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".
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
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.