Planning a vacation to Ohio’s Amish Country? You might browse ideas within Tuscarawas County, Ohio, like New Philadelphia or Sugarcreek. But then you’ll land on Dover — a wholesome, nature-filled town with a low population density along the Tuscarawas River.
At Your Family’s Place, we host hundreds of families each year on their Amish Country vacations, and many of our rentals are minutes away from Dover, Ohio. This charming town attracts visitors for its culture, panoramic landscapes, and easy access to the rest of Ohio’s Amish Country.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know in preparation for your Dover vacation, including when to visit, things to do, and what to pack.
Best Time to Visit Dover, Ohio
The city of Dover is fantastic year round, with mild weather and sunshine—even winters are fairly mild, with temperature lows hovering around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Summer is certainly a big draw in Dover. Why? For starters, summer temperatures reach as high as mid-80s Fahrenheit. The warm weather makes it that much more enticing to enjoy the region’s farmer’s markets, festivals, and stunning nature.
At Your Family’s Place, you can spend hours biking along the nearby trails and soaking up some sun in the backyard.
Things to Do in Dover, Ohio
Brainstorming an itinerary for your trip? We recommend one of these activities for each day of your vacation!
1. Visit the Warther Museum
The Ernest & Warther Museum & Gardens has been a staple tourist destination in Dover for many years. But even as locals, a visit to this slice of history never gets old. Step into the historically preserved family home of Ernest “Mooney” Warther, a sculptor and craftsman born in the late 1800s. See his old workshop and creations, along with the on-site button gallery, with many geometrics designs created entirely out of buttons.
And if you’re planning a more formal or high-capacity event? You can even rent out the museum for weddings, fundraisers, and other types of celebrations, too.
2. Listen to Live Music at Han’s
Fancy a glass of wine and tunes this evening? Head on over to Han’s, a family-friendly restaurant and winery with live music every Saturday (and sometimes Fridays).
This establishment is a true family business, with the owners’ parents and grandparents running the show generations before. And when you pair a stunning setting with the expertise of generational winemakers and cheesemakers? You get a must-see attraction that brings you to European times right here in Dover, Ohio.
We’re also a huge fan of this joint’s wine selection because it channels the fruity, local flavors of Ohio’s Amish Country. Pick from organic blackberry, rhubarb, or cherry wines to relish during a music set. And if you’re feeling peckish, browse their menu of homemade comfort food, from crispy chicken tenders and burgers to premium mac’ and cheese!
3. Appreciate Nature at the Norma Johnson Center
Whether you’re traveling with friends or young children, we always recommend a visit to the Norma Johnson Center. This community-centered organization sits upon over 6 miles of hiking trails for you to explore and also hosts a number of family-friendly and kid-friendly workshops like:
- Ceramics and crafts
- Themed walks (invasive species, pollinators, etc.)
- Fishing
- Bird watching and education
- Photography
Just keep tabs on the website because some events are on-site, while others are hosted at Dover’s schools. Our favorite trail has to be the Johnson Loop, a 1.3-mile hike that features wooded areas, hills, blackberry bushes, and ponds as well.
4. Indulge in Fresh Ice Cream at Miller’s Creamery
A trip to Amish Country wouldn’t be complete without homemade goodies like freshly churned ice cream from Miller’s Creamery! With locations across the entirety of Ohio’s Amish Country (Dover, New Philadelphia, Sugar Creek), Miller’s Creamery has been a trusted source of delectable and natural ice cream since 2003.
You’ll find the Downtown Dover location on the east side of Third Street, just across the street from the Tuscarawas Dance Center.
This creamery offers a wide variety of iced goodies, such as ice cream cakes, waffle cones, sundaes, and sherbet.
Our advice? Opt for the homemade sherbet, which Miller’s shares a new flavor of every week in July. We love the lime and lemon — so refreshing!
5. Scoop Up Some of the Region’s Handmade Foods
When visiting Amish Country in Ohio, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of traditional Amish foods that are rooted in simplicity and homemade goodness. Expect to find hearty dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the Amish commitment to self-sufficiency and wholesome living. Popular offerings include rich, creamy mashed potatoes, homemade bread and rolls, and succulent roast chicken or beef.
Don’t miss out on trying the deliciously sweet Amish desserts, such as shoofly pie, made with molasses, and whoopie pies, which are delightful cream-filled sandwich cookies.
For the grocery run, we recommend a trip to Yoder’s Hometown Market. Snag a few Amish-ready-baked pastries like custom pies (just call ahead), or buy a locally sourced and packaged muffin mix to bake fresh in the morning. You’ll also find tasty deli items like Guggisberg cheese and fresh produce to create your perfect farm-to-table meal.
Prepare a Meal at Your Vacation’s Rental
Is your group pooped from adventures and exploring? Sometimes, you just want to stay in, and our cozy, multi-generational rentals are the perfect place to do so. Plus, you have everything you need to cook an epic meal in our fully equipped kitchens that perfectly accommodate large groups.
What to Pack for Your Dover, Ohio Vacation
You might spend hours exploring the trails near our vacation rentals or walking through cultural attractions like the Warther Museum or the historic downtown center. You want to be comfortable, so cozy clothing is a must.
Here are a few more ideas for your packing list:
- Modest clothing: T-shirts, knee-length skirts, and light cardigans will keep you refreshed in both warm and cool weather while respecting the cultural traditions of modesty among Amish people.
- Walking shoes: If you plan to hike, bring a robust pair of boots to avoid getting muddy. You might also consider comfortable sneakers for everyday wear.
- Bug spray: Dusk in Dover’s summer months tends to bring mosquitos.
- Sunscreen: High-80s weather at the peak of summer might give you a sunburn if you aren’t prepared with sunscreen.
- Water bottle: Park hikes and daytime adventures in the sun will leave you thirsty!
How about coffee for the morning or fresh linens for your bedding? You can leave all that at home, as we’ve got you covered with full amenities here at Your Family’s Place.
Enjoy Your Dover Vacation at Your Family’s Place
Whether it’s a sunny walk through downtown Dover, a cultural event, or a stop along your grander Amish Country vacation, Dover welcomes you to its family-friendly culture, farm-fresh foods, and cultural activities.
But if you’re after the best way to enjoy Ohio’s Amish Country? Secure your accommodations, which tend to book up quickly during peak times like summer. Luckily, Your Family’s Place has ample options to host your entire family, grandparents and all, in our spacious, multi-generational homes.