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Homestead’s Community Church Museum once served as the Homestead Church. It was built in 1865 out of brick and has a very simple design. Today the Amana Heritage Society operates the Community Church Museum. The museum has the same appearance as it did over a century ago and guided tours are offered. Community Church Museum is located at 4210 V Street in Homestead. For more details call (319) 622-3567.
Flowing through the colonies is a 7-mile canal called the Mill Race. The canal was constructed between 1865 and 1869 for the purpose of providing power to several mills in Amana and Middle Amana. Water was diverted from the Iowa River into the Mill Race upon its completion. The Flood of 1993 disabled the Mill Race but attempts are being made to restore the historic canal.
The Amana
Woolen Mill was constructed in 1859. The first Amana settlers
brought their weaving skills and looms with them from Germany. By 1890
the mill was producing nearly 3,000 yards of material each day. Profits
from the mill went toward supporting the community. Today visitors can
take a self-guided tour through the mill to learn more about it. The Amana
Woolen Mill is located at 800 48th Avenue in Amana. Call (319) 222-6430
for more details.
The Museum
of Amana History is located in a collection of three original
Amana buildings. The Noe House was built in 1864 and served as one of
Amana’s communal kitchens, the Schoolhouse was built in 1870, and
the Woodshed was also constructed in the 1870's. These three buildings
interpret the Amana Colonies' communal lifestyle through exhibits and
displays that highlight the colonies’ development and rich history.
The museum is located at 4310 220th Trail in Amana. For additional information
call (319) 622-3567.
Amana’s Industrial Machine Shop Museum is located at 822 48th Avenue in Amana. The museum showcases many of the original tools and machines used by the Amana workers. Machinists and blacksmiths in the machine shop were responsible for keeping colony businesses up and running efficiently. To learn more about the Industrial Machine Shop Museum call (319) 622-3482.
The Amana Calico Mill was built in 1861 and gradually grew to become an eight building complex. The German settlers brought with them the skill of making calico, a printed cloth. During the 1890's, the calico mill produced up to 4,500 yards of calico in a day. The mill closed during World War I due to a shortage of supplies. Today two buildings remain and are located at 740 48th Avenue in Amana. Both buildings are open and free guided tours are available. Call (319) 3291 for more information.
The Communal Kitchen & Coopershop Museum in Middle Amana were both constructed in 1863. The Communal Kitchen is the only intact communal-era kitchen and has been preserved to its 1930's appearance. The kitchen offers exhibits of actual kitchen items used by the colonists. The Coopershop Museum offers exhibits on barrel making and the tools used in the cooper’s trade. For more information about these attractions call (319) 622-3567.
Formerly the High Amana Church, the Amana Arts Guild Center is a wonderful place to check out Amana’s local artisans. The center features arts and crafts from all seven colonies and showcases historic Amana folk art. Visitors can purchase willow baskets, quilts, rugs, and numerous other items that have been handcrafted in the Amanas. The Amana Arts Guild Center is located at 1210 G Street in High Amana. Call (319) 622-3678 for specific information.
The Communal Agriculture Museum in South Amana is located in a restored ox barn that was built in 1860. Today it contains antique agriculture tools and implements along with historic photographs from the colonies' earlier days that reflect Amana’s agricultural heritage. The museum is operated by the Amana Heritage Society and is located at 505 P Street in South Amana. For additional information call (319) 622-3567.
Just west of the Communal Agriculture Museum lies the Barn Museum. The Barn Museum is also housed in a restored barn constructed during the Civil War and was used for the colony's horses. Today it houses the miniature woodcraftings of Henry Moore. His creations not only include Amana reproductions, they also highlight pioneer farms, small town America, and several other creations. Moore’s collection is the largest group of miniature replicas built by one man. For more details about the Barn Museum call (319) 622-3058.