Winter Weekend Getaway

Winter Weekend Getaway

The Amana Colonies have everything you need to beat the winter blues

By April Pearson

The Amana Colonies were founded in the 1850s by the Community of True Inspiration, a Christian sect that emigrated from Germany. Settling in Iowa, where land was fertile, affordable and promising, they established six villages: Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana and Middle Amana. East Homestead was added in 1861, giving the Colonies railroad access.

The Inspirationists believed in sharing a communal life. No one received a wage — homes, medical care and schooling were provided; meals, property and responsibilities were shared. Today, residents still celebrate traditional German culture against the backdrop of the Iowa River Valley. “We have an absolutely beautiful aesthetic,” says Stacey Colledge, executive director of Amana Colonies Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The buildings, the farms, the barns — all of it is magnificent.”

Thanks to fresh and local ingredients, passionate food experts, and customers who appreciate simple and wholesome meals, the Amana Colonies has a culinary scene unlike any other. “Our businesses benefit from being here in the heart of a growing area in the Midwest,” says Colledge. “Iowa definitely has fertile soil with many opportunities to capitalize on.”

Amana is also renowned for its arts and crafts, with many shops selling handcrafted items made by local artisans. “All of our shops are locally owned, with craftspeople who live, work and raise their families here,” says Colledge. “They want to engage with visitors and share our history and culture.”

This winter, do yourself a favor and visit the Amana Colonies for a long weekend to experience the history, charm and hospitality this region offers.

EAT AND DRINK

Amana Meat Shop

Since 1855, the Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse has been curing ham, bacon and beef jerky, using quality Midwest ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. Visit the store for samples of the simple, smoky flavors that have kept the shop in business for over 165 years.

All seven villages of the colonies had their own meat shop and smokehouse
where ham, bacon, and sausage were cured the old-world way.

Chocolate Haus

The world-famous Chocolate Haus continues to delight visitors with handmade goodies prepared in the old-fashioned way. The Chocolate Haus is the premier destination for chocolate lovers, offering everything from delicate truffles and dense fudge to creamy caramels and crunchy toffee.

Fresh caramel is made at the Chocolate Haus.

Fireside Winery and Ackerman Winery

Fireside Winery is a gourmet food shop offering wine, cheese, pickled vegetables and preserves — everything you need for a stunning charcuterie board. Next door you will find its sister company, Ackerman Winery, the oldest operating winery in Iowa. Akerman produces two dozen varieties of wine, including those with unique ingredients like rhubarb and mango. Every spring, Ackerman puts out a call for local kids to pick dandelions for their dandelion wine!

Hahn Hearth Oven Bakery

This traditional bakery offers breads, pastries, cookies and coffee cakes baked in an original hearth oven. The recipes for these sweet treats were developed a hundred years ago, and they’re just as in demand now as they were then. You may want to arrive early, or your favorites could be sold out!

Fresh and homemade croutons are sold at the Amana Colonies Bakery & Cafe.

Millstream Brau Haus

The Millstream Brau Haus, an authentic German Bierhalle and restaurant, opened in 2016. With exclusive craft brews available only on location and delightful German-inspired dishes, the Brau Haus proudly upholds the custom of serving German-style pub fare in a lively environment.

Iowa’s original craft brewery, Millstream Brewing Co., opened in 1985 and is one of the oldest operational breweries in the U.S..

Ox Yoke Inn

Since 1940, the Ox Yoke Inn has been serving American and German fare “family style,” in which sides are passed around the table to share. The menu includes steak, ham and catfish, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. The Ox Yoke also has an outdoor Biergarten, museum and gift shop.

Alayna Grulkey, a waitress at Ox Yoke Inn, enjoys serving traditional German meals to their customers.

Ronneburg Restaurant

Named after a medieval German fortress that provided refuge to Amana ancestors over two centuries ago, the Ronneburg Restaurant has been a local landmark since 1950. It serves sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel and jaeger schnitzel family style, and local wine and beer.

EXPERIENCE AND SHOP

Amana Arts Guild Center

The Amana Arts Guild preserves the area’s arts and crafts by supporting trades like blacksmithing and broom-making. Promoting local artisans and enriching the community, the Guild operates an art gallery and shop filled with traditional and historic Amana folk art.

The Amana Arts Guild offers a rich diversity of programs and activities providing a wide range of cultural experiences in all areas of the arts.

AJ’s Copper Garden

AJ’s Copper Garden offers copper, brass and stainless-steel sculptures for your home and garden. These bright and whimsical creations are quality built to stand the test of time. While shopping, check out the studio next door, where award-winning artists make merchandise for AJ’s.

Amana Furniture and Clock Shop

Amana Furniture and Clock Shop upholds a legacy of superior quality and skilled craftsmanship, merging heritage techniques with contemporary designs to produce furniture, clocks and home décor that are bound to become heirlooms. Visit the workshop to witness authentic Amana furniture being crafted by hand.

Amana Furniture and Clock Shop has designed and built timeless pieces in the Colonies since the 1850s.

Amana Heritage Museum

The Amana Heritage Society manages the Amana Heritage Museum, which includes three well-preserved 19th-century buildings celebrating the art and culture of a bygone era: the Noé House (built in 1864), the Schoolhouse (built in 1870) and the original washhouse/woodshed.

The Amana Heritage Museum collects, preserves and interprets the cultural heritage of the German communal settlement in the Iowa River Valley.

Amana Woolen Mill

Established in 1857, Amana Woolen Mill is the oldest business in the Amana Colonies — and the only working woolen mill in Iowa. It’s been operating nonstop for over 160 years! Visit the mill to watch high-quality blankets and throws being created, then shop for them at the mercantile.

The Amana Woolen Mill is Iowa’s only remaining working woolen mill.

Colony Carvers

Located in an original Amana barn, the showroom for Colony Carvers contains a rustic collection of chainsaw art. Watch incredible wood sculptures of bears, eagles and owls — each more distinct than the last — be carved before your eyes for a truly unique shopping experience.

High Amana General Store

Dating back to 1857, this store’s timeless charm remains intact thanks to an original tin ceiling, hardwood floors and vintage display cases. Part museum, part general store, it offers a delightful treasure trove of interesting items. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time.

The Amana General Store offers items from far-off places, as well as Amana- and Iowa-made products.

WINTERFEST

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Winterfest is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to play in the snow! (and indoors). Annual festivities kick off with a 5k run/ walk, followed by the Best Beard Competition, Ham Put and Wreath Toss. In the afternoon, there’s a wine walk through downtown, where shops and businesses host special activities. Of course, all are welcome to enjoy Open Fire Chili prepared by the fire department at the Market Barn.