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Kalona
and Washington County
Old
and New
Known
as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa," Kalona, the second largest town in Washington
County, is a quilt all its own - a myriad of unique patterns, old and new. Its
pioneer heritage is richly displayed in the Historical Village & Museum of
antique collections, as well as in the horse-and-buggy Amish who continue to live
the simple, wholesome lives of our great-grandparents. The town of Kalona began
in the era of railroad and was then settled by the unique religious groups who
still practice their traditional beliefs. The Kalona community and Chamber
of Commerce embraces the past with the present by preserving the rich heritage
while encouraging progress.
Pioneer
Spirit
A
pioneer spirit still thrives today in the progressive business community with
its one-of-a kind downtown and countryside shops and cottage industries. Thanks
to a homegrown, cutting-edge medical instruments company, Kalona is even known
in the international high-tech marketplace. The visionary Kalona Cooperative Telephone
Company plans to install a digital fiber-optics network rivaling any proposed
in the state or country.
The
Amish Community
Washington
County is the home of Iowa's largest Old Order Amish community. The Old Order
Amish have no telephones, electricity, cars, or other modern conveniences. Taking
pride in their fine workmanship and tools, the Amish value "things"
mainly for their utilitarian application. At the same time they create some of
the most beautifully designed and intricately pieced quilts to be found anywhere
in the world. As the largest Amish settlement west of the Mississippi, the Old
Order Amish of Kalona are dispersed today among seven congregations, along with
numerous Mennonite Churches in the Kalona area.
Population
Growth
Kalona
has been growing by 25 percent per decade since 1950. Its growing economic base,
migration from the rural areas into town, and proximity to Iowa City are among
the contributing factors to the town's steady development. Kalona residents quote
the lack of crime and warm interpersonal relations with their neighbors as some
of the town's most desirable qualities. They also regard the Kalona Cooperative
Telephone Company and the school system as above average.
Museums
and Historical Sites
-
Kalona Historical
Village and Mennonite Museum and Archives
Highway 22 East, Kalona, Iowa. Tel: (319)-656-2519.
The purpose of the village is to preserve the historic record its buildings represent.
The village includes 13 restored period buildings, replete with antique furnishings,
agricultural equipment, and railroad memorabilia.
Among
the several village houses are a typical 1890s one-room country store, a one-room
schoolhouse, an 1850s post office, and a buggy shop.
The
Mennonite Museum and Archives displays articles which help preserve the history
and lifestyles of the Mennonite and Amish culture.
The
recently refurbished museum is open year round; reservations
required.
- Downtown Wellman
Heritage Museum and Smith Creek School Museum
Wellman, Iowa. Tel: (319) 646-2324.
- West Chester
Heritage Museum
East edge of West Chester, Iowa.
- Jonathan Clark
Conger / Washington County Historical Museum
Highway 92 East, Washington, Iowa. Tel: (319) 653-3125.
The house dates back to 1847-68 and is filled with unique items, including a button
factory exhibit.
Open Sundays, June through August, 1-5 pm.
- Alexander
Young Log Cabin
Sunset Park, Washington, Iowa.
Built in 1840, the cabin is fully restored.
Open Sundays, June through August, 2-5 PM
- Walnut School
South of Washington, off Highway 1.
A restored one-room schoolhouse preserved at its original state.
- Grace Hill
Moravian Church
Grace Hill, Iowa.
- The Kalona
Quilt and Textile Museum
415 B Avenue, Kalona, Iowa. Tel: (319) 656-2240.
This museum houses a private collection of antique quilts and textiles.
Special
Events
- September Fall
Festival
Held at the Kalona Historical village grounds the last weekend of September,
the Fall Festival features homemade food, old-time crafts, antique farm equipment
and machinery, demonstration of old fashioned skills, and musical entertainment.
- Kalona Quilt
Show & Sale
Held annually on the last weekend in April, the quilt show draws collectors
from all over the country.
- Kalona Day
A relatively new tradition, the Kalona Day celebration is held annually since
1983. It features a downtown parade, a bake-off, sports games, a flea market,
and many children's activities.
- Horse Sale
Held the first Monday of every month.
Recreation
- Lake Darling
State Park
West of Brighton, Iowa on Highway 78. Tel: (319) 694-2327.
Camping, fishing, small boating, and wildlife. Youth camp for larger groups.
- County Parks
There are fourteen parks in Washington County, including:
- Marr Park
West of Ainsworth on Highway 92.
Small lake, fishing, camping, and hiking in native prairie and pine.
- English River
Wildlife Area
Northwest of Wellman.
Marsh and lowlands
- McKain's and
Brighton Boat Access
Direct links to Skunk River.
- Brinton Timber
Northwest of Brighton.
Thick timber, mini-waterfall, hiking, horse trails and wildlife.
- Fern Cliff
North of Noble.
Native timber, steep cliffs, scenic vistas.
- Sockum Ridge
Southeast of Washington.
Archery range, hiking, and camping.
- Clemons Creek
Wildlife Area
West of Washington.
Shooting range.
- Bluebird Trail
Grace Hill.
- Canoe
The English River, Crooked Creek, and the Skunk River.
- Kewash Nature
Trail Washington to Keota via the Kewash rail bed.
Hiking, biking, nature watching, cross country skiing.
- Crooked Creek
Christian Camp
South of Washington, country road W47.
Large group meeting and camping facilities plus recreational area in timbered
setting.
- Heartland Bicycle
Course
1 Orchard Circle, Washington, Iowa. Tel: (319) 653-2277.
- Golf Courses:
- Kalona 9-holes
Rental carts. Tel: (319) 65603844
- Washington
9-holes (Private Course)
Rental carts. Tel: (319) 653-2080.
- Wellman 9-holes
Sand greens.
- Keota 9-holes
Rental carts. Tel: (319) 636-3411.
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