Five miles off I-80 in eastern Iowa, seven villages founded by German immigrants in 1855 sit quietly across 26,000 acres of rolling farmland. The Amana Colonies are a National Historic Landmark — one of the longest-lived communal societies in American history. For over 80 years, the residents shared everything: meals, labour, property. The communal system ended in 1932, but the villages remain, connected by a 14-mile loop road that passes through communities with names like Middle Amana, High Amana, and Homestead.
For RVers on I-80 — one of the busiest cross-country corridors — the Amana Colonies are exactly the kind of stop that turns a driving day into a travel experience. Family-style German restaurants serve portions that could feed a small town. Iowa's only remaining working woolen mill has been spinning since 1857. The state's original craft brewery pours 20 beers on tap. And the Amana RV Park has 450+ sites on 80 acres, making it one of the larger RV parks in the Midwest.
The 4 dump stations in the area keep you on the road.
Dump Stations
Four dump stations serve the Amana area, including at the Amana RV Park and the nearby state and county parks.
Browse all Amana dump stations
Where to Camp
Amana RV Park & Event Center — The Big One
Over 450 sites on 80 acres. Pull-through sites up to 75 feet accommodating rigs up to 50 feet. Free Wi-Fi, showers, and laundry. The park also serves as the event venue for the Colonies' festivals, so if you're here during Oktoberfest or Maifest, you're at the centre of the action.
Heads up: Interior roads are gravel. After heavy rain, expect puddles and soft spots. Dusty when dry. It's a functional park, not a resort — but the location and size make it the default choice.
Lake Macbride State Park
Iowa's largest state park at 2,180 acres, about 20 miles east near Solon. Modern campground with showers. Fishing, boating, swimming beach, and hiking trails. A good option if you want nature over village proximity.
F.W. Kent Park
Johnson County park, about 20 miles east. Wooded sites with lake access. A quieter alternative to both Amana RV Park and Lake Macbride.
The Seven Villages
The Amana Colonies consist of seven villages: Amana, Middle Amana, High Amana, South Amana, West Amana, East Amana, and Homestead. Drive the 14-mile Amana Colonies Trail (Highway 220) loop to get oriented before exploring on foot. Each village has its own character, but Amana and Homestead have the highest concentration of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Start at the Heritage Museum
Housed in the original schoolhouse, the Amana Heritage Museum tells the story of how these communities functioned as a communal society for over 80 years. A 22-minute introductory video gives you the context that makes walking the villages meaningful. Start here before exploring.
What to See & Do
Eat Family-Style German Food
This is non-negotiable. The Colonies are known for family-style German restaurants where platters of schnitzel, sauerbraten, potato salad, and fresh bread arrive at your table in quantities that would embarrass a buffet. The Ox Yoke Inn and Ronneburg Restaurant are the local institutions. Portions are enormous. Come hungry.
Amana Woolen Mill
Iowa's only remaining working woolen mill and the oldest continuously operating business in the state — spinning since 1857. Watch the looms in operation and browse the retail shop for blankets, scarves, and fabric.
Millstream Brewing Co.
Iowa's original craft brewery, operating since 1985. The taproom pours 20 rotating beers on tap with weekly new releases. German-style lagers and ales dominate, fitting the setting perfectly.
Amana Colonies Wineries
Six wineries across the Colonies. Four produce traditional sweet German-style wines (fruit wines, Riesling), and two focus on California-style dry wines. A wine trail through the villages is a pleasant afternoon.
Amana Furniture & Clock Shop
Watch craftsmen build furniture and clocks by hand. The retail showroom sells finished pieces. It's one of two furniture workshops in the Colonies — a reminder that this community's traditions are living, not just preserved.
The Festivals
The Colonies run five major festivals:
- Maifest (May) — Spring celebration with maypole dancing, German music, and food
- Wurst Festival (summer) — The name says it all
- Oktoberfest (early October) — The biggest event. Book the RV park months in advance — it sells out and has a waiting list
- Prelude to Christmas — Holiday markets and traditional German Christmas celebrations
- Winterfest — Winter activities and food
Plan around these for a richer experience, but expect crowds and higher campsite demand during each.
When to Visit
| Season | Highs | Lows | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | 62°F | 40°F | Maifest in May. Greening farmland. Pleasant temps. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 84°F | 64°F | Warm, humid. Wurst Festival. Peak visiting season. |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | 68°F | 44°F | Oktoberfest. Best weather. Harvest colors in the fields. |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | 34°F | 16°F | Cold Iowa winter. Prelude to Christmas and Winterfest add warmth. Most visitors come for the holiday events. |
Tips
- From I-80, take Exit 225 north on US-151 for 5 miles, then Highway 6. Easy RV access, no restrictions.
- Book Oktoberfest months ahead. The RV park has a waiting list.
- Grocery options are limited — Casey's and the General Store. Stock up in Iowa City or Williamsburg.
- Family-style portions are massive. Split a meal if you value mobility afterward.
- Drive the 14-mile Colony Trail first to get oriented, then park and explore on foot.
Plan Your Amana Stop
The Amana Colonies are hiding in plain sight — one of America's most remarkable historic communities, five miles from I-80, with a 450-site RV park and enough German food, beer, and wine to sustain a very happy long weekend.
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