If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and 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.
The Amish originally came from Europe seeking religious freedom and settled in Holmes, Wayne, and Tuscarawas counties in the early 1800s. They continue to live simply, using horse-drawn buggies, traditional farming methods, and creating incredible handmade goods.
Visiting this area is like stepping back in time, where life moves slower, the air is fresher, and homemade pies taste like pure magic! 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.
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 an interesting way!
🍽 Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant –This place has been around forever and for good reason! Right along the main road, when you see the line forming out front, you’ll know you’re in the right place! Don’t worry though, the line moves quickly, and the wait is absolutely worth it. Inside, you’ll find generous portions of comfort food – like roast beef, mashed potatoes, and homemade noodles – and the real star of the show: their incredible pies. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a classic comfort-food lunch, or a sweet treat, this place always delivers that cozy Amish Country goodness. Pro Tip: It’s a cash-only place.
🐴 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, freshly baked bread, fried pies, and donuts – all incredibly delicious!
🍗 Berlin Farmstead or Der Dutchman – These Amish restaurants 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 so good. Don’t skip the bakery inside the restaurants. You can pick up freshly baked pies, breads, and homemade jams to take a little taste of Amish Country with you.
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 – At first glance, Walnut Creek Cheese looks like a row of cute little houses lined up side by side. But step inside, and you’ll find a huge, interconnected grocery store filled with all kinds of treasures! The store is divided into different areas, offering everything from kitchen tools, home décor, and seasonal gifts to locally made cheeses, deli favorites, baked goods, homemade jams, and special sauces. Upstairs, there’s even a café where you can grab a coffee or a light meal before heading back to explore more. This spot is an absolute must-visit for food lovers and souvenir hunters.
🐪 The Farm at Walnut Creek – It’s a huge working Amish farm, but it’s also home to some unexpected animals like zebras and camels. When you arrive, you can choose between taking the Drive-Thru with your car or hopping on a Wagon Ride. Both follow the same beautiful path through the woods.
As you drive along, you’ll see animals like deer, llamas, goats, bison, zebras, zebu, and many more come right up to your car window. At the entrance, you can also purchase food to feed the animals, which makes the experience even more exciting, especially for kids! Pro Tip: They do not accept credit or debit cards.
After the ride, don’t miss exploring nearby places like the blacksmith shop, animal walk-through area, and petting area. There’s an adorable Amish house that you can visit, and sweet Amish ladies offering you warm, freshly baked cookies right from the oven.
We visited the Farm at Walnut Creek during their special Easter event, which included a helicopter egg drop, a scavenger hunt, and a giant corn box for kids to play in. It was such a fun and memorable day, and they often host seasonal events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their calendar when you plan your visit!
🍫 Coblentz Chocolate Company – Indulge in handmade chocolates, truffles, and candies – perfect souvenirs (if you can resist eating them all on the way home).
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.
Pro 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.
- Amish Country is a foodie’s dream with its fresh cheeses, homemade jams, and pies. 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!