Although the Amish are a very misunderstood people, they are usually happy to open their towns and homes to tourists. Here are 15 destinations where you will find the Amish ready to share their way of life with the genuinely curious!
Shipshewana Trading Place, Shipshewana, IN
The Shipshewana Flea Market, open May through September, is the largest flea market in the Midwest. The Farmstead Inn and Conference Center across the street has an Amish look and feel. In addition, horse, livestock, and antique auctions take place every week.
Despite its very Amish vibe, the place is genuinely huge and filled with locals and tourists of all stripes. So, whether you’re looking for classic antiques, fresh produce, artwork, or a new horse for your buggy, the Shipshewana Trading Place is where you need to be!
The Amish Farm and House, Lancaster, PA
For 60 years, the Amish Farm and House has been giving tours of a 209-year-old Amish farm. You can also take a 90-minute bus tour of the countryside around Lancaster. Plus, the gift shop has handmade items from 60 local artisans!
Amish Country Homestead & One Room School, Bird-in-Hand, PA
This Lancaster County Heritage site offers a look at the Old Order Amish tradition. The site offers a 45-minute tour through the Fisher family home and an authentically-furnished schoolroom.
Amish Village, Strasburg, PA
The Amish Village offers a guided tour of an 1840s farmhouse, as well as a discussion about the modern Amish lifestyle. Visitors can also tour the 12-acre village grounds, talk with staff, and take advantage of photo ops with buggies and lessons at an Amish school.
The Strasburg Railroad, Strasburg, PA
This historic railroad is located just across the street from the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and it operates a number of train rides in vintage coaches. Many of them steam locomotives, the trains give you a great view of Amish farmlands!
Martin’s Greenhouse, Narvon, PA
One of the most popular draws of the Amish Country in Pennsylvania is the bounty of Amish and Mennonite nurseries and greenhouses that dot the landscape. Martin’s Greenhouse is a stellar example of the kind of place that makes keen gardeners flock to the area.
Lil Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm, Strasburg, PA
The Lil Country Store is located at an Old Order Amish farm. In addition to the handmade goods in the store, the farm has 10 stalls of miniature horses poking their happy little heads out for petting. The farm offers saddle rides and cart rides, as well as a workshop with grooming, feeding, and more!
Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival, Roscoe, OH
Roscoe may not be an Amish village per se, but this restored canal town is located in the middle of Ohio’s Amish country. They hold workshops and festivals that celebrate a simpler way of life, like the Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival in late October.
Dutch Haven Shoo-Fly Pie Bakery, Lancaster, PA
Popular with the larger group of “Pennsylvania Dutch” settlers from Germany, shoo-fly pie is a sweet molasses pie that’s a regional favorite and a big tourist draw. You can find it throughout the region, but Dutch Haven’s been using the same recipe since 1946.
Sugarcreek, OH
Sugarcreek offers a blend of the Amish tradition and the Swiss culture from which the Anabaptist group originally sprang. In addition to Amish restaurants and businesses, you’ll find Swiss architecture and an annual Swiss festival.
Amish Acres, Nappanee, IN
Northern Indiana is the center of the state’s Amish country. Nappanee is one town of many where Amish heritage and culture can be found. In particular, Amish Acres is a great getaway, with lodging, food, theater, and much more to explore.
Amish Market, Fredericksburg, TX
Texas has its fair share of Amish communities, like the market in Fredericksburg. It offers a lot of handmade goods, but the furniture in particular has led to its reputation.
Heritage Trail, Northern IN
The Heritage Trail isn’t just about the Amish, but as it winds its way through communities like Nappanee, Goshen, and Middlebury, the influence and culture is certainly present.
Country Lane Farm Amish Quilt Shop, Leola, PA
Like furniture, Amish quilts are renowned for the handmade care that goes into crafting each one. In addition to supplies and fabric, you can purchase these gorgeous quilts yourself. You can also participate in a farm stay here at Country Lane.
Beacon Hollow Farm Amish Bed and Breakfast, Gordonville, PA
Beacon Hollow Farm has stayed in the same family for six generations, and they offer their guest home (complete with electricity) to those who want an authentic chance to stay on a working, Old Order, Amish family farm.