Experience Authentic German Culture In A Thriving Iowa Community Of Unique Scenic Villages

The migrant history of the United States means that cross-continental road trips can sometimes feel like traveling the whole world. The Cajun culture of Lafayette, Louisiana, for example, still reflects the roots of the French immigrants who settled in the state more than two centuries ago. In Iowa, the stunning Amana Colonies offer one of the country's most authentic experiences of historic German-American culture.

Founded in 1855, the colonies, which are made up of picturesque and traditionally built public buildings and homes, consist of seven charming villages. They have been a draw for visitors for over 100 years, and they are now collectively registered as a National Historic Landmark. For social historians, the Amana Colonies present a fascinating economic model — similar to the Amish communities of America, the villages used to live and work in a largely self-sustaining way, only engaging with the greater United States by means of buying and selling goods. Many of the trades the villagers plied were the same ones they practiced in Europe, and the townspeople were governed by local councils of elders and obeyed strict religious laws. However, when the Great Depression struck the villages in the 1930s, it largely took away their economic independence and self-sustaining communal lifestyle.

Today, the Amana Colonies are sustained through tourism, offering travelers the opportunity to learn about this unique German-American heritage and to experience the community's traditional way of life. The colonies treat guests to a rich cultural calendar, several museums and art galleries, and luxurious accommodations including hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts.

Despite promoting a slower way of life, the Amana Colonies' cultural calendar is packed with large-scale public events that you may want to make the focus of your trip depending on when you visit. For instance, each year spring is marked by Maifest, featuring Maipoles, dancing, and a parade, while in the summer, the Amana Colonies host their annual Wurst Festival. This unmissable event sees plenty of stalls selling German fare including sausages and delicious beer, and the festival is also host to a range of traditional outdoor games and a sausage dog race. Even in the colder months, the Amana Colonies have much to offer: Celebrate fall with the beer-focused Oktoberfest, or come in the winter to enjoy Winterfest and the festive Tannenbaum forest.

Traditional stores in the area for food and drink include Amana Coffee and Tea, where you can buy high-quality locally roasted coffee beans; the Amana Colonies Bakery and Cafe, where you can buy artisan bread and pastries; and the Fireside Winery, which also carries a range of cheeses and cured meats. White Cross Cellars and Ackerman Winery are other nearby spots for wine lovers, both of which have an emphasis on history and tradition. Restaurants offering German cuisine include the impressive Millstream Brau Haus, which serves German fusion food and pub fare; and the Ronneburg Restaurant, which is named after a medieval German fortress. The Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse, meanwhile, offers traditional wurst all year round, along with a wide range of other products including hams, salamis, and cheeses. And don't forget to check out The Chocolate Haus, known for its fabulous range of truffles, fudges, and caramels, some of whose recipes originated over a century ago.

A visit to the Amana Colonies could easily be spent sampling local delicacies and finding routes to walk them off (luckily, there are several pretty paths nearby, which are ideal for hiking and bird-watching). But food and drink aren't the only things that will tempt you to empty your wallet during your visit to Amana Colonies. The area's rich history of handcrafted goods is reflected in several businesses selling local artisan wares, and you can explore local historic charm at antique shops.

Highlights include the Amana General Store, which dates back to 1858 and remains at the heart of the community. It offers a wide range of locally made products, as well as delicious food to sample. Similarly, the High Amana General Store — a separate business — is the place for trinkets, gifts, and divine-smelling handmade soaps. For bigger purchases, Amana Furniture and Clock Shop is known for the quality of its wares and craftsmanship, while those looking for something more rustic ought to visit Colony Carvers, which focuses on chainsaw-carved decorative pieces. Village Antiques & More is famous for its "Man Cave," featuring an array of antique tools, as well as its vintage toys and local crafts. Meanwhile, Smokehouse Square Antiques is the home of wares from around 50 individual dealers, and could easily take up a full day of your visit as you hunt for treasures. And there is far more to see — the only way to see the full scope of what these villages have to offer is to experience the Amana Colonies for yourself.