My mom visited us in Germany years ago and had the best time exploring Bavarian villages, tasting new foods, and listening to traditional music. So when I heard the Amana Colonies hosted their own Oktoberfest, I knew it would be the perfect day trip for us. It’s smaller than Munich’s world-famous festival, but the spirit is the same—good food, good beer, and a strong sense of community.
The Amana Colonies are about ninety minutes from the Rock Island Arsenal, yet they feel far from everyday life. The drive passes rolling farmland before reaching seven villages built by German families in the 1850s. They moved west during America’s land rush and built a close, self-sufficient community. Their legacy lives on in the bakeries, shops, and friendly rhythm of each town. In fall, everything brightens during Oktoberfest with music, laughter, and food that invites you to stay longer.
Table of Contents
- A Celebration of German Tradition
- Oktoberfest at Millstream Brewery
- Dinner at Ronneburg Restaurant
- Exploring the General Store
- What Not to Miss
- A Weekend Well Spent
A Celebration of German Tradition
Oktoberfest began in Munich in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Locals gathered for beer, music, and horse races, marking the end of the harvest season with joy. The Amana Colonies carry that same festive spirit forward with their own version of the celebration—a family-friendly weekend of food, music, and old-fashioned camaraderie.
Oktoberfest at Millstream Brewery
This year’s Oktoberfest is held at Millstream Brewery & Brau Haus, located at 741 47th Avenue, Amana, Iowa 52203. The brewery grounds feature a large outdoor tent filled with food vendors serving bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and other German favorites. You’ll find plenty of local craft beer and Iowa wines on tap, and admission is free.
Just across the street, the Festival Hall comes alive with live music all weekend long. The space is decorated in the blue and white colors of Bavaria, and the sound of polka fills the air from morning till night. Locals and visitors gather to dance, toast, and sing along as steins clink and laughter spills out into the streets.
The celebration runs Friday through Sunday, September 2–5, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The festival is open to all ages, with plenty of tables, covered seating, and nearby parking.
Dinner at Ronneburg Restaurant
After exploring the festival, make time for dinner at Ronneburg Restaurant, 4408 220th Trail, Amana, Iowa 52203. Open since 1950, the restaurant serves traditional German dishes in a cozy stone building that once hosted communal meals for early settlers. I ordered the Huhnerschnitzel—a crispy pan-fried chicken cutlet—served with green beans, sauerkraut, cottage cheese, pickled beets, coleslaw, fried potatoes, and two kinds of gravy. Every plate feels homemade and generous, the kind of meal that slows you down and warms you up.
Exploring the General Store
No trip to Amana feels complete without stopping by the Amana General Store at 4423 220th Trail. The moment you walk in, the wood floors creak, and the air smells faintly of cinnamon and cedar. Shelves are stacked with local jams, sauces, handmade crafts, and bottles of Iowa wine. In the back, there’s a year-round Christmas shop glowing with ornaments and soft lights, bringing a touch of holiday spirit even in September.
I grabbed a jar of dessert cherries, some peach cobbler in a jar, and a few other local goodies to take home. The store was packed during Oktoberfest, with people browsing shoulder to shoulder, laughing and filling their baskets with Iowa-made treats.
What Not to Miss
The Amana Colonies make a great day trip any time of year, not just during Oktoberfest. Walk up one side of the street and down the other so you don’t miss anything. Between the shops, food, and small-town charm, there’s always something worth the drive. Stop by Millstream Brewery for a pint of their Oktoberfest Märzen or Schild Brau Amber. Visit the Chocolate Haus for homemade fudge, caramel apples, and truffles made right in the shop. And don’t miss the Amana Heritage Museum, where you can learn how this close-knit community built its home on the Iowa prairie more than 170 years ago.
Other events in the Amana Colonies:
- Maifest – May 2–3, 2026
- Wurst Festival – June 12–13, 2026
- Festival of the Arts – August 15, 2026
- Oktoberfest – October 2–4, 2026
A Weekend Well Spent
Steven and I visited the Amana Colonies last year, and I knew it would be a wonderful day trip to share Oktoberfest with my mom. Since we both lived in Germany, the idea of spending a fall day surrounded by German food, music, and tradition felt like a trip down memory lane.
If you need directions, parking information, or a full festival schedule, stop by the Amana Colonies Visitors Center. It’s located directly across from the festival tent and offers brochures, maps, and helpful staff ready to answer questions about local attractions and lodging.
Like it. Pin it.
I love sharing my travel stories, lessons from life abroad, and tips for curious travelers. If my work has inspired you or made you smile, please buy me a coffee.
My articles are available as mobile apps for offline reading and GPS-assisted directions. Download my articles on GPSMyCity. This post contains sponsored and/or affiliate links. If you click these links, I may earn a small commission. Your support helps me keep the blog running—at no cost to you.
Discover more from Duffel Bag Spouse Travels
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
