Getaway to Amish Country Ohio: The Top 18 Things To Do
Last Updated on: 6th June 2024, 10:28 pm
Ohio’s Amish Country is a serene and culturally rich area predominantly in Holmes and Wayne Counties and boasts the largest Amish community in the United States. Visiting the Amish in Ohio is a quick getaway from Pittsburg, Columbus, or Cleveland – you can make a day-trip from each of these cities or spend a longer getaway in Amish country Ohio by taking a road trip and booking one of the many lovely local inns and hotels.
As a Mennonite myself, I love visiting Amish country! I grew up visiting the Amish in Wisconsin, but have now lived near the Amish in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, too. As such I know the very best things to do in Amish Country Ohio and anytime you visit the Amish!
Ohio’s Amish Country is one of the best places in America to learn about Amish families, be inspired by the faith of the Amish.
Planning a Last-Minute Trip to Amish Country in Ohio? We’ve Got You Covered!
🏨 Inns and Hotels in Amish Country, Ohio
✈︎ Carlisle Inn at Walnut Creek (Best location, Traditional & Amish Charm!) $$
✈︎ The Inn at Amish Door: (Modern amenities and very highly rated.) $$
✈︎ Berlin Grande Hotel: (Heart of Amish Country, bigger and more luxurious.) $$
🙌🏽 Quick Tips:
✈︎ Visit Amish Country in Ohio any day of the week but Sunday – almost everything is closed!
✈︎ Bring your camara and plan for leisurely scenic driving and stop for lots of photos.
✈︎ If you see a sign outsie an Amish home or farm selling something – stop and see! It’s a lovely way buy product directly from Amish farmers, bakers, and quilters!
✈︎ Plan to eat a lot! No diets, just deliciousnessness: make sure to try hand pies, Amish cinnimon roles, buttered noodles, and Amish cheeses.
18 Top Things to Do in Amish Country Ohio
There are three main Amish areas in Ohio: Holmes County, Wayne County (nearby each other), and Geauga County in Northeast Ohio – closer to Cleveland. For your first time taking an Amish Getaway in Ohio, I recommend heading to Holmes County.
1. The Amish Country Byway: A Scenic Drive Through Amish Country Ohio
The best way to start your visit to Ohio Amish country is with a scenic drive through Holmes or Wayne County on the Amish Country Byway where you can witness the simple lifestyle of the Amish communities. Covering about 160 miles, the route passes through small towns, back roads, and past Amish farms, providing a glimpse into a simpler, slower-paced lifestyle.
There is so much beautiful scenery in Amish Country and since Ohio has one of the largest Amish settlements in the world, it makes for a truly beautiful relaxing drive! Maps of the Amish Country Byway are free and can be picked up at most restaurants and businesses in Holmes County.
2. Stop at Amish Farms selling Homemade Products
This is my #1 tip for visiting any Amish area in America. Focus your time on finding Amish homes selling their homemade products and freely stop along the way. You’ll get the best prices, but also the best quality, and buy from small family farms that deeply appreciate your support! You might even have the chance to meet an Amish family directly and have a lovely conversation.
Many Amish families run shops right out of their homes. You are welcome to stop at an authentic Amish store if you see a sign! Most of the time these are in a garage or building outside of the main house or the working farm – and Amish families will sell everything from fudge & candy, to flowers in the spring (the best place to buy Spring annuals is in Amish country – trust me!), to handmade quilts at a fraction of the price at the big “Amish” tourist stores. You’ll also find eggs, vegetables, and seasonal fruit (go in Strawberry season!).
3. Visit the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center
Visiting Behalt: The Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Holmes County, Ohio, will help ground you in the history and culture of the Mennonite and Amish communities as you begin your visit to Amish country in Ohio. I recommend you start here right after your scenic drive on the Amish Country Byway (or grab something delicious nearby and then start here!)
Nestled in the heart of one of the largest Amish populations in the world, the Mennonite Heritage Center provides an immersive journey through time. exhibiting display artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical documents, giving insights into the daily life, religious practices, and craftsmanship of these communities.
4. Don’t Miss The End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia, Ohio
Without a doubt one of the best things to do in Amish country is to shop! Especially for delicious foods, both prepared and bulk – like candy and noodles. Begin your day trip in Mesopotamia at the End of the Commons General Store, the oldest general store in Ohio. Located in the largest Amish settlement in the state, this store is a treasure trove of Amish-made goods, bulk foods, and nostalgic items.
5. Visit Schrock’s Heritage Village In Berlin, Ohio
Schrock’s Heritage Village in Berlin, Ohio, offers a unique Amish Country experience featuring a variety of activities and shops nestled together. If you want to take a buggy ride, this is a great place to do it: you can take buggy rides around the village!
Schrock’s Heritage Village also offers the opportunity to tour an Amish home, giving a closer look at the daily life and traditions of the Amish community and Amish culture. If you love shopping, the village includes a craft mall where you can find a wide array of handcrafted goods, from quilts to furniture, made by local Amish artisans.
Note there are many great places to stay in Amish Country, Ohio near Schrock’s Heritage Village and Berlin, Ohio.
6. Take a Tour with Amish Heartland Tours
Based in Millersburg, these tours offer an authentic way to learn about Amish history and culture, including bus tours and back road tours. Amish Heartland Tours operates from April to October, and offer a number of options including meals in an Amish home (including a Pizza meal – yes! The Amish eat Pizza!). They can also organize Amish home tours and buggy rides with Amish families. They offer group and private tours, and tours range in cost from $30-$75 per person. You can book online or email: tourreservations@aol.com.
7. Visit Lehman’s Hardware – The Coolest Amish Hardware Store!
Located in Dalton, this unique store specializes in non-electric kitchenware and tools that the Amish actually use. Although it might seem strange, visiting this unique Amish hardware store truly is one of the best things to do in Amish country Ohio! It feels like stepping back in time!
Lehman’s Hardware store sells high quality products and if you’re in the market for hand-cranked flour-mills or other such products – it’s a great stop. I enjoy wandering around Lehman’s and in my work have met the owner a number of a times. It’s a really fun stop and kids especially love seeing all the different tools and learning about what they do.
8. Visit The Farm at Walnut Creek
This interactive farm in Sugarcreek allows visitors to see how an Amish farm operates, with over 500 animals, including exotic ones like giraffes, camels, and kangaroos! Of course there are regular farm animals too. Like many places in Amish country Ohio you can also take a wagon ride through the farm to feed and interact with the animals.
This farm is also a working Amish farm, and you may see Amish farmers plowing, planting, harvesting and doing other chores (please remember to be respectful and not take photos of Amish people). General admission includes the animal park, aviary, petting zoom barns, and farmhouse tours – you can purchase feed buckets for the animals seperately.
Like many businesses on your Amish getaway in Ohio this business only accepts Cash or Check – so please plan accordingly! And don’t forget to buy some amazing Walnut Creek Cheese while you’re there or visit the nearby Walnut Creek Cheese factory!
9. Visit The Guggisberg Cheese Factory
No trip to Amish Country is complete without a visit to a cheese factory! The Guggisberg Cheese Factory is located in Millersburg, Ohio, in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country. This region is well-known for its Amish and Mennonite communities and their rich traditions in crafting artisanal foods and goods, including cheese. Guggisberg Cheese is famous for originating Baby Swiss cheese! If you’re lucky when you visit you can watch the cheese-making process, sample their delicious cheeses, and purchase products directly from the source!
Tip: Bring a cooler with you when you visit Amish Country! That way you can purchase and bring home lots of delicious cheeses and even Amish roll butter!
12. Shop at the MCC Thrift Store
MCC stands for Mennonite Central Committee. In Dalton, this thrift store supports global relief efforts and offers a variety of unique finds. Thrift stores in Amish country are honestly some of the best in the world! Among us Mennonites, even modern ones, we revere MCC Thrift Shops and will make long pilgrimages to visit!
13. See A Show at the Amish Country Theatre
Taking in a show at the Amish Country Theatre in Berlin, Ohio is a wonderful way to round out a day of visiting Amish Country! The Amish Country Theatre offers a variety of shows including hilarious family variety shows with comedians, ventriloquists and even an Amish comedy trio! The theatre also hosts many special events and touring artists, so take a look at the schedule to see if someone you love is going to be playing there!
14. Enjoy Fresh Meat and Local Produce at Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery
For a taste of authentic Amish food, visit Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery. Known for its fresh meat, bakery, and produce, this family-friendly spot also offers a petting zoo and buggy rides. This Farm and Bakery does close for the winter, but should be open again in late January 2024.
The baked goods here are an utter delight! You can buy soft breads, whole pies, cookies, muffins, donuts, and of course Hershberger’s Fry Pies! The store connected to the bakery also offers unique Amish leather goods, and Amish furniture and decor for your home.
15. Attend an Amish Auction or Market
Participating in local auctions and markets is not only a great way to support the Amish community but also a chance to acquire handmade Amish goods at an excellent price and lots of delicious fresh produce. These events are often bustling with activity and offer a glimpse into the commercial aspect of Amish life.
You can check the website of each of these auction sites in Amish Country Ohio to see when they are open and what they are auctioning during your visit! Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, visiting an auction is great fun – it’s one of my favorite things to do!
- Mt. Hope Auction
- Location: Mt. Hope, Holmes County, Ohio
- Open: The auction schedule varies, often including livestock, horse, and produce auctions. Regular events like the Mid-Ohio Draft Horse Sale, the Air Works Consignment Auction, and the Mt. Hope Train & Toy Show are held annually.
- Specialty: Known for livestock and horse auctions, as well as special events.
- Holmes County Flea Market
- Location: Berlin, Holmes County, Ohio
- Open: Typically open from March through December, Thursday to Saturday.
- Specialty: Features a wide range of products including Amish-made goods, furniture, clothes, and local foods.
- Middlefield Market
- Location: Middlefield, Geauga County, Ohio
- Open: Open year-round, with specific days for the flea market, produce auction, and livestock sales.
- Specialty: Offers a flea market, produce, and livestock auctions. Known for its variety and Amish vendors.
- Bainbridge Produce Auction
- Location: Bainbridge, Geauga County, Ohio
- Open: Operates seasonally, primarily during the harvest months.
- Specialty: Focuses on locally grown produce, often sold in bulk. Popular among both locals and visitors.
16. Eat in an Amish Home
Experience an authentic Amish meal and learn about local Amish culture through Troyer’s Amish Tours. The director of this tour company has Amish roots so can really speak from experience. They offer around-the-table Dinners with an Amish family in a small group style, as well as more scoping tours of Amish country with cultural insights and lots of photo stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery!
17. David Warther Carvings
Although not an Amish activity, you should still make time to visit the David Warther Carvings Museum In Sugarcreek! There you can see nearly 90 carvings depicting the history of ships, made from antique ivory, ebony wood, and abalone pearl.
David Warther is a renowned carver, particularly known for his intricate ship carvings that are very historically accurate. This is a great activity if you are traveling with kids to Amish Country who have an interest in ships and model-building! The David Warther Museum is open every day except for Sundays and Major Holidays. You can also visit the gift shop for miniature carvings and locally made Amish products.
18. Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm: A Floral Delight
In the warmer months from late Spring onwards, a visit to Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm in Holmes County is a must. This picturesque farm offers beautiful floral displays and a unique opportunity to learn about local horticulture.
Did you know that Amish women are known for their beautiful flower gardens?
In fact many of them run greenhouse businesses to bring in extra income – so don’t neglect looking up local greenhouses to buy flowers too! I drive out to Lancaster County every spring to buy hanging baskets and gorgeous annuals at a fraction of the price I can buy them in Philadelphia!
At Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm you can walk through the flower fields and pick your own bouquet! The farm also hosts workshops and classes where you can learn about flower arranging and gardening techniques. Of course with all the flowers around Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm is very popular with photography enthusiasts, and is a great choice if you want to have family photos taken in Amish country!
Who are the Amish?
The Amish, known for their simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt modern technology, originated in the late 17th century as a part of the Mennonite churches in Switzerland.
As a Mennonite myself, I remind people that the Amish are all Mennonite, but not all Mennonites are Amish (just as a square is a rectangle, but not all rectangles are squares!) – more on why below!
The Amish were led by Jakob Ammann, from whom their name is derived. The Amish movement was a part of the broader Anabaptist tradition, a “radical reformation” when individuals broke off over disagreements arising out of the Protestant Reformation.
The Anabaptists advocated for a return to the practices of the early Christian church and baptism upon confession of faith, which differed from the infant baptism practiced by both the Catholic and Protestant churches of the time. Today most Amish aren’t baptised until their 20s, and even us modern Mennonites give our children full choice of faith and tend to baptize in late teens and twenties.
All of the Amish and Mennonites are pacifist. Meaning they believe that Jesus modeled the way of non-resistance and radical love towards our enemies and it was in Jesus’s embrace of non-violence that redemptive love triumphed in the cross. Thus Amish and Mennonites will not participate in wars or violence of any kind, including self-defense, and practice a pacifist way of life.
Facing religious persecution in Europe, many Amish and other Mennonites emigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, where they found the freedom to practice their faith. During the two World Wars remaining European Mennonites were often persecuted for their stance on non-violence and ultimately emigrated to America. There are also large Mennonite and Amish colonies in Canada and Latin America: in Mexico and particularly Bolivia and Paraguay.
Can I take photos of the Amish? I find them so inspiring! I love that you find the lifestyle of the Amish inspiring and meaningful – but please find ways to remember your visit that don’t involve taking photographs of the Amish, at least not up-close. There may be exceptions to this rule – such as a photo opportunity on a tour, or shots further away that don’t involve individual people – but please only take a photo with explicit permission. You may freely take photos of Amish schools, countryside, bakery products, flowers etc. Just please no Amish people (and especially not Amish children!).
The Amish Family Structure and Community Life
Amish families do tend to be larger – the Amish are actually the fastest growing religious group in America, largely due to how large their families are!
As a general rule, Amish children do not attend school past 8th grade. Remember as with any religious or cultural group – there are significant exceptions to all of these rules! For instance, there have been Amish and Plain women who have attended nursing school at well-known Mennonite colleges like Goshen College and Eastern Mennonite University and returned to their communities to serve as midwives – as most Amish women give birth at home.
There tend to be fairly strict gender roles, but the Amish don’t necessarily practice arranged marriage. Of course when you live in a closed community there is some level of families knowing each other and introducing their children, but Amish youth are not forced to marry.
There is indeed, in most communities, an idea of Rumspringa. This is not nearly as salacious as popular culture seems to think. The idea is that Amish youth should have the opportunity to understand what the wider, modern world offers so that if they make the choice to remain Amish it is a “true” choice, not out of simple ignorance of the rest of the world. This might look like having a phone for a time, visiting family or friends in other places, etc. It’s not a strict 1-year thing, but a general sense that youth should get some space for exploration without shame or punishment.
Recommended Amish-Area Hotels:
- Carlisle Inn, Walnut Creek: A serene hotel offering stunning views and comfortable accommodations.
- The Inn at Amish Door: Combines modern amenities with traditional Amish charm.
- Berlin Grande Hotel: Located in the heart of Amish Country, this hotel is more luxurious and very convenient to the local surrounds.
- Berlin Heritage Inn: A quaint family-run inn w/ excellent breakfast.
Use this map to price and explore accomodation for your getaway to Ohio’s Amish Country:
Top Restaurants in Ohio’s Amish Country:
- Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant: Known for its traditional Amish food and friendly atmosphere.
- Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen: Offers a taste of authentic Amish cooking. (You’ll see the last name Yoder everywhere – it’s a very common Amish / Mennonite last night, I swear half my friends are Yoders!)
- Berlin Farmstead Restaurant: A local favorite for homemade Amish dishes.
- Der Dutchman: Provides a vast buffet of Amish classics.
- Rebecca’s Bistro: A charming spot for a lunch with a twist on traditional Amish recipes.
When is the best time to visit Amish Country in Ohio?
My advist is to visit from late April to late October. It can also be quite romantic to drive through Amish country once there is snow on the ground! Just remember the Amish don’t celebrate Christmas in nearly as big a way as the rest of the world, so there’s not so much “holiday” to enjoy there.
Amish Country in Ohio is in the north of Ohio – so it does get chilly! And it’s quite rainy in Spring.
Also note: almost all of the businesses and activities noted above are not availble on Sundays! If you go to Amish country over the weekend I suggest you plan most of your activities for Friday and Saturday, and then enjoy a lie-in and a leisurely drive and drive home on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Amish Country:
1. Can I visit Amish church services?
Unfortunately, you cannot visit Amish churches. The Old Order Amish worship in small groups in family homes. Their worship services are not open to English (non-Amish) or outsiders of any kind. In certain places these services are also held in Low-German or what many call “Pennsylvania Dutch” (just a reminder it’s actually a form of German, not Dutch at all!).
However, if you are genuinely seeking a spiritual path and not visiting for tourist purposes, there are slightly less conservative plain groups that do welcome genuine seekers to their worship. These groups continue to follow traditional dress, head coverings for women, seperate gender roles, and drive either simple cars only or horse-and-buggy. such as Conservative Mennonites, or the Beachy Amish. You can consult this directory for information.
Anyone can visit and join a church within Mennonite Church USA! I became Mennonite when I was 20 so if you are drawn to this faith, it’s absolutely possible. Most members of these churches dress like the rest of the world (perhaps a touch more conservative), drive regular but eco-friendly cars, and have typical jobs. We still have lots of potlucks, make quilts for the quilt auctions to support global development, and sing hymns – as well as practicing pacifism, simplicity, and personal piety.
There are a handful of Mennonite churches that fully welcome LGBTQ+ individuals as well, others practice traditional gender roles. There are a growing number of African-American/Black, Hispanic, and Indonesian Mennonite Churches in America. You can find a local Mennonite Church that welcomes visitors here.
2. What’s the difference between the Amish and the Mennonites?
All Amish are Mennonites, but not all Mennonites are Amish. There are essentially four main groups of Christians: Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Anabaptist.
Some people consider Anabaptists to be protestant and while our theology is similar, protestant leaders killed over 100,000 Anabaptists because of religious differences in the 16th and 17th centuries and – well – you can see why we don’t love being called protestant!
Anabaptist means “re-baptized” – and the first Anabaptists, although they had been baptized as infants in Reformed churches, re-baptized themselves to symbolize a break with the church and their own true, adult choice to follow Jesus.
Anabaptists broke into a few groups – namely the Mennonites (following Menno Simons in the Netherlands, who introduced non-violence and pacifism into Mennonite faith) and the Brethren. The Mennonites later split again after Jakob Ammann broke off from the Mennonite church over issues of church discipline (he wanted a total ban for those who disobeyed, the rest of the Mennonites advocated for a gentler form of discipline).
3. Can someone become Amish?
Yes! Although it’s not easy per sé – it is possible. For an interesting book about someone who converted to be Amish – read Marlene C. Miller’s book “Called to Be Amish: My Journey from Head Majorette to the Old Order.” It is much easier to join a conservative Mennonite church that isn’t Amish – but might still wear plain dress and drive simple cars and practice, for instance, seperation of men and women in church services.
4. How do I drive safely with horse-drawn buggies everywhere?
Slow down. Most accidents that happen in Amish Country are between tourists and buggies, not locals, and often involve high speeds and passing without adequate room. Just take your time – enjoy the scenery. You don’t have to pass a buggy, especially if its a narrow road. You are visiting the Amish to enjoy their slower pace of life, so mirror that with your slower pace of driving. You can, of course, pass – but do so gently and with plenty of room to spare!
Author Bio
Cate Michelle previously served as pastor to the oldest Mennonite church in the United States (founded in 1683!) and now writes about religious travel and is a prominent researcher in religion and healthcare. She specializes in helping healthcare providers best serve religious minority populations (like the Amish) while respecting their beliefs and values. She finds herself in Amish country in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, or Indiana regularly and loves to share her insider knowledge on how to make the most of your visit with the Amish!
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