What to See & Do


We invite you to enjoy a peaceful time remembering when horse and buggies were the main mode of travel and every wash day
saw the home’s collection of handmade
quilts hanging on the line.
There is plenty to do around Kalona.
We invite you to check out the useful links below to learn more about the area.

What to Do

Explore The Amish countryside & our historic town filled with crafts, quilts, arts & antiques
Enjoy fine dining, delicious snacks, kraft beers, local wines & tasty baked goods
Take a tour of the Amish countryside, a relaxing quilt block walk or enjoy a barn quilt drive
We’re also 10 minutes from Riverside Casino & Golf Course

KALONA HISTORICAL VILLAGE
715 D Ave, Kalona

Scenic 1800s pioneer village with 15 buildings depicting early life in Iowa and explaining the customs and life style of the local Amish culture.

QUILT & TEXTILE MUSEUM
715 D Ave, Kalona – 319.656.2519

Featuring an English and Amish gallery, the museum is home to quilts and textiles from the Midwest and beyond. With exhibits that change several times a year, you are sure to see something new every visit, including the US premier collection of spool cabinets.

KALONA HISTORICAL TOURS
715 D Ave – 319.656.2519

View Amish schools, homes and farms while learning about the hard work ethic and family values that encompass the Amish and Mennonite way of life. Some tours feature demonstrations or a home cooked Amish meal served in a private home. Busses welcome.

KALONA SALES BARN

Visitors from all over the US come to attend the auction of horse, cattle, hog, sheep,, goats, poultry, draft horses carriages, and exotic animals, as well as the swap and flea markets. Folks also rave about the meals served in the lunchroom day of sale.

QUILT BLOCK WALKING TOUR
Downtown Kalona

Stroll past the unique shops and boutiques of downtown Kalona and view the 42 brick work quilt squares. Pickup a map to learn the history of these beautiful quilt patterns. The complete walk takes about an hour if you don’t fall into the temptation of the shops and culinary delights along the way.

BUNKER MILL BRIDGE TRAIL
South of town on 12th Street

From Kalona to Richmond, this beautiful hiking  and biking trail leads from the city park in Kalona across the English river via the restored Bunker Mill bridge to the small town of Richmond. During the summer, live music events are held on the bridge on Tuesday evenings, and are open to the public for a small good will cover that goes to support bridge expenses.

BARN QUILT DRIVING TOUR
Washington County

Four driving loops through Washington County feature scenic & historic barns decorated with quilt blocks. Each loop has a unique theme. The northern loop, which features Amish quilts, takes about an hour, can be started and finished in Kalona, and is completely on paved roads, though there are numerous other lovely barn quilts off the beaten path.

AREA GOLF COURSES
With a 20 minute drive

Southeast Iowa abounds with beautifully landscaped golf courses. There is a course to fit the skill level of every golfer, and green fees to fit every budget. Here are just a few of our favorites within 20 minutes drive of Kalona.

OUTDOOR RECREATION
Including Parks & Camping

Many people mistakenly believe Iowa is nothing by flat farm fields. We encourage you to visit a few of these local recreational sites and see for yourself the true beauty of the Kalona area.

RIVERSIDE CASINO & GOLF RESORT
3184 Hwy 22, Riverside

From the magnificent fountains that greet you, every aspect of the resort is designed for total enjoyment. Offering guests several options for gambling, entertainment, an opulent hotel, several restaurants, a large buffet, championship golf course, valet parking, free shuttles to Kalona and more.