Where is amana colonies

Craftsmen took special pride in their work as a testament of both their faith and their community spirit. Up before dawn, called to work by the gentle tolling of the bell in the village tower, the unhurried routine of life in old Amana was paced very differently than today.

Amana churches, located in the center of each village, built of brick or stone, have no stained glass windows, no steeple or spire, and reflect the ethos of simplicity and humility.

Inspirationists attended worship services 11 times a week; their quiet worship punctuating the days. Over 50 communal kitchens provided three daily meals; as well as a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack to all Colonists. These kitchens were operated by the women of the Colony and well supplied by the village smokehouse, bakery, ice house and dairy, and by the huge gardens, orchards and vineyards maintained by the villagers. Children attended school, six days a week, year-round until the age of Boys were assigned jobs on the farm or in the craft shops, while girls were assigned to a communal kitchen or garden.

A few boys were sent to college for training as teachers, doctors, and dentists. A ruinous farm market and changes in the rural economy contributed, but what finally propelled the change was a strong desire on the part of residents to maintain their community. By , the communal way of life was seen as a barrier to achieving individual goals, so rather than leave or watch their children leave, they changed.

They established the Amana Society, Inc. Private enterprise was encouraged. The Amana Church was maintained. Amana Colonies Today Today the seven villages of the Amana Colonies represent an American dream come true; a thriving community founded by religious faith and community spirit. Founded in , the Amana Colonies stand within each reach of Iowa City. The colonies include seven original villages with names like South Amana and High Amana , but the place to start is Amana proper.

Stroll down the sidewalks and stop at Ackerman Winery to sample black raspberry and rhubarb wines ; Amana Furniture and Clock Shop for handmade tables, chairs and grandfather clocks ; and the Amana General Store for the year-round Christmas room.

Tasty brews draw patrons to popular Millstream Brewing Company, and at The Ronneburg, the sauerbraten and Wiener schnitzel come family-style.

The lovely Iowa Valley Scenic Byway awaits your leisurely drive. Some come for our foods and to sip our wines and beers. Others, for the quality handcrafted products, art, and variety of quaint shops that line our streets. We'll play cards, board games, dice games, you name it. If you have a game you want us to learn,…. Taking one of our guided tours is the another way to discover the Amana Colonies.

From May-October, we offer tours with local knowledgeable guides that will not only show you important historic sites, but will also give you insight to the communal era. Explore Art in Amana gifted painters and so much more Art can take a variety of forms but for many, when you mention the word…. Here are some things that you can….