My name is Daniel Nisly and welcome to Kalona, Iowa.

In 1846, the same year, Iowa became a state a group of Amish settlers made their way to a plot of land about 20 miles southwest of Iowa City.

They were the first European settlers in that area.

And by 1879, thanks to the railroad making its way through, Kalona was established.

Today, Kalona is home to a wide array of locally owned shops, restaurants and the Mennonite and Amish people.

But what draws tourists here each year is its striking connection to what Iowa was like in the past when pioneers first settled the rolling prairies.

This is Kalona depot, and it was built here in 1879 and was used here for close to 100 years.

That town of Kalona, people felt like we needed to save this one.

And so it was moved to this spot and is refurbished to the way it used to be.

I was born and raised in this community and still living here.

It's a quiet place, and it's very enjoyable.

I like I can't think of any other place I'd rather live.

Also, people are interested in seeing the more simple life that the Amish have.

This is of some of the type of clothing that the Amish wear.

The Amish way of life was mainly agriculture is rooted in farming.

You won't find an Amish family living 50 miles away from from a community and beyond their own.

There's they're always interacting with each other.

I have done tours since 1996.

Probably 95% of the people they meet are very friendly and just very accommodating and and people just really like the experience of coming into Kalona.