You won’t find any mall stores in the Amana Colonies. It’s just not that kind of place. What you will find are small shops of all types that are owned by the Amana Society (the original settlers of the community) or mom and pop entrepreneurs that have a special focus. Many of the shops will carry some locally made products along with interesting things from far off places. If you are interested in locally made items make sure to ask the shop keeper to point them out.

This photograph was taken during a visit in April of 2012. Photographer Amelia Painter made a visit to most every shop seen in this image.