Summer in Amish Country: A Traveler’s Guide

people-stroll-among-the-games-rides-and-concession

This summer, you don’t have to venture to Switzerland for rolling hills, wholesome food, and a getaway from your city’s hustle and bustle.

Ohio’s Amish Country is a collection of charming multi-generational towns in Northern Ohio ready to welcome you. This is the biggest population of the Amish community in the US, where you’re welcome to embrace an old way of life focused on family values, local marketplaces, natural landscapes, and a touch of Swiss and Dutch culture from the early days.

Imagine a summer with farmer’s flea markets, cultural museums, hilly drives, and locally sourced, wholesome food. The kids, the grandkids, and everyone else you want to invite will love our multi-generational accommodations here at Your Family’s Place.

Here’s everything you need to know about summer in Amish Country, Ohio.

Summer Activities in Amish Country, Ohio

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The best part about Ohio’s Amish Country? Every stroll is a low-cost, engaging activity.

You can witness horse-drawn buggies, immerse yourself in nature like rivers, hills, and forests, or even sit on the porch and catch up with family in our fully decked Middlehaven lodge, complete with patio chairs and hammocks.

Still, you might want to plan a few summer excursions for your travels. Here’s what we’d recommend.

Visit the Walnut Creek Marketplace Amish Flea Market

Who likes free samples? We do — especially if they’re homemade meatballs sourced from local farms and delectable syrups and jellies made from Mennonite artisans and chefs. You can find all that at just one store in the Walnut Creek Flea: Amish Country Gourmet.

The flea market has a whole host of other spots to check out. Bring back a meaningful memento from Cherished Memories, like a handmade cross or cemetery saddle. Or channel your inner Amish girl with a modest dress from Kelly’s Kloset for you or your loved ones.

The options keep going, like handmade soap, home cooked lunches, souvenirs, and much more. Don’t forget to check the market’s schedule for live music!

Take an Amish Home or Farm Tour

Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky

Heartland Tours offers a number of excursions to help tourists connect with Amish culture. Our personal favorite? The home and farm tours. This includes a horse-drawn carriage ride through the property and back roads to take in the scenery.

The private home tour is particularly special, as it gives you an unprecedented insight into the Amish way of life. Talk to the family and ask them what they love most about life in the country. Be curious but always respectful, even if their lives sound a little different than yours.

Many of our guests here comment on how fascinating these tours are. They’re also quite surprised at the enlightening conversations that they have with the Amish community, which makes them feel more connected.

Cool Off with Schloneger’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream

  • Address: 4914 W Main St, Millersburg, OH
  • Best for: Sweet treats

Looking for ice cream with historical credentials? Schloneger’s in Millersburg has you covered. This is our top choice for Amish-style, homemade ice cream any way you want it.

Enjoy a scoop of reliable French Vanilla, or enjoy a mint chocolate chip churned to perfection. We also love the root beer floats and pretty much anything in a waffle cone will make you drool. Of course, this is an ideal treat for warm weather, but who wouldn’t want an ice cream to cheer up on a rainy day, too?

Pro tip: Grab a pint to go so you can enjoy it at Your Family’s Place.

Have a Backyard BBQ at Your Family’s Place Vacation Home

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Some days, you just want to relax and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. We understand that all too well, which is really what inspired our thoughtful construction, spacious rooms, and outdoor amenities like hot tubs and hammocks for our Ohio properties.

We also have barbecues for you to grill up some organic meats from the market as the kids run around and play by the river.

Once everything’s cooked? Enjoy your meal on our expansive patio and feel the sun’s warm rays.

Summer Events in Amish Country

Admire Classic Cars at the 50s Fling

Do you ever stop to marvel at a classic Jaguar that cruises by your street? Imagine a bunch of old-school rides like you see in Havana. Classic cars are fun for the whole family, with their old-time charm and vibrant colors. You don’t need to travel all the way to Cuba to see them in the hundreds.

Sugarcreek hosts a 50s Fling every year, during which travelers can admire old cars, mingle with locals, and even enjoy homemade meals from the many vendors and food stands on-site.

And if you’re not so into cars? The festival always hosts a variety of live entertainment, like country singers and engaging MCs to get the afternoon going.

Berlin Summer Spectacular – A Family Fun Day

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Looking for something for the littles? This annual event is filled with engaging activities for children and families to enjoy together.

At the heart of the event lies the Sheiyah Market Kids Day, a highlight not to be missed. Think face painting stations, arts and crafts areas, and guided activities.

Delight your taste buds at the annual bake sale (nothing like handcrafted Amish Country nibbles!), offering delectable homemade treats that support valuable community initiatives. Engage with the local artistic scene, from captivating paintings to intricate sculptures, showcasing the diverse talent within the Berlin community.

Thunder Over Holmes County

Thunder Over Holmes County is Holmes County’s Independence Day celebration in Historic Downtown Millersburg. On this fun-filled day this year, the town will also kick off its Bicentennial Celebration at the event! You’ll find fun events, inflatables, kids’ games, food, and more in charming Downtown Millersburg for the whole family to enjoy!

A dedicated children’s play area will be operating from 12 PM – 6 PM.

Holmes County Fair

Photo Credit: Gregory E. Clifford

Having recently celebrated its 100th year, the Holmes County Fair is the quintessential summer event and the perfect place to try all the flavors of Amish Country. This fair is unique in that it’s one of the few remaining fairs without open exhibition livestock shows, putting all the focus on our local 4H and FFA youth!

You’ll also find fun and thrilling events like a Demolition Derby, Pedal Tractor Pull, Bulls & Barrels Rodeo, and, of course, a ton of rides and regional food.

Getting Around Amish Country, Ohio

Amish Country isn’t your typical big Ohio city like Cleveland or Cincinnati. Meaning? You can’t just hop on a bus to get from point A to B quickly. We recommend renting a car to adequately cover the many towns of this unique destination.

And once you’re in a town? It’s easy enough to wander on foot through the quaint historical centers. Feel free to get directions from locals anytime you feel confused — they’re usually happy to help!

What to Pack for Summer in Ohio’s Amish Country

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Warm weather is here, so make room in your suitcase for sunscreen, light clothing, and a little extra spending money to buy some Amish treats at the market. Many accept credit cards, but some might prefer cash.

Here’s a more fulsome list of what to pack on your trip:

  • Sunscreen
  • Linen pants and shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Sunglasses
  • Shorts and skirts
  • Modest dress
  • Rain jacket
  • Umbrella
  • Bug spray
  • Cash for tips and flea market purchases

Our expansive, spacious vacation homes have everything you need to cook a wholesome meal, sleep on a plush bed, and entertain the family. We even have board games to keep the kiddos busy while you prepare lunch.

Summer Weather in Ohio’s Amish Country

The real beauty of traveling to Amish Country during the summer? Consistently great weather. June weather ranges from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with some scattered showers throughout that don’t usually last more than a few hours.

July and August warm up even more, with hot days and fewer showers.

Book Your Summer Getaway with Your Family’s Place

Summer is a precious time for families to connect when school is out, and slower seasons help workplaces accommodate more time off. Ohio’s Amish Country is an excellent place to unwind on a getaway that brings you back to earth with life’s finer, simpler things.

And if you want to bring the whole family? You’ll feel right at home with enough space to breathe in one of our multi-generational homes.

We welcome you to enjoy your Amish Country vacation with us at Your Family’s Place. Book your stay today.

Ready for the best Home Rental Experience