Amana: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

The Amana Colonies, located in east-central Iowa, represent a unique piece of American cultural heritage. Established in 1855 by German Pietists seeking religious freedom, the colonies consisted of seven villages, with Amana being the largest. For nearly 80 years, the community operated under a communal system, where work, faith, and daily life were closely interconnected.

The Amana Colonies are particularly notable for their well-preserved German-American architecture, traditional crafts, and cultural practices. In 1932, during the Great Depression, the community transitioned from its communal structure to a more conventional capitalist system, though maintaining many of its cultural traditions.

Today, Amana and its sister colonies are a National Historic Landmark, offering visitors insight into 19th-century communal life through their preserved buildings, craft shops, and museums. The area continues to be known for its furniture-making tradition, woolen textiles, and locally produced foods, reflecting its German cultural heritage and communal past.