Tucked among the vast expanse of farmland in east-central Iowa lies a beautiful area that became the promised land for a quiet and simple set of people. How they came to be here is a story that has created their cultural heritage and lives in the Amana Colonies.
The over 400 buildings, Mill Race Canal, and 26,000-acre landscape are recognized as historically and culturally significant in American history. The National Park Service honors this significance by listing all seven villages as a National Historic Landmark.
Today, visitors discover a cultural journey through the Amana Colonies and learn about the history, heritage, and culinary delights of the people who make up the seven small communities that they still call home.
History
In the 1700s, a religious group known as the Community of True Inspiration was formed in Germany. The members believed in humility and piety through simple worship and advocated freedom of speech. This small group was persecuted for its beliefs. As a result, it moved numerous times while in Germany and finally crossed the ocean to New York.
Communal Life
In New York, they discovered that they could thrive as a community by farming the land, praying, and eating together. Residents were given a home, meals, medical care, and much more. This ensured that the community provided all of their needs and thus began their communal way of life.
Finding Amana
By 1855, more farmland was needed, so they started looking west, discovered the perfect land in Iowa, and founded Amana. The seven villages formed the Amana Colonies, which became the largest communal society in America. This lifestyle lasted for over 90 years before the pressures of changing times led to the abandonment of communal life.
Visiting the Amana Colonies
I grew up in the Midwest and thought I had a good understanding of what the Amana Colonies would be like. I thought that it was an Amish community. Well, I may have had the simple way of life correct, but I had the culture and religion all wrong. I needed a cultural journey through the Amana Colonies.
Amana
The largest of the villages, Amana, is the most touristy and receives the most visitors each year. I started my trip here in the morning and continued to the other villages in the afternoon.
Heritage
As I pulled into Amana, I took a step back to a much simpler time. First, I made a stop at the Amana Heritage Museum and spent time with one of the many long-term residents of Amana. She told me that the people of Amana still have a strong connection to their past and love the lifestyle they grew up with. Second, I watched the orientation video and explored the museum. They both provided information that I needed to truly understand why this group of people left their home country for the farmlands of Iowa.
Trades and Industry
After my visit to the museum, I spent the morning in Amana. I explored the places where the residents developed their crafts that helped to sustain the village. Iowa’s only remaining textile mill, Amana Woolen Mill and Mercantile was hard at work creating incredible fabrics. The craftsmanship of the furniture at the Amana Furniture & Clock Shop was timeless. Delectable smells from the Amana Meatshop & Smokehouse drew me inside. I was astounded by the selection of meats to choose from.
Culinary Delights
All of my exploring made me hungry, so I stopped at the Millstream Brau Haus. I had an incredible German-style beer and a bratwurst made at the Amana Meatshop & Smokehouse. If you have a larger group, I highly recommend either the Ronneburg Restaurant, an original historic communal kitchen, or the Ox Yoke Inn. They both serve family-style meals reminiscent of the communal days. Dine on Old World German recipes that have been handed down through the years. Have you ever had schnitzel, kasseler rippchen, knackwurst or sauerbraten? Today may be the day!
The Amana Colonies is now a tourist destination. There is no shortage of shops in Amana, and I found some great places to explore. Shopping the local talent is one of the highlights of spending time in Amana since craftsmanship and creativity are found at every stop. First, I stopped at Warped & Woven Mill Mercantile to pick up an Amana-made blanket. Then, I watched the skilled workers at the Amana Furniture & Clockshop. Finally, I wandered through all the nooks and crannies of the Amana General Store and marveled at the many antique shops and art galleries.
The Remaining Colonies
The remaining six villages complete the Amana Colonies. These include Middle Amana, High Amana, West Amana, South Amana, East Amana, and Homestead. The colonies purchased Homestead in the 1850s. This village was already established and had a railroad that could be used for shipping items made in the villages. Each of these communities is unique in its own right, and I spent the rest of my day exploring them.
Middle Amana
The highlight of Middle Amana is the one remaining communal kitchen. Purchase a ticket to one of their special meals, and you will fully immerse yourself in the culinary delights that the residents enjoyed. I also took a walk on the peaceful trail around Lilly Lake and saw the large Whirlpool plant, founded by Amana native George Forstner.
High Amana
Next, I headed to tiny High Amana to see the authentic general store. Built in 1858, it looks just as it did when it was built. The store is full of history and lots of goodies to purchase. It is in stark contrast to the Amana General Store, which is much bigger and more commercial. I loved talking with the proprietor that grew up in High Amana. You can also take a class at the Arts Guild down the street when they are offering artisan workshops.
South Amana
Lastly, I discovered amazing talent in South Amana. Fern Hill Gifts and Quilts has the most beautiful selection of quilt fabrics that I have ever seen. Artist Stephanie Brandenburg takes her stunning artwork and creates incredible fabric out of them. I also had a heartfelt discussion with Schanz Furniture and Refinishing founder Norman Schanz. He is passionate about creating quality furniture and it is felt in every piece I saw.
A cultural journey through the Amana Colonies, with its history, heritage, and culinary delights, is a wonderful trip back in time. Next time you are in Iowa, make a stop and spend a day enjoying the Amana Colonies.
More Destination Ideas
Where to stay when visiting
Within the Amana Colonies, there are several choices of where to stay when visiting. I could have chosen a hotel, an inn, a bed and breakfast, or I could have stayed at the Amana RV Park & Event Center. There is also a variety of RV parks recommended by members on the RV Life Campgrounds site. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the spacious Amana RV Park & Event Center.
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