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 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 collection of over 200 antique quilts plus 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.