Amana

The Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark in east-central Iowa, offer a fascinating glimpse into one of America's longest-lived communal societies. Comprised of seven villages—Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, and Homestead—these settlements were founded in 1855 by German Pietists seeking religious freedom. For over 80 years, the Inspirationists lived a communal life, sharing resources and working cooperatively, driven by principles of self-sufficiency and quality craftsmanship.

Today, the Amana Colonies blend their deep heritage with modern entrepreneurship, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. You'll find beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, artisanal shops, and traditional craft industries, alongside German-inspired cuisine and year-round festivals. It's a place where the past is palpable, yet the present thrives, offering a unique Midwestern experience.

From German Pietism to Iowa Prairie

The story of the Amana Colonies begins in 18th-century Germany, rooted in a religious movement called Pietism. Led by figures like Eberhard Ludwig Gruber and Johann Friedrich Rock, the Community of True Inspiration advocated for faith renewal through reflection, prayer, and Bible study, believing that God could inspire individuals directly through the Holy Spirit. Facing persecution and economic hardship in Germany, the community, under the leadership of Christian Metz, sought religious freedom in America.

They first settled near Buffalo, New York, in 1843-44, establishing the Ebenezer Society and formalizing their communal way of life by pooling resources and sharing property. However, as their population grew to about 1,200 and concerns arose about external influences from Buffalo, the Inspirationists began searching for more isolated farmland. In 1855, they found what they were looking for in the Iowa River valley, purchasing 26,000 acres of fertile land with ample waterpower and building supplies. They established their initial settlement in Iowa, choosing the name Amana, meaning 'remain true,' from the Song of Solomon.

Six villages were initially founded a mile or two apart: Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, and Middle Amana. The village of Homestead was added in 1861, providing the Colony with crucial access to the railroad. For 80 years, the Amana Colonies operated as a self-sufficient commune. Residents were assigned jobs, received a home, medical care, meals, household necessities, and schooling for their children, with a small purchase allowance for the general store. Life was simple and quiet, focused on the common good and frequent church attendance. Essential to their economy were farming and skilled crafts, particularly wool and calico production, which connected them to the outside world.

This communal way of life profoundly shaped the Amana Colonies, from their unique architecture—a blend of American Colonial and German styles adapted for practical communal needs—to their distinctive food traditions. However, the onset of the Great Depression in 1932, coupled with a growing desire among younger generations for individual goals, led to a pivotal moment known as 'The Great Change.' The community voted to transition from communalism to a for-profit corporation, the Amana Society, Inc., which continues to manage the land and larger enterprises today, while encouraging private businesses. Despite this shift, the Amana Church was maintained, and the landscape, with its more more than 450 communal-era buildings, still vividly reflects its unique heritage.

Exploring the Amana Colonies is a journey through time and tradition. Begin at the Amana Colonies Visitors Center for an overview of the area's history and to pick up a guide. The Amana Heritage Society's Museum, spread across several 19th-century buildings, including a schoolhouse and the Noé House, offers a deeper dive into communal life with exhibits and a 22-minute film.

Visit the Amana Woolen Mill, in continuous operation since 1857, where you can see traditional textile production and shop for blankets and other goods. The Amana Furniture Shop, occupying part of the old Calico Mill, showcases quality handcrafted furniture. For a taste of the past, visit the only surviving intact communal kitchen in Middle Amana, now part of the Amana Heritage Museum, and consider experiencing a traditional communal meal. The High Amana General Store, preserved as it looked in 1918, offers a nostalgic shopping experience.

The Amana Arts Guild in High Amana, housed in a former village church, promotes traditional crafts like woodworking, basketry, and tinsmithing through workshops and events. You can also explore various artisanal shops throughout the villages, offering everything from quilts and needlework to local wines and smoked meats. The distinct German-influenced architecture, with brick, sandstone, and wood buildings, is visible in every village.

The Amana Colonies are a welcoming destination year-round, with each season offering unique charms. The best time for comfortable weather is generally from May to September, with daily high temperatures between 65°F and 86°F. July is the sunniest month and offers pleasant humidity levels. Autumn, particularly September and October, transforms the landscape with brilliant fall foliage and features events like Apfelfest (Applefest) and the largest festival, Oktoberfest, with German music, food, and beer. Winter brings Winterfest in January, while spring hosts Maifest in early May.

The Amana Colonies are located in east-central Iowa, roughly 20 miles south of Cedar Rapids. The seven villages are spread out over a 17-mile loop, so a car is recommended for exploring. Many businesses and attractions have their roots in the communal history, and local artisans continue traditional crafts. Dining 'family-style' is a popular tradition at many restaurants, echoing the communal meals of the past, with large bowls of side dishes passed around the table. While entrees are typically not refillable, side dishes often are. Be sure to try traditional German-inspired cuisine, local wines, and baked goods.

For medical needs, the Colonies Family Medical Clinic in Amana provides comprehensive primary care and on-site X-ray services, with convenient hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and closed on Thursdays. Some services, like urgent care for lacerations and fracture care, are also available.