Craving a slower-paced, wholesome family getaway this season? Ohio’s Amish Country is a region where you can escape the modern-day rat race and reconnect with family values, rural landscapes, farm-to-table food, and plenty of cultural activities.
Ohio is actually home to the largest Amish population in the world. The towns scattered across the state’s rolling countryside offer a mix of slow-paced charm, handmade craftsmanship, and organic food that’s hard to find anywhere else in this day and age.
If you’re planning a trip through Ohio’s Amish Country, start by booking one of our cozy cottages in Amish Country, then read on to find out which towns deserve a spot on your itinerary.
1. Dover, Ohio
Best for: Indoor historical attractions in the winter, local wineries
Located 68 miles south of Cleveland in Tuscarawas County, Dover is considered a gateway into the heart of Amish Country and is a great starting point for your Amish country vacation.
It’s one of the largest towns in Amish Country, but its population of around 13,000 is still much smaller than that of many of the cities our visitors come from. Rather than looking at population alone, you can get a feel for Dover’s relatively large size by its vast array of activities.
Dover’s most notable draws are the local wineries in the surrounding areas. If you’re a fan of natural wines in stunning settings, you’re in for a treat.
Start your voyage through the vines at Breitenback Wine Cellars, a Swiss-style architectural dream with wine tastings and delicious food. For something more quaint, head to Silver Moon Winery, which has specialized in sweet wines (Watermelon Blush, anyone?) along with reds and whites since 2007.
If partaking isn’t part of your itinerary, never fear; Dover is also an ideal destination for the more historically inclined.
A trip to Dover isn’t complete without a stop at The Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens, a homage to wood-carving artist Ernest Warther. His 1910 family home is beautifully preserved and now showcases over 100 elaborate carvings centered on steam engines.
The Reeves Victorian Home & Carriage Museum is another worthy historical stop; the lavish 1900s Victorian mansion is open for tours from Wednesdays to Sundays.
2. Berlin, Ohio
Best for: Shopping and souvenirs
Berlin, OH, is packed with furniture stores, quilt shops, and bakeries, all within walking distance of each other. Visitors can watch skilled craftsmen build solid wood furniture by hand, sample fresh baked goods at local bakeries, and browse handmade quilts that take months to complete.
If you want to bring back a taste of Amish Country back home with you, Berlin is a must-see (and a must-shop!) on your trip.
The barn-like Sheiyah Market used to host a dairy farm before being converted to the Amish Community’s top shopping destination. These days, you can find clothing, accessories, preserved foods, and then some at its many shops.
If you’re hoping to bring some of the famed quality furniture home with you, spend a few hours perusing the Berlin Village Antique Mall, one of the best antique shops in the region. If your car is too full to transport antique furniture, you can still opt to pick up small historical keepsakes (think coins, home decor, and collectible art pieces) from the many vendors in this 26,000-square-foot mall.
Before leaving Berlin, make a stop at The Behalt-Amish Mennonite Heritage Center, a cultural hub for the local Mennonite and Amish communities. Here, locals and visitors both can attend family-friendly events, shows, and other community-building activities.
3. Walnut Creek, Ohio
Best for: Amish-style comfort food
Walnut Creek is technically an unincorporated township rather than a town, as its population is quite small (around 900 people). Still, it’s one of Ohio Amish Country’s hidden gems, famed for the Amish country experiences and incredible food. Make sure to come hungry!
The top Walnut Creek must-visit spot is the Amish homestyle restaurant, Der Duchmann. Here, you can have a truly traditional family-style lunch or dinner. Pick your meat (turkey, roast ham, beef) and get it served with all the fixings, like stuffing, potatoes, corn, and more.
The large restaurant features wide windows opening out to the sights of Walnut Creek. You can watch Amish families roll by in their traditional horse-drawn buggies as you tuck into your country meal.
After your feast, go for a walk around the Walnut Creek Cheese & Market in search of farm-fresh cheeses, jams, and other goodies to take back to your vacation rental. No need to eat out every day; why not bring some local products back and make use of the large, family-friendly kitchens our rentals have?
4. Millersburg, Ohio
Best for: Amish culture and lifestyle immersion, cheese tasting
Despite its small population of about 3,200, Millersburg is a tourist hotspot in Ohio’s Amish Country for its deep cultural immersion. It’s the heart of the Holmes County settlement, home to one of the world’s largest Amish communities. Only Lancaster’s community in Pennsylvania is larger than the Holmes County community.
One attraction we always recommend in Millersburg is the Yoder’s Amish Home, a wholesome 1885 homestead that was rented out to Amish farmers for years until Eli and Gloria Yoder bought it.
The Yoders decided to open the historical home for tours and visits in 1983, and the rest is history. You can enjoy buggy rides and tours around the 19th-century schoolhouse, family home, and barn.
Work up an appetite exploring the historical home, then head over to Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery, which pumps out homemade pies, breads, jams, and pastries for all travelers to enjoy. They also host various events, like Big Horse Day, for kids to interact with the farm’s horses, as well as Fall Late Nights for evening horse-drawn wagon rides.
Cheese aficionados should stop by Guggisberg Cheese, just a 5-minute drive away. The cheese made at this farm comes from cows in the nearby pastures. Visitors can try up to 60 different kinds of cheese, all made in a family establishment that has reflected Amish values and craft for over 70 years.
5. New Philadelphia, Ohio
Best for: Historical attractions
With a population of around 17,000, New Philadelphia is the largest town on our list. Still, it’s a prominent spot for Amish Country history, and a worthwhile visit to learn more about the rich culture and traditions of Amish life.
The city’s main tourist destination is Schroenbrunn Village, a settlement point for Moravian Christians in 1772. Inside the village, you can walk through historical sights and homes and learn about Moravian life in the 1700s.
The group later left the area during the American Revolution, but the influence remains, as seen in the city’s staple Moravian Christian Church.
Beyond exploring Amish culture, due to its more urban nature, New Philadelphia has enough things to do and restaurants to try to keep you and your family busy for days.
Don’t be deterred by the city status; in New Philadelphia, there are still abundant opportunities to enjoy nature. The local favorite is Tuscora Park, a large green space that’s great for family-friendly picnics. It also offers a carousel, a roller coaster, a miniature train, and a swimming pool for the kiddos to enjoy.
6. Sugarcreek, Ohio
Best for: Swiss culture and history
This small village of approximately 2,500 people is your go-to spot to experience the Swiss roots of Ohio’s Amish Country. Known as “The Little Switzerland of Ohio,” Sugarcreek blends Amish heritage with Swiss-style architecture (think Christmas vibes in the town center) and an annual cheese festival that draws visitors from across the region.
The town has a charming downtown area with cheese shops, antique stores, and family-owned restaurants serving traditional Amish dishes. Sugarcreek is also home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock, a quirky but popular photo stop.
When it’s time to tuck into some local fare, head to the renowned Dutch Valley Restaurant, where you can enjoy Swiss, Dutch, and German fare. Prepare to fill your belly with liver and onions, Swiss Steak, and potluck-style family specials.
For a taste of history, check out the Alpine Hills Museum, which features the most Swiss historical insights and artifacts out of all the region’s museums. Beyond the exhibits, the museum also hosts cultural events like Swiss National Day and community book signings.
7. Winesburg, Ohio
Best for: A small-town Americana feel
Named after the German “Weinsberg,” Winesburg is a 300-person town located two hours from Columbus, known for its true Amish charm and way of life.
You won’t find as many attractions here, but you will notice cultural differences through the prominent Amish presence. Expect to see Amish families in buggies driving on back roads (drive slowly around them!), and visit farms that produce delicious products for places like Whitmer’s General Store & Pizza.
To while away an Amish country afternoon, consider enjoying an afternoon having a barbecue at your rental, using locally farmed produce. To prep for said backyard BBQ, Winesburg Meats is a must. It’s a family-run butcher that sells grass-fed and organic beef, lamb, chicken, and other delectable fruits from local Amish farms.
While you don’t need more than an afternoon to explore Winesburg, we’d still recommend it as a stop on your trip itinerary.
8. Charm
Best for: Quiet, authentic Amish experience
There’s no doubt that Charm lives up to its name. This tiny town offers a glimpse into a slower, simpler life, with working farms, roadside produce stands, and locally made goods sold directly by Amish families.
It’s one of the more low-key stops in the region, which makes this off-the-beaten-path town a good choice for travelers who want a quieter, more authentic Amish experience.
Dive Into the Best Towns in Ohio’s Amish Country
Despite the slow pace of life, there’s no shortage of places to visit on an Amish Country vacation. You can keep your itinerary full for days, or purposefully slow down and enjoy the region’s more relaxed pace of life.
For this year’s vacation, do something different: swap beaches for rolling hills and cocktails with board games at any one of our multi-generational homes.
Book your Amish Country vacation rental today and get ready to immerse yourself in an entirely different world.