Do you know why this is here?
What do you think of when you hear the word “Amana?” I used to think of the avocado green refrigerator we had while I was growing up. It was a real upgrade back then! But now that I’ve been to Iowa, I will think of something entirely different when I hear “Amana.”
The word “Amana” means “remains faithful”, and it is the name chosen by a religious group that came to the United States to escape persecution. The group settled in a river valley in Iowa in 1855, creating six villages and living a communal lifestyle. In 1932, the communal lifestyle was abandoned, and the Amana Society was formed. The Amana Society was set up as a profit sharing corporation and still exists today.
The Amana colonies also still exist today; though, there are now seven villages. It is designated as a National Historic Site. The colonies are about 35 minutes west of Sugar Bottom campground where Dan and I were staying. We took a day to explore the area.
From the research I did before our visit, it looked like a visit to the Amana Colonies could involve a lot of shopping with a smidgen of history thrown in. And in fact, the whole time I was there, I kept thinking this would be a perfect “Ladies Trip”, but I wanted a different experience for Dan and I. So, we chose to take a two hour guided tour of The Amana Colonies. This way, we could get an overview and learn more of the area’s history.
Guided Tour
The tour started at the Visitor Center in Amana. It cost $20 a person. There were nine of us on the tour; the van can hold up to twelve. Our tour had four stops.
Our first stop was the Amana Heritage Museum in Amana. Here we watched a 20 minute video. If you’re wanting a stamp for your National Parks Passport book, this is the place to get it. In addition to the exhibits, there are three “communal-era” buildings to explore. Our tour left here right after watching the video, so we did not get to see any of it.
Our next stop was in Middle Amana where we visited the only remaining communal kitchen. This kitchen was known as “Ruedy Kitchen” and still offers a communal meal once a month for tourists. Back in the day, no talking was allowed during the meal as it really wasn’t a social event. These days, talking is allowed should you attend a communal meal. Thank heavens!
Lots of Flowers in Amana
Our third stop was the General Store in High Amana. The General Store was established in 1857 and has its original tin ceiling, floor and glass display cases. It still functions as a store today, and we were given some time to shop.
Our last stop was the community church building in Homestead. While the church still offers services today, it looks like it did some 130 years ago. Our tour guide explained what church life was like back then. For one thing, folks went to church eleven times a week. Eleven times a week! That is not a typo!
We were glad we took the guided tour as we did learn a lot of the history. Our tour guide talked as she drove us around, and at each stop she explained the history and various facets of what we were visiting. Our tour ended up lasting about two and a half hours.
Exploring on Your Own
As an alternative to the guided tour, you could visit these sites on your own. An $8 fee (18 and up) gets you into the Heritage Museum, the Communal Kitchen and the Community Church Museum. You’ll watch the same movie at the museum and have time to explore it.
You could also explore the area by taking the free audio tour. You drive around and at various points, you call and listen to information about that stop. You actually can call anytime and listen to the recordings. This is actually part of the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway Audio Tour which covers 77 miles and 40 stops. The phone number is 319 213 9003. The stops in the Amana Colonies are numbers 1 through 10. For more information, go to Iowa’s travel website and search for “Scenic Byway.”
And lastly, there is an app you can download to assist in your explorations. We did not use the app.
Break Time
After our tour, we were ready for a snack. Back at the Visitor Center in Amana, our tour guide suggested we go to the Millstream Brau Haus. This was an excellent suggestion. We walked a few blocks to the Brau Haus, sat on the outside patio and shared a huge, delicious pretzel with beer cheese dipping sauce.
I am going to break my post about our visit to The Amana Colonies into two parts. I have a lot more to say about our visit, and I don’t want this post to get too long. Plus, I’m kind of hungry for a pretzel right now. I hope you will “remain faithful” and return for Part 2.
Chambers on the Road 
The Amana Radar Range was what popped into my head! I remember when my boyfriend’s mother got one after they first came out–the thrill of the baked potato in only a few minutes.
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You can’t beat a good baked potato! Soon you’ll be making them in your newly renovated kitchen! I bet they will taste even better!
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Such an interesting place! We’ve toured Amish villages in both Pennsylvania and Ohio. I’d never heard of Amana (except in major appliances, as you mentioned). Looking forward to part two!
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It was very interesting, and I have only scratched the surface. The Amana factory is located there; although, now it is Whirlpool. We were also told many people think they are Amish; but, while there are some similarities, the Amana Colonies are not Amish. For one thing, they (Amana) embraced technology. I thought they were more similar to the Amish than they actually were. Like the Amish though, they were known for quality craftsmanship. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your Sunday!
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How interesting – it reminds me of touring the Canterbury Shaker Village on a trip to New England. The Shakers believed in “hearts to God, hands to work” and their village was all about efficiency and quality work. I’m ready for part 2, thank you!
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I love touring old places like this and someday, the Canterbury Shaker Village. It’s a great way to learn history and to appreciate life today! I will work on part 2. It’s in my head, just got to get it to the keyboard! Thanks for reading, and have a great Sunday.
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It looks like a fascinating place. Glad there’ll be a Part II. I’m adding it to my list of places to see, especially since I’ve never heard of it. Well, the non-avacado appliance version of the place anyway. 😉 – Marty
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Gorgeous would love it, I bet. There are nice places to stay, such as the Millstream Hotel. (Right by the Millstream Brau Haus). For more info about visiting, see amanacolonies.com You can thank me later. 🙂
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Ooooh, a soft pretzel. You’re speaking my language.
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Oh yes, and it was really good. It was huge, and I thought it’d be really heavy. But it was light and crispy on the outside. The dough may have been wheat. Delicious! It really hit the spot!
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My first thought was also the appliance company. I have never been to Iowa (although I have probably flown over it many times) so thanks for sharing some of the state’s history. That pretzel did look good!
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Yes, I didn’t even know there was a place called The Amana Colonies until shortly before we went to Iowa. I did enjoy our time in Iowa, and I hope we will go there again. Thanks for reading, and have a good week.
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Such a fascinating place. You can bet I’ll stay tuned for future blogs. I’ve heard of the Amana Colonies but this is the first time I’ve ever read of someone’s visit to it. Thank you for taking me to a place I’ve never been and now want to visit. And thank you you so very much for the history lesson, Any chance you could have another pretzel for me? Enjoy the week.
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Remember Motel 6’s slogan – “We’ll leave the light on for ya”? Well, I now have a slogan for you – I’ll save pretzel for ya! Glad you liked the post. Thank you for reading it and your always kind comment. Hope you’re having a good week. Stay safe!
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I had the same thought as you, although our refrigerator was harvest gold. I love the idea of a guided tour. I’ll have to look for that option more often. You make Amana appear very interesting. We’ll put it on our list of places to visit. Thanks — have a happy day and safe travels.
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In case you do go, just know – it is very much a shopping destination – in a very quaint area. Compared to other destinations, I felt one had to make more of a “plan” to experience the history. The guided tour helped us with that. I did very much enjoy the area and Iowa. Happy day and safe travels to you, too!
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We lived for several years in Illinois just across the Mississippi River from Davenport Iowa. We loved to visit the Amana Colonies to enjoy the great food.
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It really is a charming area, and we do look forward to going there again. Thanks for reading and your comment. Enjoy your day!
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I love reading a post that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
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Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am experiencing problems with your RSS. I donít understand why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else getting the same RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
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[…] The Amana Colonies are a fun place to visit. There are seven villages with lots to offer, including a bike trail. […]
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