amana colonies national historic landmark

The Amanas are wonderful to visit anytime, but 4 times a year they have a festival to celebrate the season; in January it's Winterfest, and along with pork chop hockey, a frozen ham toss, and the best beard competition, they have fun deals at the local stores, a scavenger hunt, and lots of good food including a Chili fundraiser for the local volunteer fire department.

The Amana Colonies have a fascinating history that lives on in an evolved set of communities that are worth a day or two of visiting. After learning the history and walking through charming little villages, we were tempted to buy everything the descendants of the Amana community still make. The furniture is extraordinary in its quality, as a tour of the workshop demonstrates. We're going back on our next cross country drive.

I visited Amana Colonies as a captured audience; a side trip with a friend. As I left I promised myself I would definitely return. The buildings that make up this town or towns, are old and very New England Colonial in their appearance. Very picturesque. Each township has one particular "trade" that is still in operation making and selling their wares. You have the same feeling as if you were visiting an Amish or Mennonite establishment, but Amana has nothing to do with them or the simple life they live. You can tell that by the Microbrewery across from the Mill. I stopped by the Mill and saw some very fine woolen merchandise. It was a little pricey as far as the wool went, but only because of the quality. The rest of the merchandise was clothing under some familiar labels. These were very well priced; below what you would expect. The rest of the towns buildings were shops selling different types of wares or restaurants. Some of the prices were high, some not. For a tourist attraction I thought they were fine. I walked away with a lot of goodies and a very well made blanket, thick woolen socks, and a T-shirt that said "I've Been Through the Mill".

Decided to stop at the Amana Colonies. Our say ended up being a really nice day, and walking in this little town on a crisp fall day was great. The Amana General store has plenty of gifts to buy, and all at great prices. The Christmas shop has tons of decorations. The cheese shop is neat to see with several other gifts to buy. A stop at the bakery is needed, just for the smell alone inside. Your guaranteed to walk out with something. We didnt eat at the restaurant, but the place looked full all day long. Only a 4 hour drive from chicago, a pretty good place to go

I stopped by the Amana colonies in Iowa on my way from Colorado to Ontario. I stopped for some great bird watching along the way. I can only tell you that the prices were unreasonable. I visited a few shops where popcorn was 8 dollars for a slim bag and it did not even taste fresh. In another shop you could buy pure cakes with additives- I was really disheartened. I was looking for a real country touch. I had a really terrible and expensive meal at the Ox Yoke Inn-At the chocolate shop across the street I paid 24 dollars for 4 chocolates.This is a tourist trap so hang on to your wallet. I will drive right by this spot in the future

Lots of shops and restaurants to visit...I recommend the general store if are looking for gifts to take home.

Loved loved loved this place with it's tucked in, out of the way little shops packed with really interesting things. Wish we had more time to explore but really enjoyed the little coffee shops/bakeries and the friendliness of the owners. Found many really unique items that will be under the Christmas tree for kids and grandchildren.

I loved browsing thru the many shops. I made purchases at the Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse (delicious smoked bacon), Amana Woolen Mill (actual working looms can be viewed), and German beer from Millstream Brewing Co.

Amana Colonies are seven villages: Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, East Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead.Built and settled by German Pietists in 1856 and lived a communal life until mid 1930. Around 400 communal-era buildings stand in the seven villages.Buildings date from mid or late 1800s, exteriors are pretty much as they were when first built.For eighty years, the Amana Colonies maintained an almost completely self-sufficient local economy, importing very little from the industrializing American economy.
AMANA - largest and "main" village has lots of stores, chocolate, quilting, candle, wine and cheese, wool, etc. several restaurants and antique shops. The Visitor Center, is a converted 'corn crib. The former general store exhibits shows how Amana created goods for sale outside the Colonies and what they needed in return.HIGH AMANA - The General Store in High Amana, is a walk back in time. The building itself has remained unchanged, pressed metal ceiling, 19th century display counters and fixtures. The antique display cases hold Colony made crafts, jellies, games etc. There is a kerosene pump inside for lamps and stoves. This pump is one of the oldest functional antiques in the store. Great Stop! We even bought fudge sickles for 75 cents.MIDDLE AMANA - Stop at Hahn's Hearth. The Oven Bakery continues a tradition of baking breads and pastries in the original wood-fired stone hearth that has been in the building since it was built in 1864. YUM YUM! Located at 2510 J St., Middle Amana. Open Tuesday-Saturday 7:30am until all products are sold. The German Dark bread was wonderful. SOUTH AMANA - Barn Museum features a large collection of miniature woodcrafting from one inch. There is a fee for this. Husband really enjoyed this. HOMESTEAD - Not to be missed is the Community Church Museum. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday-Saturday, think it is also open on weekend, different hours. Small fee charged. A great talk about the Church etc. Very very interesting was one of the most interesting things we did.

This former German communal settlement was a stop on our South Dakota bus trip itinary and I was glad it was. Unfortunately we weren't allowed near enough time to take in all the small village has to offer, like the various artisan demonstrations and shops. We did take in the video on the formation of the Amana Colony and their lifestyles. Very interesting, since we are from one of the world's largest Amish/Mennonite settlements in Holmes County, Ohio. We viewed a couple of the older buildings and a couple of gift shops. If we are ever in this area on our own, we want to stop by again and spend a lot more time.

We had a good time. Shipped the shops. Fun to look around. Beautiful little town. Some of the shops are great with handmade original. Others are the Tourist traps. Imports. Shame on them. We did enjoy our day. Worth the drive.

This is a collection of small historic German settlements from Iowa's past. They became a sort of cooperative for the people that lived in them. A lot of people expect to see a Lancaster PA/Amish environment but it is not there. While not a bad way to while away a pleasant afternoon, be prepared for a lot of cute gift shops and "pig out" restaurants. The furniture shop and brewery are very interesting and maintain some authenticity. But mostly it is old buildings in various stages of repair selling arts, crafts and junk.Around Christmas there is a rather grand display of Christmas tree decorating. This is worth a look!

My wife and I had a wonderful outing at the Amana Colonies. Very informative, I learned a great deal about this fascinating community. There was much to see and the food was terrific. Looking forward to returning and spending more time.

Loved this place was a part of the trip I was looking forward to it did not disappoint cheese meat and smoke house chocolate haus

A good sampling of History offered. Lots to look at and learn from, both letters and photos, as well as actual furniture.