If you haven’t been to the Amana Heritage Museum, you haven’t been to the Amana Colonies.
We find that visitors who take the time to learn about our unique history actually enjoy their visit more. It gives them a different perspective on the architecture, foods, and overall culture that make the Amana Colonies a place like no other.
Amana Heritage Society
The Amana Heritage Society has four historic sites and an expertly trained staff to help you learn about the unique history of the Amana Colonies.
- Start your visit to the main campus in Amana with a 20-minute video explaining our history.
- Then, stroll the grounds and buildings to view artifacts from the communal days.
- The staff will be able to answer your questions about life during the communal era and give you insight into how our ancestors lived.
Plan for at least 1 hour, including the video.
For more information about the Amana Heritage Society, click this link to visit their website. You’ll also find information on the Communal Kitchen, the High Amana General Store, and the Homestead Church on their website.Â
Communal Kitchen
Then, we suggest a short 2-mile drive to the village of Middle Amana to see the only intact communal kitchen. You’ll learn about the life of a kitchen boss and how each of the over 50 kitchens cooked and served 40 people five times a day.
High Amana General Store
Your next stop should be High Amana and the General Store. Stepping into this store is to step back in time, at least 100 years. The wood floor and the tin ceilings, the wood and glass display cases, and the coal oil pump are all original. It is still an operating store, but the products have changed over the years with the customers.
Homestead Church
Travel around the Colonies to the village of Homestead to learn more about the heart and soul of the community and the religion. The Homestead Church was one of the seven churches used by the community but now serves as a museum to give a glimpse to our visitors of what an Amana Church is like. Guides will explain our beliefs and customs and answer your questions.
The Amana religion is at the center of our culture. It is the reason we exist and why we left Germany to come to the New World. Church services are still held in German, but since the early 1960s, they have also been conducted in English. The Amana Heritage Society does a wonderful job of explaining the Amana religion, and a trip to their museum sites should be on your list of things to do.
