09/04/2026
A stop worth making along I-80!
📍 Amana Colonies, Iowa
On our drive east coming home from Colorado, we hopped off I-80 for a little step back time in the Amana Colonies. A group of seven, small historic villages nestled in the eastern Iowa countryside not too far from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
Founded in the 1850s by German immigrants seeking a place to live, work, and practice their faith together, the Amana Colonies developed as a communal society that remained largely self-sufficient for nearly 80 years. Today, the villages preserve that history through their original buildings, quiet tree-lined streets, local shops, craft studios, museums, and German-inspired food.
*I stopped in late on a Sunday evening so I missed the good stuff, like the B**r Hall and breweries in town but I did get to the bakery in the morning!
I love roadtripping because this is the kind of stop that makes you slow down, wander a little, and remember that there’s often more to discover just beyond the interstate.
Makes you want to take those backroads and change the pace a little.
Amana ended up being a pretty great part of the journey home. Especially to a history teacher driving across the country with his dog.
ReWild Around Town and do some exploring once in a while.
