Amish people began immigrating from Europe in the early 19th Century. Many maintain to this day their rural lifestyle, their language, and their culture. Amish have lived in Ohio since the early 1800s.Today, approximately 86,000 live in the state, making Ohio one of the largest Amish communities in America.The community spreads across 74 settlements, primarily located in Holmes, Geauga, and Tuscarawas counties.The settlements are rich in history and scenic landscapes with rolling hills, lush farmland and charming villages. In addition to farming, tourism flourishes in the area, with many businesses offering local crafts and foods.
The settlements, where time seems to slow down, offer a glimpse into a unique world. Travel by horsedrawn buggies or by bicycle is common. Farmland is often ploughed with horses. The Amish are known for simple, distinctive clothing.
On our road trip, we stayed in Killbuck, close to Millersburg, a village of about 3,200 people and the Holmes county seat. Millersburg’s historic downtown, listed on the National Register, is full of antique and gift shops with one-of-a-kind treasures. Amish-made clothing with a contemporary flair is sold everywhere. Other shops boast metal works, glassware, handmade baskets, spoons, rugs and jewelry. These hand-crafted gifts are beautiful, functional and most likely have a cultural story to be told.
Among the dining options is a pub with its own brewery. Menus are not restricted to simple Amish fare, and something for all tastes can be found. Accommodations are within walking distance. The courthouse square is sprinkled with various architectural styles which add to the village’s ornate Victorian heritage and historic appeal.
Some specific attractions in Millersburg are:
Rails to Trails (62 N. Grant St.) is a 15-mile walking/biking and buggy trail over rolling hills, close to the local wildlife.
Miller’s Bakery (4280 Township Road 356) offers delicacies baked fresh daily. They specialize in pastries, cookies, cheese tarts, and fruit pies. They also offer local crafts, such as home-crafted candies,
Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center (5798 County Road 77, located just north of Berlin) provides background on the formation of Anabaptist groups and records the migration of Amish and Mennonites into Holmes County. The Center includes a 265-foot mural illustrating the heritage. The center offers guided tours and features a restored bank barn with Conestoga wagon and a one-room schoolhouse. It may be the best resource for any questions regarding the Amish cultures.
Heini’s Cheese Chalet (6005 County Road 77) has been crafting artisan-style cheeses since 1935. The owners partner with local dairy farmers to produce the freshest cheeses. You can watch the cheesemaking process if you arrive in the morning. The shop offers over 50 sampling varieties of cheese, meat, jams and fudge.
Addie’s Fabric Shop (3092 County Road 135) offers a large selection of fabrics, casual handbags plants and baby items. The people that run the shop are helpful and very friendly. Horse and buggies are parked outside.
The Victorian House Museum (484 Wooster Road) is a must-see. Visitors can explore hundreds of years of history within its walls. Tales are that this unique mansion is haunted.
Don’t miss this delightful piece of Ohio. In addition to Millersburg other Amish towns are nearby, Berlin, Sugarcreek and Walnut creek just to name a few- all waiting to be explored.
