The Amish have a long history in the Hawkeye State and are part of what makes Iowa such a unique and special place to live.
Amish communities receive a steady amount of tourism in the state yearly, and many of their colonies are open to the public.
According to the latest census data, nearly 400,000 individuals who identify as Amish, currently live in the U.S., and the state of Iowa has one of the highest populations of Amish in the entire country.
Iowa is home to several Amish settlements, with the largest and oldest located in the southeastern part of the state. Here's a look at the key Amish communities in Iowa and their history:
Iowa also has smaller and newer Amish communities in locations such as Buchanan, Delaware, and Clayton counties in the northeast and in Appanoose County in the south. Many of these settlements are less than 50 years old, reflecting the Amish tendency to migrate to areas with affordable farmland and less pressure from urbanization.
The Amish first arrived in Iowa seeking religious freedom, fertile land, and a place to maintain their traditions. Over the decades, they have become an integral part of the state's cultural legacy. The Amish population in Iowa continues to grow due to high birth rates and the draw of rural living, which aligns with their values.