Overview
Kalona is a small town in Eastern Iowa of about 2500 residents.
2 things to do · 1 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kalona
Historical Village
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 i…
Quilt Block Walking Tour
Special sections of the sidewalk in the downtown area show 42 different quilt block patterns.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 12°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Iowa City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CID The Eastern Iowa Airport, Cedar Rapids — 28 mi away. Directions
- BRL Southeast Iowa Regional Airport, Burlington — 57 mi away. Directions
- DSM Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines — 101 mi away (major hub). Directions
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.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $100–$100 a night (typical $100), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$270.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Historical Village
- Lunch Kalona General Store & The Eatery
- Afternoon Quilt Block Walking Tour
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Kalona is known for baked goods, many of them made in Amish kitchens, bakeries or restaurants.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
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
Do Historical Village
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.
Do Quilt Block Walking Tour
Special sections of the sidewalk in the downtown area show 42 different quilt block patterns.
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.
Eat Kalona General Store & The Eatery (previously Reif's)
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.
Sleep
Nearby
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City / town · 52 listings · 15 mi away
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Fairfield
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Anamosa
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Ottumwa
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My experience
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