If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and totally relaxing family getaway, Ohio’s Amish Country is the perfect spot. Nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Ohio, this area is known for its scenic beauty, rich traditions, and incredible craftsmanship. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Millersburg: Start Your Amish Country Adventure
First stop: Millersburg, the county seat of Holmes County. This town perfectly blends Amish culture and small-town charm, making it a great place to kick off your trip.
Things to check out in Millersburg:
🕰 Victorian House Museum – A beautiful 28-room historic home that gives you a glimpse into 19th-century life. Even if you’re not a history enthusiast, it’s still fun to peek inside!
🛍 Downtown Shops – The antique stores and boutiques here are great for browsing, and you might find a unique souvenir to take home.
🍽 Meals at Boyd & Wurthmann –This place has been around forever and for good reason! Whether you’re stopping in for a hearty breakfast, a comforting lunch, or a satisfying dinner, you’ll find classic Amish-style cooking made from scratch. Their homemade pies are legendary, and the generous portions of comfort food – like roast beef, mashed potatoes, and homemade noodles – make it a great spot any time of the day. If you’re looking for a cozy place with delicious food, this is it!
Berlin: The Heart of Amish Country
Just a short drive from Millersburg, Berlin is one of the most popular spots in Amish Country. This place is all about amazing food, handmade goods, and that peaceful country atmosphere.
👩🏫 Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center – This is a great place to learn about the Amish way of life. The giant “Behalt” mural tells the story of their history in a way that’s actually really interesting!
🐴 Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery – If you have kids (or just love animals), this is a must-stop. You can feed the goats, sheep, and even giant draft horses, which is always a hit with little ones. The farm also has a gift shop filled with Amish-made crafts, toys, and souvenirs – perfect for bringing home a little piece of your trip. One thing you must try? The freshly made kettle corn, which is prepared right in front of you, and served in huge bags. Inside the market, you’ll find locally grown produce, homemade marmalades, fresh-baked bread, and pies – all incredibly fresh and flavorful, yum!
🍗 Lunch at Berlin Farmstead or Der Dutchman – These Amish restaurants are hands down some of the best places to eat in the area. Both offer a choice between a full buffet or à la carte dining and honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. Expect to find classic Amish comfort food – crispy fried chicken, roast beef, buttery noodles, mashed potatoes, and homemade pies that are dangerously good. Amish restaurants like these are among our absolute favorites, and once you try the food, you’ll see why!
Walnut Creek: Scenic Views & Sweet Treats
Next stop: Walnut Creek, a quieter town with some of the best views in Amish Country. It’s the kind of place where you just want to take a deep breath and enjoy the countryside.
🧀 Walnut Creek Cheese – If you love snacks (who doesn’t?), this place is heaven. You’ll find locally made cheeses, fresh-baked bread, and a deli stocked with all kinds of goodies. Don’t leave without trying their homemade apple butter!
🐪 The Farm at Walnut Creek – This is a fun stop for families! It’s a working Amish farm, but it’s also home to some unexpected animals like zebras and camels. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride and feed the animals right from your hand.
🍫 Coblentz Chocolate Company – Handcrafted chocolates, caramels, and truffles… need I say more?
Sugarcreek: A Taste of Switzerland in Ohio
Your last stop is Sugarcreek, a town that blends Amish traditions with Swiss heritage, giving it a unique European feel.
🕰 World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock – Yep, you read that right! Every half-hour, this massive Swiss-style clock comes to life with music and dancing figurines. It’s quirky, fun, and totally worth a quick stop.
🚂 Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum – If you or your kids are into trains, this place is super cool. They have a collection of old steam locomotives, and you can learn all about railroad history.
🍷 Breitenbach Wine Cellars – A little treat for the adults! This winery has amazing fruit wines, and its outdoor space is perfect for unwinding before heading home.
Travel Tip: If you happen to visit in the fall, don’t miss the Ohio Swiss Festival, one of the town’s biggest events! This lively festival celebrates Sugarcreek’s Swiss heritage with live music, traditional Swiss food (think cheese, bratwurst, and pastries), parades, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The highlight? The Stein Toss competition and Swiss cheese-eating contest! It’s a fun way to experience the town’s unique culture in a festive atmosphere.
Tips for Visiting Amish Country
- Cell service can be spotty in some areas, bring a physical map or download directions in advance.
- Many Amish businesses are cash-only, it’s good to have some cash on hand.
- The Amish community values privacy and modesty, so avoid taking photos of people without permission.
- From fresh cheeses to homemade jams and pies, Amish Country is a foodie’s dream, try local foods they’re all so good!
- Amish Country is renowned for its handcrafted goods, look for quilts, crafts, and furniture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Ohio and looking for a getaway that feels like a step back in time, I can’t recommend a trip to Amish Country enough. Whether you’re feeding farm animals, exploring charming small towns, or just soaking up the peaceful countryside, this trip is one your family will remember for many years.
So, have you been to Amish Country? What was your favorite stop? Let me know in the comments – I’m always looking for new places to explore!