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The insulated nature of Amish communities has always piqued our interest due to their shunning of modern conveniences, their closed communities, and their ways of living and thinking that seem so far removed from the modern-day stresses that are so ingrained in our daily lives. Iowa is home to many established Amish settlements, scattered throughout the state. If you're curious to see how they live and want to explore their rural communities, here are a few destinations in Amish Country, Iowa that will definitely pique your interest and take you into another world.
1. Amish Country Store, Lamoni
The Amish Country Store is not your typical general store. Filled with handmade items made by those in the local Amish community, you'll find a selection of barn quilts, jams, pickled goods, furniture, and so much more. There are so many beautifully crafted wares and home-baked goods, you most likely won't leave empty-handed. Inside the store is also a Maid-Rite where you can order a sandwich, a coffee shop, and Iowa travel information. This is certainly one of the best places for Amish shopping in Iowa.
2. Dutchman's Store, Cantril
As you make your way to Cantril on an Iowa road trip, you'll see horse-drawn buggies with Amish men, women, and children going about their business. This community is between Bonaparte and Milton, and a favorite local spot is the Dutchman's Store Iowa, an old-fashioned general store that sells a variety of items to local Amish families as well as visitors. Step inside and discover a huge selection of quilting fabrics, groceries, and clothing, plus a cafe serving sandwiches and caffeinated beverages.
3. Milton Creamery, Milton
Milton Creamery buys all of its milk from local Amish family-owned farms that raise grass-fed cows. This is a great opportunity to buy some high-quality, award-winning artisanal cheeses like Prairie Breeze, an aged white cheddar with a sweeter taste than typical cheddar. Shopping here means you'll be supporting local farmers in Iowa Amish communities.
4. Villages of Van Buren County
This series of charming Amish towns in Iowa is definitely worth checking out. The 12 Villages of Van Buren are in southeastern Iowa, and include Bentonsport, Birmingham, Bonaparte, Cantril, Douds-Leando, Farmington, Iowaville-Selma, Keosauqua, Milton, Mount Sterling, Pittsburg, and Stockport. As you tour through these small, charming villages, you can enjoy shopping for antiques, baked goods, and much more.
5. The Amish Boulevard, Hazleton
The Hazleton community is recognized as Iowa's most conservative Amish community. There are almost 50 Amish-run businesses on the rural route known as the Amish Boulevard, so prepare to spend some time meandering down the street to shop for a wide array of things, such as handmade furniture, baked goods, and more.
6. Kalona Quilt & Textile Museum, Kalona
The Kalona Quilt & Textile Museum is located in the Kalona Historical Village Welcome Center. It contains galleries for both Amish and English quilts, along with fascinating information about Midwestern quilting history.
7. Kalona Historical Village, Kalona
The fascinating Kalona Historical Village in Kalona, Iowa, is an 1800s village with 13 buildings. Each building has been restored and contains displays depicting the life of Iowa immigrant settlers. It's one of the most fascinating Amish attractions in Iowa.
8. Midwest Woodworks, Kalona
For those searching for beautifully crafted furniture for the home, Midwest Woodworks is an Amish-owned furniture store located just a mile west of Kalona at 2019 Highway 22. Here, you'll discover a wealth of quality heirloom furnishings for the kitchen, bedroom, living room, office, and beyond.
9. Amish Byways Tour, Kalona
The Amish Byways Tour offers a rare inside look into Amish life. As the tour winds its way along scenic backroads, you'll be able to get a closer look at Amish schools, homes and farms, with several stops at country shops along the way.
10. Southern Iowa Produce Auction, Bloomfield/Drakesville
This seasonal produce auction is located south of Drakesville; it takes place twice a week, Tuesday and Friday between April and October, starting at 10 a.m. The auction attracts buyers from far and wide and offers a huge variety of produce, flowers, and more. Visit the Southern Iowa Produce Auction Facebook page for updates.
What To Know Before Visiting Amish Country in Iowa
While there are things to do in Amish Country in Iowa for those of us considered outsiders, we should maintain a level of respect for the local community. Among the ways to show respect to the Amish culture in Iowa are dressing modestly, acting respectfully, and never taking photos or videos of community members without permission. When visiting, carry cash, as many businesses do not take credit cards. And be mindful that some businesses may be closed on Sundays.
Which of these Amish places in Iowa are you most interested in visiting? If you're looking to explore more of Iowa, check out our list of road trips in Iowa that will show you so much of what the state has to offer. And discover the most exciting things to do in Iowa this year!
