Amana Colonies

In 1855 Germans Inspirationists who were looking for religious freedom arrived in Iowa, after living in New York for 11 years. They bought 26,000 acres of land and established six villages: Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, and Middle Amana. Homestead was added 5 years later giving the Colony access to the railroad.

Amana means "remain true" from the Song of Solomon 4:8.

They lived a communal lifestyle. They ate their meals family style in a communal kitchen. Children went to school until age 14. Some boys went to college to become dentists, doctors or teachers but most had jobs in the village.

In 1932 they stopped living a communal lifestyle because they realized that they'd lost families and children if they didn't change how they were living. They started the Amana Society to share the land and the church was kept.

In 1965 Amana was declared a National Historic Landmark. Amana is a popular tourist destinations with charming stores and German restaurants through the town. In the winter they have a parade of Christmas trees.

Fun fact: The Amana's adopted Simeon's wish trip years ago.

Millstream Brau Haus

Millstream is Iowa’s oldest operational brewery and is one of the oldest operational breweries in the nation! 1985

I love all the different texture on these different buildings.

The sandstone that most of the buildings are made of have the most beautiful color and texture.

The Mill Race. A seven mile canal that went from the Iowa River near West Amana, through Middle Amana, and Amana, before going into Price Creek, where it continued to the Iowa River. It was built between 1865-1869.

Schwalbe Kitchen 1861

The sandstone part of the building was where the for the boss and family lived. The center area was the kitchen where 40 people were served 3 meals and 2 snacks daily. The brick part was built in 1884 for living space.

This was on a old barn in town. I'm guessing it was built in 1862.

Window between area in the old barn.

This road wasn't in any of the villages, but rather in a recreation area when we accidentally went the wrong way. This might be one road I won't even try to drive on. I'm known to go on low maintenance roads quote often.

Upper South Amana

The Windmill House 1881

The original use of the building isn't know, but it does get called the "Hog Powder House" because it was used to make an additive for hog feed from 1908-1932.

A grinding stone outside of The Ox Yoke Inn and restaurant.

A thistle flower I found out by the old train depot.

German ornament from "The General Store.

Main Street-Amana.

Thistle flower with a little bug in it.