The Amana Colonies

On our drive north from Missouri, we made a quick stop in Fairfield, Iowa, to see the Maharishi University of Management. This consciousness-based school was founded in 1974 by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. He brought Transcendental Meditation to the west. We didn’t have a lot of time and were unable to find a visitor center, but we did get a few photos.

Then we went on to the Amana Colonies near Iowa City. These seven villages were established in 1855 by a group of Germans who were escaping religious persecution. The Community of True Inspiration lived a communal lifestyle until 1932. They were farmers and craftsmen as well as inventors of the Amana appliances.

Today, the seven villages are still intact with the original charming stone and brick houses. You can visit the Woolen and furniture factories, wineries, gift shops, general stores and museums. Bob and I especially enjoyed our visit to the Church museum where we heard the story of the religion and their practices by a local elder. This is the only place in the world where this religion exists and there are only about 300 members.

Each village was quiet, peaceful and very well taken care of. It seems like a lovely place to live.