Amana is one of the seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies. These colonies started as a religious movement in Germany in 1714. There was widespread dissatisfaction with the Lutheran Church, which inspired the creation of the Community of True Inspiration. The group moved around Germany to escape the heavy fines and religious persecution. In 1842, the group migrated overseas to the United States. Thousands of acres of land were purchased in New York to house the more than 800 members that had come from Germany.
A decade later, so many new settlers had arrived that the leaders realized more land was needed. The lands around the Iowa River were deemed appropriate, and the group laid out the first village of the Amana Colonies in 1855. When the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad ran a line through nearby Homestead, it purchased the entire village. By 1862, all seven villages had been laid out. The Great Depression in 1931 fundamentally changed how the community functioned and thrived. Today, heritage tourism is one of the most important contributions to the local economy.
Wurst Festival – This annual June festival is dedicated to honoring the German tradition of making sausages. You'll find local sausage vendors, drinks, various competitions, and live entertainment.
Tannenbaum Forest - Find a lovely winter wonderland comprised of more than 60 unique Christmas trees. This event is held at Festhalle Barn during the weekends from the end of November through December.
Maifest – Each May, you can celebrate the coming of spring with this festival that features a small parade, live music, and traditional dancing. There will also be maypole dances and songs as well as food trucks and a chocolate walk.
Hilltop Storage in Cedar Rapids is near Highway 151 as well as several restaurants and hotels. This well-lit RV storage facility gives you 24-hour access to your property and offers helpful, short-term contracts. Baxter's Storage in Marion has a variety of lot sizes that can accommodate motorhomes up to 55 feet long. It is in an area near several shopping options, restaurants, and a police station.
Gateway Arch National Park is almost five hours away in Missouri. This park is home to a massive 630-foot arch that promises exceptional views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Tour the 91 riverside acres, or visit the many historic buildings and modern-day museums. The National Park Service provides various riverboat cruise options.
Indiana Dunes National Park is 276 miles away in Indiana on the shores of Lake Michigan. This park has 15 miles of stunning lakefront and an additional 20 square miles of forests, dunes, prairies, and wetlands. Kick back on the beach for a relaxing afternoon of swimming and sunbathing. You can also set out for a few hours of hiking, horseback riding, and biking.
Don't miss out on soaking in the warm, healing waters at Hot Springs National Park. About 668 miles south in Arkansas, this national park is in the middle of a prominent city full of restaurants, museums, and entertainment options. Feel free to relax in the baths, hike the many trails, or enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of a mountain tower.
Wapsipinicon State Park is a 400-acre, multi-use recreational area that's within 40 miles of both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. This state park is home to the famous Horse Thief Cave as well as a three-span bowstring arch bridge. There are several miles of hiking trails here, a nine-hole golf course, and a river full of smallmouth bass and bullheads.
Lake Keomah State Park has hundreds of acres of dense forest and an 83-acre, man-made lake. During the pleasant summers, swimming and fishing are popular on the unsupervised beach. Feel free to picnic, view the wildlife, mountain bike, and birdwatch. Trek the three-mile trail to check out the beautiful Keomah Village.
The 2,000-acre Backbone State Park is the oldest state park in Iowa. It has 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails as well as a lake and several historic buildings. Enjoy hours of canoeing, swimming, fishing, and paddle boating on Backbone Lake. Many visitors try climbing and rappelling on the dolomite limestone cliffs.
The Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark represents the lasting impact of one of the country's longest-lived communal societies. What started in 1714 is still honored today in the Amana Colonies, and this landmark is one of Iowa's must-see landmarks.
The Old Capitol Building in Iowa City has been renovated and repaired several times over the years. Today, you're welcome to tour the grounds and check out the museum housed inside.
Maquoketa Caves State Park is home to a one-of-a-kind wilderness that makes it one of the most unique state parks in Iowa. There are many beautiful limestone caves here as well as archeological artifacts from previous human inhabitants.
Morgan Creek Park in nearby Palo is a modern campground with an extensive trail system and sports fields. The Arboretum and Butterfly Garden next door is home to 250 species of trees and shrubs. Squaw Creek Park in Marion offers 700 acres of outdoor recreation areas perfect for picnicking and wildlife photography. The campsites here are roomy and have concrete patios with fire pits and picnic tables. If you're looking for outstanding views and an exciting camping experience, consider staying at Scales Pointe Camping and Boating in North Liberty. You're sure to love the playground, marina, bustling bar and restaurant, and horseshoe courts.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Amana, IA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Amana?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Amana from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Amana?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.