Where Are the Amish Communities in Iowa?
Discover the unique lifestyle of Iowa’s Amish communities in our latest article. From their traditional dress and horse-drawn buggies to their farming practices and strong sense of community, learn about the customs and beliefs that have shaped these tight-knit settlements. Explore the beauty and simplicity of Amish life in Iowa and gain a new perspective on what it means to live off the land.
The Amish are a religious community that strives for seclusion from society. Their way of life is dictated by an unwritten code called the Ordnung.
Members of the Amish community strive to live as close to nature as possible, wearing plain dress, traveling by horse and buggy, and farming the way their ancestors did for generations. Furthermore, they reject modern technology like electricity and cars in favor of simpler means.
Kalona
Kalona, Iowa is renowned for its Amish and Mennonite communities. As a popular tourist destination, the town offers plenty of Amish shops and attractions to explore.
Visitors to the area will discover an exciting craft and antique industry, as well as local products made with natural or organic ingredients. Those who appreciate a quaint lifestyle often settle here for either living or working.
Old Order Amish, who make up approximately half the city’s population, live a simple life. They don’t use cell phones, drive cars or use rubber tires on their horse-drawn buggies.
Old Order Amish families, such as those in Kalona, are descended from Anabaptists who seceded from the Catholic Church after the Protestant Reformation. Through generations, these Amish have maintained their cultural practices and passed them down to their children and grandchildren.
One of the fascinating aspects of Amish culture is that each community can choose to be as conservative or liberal as desired. Some Old Order communities are more rigid than others, while others let their bishops decide how relaxed or stringent their rules should be.
The Amish have their own religious schools, where bishops interpret biblical texts. This has been an integral aspect of Amish culture for generations, helping them remain a cohesive group with strong traditions.
One aspect of Amish culture that stands out is their tolerance for accidents and injuries. They do not take responsibility for the deaths or injuries of their neighbors, and show great sympathy towards those injured in auto or buggy accidents.
For those interested in discovering more about Amish culture, they can visit the Amish Museum at Kalona Historical Village. Here, they’ll find 12 restored historic buildings filled with informative displays about the pioneers who settled this region. Plus they can tour a variety of collections including English and Amish quilts (Kalona is known as “quilt capitol” of Iowa), antique artifacts, and even an original dress from Civil War times!
Bloomfield
Bloomfield, Iowa is home to one of Iowa’s largest Amish communities. Comprised of eight church districts and 175 households, it’s relatively young compared to Kalona which was established 125 years earlier and Buchanan County where Amish have been living for almost four centuries.
Amish families in Bloomfield follow a strict code and lead an austere lifestyle, depending on traditional farming to sustain themselves and their family. They adhere to stringent regulations, spending long hours tending the farm, little outside activities, and engaging in low-key social gatherings such as religious ceremonies for spiritual renewal.
The Amish of Bloomfield are a close-knit community who have practiced their religious beliefs for centuries. To prepare their crops, they still use threshing machines – horse drawn implements that utilize horses’ teeth – and keep an eye on their livestock, including cows, chickens, goats and sheep.
In Bloomfield, there are approximately 150 Old Order Amish families that live largely independently. They own and operate a small grocery store, gas station and other businesses within the community to supplement their livelihoods.
They own and operate several small farms around town, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables such as apples, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, beans and onions. Furthermore, they operate a hay farm which they run during the fall and spring seasons.
Additionally, Amish communities boast several local businesses that provide essential services like banks, medical and dental clinics, pharmacies, and grocery stores. These establishments help keep the Amish self-sufficient and are a major advantage of living within an Amish community.
It is essential to understand that the Amish have very strict laws in regards to their lifestyle and work. This makes them very different from most Americans – they don’t own televisions, computers or phones, don’t use electricity and most don’t drive vehicles either.
Davis County
Davis County, Iowa is renowned for its vibrant agricultural heritage and friendly residents. The first Amish families settled there south of Drakesville in 1971 after searching out other communities. Attracted by low farmland prices and welcoming locals, they chose Davis County to establish their community.
For decades, the Amish community in Davis County has remained peaceful and relatively unscathed by public controversy. While they do not attend public schools, their children can attend private educational institutions to receive a top-notch education.
The Amish have a deep faith in God, and their beliefs often contradict modern conveniences like cars or electricity. Their beliefs can be so strict that some people find it impossible to live among them.
Today, several Amish families reside in Drakesville and West Grove of Davis County. Additionally, they own a substantial number of farms within the region.
Additionally, there are numerous Amish churches in the area. Most of these congregations belong to the Old Order Mennonite denomination.
Amish people usually form close-knit communities. You might find Amish neighbors living together in the same house or on the same street.
The majority of Amish populations are Christian, but there are some non-Christian families as well. In some instances, non-Christians develop close bonds with Amish individuals.
One of the primary reasons for these close connections is that some members of Amish churches are also Christians. This has fostered friendships and bonds between the two groups.
Some Amish church records contain family histories, which can be helpful when researching an ancestor’s background. They give insight into where your ancestor was born, lived and worked.
Genealogical researchers often rely on records of land and property to fill in the gaps. These documents may include deeds, abstracts, indexes, mortgages, leases, grants and land patents – all excellent sources for genealogical information.
Records from local, state and national archives as well as FamilySearch Centers and Affiliate Libraries can help locate your ancestor in a specific location while providing economic data. Furthermore, many of these records contain vital information like births, marriages and deaths which is often available through local, state and national archives.
Buchanan County
Buchanan County, Iowa is home to several large Amish settlements. The oldest Amish community in the state can be found near Kalona while the largest one lies just east of Bloomfield. These Amish are known for their strict religious beliefs and conservative lifestyle compared to other communities within Iowa.
The Amish are an order of Mennonites who lead a simple life. They wear plain dress, travel by horse and buggy, farm their land, and are forbidden from owning firearms or swearing oaths.
Experience an authentic Amish community in Buchanan County by visiting one of their communities. You can take a tour of their homes, observe how they grow crops and shop at one of their many stores for farm equipment, livestock supplies, tools, groceries and more – all within easy reach!
Visit Amish farms during the growing season to pick fruits, vegetables, flowers and other items for auction during the growing season. Or attend the annual Buchanan County Fair held each summer with various events and attractions.
The Buchanan County Conservation Department oversees 41 parks, accesses and natural areas for both people and wildlife alike. Their responsibilities include outdoor recreation programs, education initiatives and conservation practices.
One of Iowa’s largest Amish communities is found in northeast Buchanan County, just west of Hazleton. Established by the Amish in 1914, this area is considered to be one of the most conservative Old Order Amish communities.
This Amish community, consisting of seven church districts over 7 square miles, is known for its conservative beliefs and church standards. The Amish here are staunch traditionalists who have remained true to their traditions even when faced with opposition from other communities.
The Amish in this area are a private and devout group who avoid posing for photos. Furthermore, they don’t wear hats or use makeup. Their religion is simple – only God knows the truth. Additionally, they believe in adult baptism – an opportunity for members to make an adult decision to commit themselves to their faith.
