TRAVEL
Des Moines Register
Willkommen to the Amana Colonies, the picturesque villages established by German settlers in the 19th century in Eastern Iowa.
Once seven villages that practiced a communal lifestyle, the Amana Colonies now welcomes visitors to their numerous boutique and antique shops and German-food restaurants.
That’s on top of popular festivals held in Amana throughout the year, including the upcoming Oktoberfest starting Sept. 29, where guzzling beer is part of the celebration.
Here’s how to spend your day at the Amana Colonies, complete with places to eat, drink and shop at.
Where to eat at the Amana Colonies
Ronneburg Restaurant was previously a communal kitchen in Amana. Though it’s now a restaurant, it’s homey, old-fashioned de?cor will take diners a few decades back. Enjoy German food, served for one or family style, including a large schnitzel sandwich with a mushroom gravy or bratwurst served with sauerkraut on the side. A must-try is their sauerbraten, tender beef marinated with a sweet and sour sauce made with Amana wine that gives the meat a tangy flavor. You can order a sample, though you’ll probably want more after you taste it.
Location: 4408 220th Trail, Amana
Another option: Ox Yoke Inn, 4420 220th Trail, is another spot to catch a sit-down meal for lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch. Order fried chicken or roast beef and be sure to save room for freshly baked dessert, including rhubarb custard or banana cream pie.
Where to drink in the Amana Colonies
Millstream Brau Haus carries Amana wines and Millstream Brewing Co.’s beers for folks who want a true taste of the colonies. The brew house, just a few hundred feet away from the brewery, opened in 2016 and serves German-inspired food. For more than three decades, Millstream Brewing Co. has been brewing pilsners to sours, naming their drinks with some particularly silly names including porter Adult Nap Time, pistachio cream ale Pants Off, Dance Off and raspberry sour Unicorn Fight Club. Folks looking for non-alcoholic drinks should try Millstream Brewing Co.’s root beer or cream soda. A house-made pretzel at Millstream Brau Haus is the perfect accompaniment to a beer or enjoy burgers, sandwiches (including a schnitzel sandwich) and sharable appetizers from chicken wings to cheese curds.
Location: 741 47th Ave., Amana
Another option: Visit Ackerman Winery, 4406 220th Trail, for a wine tasting or a glass of wine — or treat yourself to a wine and chocolate pairing flight.
Where to get dessert in the Amana Colonies
Decadent chocolates, caramels and fudge await at The Chocolate Haus. Order chocolate-covered pecans, marshmallow-dipped chocolates or truffles, or purchase preselected chocolates to gift.
Location: 4521 220th Trail, Amana
Another option:Amana Colonies Popcorn & Ice Cream Company, located at 4516 220th Trail, serves Dan & Debbie’s Creamery ice cream from Ely. Their extra creamy ice cream is worth stopping by for, though be aware it melts quick.
Where to find the perfect gift in the Amana Colonies
Be sure to carve out some time for the Amana General Store, which has two floors filled with merchandise. Taffy, Amana salad dressings, cooking utensils, German snacks, jams and preserves, tea, clothing, items for your home — you’re certain to find something, even if it’s something you didn’t quite need. Attatched to the Amana General Store is the International Christmas Market, a mesmerizing, sometimes maze-like of a store filled to the brim in every which direction with holiday decorations. Cast your eyes downward every once in a while to see if you spot the mouse peeking out of its hole at the lower level of the Amana General Store. Don’t worry, it’s not a live rodent.
Location: 4423 220th Trail, Amana
Another option:Haus Maus Tees, 4524 220th Trail, is inspired by the little critter from the Amana General Store. Find T-shirts repping Amana and Iowa pride with funny quips and phrases like “Schnitzel happens” as well as other souvenirs.
Where to shop in the Amana Colonies
The Clothes Encounter sits right beside the Ronneburg Restaurant — possibly risky to diners waiting to be seated and their wallets. The two-story boutique shop sells women’s apparel and accessories, and uses every nook and cranny as shoppers head up the wooden staircase to the second floor. Find funky socks, jewelry, dresses and more at this shop.
Location: 4408 220th Trail, Amana
Another option: Across the way is Yana’s Ladies Boutique at 4411 220th Trail. Shoppers can find a wider selection of women’s shoes at this boutique, which also carries blouses, dresses, accessories and more.
Where to shop for art in the Amana Colonies
Catiri’s Art Oasis is indeed an oasis for folks who appreciate work by Midwestern artists. Find paintings, ceramics, jewelry, pieces made out of everything from wood to glass and more inside the spacious store.
Location: 4506 220th Trail, Amana
Another option: Gallery on Main, 4315 220th Trail, is a two-story art gallery carrying work by Midwestern artists across different mediums. The smaller store ensures no one gets too overwhelmed browsing, though keep in mind the second floor is only accessible by a narrow staircase.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.