The Amana Colonies

Thursday, October 12, found us visiting the Amana Colonies in central Iowa. The community was founded in 1855 by a group of religious refugees from Buffalo NY. They had emigrated from Germany to practice their religion called the Community of True Inspiration (not the Amish or the Mennonites). They found a beautiful, peaceful surrounding in the Iowa River Valley and eventually established 7 villages. Here they could practice their belief in the Bible and quiet inward devotion They also believed that God spoke to them through special people and scribes followed these people around writing down everything that they said that seemed inspired. It sounds like a modern day prophet!

We took the loop around the villages starting in Amana which is where the most tourist stuff is. I shopped in the Amana Woolen Mill which has been weaving blankets and other cozy items since 1857. You could watch some of the weavers at work and listen to a narrative about the history of the factory. The several blocks of stores and restaurants reminded us of Solvang in California, although not as extensive. I also found a quilt shop which was another occasion of sin!

We drove past Middle Amana, bought items in the High Amana General Store (what a trip that was), drove the 4 block circle in West Amana, and continued past South Amana before moving on. The only towns we missed were Homestead and East Amana. I remember my mom and dad coming here and wonder how much it has changed since their visits and which places they enjoyed..

We finished our day with pizza in the university town of Iowa City.