Amana Heritage Society — Attraction in Iowa

There's much to say about the really important and wonderful Amana Heritage Society, but today, I enjoyed the "Colonies in Bloom" garden walk. Which I believe was sponsored by the Amana Heritage Society Museum and the Amana Colonies Events. We picked up a detailed map at the Visitors Center in Main Amana. Complete descriptions and addresses plus a QR code to find the same map on Google maps. The tour took us to all of the colonies (except West), where we toured the beautiful private gardens of some very committed and enthusiastic gardeners. An impressive and heart lifting array of flowers (and vegetables and herbs) that hit their peak in July. This is much appreciated timing for the late garden beauty that follows the first flush of splendor in June. Our conversations with the gardeners themselves in each are a large part of the enjoyment of this tour. The unique experience of this is not only are you dazzled by the colors and variety of plantings, but you also glimpse some of the unique history of this area. A few of the tour stops are in the well maintained gardens at historical sites. If you love flowers, history, being outdoors, and having a couple of interesting chats with like-minded folks, this is a can't miss event that occurs annually and is...

The interesting history of this area of IA added another level of history that you may not know about the settlers of the region. There are several houses along the street with shops of different interests for all to enjoy. General store being the largest with Christmas connected. The heritage museum has a nice video start to give you basic understanding of the early settlers. Then on to house with two levels of further exploring and interest. Even the radar range that grandparents may have had from the 60's!! Enjoy your walk along both sides of the street, park in middle or ends to enjoy...

Very well preserved buildings and artifacts with good printed and video explanations to help begin to understand the history of the Amana Colonies.

If you are interested in these Colonies, I highly recommend the book "Amana" by Bertha Schambaugh to begin to understand what led to the colonies and their ultimate end.

The book and the museum buildings (three of them) go quite a ways towards helping to get the big picture. The wind blows where it will, and I wonder if and how the Spirit will return to these Colonies in the future and accomplish more through the...