Cruising along I-35 near the Iowa-Missouri line, there is a country store that feels like a friendly rest stop and a treasure hunt rolled into one.
The Amish Country Store in Lamoni blends quilt-worthy craftsmanship with deli sandwiches, giant cinnamon rolls, and shelves of small-batch jams.
You can stretch your legs, grab a Maid-Rite or fried chicken, and wander through rooms of gifts and handmade goods.
It is the kind of place you plan to stop for ten minutes and happily spend an hour.
Handmade baskets signed by the family
These sturdy, handwoven baskets are the heartbeat of the Amish Country Store, each one signed by the family that made it. You can pick up a bread basket, picnic carrier, or a deep catch-all that looks right at home on your kitchen counter.
The signature on the bottom is a small touch that makes a big memory, turning a useful item into a story you will share.
What stands out is the balance of beauty and utility. The weave is tight, the edges are smooth, and the handles feel strong enough for farmers market mornings or pantry storage.
You will notice subtle differences between pieces, a reminder that hands, not machines, shaped the wood and reed.
Ask staff about the family behind a basket and you might learn where they live, how long they have been weaving, and which patterns are new. It is a nice way to connect purchases to real people.
If you want a functional souvenir that actually gets used, this is a perfect choice.
Travelers often tuck a basket into the car as a snack caddy, then bring it home as a mail holder or fruit bowl. It is a small shift that turns travel into ritual.
When you pass through Lamoni again, you will find yourself reaching for another size to build a matching set.
Legendary cinnamon rolls and baked goods
The first whiff hits you by the registers, that warm swirl of cinnamon and butter that people rave about. These cinnamon rolls are huge, soft in the middle, with a sticky glaze that melts as soon as you peel back a layer.
You can grab one to go or sit nearby with hot coffee and make it a quick break.
Beyond the rolls, the bakery case rotates fresh pies, breads, cookies, and seasonal treats. Some days there is a tray of golden biscuits or a pan of fruit bars that vanish before lunch.
The staff keeps things moving, and the line usually means you are picking the right time to indulge.
Bring a small cooler if you are road tripping so the frosting stays perfect. A box of rolls travels well, and it doubles as the best thank-you gift when you reach family or friends.
If you are on a long drive, pair a roll with a deli sandwich for that sweet-savory balance that keeps you smiling.
Reviews mention consistency as much as size, which says a lot. The bakery is not trying to be fancy, just dependable and delicious.
You will likely leave with crumbs on your shirt and zero regrets, already planning the next stop.
Jams, jellies, and small-batch preserves
Shelves of jewel-toned jars stretch like a rainbow, with classics like strawberry and raspberry alongside jalapeno jelly and peach butter. You can taste the difference in small-batch preserves, from the chunkier fruit to the balanced sweetness.
Grab a sample when available, then choose a couple of jars for toast, cheese boards, or road snacks.
These preserves make easy gifts because they carry a sense of place. Labels often note local producers, and you will find fun surprises like apple butter with a hint of spice.
Pair a jam with a loaf from the bakery and you have breakfast handled for the next morning.
Consider your pantry before you shop so you do not leave with duplicates. One bright berry, one stone fruit, and one wildcard flavor is a smart trio.
If you have a long drive, ask for extra padding or use clothing in your bag to protect the jars.
People talk about how the store turns them into jam collectors, and it happens fast. Once you try a few flavors, you start building a lineup for recipes and weekend pancakes.
That moment when a jar is scraped clean lands like a reminder to plan another Lamoni detour.
Maid-Rite and the deli counter
Right inside the store, the Maid-Rite counter turns out loose-meat sandwiches the Iowa way. You can order a classic with mustard, pickles, and onions, or branch out into burgers, chicken, and milkshakes.
It is a practical stop during a long drive because you can eat well without leaving the parking lot.
Many regulars argue the fried chicken is the sleeper hit. It arrives crisp on the outside and juicy inside, with biscuits and coleslaw that round out the plate.
There is also a huge pork tenderloin sandwich locals whisper about like a legend.
Timing helps. If you want a calmer experience, aim outside peak lunch hours so you can savor your food and browse afterward.
Grab extra napkins and a bakery treat to go, then hit the road feeling full but not sluggish.
Families appreciate the convenience. There is seating, clean restrooms, and friendly staff who handle special requests without fuss.
The deli feels like a throwback in the best way, proving road food can be both fast and genuinely good.
Iowa-made cheeses and pantry staples
In coolers near the back, you will find a selection of cheeses that pair nicely with the store’s crackers, mustards, and pickles. Cheddar, Colby, and farmer’s cheese are common, with occasional specialty wheels that turn a snack into a mini picnic.
It is easy to build a simple spread that travels well and tastes fresh.
Pantry shelves nearby carry grains, noodles, spices, and baking mixes. Popcorn kernels are a sleeper favorite, along with seasoning salt that brings an old-school kitchen vibe.
If you like to cook, you will find the basics and a few fun upgrades that feel at home in a farmhouse or city apartment.
Create a road-snack kit: cheese, a jar of pickles, crackers, and a small knife. It fits in a tote and saves you from bland gas-station runs.
You can even add a soda from the specialty section for nostalgia points.
Staff often has pairing tips if you ask. They know which cheeses hold up on longer drives and which crackers survive a bumpy ride.
Simple, affordable, and delicious, these staples make the journey feel more intentional.
Handcrafted furniture and bentwood rockers
Wander a little farther and you will find sturdy chairs, small tables, and bentwood rockers that feel like heirlooms. The finishes are smooth, the joints are tight, and the lines are simple in that timeless Shaker-inspired way.
Sit for a moment and you will understand why people plan a return trip with a bigger vehicle.
These pieces are built for everyday use, not display. Rockers glide quietly, and small side tables are perfect near a window with a cup of coffee and a stack of magazines.
If you are outfitting a porch, measure before you travel so you can decide quickly on the right size.
Ask about care instructions and wood types so you know what to expect at home. Staff can point out local makers and explain the difference between finishes.
Delivery options may be limited, so planning ahead helps.
Even if you are just browsing, this corner of the store slows your pace. It reminds you that good furniture should invite lingering.
A few minutes in a rocker turns a quick stop into a peaceful pause, and that is part of the magic here.
Quilts and barn quilt wall art
Color spills across the quilt section in patterns that tell family stories and seasons. You will find full-size quilts alongside throws and pillow covers, stitched with the kind of patience that never goes out of style.
The barn quilt wall art adds a bold pop, geometric and bright, made to hang indoors or out.
Quilts are an investment, so take your time. Feel the weight, check the stitching, and notice how the colors shift in different light.
If a full quilt is not in the budget, a smaller piece still brings that handmade warmth to a room.
Staff can suggest care tips, like gentle washing and sun-avoidance to keep colors true. They may also share which patterns are traditional versus modern twists.
It is nice to learn a bit while you choose.
Shipping may be possible for larger pieces, but always ask early. If you are driving a long distance, a vacuum storage bag helps save space.
Either way, you will leave with something that makes home feel more personal and grounded.
Pickled goods and kraut with a German twist
The pickle corner is a playground for tangy cravings: garlic dills, spicy spears, beets, and that pleasantly sour sauerkraut people mention in reviews. These jars are road-trip gold, adding crunch to deli sandwiches or a simple cheese plate.
The brines are clean and balanced, never chemical or harsh.
Try a kraut dog or add kraut to chicken salad back home for a quick upgrade. If you enjoy heat, look for peppers pickled with carrots for a gentle kick.
A few jars in your pantry can turn a plain dinner into something with personality.
The labels often highlight small producers, and the variety changes with supply. That makes browsing fun because you can discover something new each visit.
Keep a list on your phone of favorites so you can restock without guessing.
As with jams, pack glass carefully for the ride. Ask for a cardboard divider or bring a tote with padding.
Once you hear that soft pop of a jar opening at home, the Lamoni stop rushes back in the best way.
Gifts, toys, and travel-friendly souvenirs
This store doubles as a cheerful gift shop, with wooden toys, puzzles, kitchen tools, candles, magnets, and clever road-trip diversions. You can entertain kids with a bag of marbles or a classic wooden top, then grab a magnet for the fridge.
The variety makes it easy to find something for everyone without wandering far.
Look for locally themed items that highlight Iowa pride in tasteful ways. Tea towels, mugs, and small decor pieces fit well in a carry-on or daypack.
If you are collecting souvenirs from each state, this stop will check the box with charm.
Prices are reasonable, and the curation feels thoughtful rather than cluttered. You get the sense that someone chose these items for usefulness or delight.
That is why people call the place a hidden gem, not a tourist trap.
Set a budget, then let yourself pick one indulgence and one practical item. Maybe a candle for cozy nights and a kitchen gadget you will use weekly.
When the drive gets long, those little finds make the journey feel fun again.
Clean restrooms, welcome center, and a stretch break
Right off I-35, the Amish Country Store doubles as a welcome center, which means clean restrooms, helpful travel guides, and a friendly hello. It is the kind of stop where you can stretch, refill, and reset before another hour on the road.
If you are traveling with kids or pets, the outdoor photo ops and space to move are a relief.
Inside, racks hold Iowa brochures and maps so you can plan detours to parks, trails, or small towns. Grab a free coffee if it is brewing and linger over your next leg.
A few minutes on the porch or near the chicken coop does wonders for road weariness.
Because hours run 9 AM to 7 PM daily, timing is straightforward. If you are charging an EV, the nearby Tesla superchargers make it practical to sync snacks and charging.
You will knock out several tasks in one stop.
People underline how consistently clean and welcoming it feels here. That reliability is a big part of the draw.
Every road trip needs a dependable waypoint, and this one earns the spot.
Seasonal decor and porch-perfect finds
As seasons shift, displays bloom with wreaths, signs, lanterns, and porch-ready accents. Spring brings florals, summer leans rustic patriotic, and fall rolls in with pumpkins and warm textures.
Winter turns cozy with candles and greenery that make a front step feel inviting.
Look for pieces that can swap ribbons or accents so you get year-round use. A neutral lantern with seasonal inserts or a sturdy sign with reversible sides stretches your budget.
If you have a small space, a single statement item by the door works wonders.
The charm here is in the mix: handmade items beside carefully chosen decor that feels timeless, not trendy. You can avoid the throwaway impulse and pick things that will last several seasons.
Staff suggestions help if you are unsure about scale or color.
Pack items carefully for the drive home, especially anything with glass or delicate greenery. A towel or sweatshirt makes quick padding.
The moment you place a new wreath, your house echoes a little of that Lamoni warmth.
Specialty sodas, bulk candy, and road snacks
The snack section is nostalgia in bottles and bins: glass-bottle sodas, root beer in tidy rows, and bulk candy scoops that delight kids and grownups alike. You can build a colorful bag of gummies and chocolate-covered nuts, then add a salty counterpoint with pretzels or popcorn.
It is a quick way to upgrade the next stretch of highway.
Some travelers make a tradition of trying a new soda flavor each visit. Cream sodas and sarsaparilla are frequent picks, and seasonal releases pop up now and then.
If you are packing a cooler, toss a couple on ice for that ideal road-trip sip.
Bulk sections are budget friendly, and you control how much you take. That means a little taste of everything without overcommitting.
Keep napkins in the glove box and a small container to prevent a candy avalanche.
Pair a sweet treat with a deli sandwich for balanced energy. The combo keeps moods high and the car happy.
By the time you hit the next exit, you will be glad you stocked up here.
Practical tips: hours, parking, and easy detours
Plan your stop between 9 AM and 7 PM, the store’s consistent hours seven days a week. Parking is plentiful, and the location just off I-35 makes quick exits simple.
If you need a longer break, Lamoni has nearby parks and quiet streets for a short walk.
Call ahead if you have a large group or want to confirm deli timing during busy weekends. The phone number is +1 641-784-4800, and staff is helpful with common questions.
Check the website for updates or seasonal specials that might shape your visit.
Bring a tote or small cooler for baked goods, cheeses, and anything in glass. A few reusable ice packs keep treats happy on warm days.
If you are charging an EV, syncing lunch with a charging session is efficient and relaxing.
Finally, give yourself extra browsing time. The store unfolds in sections, and every corner hides another good idea.
What starts as a pit stop often turns into the highlight of the day.