Travel Experiences in Southeast Iowa!
Over the years I have learned that Iowa is a truly lovely and beautiful state. The Southeastern part of the state hold several treasures, some that I have visited for years, and others just recently discovered. Read about all the fun you can have in the Hawkeye State!
Amana Colonies
The Amana Colonies are a place that we have been enjoying during the holidays and year-round for decades. The Amana Colonies has its own unique history. It was settled in the 1850’s by a religious group of Germans. According to the Amana paper Wilkomen, their faith is “based on the belief that God may communicate to the faithful through an inspired individual just as he did in Biblical prophets.”
The individual is called a Werzeug (instrument). In the 1850’s many Germans followed the prophet Christian Metz and settled in the 1850’s in the Amana Villages. Each village had a church, farm, multi-family residence and a communal kitchen. They lived a communal lifestyle that thrived until 1932.
Today, the buildings are private residences, shops and businesses. These make up the fascinating combination of the Amana Colonies. In December a fun event called Prelude to Christmas takes place, and we often travel to the area to enjoy the various events like the house tours, visit to the historic barn to see the Tannenbaum Forest, and of course for the food!
Die Hiement Country Inn
This year we stayed at the lovely and historic Die Hiemet Country Inn located in the village of Homestead. The village was here prior to the Amana settlement. Realizing this was a strategic spot to ship their goods, back east, the Colony purchased the village of Homestead. They built the building that now is the inn in 1856 as a stagecoach stop. Later it was a communal kitchen; one of more than 60 throughout the 7 villages. Here they served to 35-40 people three times daily. Later the building was a home then in the 60’s it was converted to a motor inn. The name “Die Heimat” loosely means “the home place” or “the place of my roots” or “our homeland.”
Keith and I were especially impressed with the breakfast!
Prelude to Christmas
In Amana the first weekend in December, we often travel here to enjoy celebrations. This year, my brother and sister-in-law Craig and Debbie went. They stayed at Hotel Millwright. A National Park Site, the mill is historic. They have converted the mill into a luxury hotel. On their website they add, “Construction of the Woolen Mill in Amana began in 1859, and the complex was continually expanded until 1943. A salesroom was later added in the 1960s. It was one of two mills in the Colonies…The Amana Woolen Mill was originally water-powered, generated from the seven-mile Mill Race. Eventually this source was replaced by steam, and then by electricity, including water powered generators.”
They have a cool gift shop. My sister-in-law and I both found new hats. We enjoyed shopping, and the amazing house tours. We saw art, some from Iowa artist, Gordon Kallenberger in his home.
Fairfield a city of murals
Fairfield, Iowa is located off of highway 34 in southeast Iowa. With a population of around 10,000, Fairfield is a mecca of art and culture. Fairfield has amazing food choices and interesting history. Early settler Nancy Bonnifield. saw fair fields when looking at the new land, and the name stuck! Fairfield is famous for firsts. Fairfield was the location of the first two Iowa State Fairs. They have the first endowed Carnegie Library in the US. Built in 1892, the library is now a wonderful history museum.
Maasdam Barns is located here. This farm was a top breeder of draft horses. A new mural was recently finished at Maasdam Barns. The mural was painted by Katlynne Hummell Underhill of Coralville. The mural shows this as a turn of the century farm. It covers the last generation of farmers using horses. The mural depicts a pair of horses pulling a man riding a disc plow and more. We went to view this new mural after leaving Amana!
When I visited Fairfield last summer, I had heard about the beautiful Villages of Van Burren County. It had everything we wanted, history and beauty!
Bonaparte and Bentonsport
I was excited to learn about the cool restaurant Bonaparte Retreat. We lunched at this restaurant located in a refurbished grist mill. Built in 1878, the Bonaparte Retreat is easily one of Iowa’s most unique restaurants. There is a cool park around the mill/restaurant. The Des Moines River backs up to the town.
Did I mention the food? Amazing traditional and very affordable! Note, this restaurant is only open for lunch so get there early!
There is a former woolen mill next door. The town is filled with lots of lovely historical stops. The town of Bentonsport has more shops to peruse. There is an amazing Pedestrian bridge. There is a park built in the former lock and dam.
Historic Van Buren County
Buildings in Bentonsport have signs sharing their story. Besides visiting cool shops like the General Store and Iron & Lace, I walked across the Bentonsport Bridge. Built in 1882 by the Smith Seeding Company, this is the oldest truss span bridge existing across the Des Moines River.
In this historic area of Van Buren County, there were many mills built along the river. The scenery is lovely, and beckons for me to return and learn more!
Where have you been lately that calls your name?
