One of the most popular tourist destinations in Ohio sort of feels like taking a step back in time.
Amish Country has been a destination for Ohioans and out-of-state visitors alike for nearly 70 years. It’s a gorgeous area, full of natural beauty and lots of home-cooked goodies, and it makes the perfect weekend getaway from Columbus.
If you’ve ever wondered whether or not you’d like to visit, I should warn you that by the end of this, you’ll probably be planning your own Amish Country adventure. Have fun exploring!
What Do I Need To Know Before I Visit Amish Country?
The people who live in Amish Country are very used to visitors. But it’s also important to remember that you aren’t visiting an amusement park. The Amish community is used to helping visitors but they also adhere to a very specific way of life.
If you’d like to learn more about that way of life, your first stop in Amish Country should be the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center.
When taking photographs, remember that Amish People aren’t employees or characters, they’re just people going about their everyday lives. If you see a pastoral photo op with a horse & buggy in the distance, it’s totally okay to snap some photos.
But don’t disrupt someone’s activity, invade their privacy, or disrespect them by asking them to pose or by photographing their faces. You can learn more about appropriate etiquette when visiting Amish Country right here.
Where is Amish Country In Ohio?
Ohio is home to the second-largest population of Old Order Amish in the world. The largest settlement is located around Holmes County, with a smaller community in Geauga County. Holmes County is located in the central Northeastern Ohio region.
It’s a beautiful area, full of rolling hills, and the Amish population first called the region home in 1808. The area became a tourist destination in the 1950s, and it’s grown in popularity ever since.
Millions of tourist visit Amish Country every year and tourism has become a major part of the economy there.
What is there to do in Amish Country?
It’s easy to spend a weekend in Amish Country. Whether you’re looking to take in the natural splendor of the area at nearby Mohican State Park or you’re hoping to sample some local cheese or chocolate, a visit to the area can be a great way to unplug and unwind.
Amish country is also a wonderful place to do a little shopping. The Amish are well known for their craftsmanship, especially in regard to woodworking and carpentry. You can learn more about the amazing furniture for sale in Amish Country here.
Of course, if you have the pleasure of visiting in the fall, there really is nothing quite like taking a scenic drive through the countryside. The fall colors are astounding in such a pastoral setting.
The area also happens to be home to one of the best hidden gems in the state of Ohio, Dundee Falls.
Where To Stay In Amish Country
When it comes to finding the perfect lodging for your stay in Amish country, it really depends on what kind of trip you are planning. If a rustic retreat is up your alley, there are some beautiful, secluded cabins where you can enjoy being surrounded by nature.
From modern cabins with views of the surrounding countryside to epic treehouses, there are genuinely amazing places to stay around every corner.
There are also some of the most charming b&bs and inns where you can have a more boutique experience.
The Berlin Resort is one of the most popular destinations for travelers visiting Amish Country. It’s a spectacular place, with stunning rooms, and tons of family-friendly amenities. The resort includes an indoor saltwater pool, a private movie theatre, and even a children’s play area that has a pretty epic miniature village. You can read more about the Berlin Resort right here.
Where To Eat In Amish Country
It’s not a visit to Amish Country without at least one meal of home-cooked goodies. Restaurants like Berlin Farmstead Restaurant, Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, Amish Door Restaurant and Village, and more are delightful spots where you can overindulge on too many Amish noodles.
The region is also home to a variety of wineries and breweries where you can enjoy an afternoon or evening of sipping and tasting.
Of course, you can’t come home from Amish Country without a tasty treat or two. With everything from soups and salads to ice cream and kettle corn, there really are plenty of snacks to choose from. In the hierarchy of Amish Country snacks, cheese almost certainly comes out on top.
There are some spectacular establishments to choose from, but Heini’s Cheese Chalet, Walnut Creek Cheese, Broad Run Cheese Corner, and Guggisberg Cheese are the most popular spots you’ll want to hit up while you’re in town.