Paddle the Iowa

Come to the Amana Colonies for a four hour paddle trip on the Iowa River! Hop in the river with your kayak or canoe in South Amana and paddle down the river to Homestead. Just like our Volksmarches, this event is self-guided and doesn’t have a specific start time. We suggest getting on the river around 10:00 am and packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the many sandbars along the way.

You must have a life jacket for each person in the river, and you should wear it at all times to be safe.

From 9:00 am – 11:00 am, the Visitors Center will run a free shuttle between the South Amana and Homestead. So that you can drop your kayaks or canoes off in South Amana and then park your vehicle in Homestead to be ready for you when you finish the paddle. If you wish to use the shuttle service, please click here to read more details.

This event is subject to weather and river conditions. If it is not safe to be on the river, we will post this event as cancelled on the calendar and will make an announcement on The Amana Colonies Convention and Visitors Bureau Facebook page.

*Please note the South Amana Public Access Ramp is dirt and sand; The route is walkable and driveable with large/tall vehicles, but some smaller vehicles will not be able to make it down to the river. Please use caution.

**Limited same day rentals will be available, please reserve ahead of time to insure a canoe will be available for you. 

Here are some links to information about kayaking and canoeing in Iowa as well as river safety:

Canoeing & Kayaking: Iowa DNR

Canoeing & Kayaking: Iowa DNR (Water Levels and Weather)

Canoeing & Kayaking: Iowa DNR (Safety Tips and Paddling Regulations)