The Amana Colonies are one of Iowa’s most visited tourist attractions, but not far from the bustle of the restaurants and shops, you’ll find a trail that is a quiet natural oasis. The Amana Nature Trail is a serene place to connect with nature during any season. The trail is located just outside of the Village of Homestead on a tranquil and historic property owned by the Amana Society. Here are some things to know before exploring the trail.

You'll find the trail near the intersection of Highways 6 and 151. The trail is open all year, except during the Iowa deer shotgun season. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
Amana Colonies Festivals Inc. / Facebook
The trail includes three connected loops so you can adjust the hike to your liking. The longest loop is 3.5 miles. Keep a lookout for the 1,000-year-old Native American Mounds, just off of the trail.
Amana Colonies Festivals Inc. / Facebook
A little wooden picnic shelter is the perfect place to rest. You may want to pick up some things in the colonies for a picnic and enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal.
Amana Colonies Festivals Inc. / Facebook

Related Stories

Bring An ATV In Iowa To Ride Around A Former Gypsum Mine That Has Been Transformed Into Trail Heaven

Bring An ATV In Iowa To Ride Around A Former Gypsum Mine That Has Been Transformed Into Trail Heaven

 There's No Better Time Than Winter To Hike The Trails At Iowa's Famous Effigy Mounds 

There's No Better Time Than Winter To Hike The Trails At Iowa's Famous Effigy Mounds 

 Iowa's Unique Bridal Veil Trail is A Must-Hike Trail This Winter

Iowa's Unique Bridal Veil Trail is A Must-Hike Trail This Winter
The trail traces a bluff that overlooks the Iowa River, and there are some nice views from the trail. The walking is easy, but on wet days, the trail can get muddy, so boots are a good idea.
Dru Hummer / AllTrails
Long ago, Native Americans caught fish with a rock structure they built in the river. Archeologists in 2018 uncovered the structure, called a weir, buried under eight feet of silt.
Jennifer Bowser / AllTrails
The woods contain an abundance of wildlife, including birds and deer. In warmer months, you'll encounter wildflowers along the trail.
Gregory Geiger / AllTrails

The trail is a nice place for a hike in warmer months. In the winter, it’s open for cross-country skiing, when conditions permit. Looking for other relaxing Iowa trail escapes? Here are eight low-key hikes with amazing payoffs.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
Homestead, IA 52236, USA