With advance reservation, groups comprised of 8-14 people can take an abbreviated version of our day tour in our by-ways van, traveling the scenic back roads of the county. View Amish homes, schools, and farms as you learn about the fascinating traditions of the Amish & Mennonite people. Your 2 hour tour features two of the options listed below, such as viewing magnificent, hand-stitched quilts, or demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts. The tour leaves from the welcome center at 3:00 pm and ends the evening with a family-style meal served in a conservative Mennonite home.

Byways Policy

1. A minimum of 10 people is required to use our van.
 2. Gratuity for guide and cook is not included in the price of the tour, unless requested. We can pro-rate gratuity.
3. Payment for reservations is required two weeks in advance, payable to Kalona Historical Tours.
4. In the event of a cancellation(s), an advance notice of five days must be given for a full refund.

Countryside Tour Charges

Byways Mini Van Tour & Meal $30.00/person
(gratuity not included)
Tour generally lasts 2 hours and can be
customized to fit your interests
Available Monday-Saturday year round
Van leaves at 3:00 pm from Historical Village

Kalona Historical Tours
Box 292
Kalona, Iowa 52247
Phone 319-656-2519
email: kalonatours@kctc.net

Member
Iowa Group Travel Assn
www.iowagrouptravel.org
Eastern Iowa Tourism Assn
www.easterniowatourism.org/
Iowa Museum Association
www.iowamuseums.org

Good food is a big part of the Amish culture, and your tour will be no different. Experience a culinary adventure in a living history setting. The most delicious part of your day will be your hand selected dinner served family style in a conservative Mennonite home. From home-baked bread to Amish Tapioca pudding, the cook sees to it that you never leave hungry.

See sample menus here.

You May Select Two of the Following Destinations for Your Short Countryside Tour

(*Demonstrations available exclusively for Countryside Tours.)

Kalona Quilt & Textile Museum - Amish and English Quilt exhibits, spool cabinets, and antiques.
Kalona Historical Village - Relive the 1800’s when you visit the 13 authentically restored buildings.
Kalona Bakery - *Egg noodles demonstration
Kalona Chocolates - *Chocolate making demonstration
Kalona Cheese Factory (Twin County Dairy) - View Actual cheese-making process & sample delicious fresh cheese curds.
Max Cast Sculpture & Foundry - Learn about the steps in the metal casting process.
Woodin Wheel Quilts, Antiques & Gifts - *Quilt presentation. Enjoy the Christmas room year‘round.
Community Country Store - Amish country store specializing in kitchenware & groceries. Closed Tuesdays. No buses or photos please.
Sunnyside Conservative Mennonite Church - *A church member explains the basic beliefs of the faith, and the changes it has undergone since its origin in 16th Century Europe. Questions accepted.
JK Creative Wood & Gifts - Unique handcrafted wooden items made in a countryside shop as well as quilts and jellies made by Amish neighbors. *Woodworking demonstrations.
Pink Begonia - Antique and gift boutique. *Woven “market” reed basket demonstration.
Village Shoppe Art and Gift Gallery - P. Buckley Moss Gallery, Hear an informative talk on Moss and her inspiration.
Kalona Microbrewery- Learn about the methodology behind the creation of Kalona's newest libation
Downtown Kalona Shopping - Discover an exceptional array of antiques, handmade crafts, gifts, fabrics, weavings, art, and apparel.

3 Hour Tour with Meal