Hike - Amana Nature Trail

Along the Amana Nature Trail outside of Homestead, we will hike along a trio of Indian burial mounds near the trail, probably dating from the Early Woodland period, about 1000 years ago. At the end of the trail at the Iowa River, we may be able to see a fish weir which is a V-shaped array of rocks in the water placed there by American Indians as a fish trap. This fish weir is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is the only structure of this kind in Iowa. At high water the fish weir is entirely under water, but at low water, the rocks are clearly visible. Fish would be herded through the shallow water toward the vertex of the V, perhaps by people beating the water with branches. Once trapped in the shallow water of the vertex, it would be quite easy to net or spear the fish.

Travel west on I-80 past Iowa City to the Amana interchange to exit 225, turning towards Amana Colonies staying on U.S. 151. Hwy. 6 will join Hwy. 151 for about 2 miles. Watch for where these highways split: Hwy. 151 goes straight towards Amana and Hwy. 6 will turn right. At this intersection, turn left onto the road that leads to the nature trail. Restrooms are NOT available. About 1.5 hours from Davenport.

Go to www.geocities.com/blackhawkhikingclub and click on Activities and look for the hike date for a map.