Amish Tourism: Visiting Amish Country in the United States
- Tony Albert
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Ron Shawley, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Travelers driving through rural parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Indiana sometimes notice something that feels slightly out of place in the modern world — a horse-drawn buggy moving slowly along the side of the road.
Moments like that often mark the entrance into Amish country, where communities continue to live according to traditions that have shaped daily life for generations.
For many visitors, Amish tourism is not about major attractions or theme parks. Instead, it’s about curiosity — exploring quiet countryside roads, visiting farm markets, and learning about a culture that values simplicity, faith, and strong community connections.
Understanding a little history and context can make these visits more meaningful and respectful.
A Brief History of the Amish
The Amish trace their origins to a religious movement in Europe during the late 1600s.
They emerged from the Anabaptist tradition, a Christian movement that emphasized adult baptism, humility, and close-knit religious communities. In the 1690s, a Swiss religious leader named Jakob Ammann became associated with a group that believed church members should follow strict community discipline and separation from many aspects of the modern world.
Over time, his followers became known as the Amish.
During the 1700s and early 1800s, many Amish families emigrated to North America in search of religious freedom and farmland. Pennsylvania became one of the earliest centers of Amish settlement, and from there Amish communities gradually spread to other rural regions.
Today, Amish communities remain rooted in agriculture, craftsmanship, and family life — traditions that continue to shape the landscapes travelers see when visiting Amish country.
Different Amish Groups and Traditions
Visitors sometimes assume that all Amish communities follow the same rules, but there are actually several different Amish groups.
Some communities follow very strict guidelines about technology, transportation, and clothing, while others allow limited use of certain modern tools. These differences usually come from local community rules known as the Ordnung, which guide daily life and help maintain the values of each settlement.
For travelers, this means Amish communities in one region may look slightly different from those in another, even though they share similar historical roots.
Learning about Amish traditions can help visitors better understand why many of these customs remain important today.
How Amish Communities Spread Across the United States
As Amish families grew and farmland became more limited in early settlements, new communities began forming in other rural regions where land was affordable.
Over the centuries, Amish populations gradually expanded across the United States.
Today, Amish communities exist in more than 30 states, though most remain concentrated in the Midwest and parts of the Northeast.
Some of the largest Amish populations are found in:
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Holmes County, Ohio
Northern Indiana (Shipshewana and surrounding areas)
Smaller Amish settlements can also be found in states such as:
Michigan
Wisconsin
Missouri
Kentucky
Montana
These communities often remain quiet rural farming areas, but their continued growth shows that Amish culture is still very much alive across many parts of the country.
How Amish Communities Became Travel Destinations
Tourism in Amish regions developed gradually.
As travelers passed through rural Amish areas, they became curious about the distinctive farms, horse-drawn transportation, and simple way of life they saw along the road.
Over time, local businesses began selling baked goods, furniture, quilts, and handmade crafts to visitors. Some communities developed small visitor centers, markets, and guided tours that help travelers understand the surrounding culture.
Today, Amish tourism often focuses on:
farm markets
bakeries and local foods
handcrafted furniture and quilts
scenic countryside drives
learning about Amish traditions and daily life
Many visitors find that simply exploring the countryside offers the most memorable experience.
Best Places to Experience Amish Country
Although Amish communities exist in many states, a few regions have become especially popular with visitors.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County is one of the most well-known Amish destinations in the United States. Rolling farmland, roadside markets, and historic towns attract travelers interested in rural scenery and traditional crafts.
Holmes County, Ohio
Holmes County is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the country. Visitors often explore scenic back roads, furniture workshops, and small towns such as Berlin and Walnut Creek.
Shipshewana, Indiana
Shipshewana is known for its large flea market and Amish businesses. Travelers often visit the region for markets, handmade goods, and the surrounding countryside.
Each of these areas offers visitors a chance to observe Amish culture while supporting local businesses that welcome travelers.
Plan Your Own Amish Country Trip
Many travelers explore Amish regions by driving through the countryside and stopping at markets, bakeries, and small towns along the way.
If you're planning a trip through Amish country, it can be helpful to organize the places you want to visit before you go.
Our bucket list builder lets you save destinations, plan stops, and build your own travel route for future trips.
What Visitors Often Notice First
Travelers entering Amish country usually notice a few things right away.
Horse-drawn buggies move along rural roads. Farms rely on traditional equipment. Clothing styles remain simple and modest.
Children attend small local schools that often resemble one-room schoolhouses, where several age groups learn together in the same classroom.
For many visitors, these details create the sense of stepping into a slower rhythm of life that feels very different from modern cities.
Amish Markets and Local Businesses
One of the most accessible ways for travelers to experience Amish culture is through local markets and small shops.
Visitors often find:
homemade bread and baked goods
fresh produce
jams and preserves
handcrafted furniture
quilts and traditional crafts
These markets allow visitors to support local businesses while experiencing the craftsmanship Amish communities are known for.
Many travelers find that these simple roadside stops become some of the most memorable moments of their visit.
Amish Village Tours and Scenic Drives
Some regions offer guided Amish village tours that introduce visitors to the history of the community and surrounding farmland.
Other travelers prefer exploring the countryside on their own.
Driving along quiet back roads often reveals farms, markets, and small towns that provide a glimpse into everyday life in Amish regions.
For many visitors, these scenic drives are one of the best ways to experience Amish country.
Visiting Amish Communities Respectfully
Amish communities generally value privacy and humility, so visitors should approach Amish tourism thoughtfully.
A few simple guidelines help maintain respect between travelers and local communities:
Avoid photographing people without permission
Drive carefully near horse-drawn buggies
Respect private homes and farmland
Support local markets and businesses
Most visitors find that simple curiosity and courtesy go a long way when visiting Amish areas.
Why Amish Tourism Continues to Attract Travelers
For travelers used to fast-moving modern life, Amish country offers a rare glimpse into a culture that values simplicity, faith, and community.
Quiet rural roads, traditional farms, and local markets create a travel experience that feels very different from typical tourist destinations.
For many visitors, Amish tourism is less about sightseeing and more about understanding how a centuries-old way of life continues to shape the American countryside.
Experiencing Amish Tourism Today
Amish tourism offers travelers a rare opportunity to see rural traditions that have continued for generations. Quiet farmland, horse-drawn buggies, local markets, and small communities create a travel experience that feels very different from most modern destinations.
For visitors curious about Amish life, exploring Amish country often becomes less about sightseeing and more about understanding a culture built around faith, simplicity, and community.
Many travelers discover that these regions are best experienced slowly — driving countryside roads, stopping at local markets, and appreciating the traditions that still shape daily life across Amish communities.
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