Amana Colonies Inn is a historic inn at 4712 220th Trail in Amana, Iowa, situated at the heart of the Amana Colonies — a National Historic Landmark district comprising seven villages established in the mid-19th century by German-speaking Inspirationist settlers who maintained a communal society in the Iowa River valley until 1932. The inn serves as a comfortable base for visitors exploring the Colonies' extraordinary living heritage of traditional craftsmanship, German-American cuisine, woolen mills, furniture workshops, and wine production that has continued for generations in this rural Iowa setting approximately 20 miles west of Iowa City. The property offers standard rooms, queen rooms, and family rooms in an atmosphere that reflects the ordered, peaceful character of the surrounding village landscape, with a setting that draws on the Colonies' heritage of simple, well-made design and the tranquility of the surrounding Iowa prairie. A complimentary breakfast is included with all room rates, providing a hearty start to days of exploring the villages on foot or by car. An outdoor patio allows guests to enjoy the unhurried quality of life that has drawn visitors to the Amana Colonies for generations, and the patio is particularly pleasant during Iowa's spring and autumn months. Free parking is available throughout the property. The Main Amana village, within walking distance of the inn, contains the Museum of Amana History, local wineries including the Millstream Brewing Company and Old Style Colony operations, the Amana Arts Guild, woolen mill shops, and multiple traditional German-American restaurants serving sauerbraten, bratwurst, schnitzel, and hearty family-style meals. The Amana Heritage Museum and Society provide further context on the Colonies' remarkable communal social history. The Amana Colonies Golf Course is approximately half a mile from the inn. Surrounding Cedar River and Iowa River recreation areas offer hiking, birding, and kayaking within a short drive. Iowa City is 20 miles east; Cedar Rapids is 25 miles north; and Des Moines is approximately 90 miles west — positioning the inn as a well-situated rural base for guests covering central eastern Iowa.
Room types
- Standard Room
- Queen Room
- Family Room
Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Free Breakfast
- Free Parking
- Outdoor Patio
Location
4712 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203
41.7953, -91.8680 View on map
Highlights
- Historic inn within the Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark district, home to 19th-century German-Inspirationist communal heritage
- Walking distance to traditional German-American restaurants, woolen mill shops, local wineries, and the Museum of Amana History
- Complimentary breakfast included daily, with outdoor patio for enjoying the unhurried rural Iowa setting
- Quiet village atmosphere with free parking, ideal for travelers exploring the Colonies on foot and by car
- Conveniently located midway between Iowa City (20 miles east) and Cedar Rapids (25 miles north)
Tips for visiting
- Visit in spring or autumn to experience the Amana Colonies without summer crowds and enjoy mild weather on the outdoor patio
- Allow a full day in Main Amana to visit the museum, woolen mill, wineries, and a traditional German-American restaurant meal
- The Amana Colonies Golf Course is a half-mile from the inn and open to visitors during warmer months
- Amana furniture and woolen goods shops offer authentic locally made products; prices reflect genuine craftsmanship rather than tourist mark-ups
- Millstream Brewing Company in Amana produces beers and sodas sold across Iowa; the taproom is a worthwhile evening stop
Accessibility
Amana Colonies Inn provides ground-floor room options suited for guests with limited mobility, and the outdoor patio and common areas are accessible from the main level. Guests with specific wheelchair access or accommodation requirements are encouraged to contact the inn directly before booking to confirm room layout and accessibility arrangements, as the historic building character may affect some areas.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the Amana Colonies and why are they a travel destination?
The Amana Colonies are seven villages in Iowa established in the 1850s by German Inspirationist settlers who maintained a communal religious society until 1932. Today they form a National Historic Landmark district preserving a distinctive German-American heritage of craftsmanship, cuisine, wine, and community history that is unique in the United States.
Does Amana Colonies Inn include breakfast?
Yes, a complimentary breakfast is included with all room rates and is served daily at the inn. Breakfast provides a hearty start before visiting the surrounding Amana Colonies villages and their restaurants, shops, and museums.
How far is Amana Colonies Inn from Iowa City?
Iowa City is approximately 20 miles east of Amana, a drive of roughly 25 minutes. Cedar Rapids is approximately 25 miles north, and Des Moines is approximately 90 miles west.
Is the inn a good base for exploring all seven Amana Colonies villages?
Yes, the inn's central location in Main Amana makes it a practical base for day trips to all seven Colonies villages, which are connected by County Road F12 and spread across a roughly 10-mile corridor. A car is needed to visit the outlying villages.