The Brau Haus History
THE COLONY INN STORY
The Amana Colonies have always been a popular tourist spot, and even before the Reorganization of 1932, people visited the Amana villages out of curiosity about the communal society. The train, and later the automobile, greatly increased the number of visitors to the Amana Colonies. In order to accommodate the needs of travelers and visiting businessmen who came to the Amana Colonies to do business, the Amana Society established the Amana Hotel in 1860, where a hotel manager and his family lived. In more recent years the building has remained in the service of visitors as a restaurant. Originally just the frame portion of the building was sufficient to serve visitors and Taglöhners (hired hands). By 1884, however, demand had increased and the brick addition was constructed. The Colony Inn was the first restaurant after 1932 under private ownership and open to the general public.
THE MILLSTREAM BRAU HAUS STORY
The name "Brau Haus" simply means Brewing House! For years the Millstream Brewery owners had said that it would be wonderful to add an authentic German Bierhalle to the Amana Colonies. In August 2016, the Millstream Brau Haus was born! Adding the Brau Haus gave Millstream Brewing the opportunity to make more “one of a kind” brews and specialty beers only to be enjoyed at the Brau Haus!
Under new ownership, the Brau Haus continues the tradition of serving delicious German-inspired food. We create a “One-of-a-kind” experience for all to enjoy during your visit to the Historic Amana Colonies!
With our great staff, we feel blessed to have such a wonderful family at The Millstream Brau Haus! We hope you enjoy your visit!
THE TABLES
At the Brau Haus we have a passion for all things Amana! Our amazing tables are from local trees! Some of the tables are from the old elm that stood for many years by the Woolen Mill just across the street from the brewery! Hard to find butternut trees make up the bulk of the tables. Beautiful white elm, red elm, pine and walnut round out the stunning and painstakingly preserved wood that makes every table you sit at unique! All of our long table seats are from re-claimed 1940’s telephone poles! These beautiful pieces of Cedar once stood proudly between Middle Amana and West Amana! Also check out the beautiful wall behind the bar TV. The spalted maple behind the bar and the live edge tables in our restaurant create one-of-a-kind pieces locally sourced through a partnership with Amana Forestry. We are fortunate to be neighbors with Iowa’s largest privately held forest, professionally managed for sustainability.
THE BAR
What a singularly beautiful piece of wood! While searching for our wonderful table tops, we stumbled across this stunning work of nature. This is a piece of art that came from a walnut tree. The tree was blown down by a storm in Marengo just a few years ago and many hours have gone into bringing out the beautiful, natural colors of the wood. Complimenting the walnut bar top is a piece of history from the Inn - the original doors from individual inn rooms! Rest your handbags on the convenient door knobs and reflect upon days gone by. We are proud to display this amazing piece of local wood and doors as the center piece to our bar area!
OMAS LOFT
Welcome to the old ‘Inn’ part of the building! This area has been reclaimed as our Loft after decades of existing as empty, unused motel rooms. Whether you sit in it to enjoy the music or the view, the loft is a comfy place to relax. Above the hustle and bustle of the Bierhalle, Oma’s Loft feels like you are in our VIP section. Experience our one of a kind lounge with the open Great Hall feel!