Things To Do
The Amana Colonies
Willkommen! Did you know that the Amana Colonies consists of 7 scenic villages? Step into a world of authentic German ambiance created by their ancestors and preserved for us today. The history of The Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s longest-lived communal societies, begins in 1714 in the villages of Germany and continues today on the Iowa prairie. Check out this beautiful comprehensive Amana Colonies website for a wealth of information!
Amana Restaurants, Cafes, Treats & Coffee
SO many German restaurants, cafes, bakeries, sweet treat shops, ice cream & COFFEE! "Not to Miss": For Homestyle Authentic German Food - The Ox Yoke Inn & The Ronneburg Restaurant, Millstream Brewery Brau Haus, Amana Colonies Bakery & Cafe, The Chocolate Haus Desserts & Coffee & Oh, So Many More!
Shops in The Amana Colonies
Looking for souvenirs, cute boutiques, art galleries, artisan furniture, and antiques from the Amana Colonies? Stroll through these shops and you won't regret it! Located within walking distance of the hotel. "Not to Miss": Millwright's own Amana Woolen Mill Mercantile "Warped & Woven", The Amana General Store, Amana International Christmas Shop, Amana Furniture & Clock Shop, Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse, & the list goes on!
Millstream Brewing Co.
Amana's very own award winning brewery. Millstream Brewing Co. is Iowa's Original Craft Brewery! Producing 2.5 Million pints a year, you will be sure to find a new favorite. Directly located across from Hotel Millwright
Wineries
Visit any or all of Amana's 5 unique German Wineries! You’ll find over 60 different types of wine in the Amana Colonies. Local vintners have been making wine for well over 150 years. Fireside Winery is one of our favorite places to visit! Great German wine and a beautiful place to relax, savor a glass, and make special memories.
Amana Colonies' Trails
Kolonieweg Trail is one of our favorite beautiful walks. A scenic 3-mile trail offers views of Lily Lake, the Millrace, pastures, farmland and the surrounding countryside.
Cedar Ridge Distillery & Winery
Leaving a Legacy of Whiskey in the Midwest! Cedar Ridge Distillery has quickly become a nationally recognized leader in craft spirits, winning multiple awards such as the "American Distilling Institute's Distiller of the Year" and the "Best American Craft Whiskey" at the New York World Spirits Competition. A beautiful setting, overlooking vineyards, rolling green Iowa farmland and forests. With all the tasty farm to table shareable dining options AND over 20 Bourbons, Shine and Wines to choose from, we dare you to leave empty handed.
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Located in the Czech Village & New Bohemia District The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is designated a Smithsonian Affiliate. NCSML engages the global community with unique Czech, Slovak, and American stories to inspire individuals with universal themes of culture, freedom, democracy, and immigration. For any history buffs interested in Czech and Slovak culture, we would highly recommend stopping by.
Bloomsbury Farm
Love flowers and animals? Homesteaded in 1856, Bloomsbury Farm is a 5th generation agri-tourism farmstead. The blooms are back along with more than 30 attractions; incredible wine flights, music, and photo ops Visit during the day for their iconic Fall Fest This is an amazing attraction with lots to do for kids and adults alike!
Iowa River Landing
Eastern Iowa's Urban Village Iowa River Landing has 180 acres loaded with upscale shops, restaurants, breweries, and hotels all in one 'Village' along the Iowa River The Landing is also proud to be home to Xtream Arena With a choice of atmosphere styles, the Iowa River Landing has something that will surely satisfy all visitors Just 30 minutes away!
Coral Ridge Mall
A unique retail destination in the Iowa City market with over 100 specialty shops to enjoy. The "mall" also boasts The Iowa Children's Museum, a regulation-size ice rink to practice your skills, a beautiful full scale indoor Carousel for all ages, and an onsite 10-screen movie theater.
The University of Iowa
....& A River Runs Through It! Visit the beautiful campus of The University of Iowa! Founded in 1847, the heart of campus served as Iowa's first State Capital and it is the oldest university in the state. The U of I is also the first state institution in the country to admit women and men on an equal basis in 1855. The University is certainly well known for their Iowa Hawkeyes sports teams and of course currently for the Caitlin Clark phenomena. However, even more so, the university is known for their world-class undergraduate, graduate and professional academic programs. It is also home to one of the most acclaimed academic medical centers in the U.S. and the world-renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop. This encompasses thousands of famous authors, dozens of Pulitzer Prize-Winning writers, multiple Poet Laureates, Emmy, Grammy & Tony winners, and the list goes on! Enjoy a day on the beautiful campus with your fellow Hawkeyes!