Iowa I Opener: A final look at the Amana Colonies

Before we move on to our next stop in Grinnell, Iowa, I thought I'd take one more look at the Amana Colonies. U.S. Route 6, the Grand Army of the Republic Road, passes through South Amana. It is the second longest American highway, topped only by U.S. Route 20, which also passes through Iowa.


On the right is a large barn in East Amana, the smallest and most overlooked of the seven villages of the colonies. It's left off the National Park Service Amana Colonies itinerary map, because "there are no East Amana historic properties featured in this itinerary." Man, no respect.

The most southerly of the colonies, South Amana and Homestead, are just four miles from Interstate 80--the Amana Colonies Trail is seventeen mile long, so if you are crossing Iowa and you are looking for a diversion--and perhaps some shopping, consider taking the 255 exit. If you are pressed for time, most of the stores are in the town of Amana.



Next: Louis Sullivan bank

Earlier posts:

Amana Refrigeration
Amana cemeteries

Amana Millrace and the woolen mill
Amana Colonies overview
Anamosa State Penitentiary Cemetery
More about Stone City and Grant Wood
Stone City and Grant Wood
Where North Avenue ends
Field of Dreams
Guttenberg and its pool
A final look at Effigy Mounds National Monument
More Effigy Mounds
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Freedom Rock and Veterans Day
Pikes Peak
Buffalo Bill