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  5. Things to Do in Iowa's Amana Colonies

Things to Do in Iowa's Amana Colonies

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com
June 01, 2012
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Things to Do in the Amana Colonies--Shopping in Amana
Things to do in the Amana Colonies include High Amana General Store, Hahn Hearth Oven Bakery, Millstream Brewing and Old Creamery Theatre Company.
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Amana Colonies

Things to Do in the Amana Colonies

In the green east-central Iowa River Valley along Interstate-80 (100 miles east of Des Moines), the seven Amana Colonies have clung to their roots with German steadfastness since 1855. Almost half the residents are descendants of the original German colonists; inns, restaurants and shops draw heavily on traditional foods and handicrafts.

Click or tap ahead to learn about some of our favorite attractions in the Amana Colonies. More information: amanacolonies.com

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Amana Heritage Society

Things to Do in the Amana Colonies--Amana Heritage Society
Credit: Photo Courtesy of Amana Heritage Society

Start your Amana exploration with one of the tours offered through the Amana Heritage Society (check to see when tours are offered; the COVID-19 pandemic has put many activities in the Amana Colonies on hold). The Heritage Package takes you through the Communal Kitchen Museum, Community Church Museum, Agriculture Museum, Homestead Store Museum and Amana Heritage Museum. Or check into custom tours, with topics ranging from architecture to agriculture.  amanaheritage.org.

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Amana-made food

Things to Do in the Amana Colonies--Amana-made food

Local ham, bacon, sausage and cheese fill Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse. amanameatshop.com

Hahn's Hearth Oven Bakery offers treats such as fresh bread and cinnamon rolls—but be aware that this little Middle Amana gem has irregular hours and often sells out by 10 a.m. on summer days (pictured). amanacolonies.com

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Wineries and breweries

Things to Do in the Amana Colonies--Wineries and breweries

The colonies' winemaking tradition continues at Ackerman; ackermanwinery.com. Take a refined break from sweet colony wines at Fireside Winery; firesidewinery.com. Or buy a pitcher of beer and sit on the deck at Millstream (pictured), Iowa's oldest brewery; millstreambrewing.com

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Heritage Designs Quilting and Needlework

Things to Do in the Amana Colonies--Heritage Designs Quilting and Needlework

Classic quilts hang from the beams of this 1895 granary in the historic Amana Colonies. Heritage Designs Quilting and Needlework offers a variety of quilting, cross-stitch, punch needle, embroidery and tatting supplies. Fabrics include reproduction lines from the Civil War and the 1930s. heritagedesignsquiltshop.com

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Old Creamery Theatre Company

Things to Do in the Amana Colonies--Old Creamery Theatre Company
Credit: Photo courtesy of The Old Creamery Theatre Company

Iowa's oldest professional theater has been performing in the Amana colonies since 1988. The Old Creamery Theatre Company typically performs a variety of comedies, dramas and musicals, such as I'm All Ears (pictured). Also look for the Christmas show and monthly cabaret. Shows are expected to return in 2021 as the theater celebrates its 50th anniversary. oldcreamery.com

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Shopping in Amana

Things to Do in the Amana Colonies--Shopping in Amana

Popular shopping options include the High Amana General Store (pictured), offering old-fashioned candy, handmade soaps and antique toys.  amanaheritage.org

At Amana Woolen Mill, visitors can tour the facilities and watch the looms in action, as well as purchase products such as blankets.  amanawoolenmill.com

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By The editors of MidwestLiving.com

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    1 of 7 Amana Colonies
    2 of 7 Amana Heritage Society
    3 of 7 Amana-made food
    4 of 7 Wineries and breweries
    5 of 7 Heritage Designs Quilting and Needlework
    6 of 7 Old Creamery Theatre Company
    7 of 7 Shopping in Amana

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