Photos courtesy of Hotel Millwright
If you’re searching for a weekend getaway full of history, the Amana Colonies in Iowa might be just the ticket. This German-American town has numerous cultural museums, art galleries, home furnishings shops, local breweries and wineries, meat shops, coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants that celebrate the area’s “do-it-yourself” approach to life.
Now, Amana also has a new boutique hotel as well. Created within a renovated historic woolen mill that once produced fabric for local clothing and linens, Hotel Millwright opened October 1. The 65 guest rooms combine a rough-hewn aesthetic full of character with luxury linens and Amana textiles. The hotel also has a farm-to-table restaurant, two bars, and outdoor picnic and music areas. Bike rentals are perfect for a family on the go. Hotel Millwright has accommodations for business travelers as well, including a 7,000-square-foot conference center and fitness center.
The hotel is part of an 8-acre woolen mill complex along the mill-race canal that once produced textiles sold across the United States. Over time, changes in the textile industry left the complex empty or under-utilized. The Amana Society, which owns the property, sought out potential uses for the historic site and ultimately decided on Hotel Millright—now enhancing the town’s position as a cultural, historical, and entertainment destination.
