The Amana Colonies Food and Wine Tour is a self-guided half-day exploration of the Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark district in east-central Iowa approximately 20 miles southwest of Iowa City and 80 miles east of Des Moines. The seven villages that comprise the colonies were founded by German-speaking Inspirationist settlers in the 1850s and maintained a communal way of life until 1932, and their culinary traditions remain rooted in hearty German farmhouse cooking passed down through generations.
A recommended starting point is the Ox Yoke Inn at 4420 220th Trail in the village of Amana, one of the colonies' most established family-style restaurants. The inn serves traditional dishes including schnitzel, sauerkraut, bratwurst, and homemade bread in a communal dining format, where platters are shared at the table, giving diners a broad cross-section of colony food heritage in a single sitting. Lunch at the Ox Yoke Inn typically costs $18 to $28 per person before drinks.
From the Ox Yoke Inn, visitors proceed to the Millstream Brewing Company at 4513 220th Trail, one of Iowa's longest-operating craft breweries, producing German-style lagers, ales, and seasonal specialties since 1985. Taproom flights and brewery tours are available seasonally. The Old Style Colony Winery, a short walk away, produces wines from locally grown grapes and fruit, with tastings available at a modest per-glass fee.
Amana general stores carry specialty foods including colony-smoked meats, aged cheeses, and house-made preserves that serve as edible souvenirs. Self-guided tour resources are available through amanacolonies.com. The central Amana village is walkable for the core food and wine stops, though driving is required to connect the other six colony villages for a broader itinerary. The tour suits couples, families, and small groups of any size. Winter hours are reduced at many establishments; April through November offers the widest range of open venues and the most active visitor atmosphere.
What is included
- German family-style lunch
- Millstream Brewery tasting (4513 220th Trail, Amana)
- Old Style Colony Winery tasting
- Amana general store specialty foods
Good to know
- Operator
- Self-guided; Amana Colonies visitor information at amanacolonies.com
Location
Start at Ox Yoke Inn, 4420 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203
41.7960, -91.8686 View on map
Highlights
- Dine family-style at the Ox Yoke Inn on traditional German colony dishes including schnitzel, bratwurst, and house-baked bread
- Sample Iowa craft beer at Millstream Brewing, producing German-style lagers and ales in the colonies since 1985
- Taste locally produced fruit and grape wines at the Old Style Colony Winery with self-guided access
- Browse Amana general stores for colony-made smoked meats, aged cheeses, and artisan preserves
Tips for visiting
- Arrive for lunch rather than dinner to avoid weekend queues at the Ox Yoke Inn — reservations are recommended in peak season
- The central Amana village is walkable for core stops; driving connects the other six colony villages for a fuller itinerary
- Visit April through November for the widest range of open establishments — winter hours are reduced significantly
- Check Millstream Brewing's current hours at millstreambrewing.com before visiting as taproom hours vary by season
- Budget at least four to five hours to cover the core food, brewery, and winery stops without feeling rushed
Frequently asked questions
Is a guided tour available for the Amana Colonies food experience?
The tour is primarily self-guided; amanacolonies.com provides maps and visitor information. No regularly scheduled commercial food tour with a guide currently operates on a fixed timetable within the colonies.
How far are the Amana Colonies from Iowa City and Des Moines?
The colonies lie about 20 miles southwest of Iowa City, roughly 30 minutes by car, and about 80 miles east of Des Moines, about 1.5 hours, making them a practical day trip from either city.
What is the best time of year to visit?
April through November offers the broadest range of open venues. The annual Oktoberfest celebration in October draws large crowds; advance table reservations at the Ox Yoke Inn are strongly recommended during that period.
Can visitors with dietary restrictions enjoy the Amana Colonies tour?
The traditional German-style menus are heavy on meat and wheat-based dishes. Visitors with strict dietary needs should contact individual restaurants in advance to confirm available substitutions before making the trip.