Kalona

Amish horse and buggy

Kalona is a small town in Eastern Iowa of about 2500 residents.

Understand

There is no larger Amish Mennonite settlement west of the Mississippi than Kalona. The town embellishes this fact, with special consideration given to these settlers and an economy geared toward supporting the Old Order Amish Mennonite way of life.

Get in

From I-80, drop south on U.S. 218/IA-27 and then take IA-1 south to Kalona. From the south, take 218/27 and until IA-22 East.

Do

On grounds of Historical Village

• 1 Historical Village, 715 D Ave (Hwy 22/E Ave, between 8th and 9th St). The former center of Kalona, now enclosed by a white picket fence and admission gate on the south side. Included on the grounds are a school house, train junction and post office. The Iowa Mennonite Museum and Archives is a one-room building with artifacts, some brought across the Atlantic from Europe, and genealogical records available to be used for research purposes. $12 adults, $3 children (age 7–12). (updated Jan 2023)
• Quilt Block Walking Tour (downtown). Special sections of the sidewalk in the downtown area show 42 different quilt block patterns. (updated Jan 2023)

Buy

Hand crafted furniture, many created by Amish craftsmen, quilts and antiques dominate Main Street.

Eat

Kalona is known for baked goods, many of them made in Amish kitchens, bakeries or restaurants.

• 1 Kalona General Store & The Eatery (previously Reif's), 121 5th St, ☏ +1 319 656-3535. M–Sat 9AM–3PM, closed Sun. Old-fashioned candies, Amish-style fudge, Amish cheese curds, sausages, noodles, and other local specialties. A bit on the pricey side, but a good place to find a souvenir or a gift. Lunch served mid-day, with outdoor tables. (updated Jan 2023)

Sleep

• 1 Ethel's Gourmet Kitchen Bed and Breakfast, 1070 Hwy 1, ☏ +1 319 936-6131, ethelb@kctc.net. WiFi and full breakfast served. Make reservations by phone. $100–150. (updated Jan 2023)
• 2 Dutch Country Inn, 110 E Ave (1st St, between D and E Aves), ☏ +1 319 656-3611. This small family-owned motel offers a homemade breakfast. The two-room family suite can sleep six. Grocery store next door, and a cafe across the street. $100. (updated Jan 2023)

Connect

Local area code is 319.

Go next

Routes through Kalona

Fairfield ← Washington ←

S  N

→ Iowa City → Anamosa