward transition after touchdown. You may even stroll to some native eateries or bars like Hilltop Bar & Grill and Lincoln Cafe from this lodge as properly.
Pros:
- Some suites include a small scorching tub
- Service is claimed to be wonderful
- Room sorts can sleep as much as seven
- Walkable to native eating
Cons:
- The solely lodge in Mount Vernon
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Davenport, Iowa
12. Ramada by Wyndham Cedar Rapids
Address: 525 thirty third Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Another of the Wyndham inns within the space, the Ramada by Wyndham Cedar Rapids offers ample room to guests whereas being in a primary spot for Iowa-based adventures. Whether you’re spending your time within the Amana Colonies or attending to know Cedar Rapids, this Ramada is a solution to save whereas doing it in model.
Folks flying into Cedar Rapids might be completely satisfied to know that this Ramada has a free airport shuttle to get you to your lodge quicker. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to hand around in the recent tub, swim some laps within the pool or hold the nervousness at bay by working within the health middle. All rooms and suites include free breakfast, and a few suites even have spa bathtubs too.
Should you wish to have any dates from the consolation of your Cedar Rapids residence, the lodge has an on-site bar and restaurant. Check out the Hide Out for some informal eats. They even have choices for dietary restrictions as properly, so don’t neglect to ask.
Pros:
- Free airport shuttle
- Some suites have a spa bathtub
- Convenient location in Cedar Rapids
Cons:
- Breakfast could also be restricted
- Recent critiques point out some areas of the lodge are dated
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Ames, Iowa
Events within the Amana Colonies
Frequent occasions happen all through the Amana Colonies, from reside concert events to special food-themed celebrations. But there are a number of annual occasions that convey guests to the colonies from miles round.
One such occasion is Maifest which honors the approaching of the brand new spring life. Fittingly you’ll be able to see a May Pole (Maipole) dance and rejoice spring in true German vogue. The annual Oktoberfest every autumn additionally embraces the Amana Colonies’ German heritage.
Not the entire annual occasions lean so closely on the villages’ German roots! The Amana Colonies are residence to the Iowan Renaissance Festival annually. During sure weekends in May and June, the Middle Amana Community Park transports guests even additional again in time to the English Renaissance. Come for the tasty treats and jesters, and keep for the beer backyard.
Then in August, the Amana Art Guild holds their annual Festival of the Arts in Amana. Join the native artists right here who’re promoting their wares, demonstrating their craft, and celebrating arts of all types. If that’s not sufficient artwork for you, come again throughout Labor Day weekend when artists throughout all seven villages repaint elements of the group for the Fresh Paint occasion.
If you’re staying in close by cities, you’ll wish to try the occasion calendars for every city, too. Mt. Vernon has a lovely art walk each spring, whereas Coralville, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids are bustling cities with Farmers markets on weekends, craft festivals, and vacation celebrations.
See Related: Best State Parks in Iowa to Visit
Best Time to Visit the Amana Colonies


Given its place within the Midwestern state of Iowa, you’ll wish to hold that in thoughts earlier than planning your go to to the Amana Colonies. Your finest guess for good climate can be to go to between May and September. During the late spring, summer time, and early fall, you’ll be greeted with higher climate and fewer rain than at some other level of the yr. Keep in thoughts that it’s going to get very humid throughout the summer time.
If you don’t thoughts winter climate (and may modify your plans for an surprising snowstorm or two…) it’s price visiting throughout the Christmas vacation season, too. Christmas in Amana is a fully magical time, with European-style Christmas Markets, vacation festivals, outlets, and historic colonies filled with lights.
FAQ
What faith is practiced within the Amana Colonies?
The Amana Colonies have been constructed round Pietistic beliefs, which closely deal with Biblical examine and prayer. They grew to become often known as the Community of True Inspiration and are consistent with the Pietistic Lutheranism motion.
Are the Amana Colonies Amish?
Amana Colonies residents have by no means been Amish and don’t determine as such. Though each traditions stem from Germanic roots, the Colonies use expertise, usually costume like everybody else, and devour alcohol, whereas the Amish don’t.
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