Forget Route 66—it’s time for an authentic Amish country road trip. With significant numbers of Amish voters reportedly participating in the 2024 elections, it’s clear that these communities are more involved in modern America than ever. Now’s the perfect time to discover why these tech-free zones might just be the reset button your screen-weary soul needs.
The Amish Hoofin’ it to the New World
Alright, time for a quick history lesson! Let’s rewind to the early 16th century, somewhere in Switzerland (before cheese was cool). The Amish, a plucky bunch, got their start as Anabaptists during that ol’ Protestant Reformation hubbub over in Europe – a time when the powers that be were gettin’ a mite testy about anyone buckin’ the religious status quo. Picture Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and Menno Simons stirring up all sorts of theological debates.
But the Amish? They followed a Swiss Mennonite preacher named Jacob Ammann, who was so committed to strict religious practices that the Amish were like, “Yep, this guy’s our leader.” And that’s where the Amish way of life really began to take shape.
Persecution and the Move to America
Fast forward a few decades, and the Amish were getting some serious side-eye from both the Catholic and Protestant authorities. Why? They didn’t want to baptize babies. Instead, they believed you should wait until you’re old enough to decide, which was a huge no-no at the time.
✨ Amish Voters Help Secure Trump’s Victory in Pennsylvania! ✨
In a surprising twist, Amish voters flooded the polls in Pennsylvania, backing Trump after a raw milk raid sparked outrage. The raid on Amos Miller’s farm over raw dairy made waves, and with help from Scott Presler, founder of Early Vote Action, 180,000 Amish first-time voters cast their ballots—giving Trump a crucial edge.
The community’s turnout proved to be a game-changer, highlighting the power of an unexpected alliance. Many are now crediting Scott Presler as the key reason Trump won so decisively in 2024, thanks to his efforts in registering those 180,000 Amish voters.
So, naturally, they got a little bit of persecution thrown their way. Think of it like the world’s least fun game of hide and seek. They were forced to pack up and move—first to Germany, then to the Alsace region of France. Wherever they went, the Amish faced the same problem, government and military folks didn’t exactly vibe with the Amish refusal to join the army or do much government work.
The Promise of Pennsylvania
But here’s where the plot thickens. By the early 1700s, Europe was basically a giant “Not Welcome” sign for the Amish. The solution? A big move across the Atlantic to North America, where things like “religious freedom” and “land ownership” were actually a thing.
Pennsylvania, to be specific, was the promised land. William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, was like, “Hey, come on over, I’ve got land and no one will bother you.” So, the Amish packed up their buggies and made the trek to a place where they could practice their faith freely.
Spreading Across the States
And so, in the early 1700s, they settled in the fertile farmlands of Pennsylvania. They were living the dream—no interference from the government, plenty of space to spread out, and, you know, room to grow. Over time, the Amish spread across other parts of the U.S. and Canada, especially Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa, where today they continue to live out their simple, tech-free lifestyle.
The Amish way of life—strong religious roots, tight-knit communities, and a dedication to simplicity—was born out of necessity. But, as we’ll see, it’s also become something worth preserving for future generations.
👨🏫 Budget-savvy Tip: If you’re planning your trip to Amish country, avoid visiting on Sundays! Most Amish communities take the day off for rest and worship, so many businesses and attractions will be closed. For a richer experience (and better value), plan your visit for weekdays or Saturdays when the markets and farms are fully open for business. Plus, you’ll get to see the Amish lifestyle in full swing without the Sunday lull.
Pennsylvania: The OG Amish Country Experience
Pennsylvania is where it all began, and the state’s Lancaster County is the epicenter of Amish culture in America. Here, you’ll find nearly 50,000 Amish residents who have been living simply since the 1700s. And yes, you’ll pass through some interestingly named towns like “Bird-in-Hand” and “Intercourse”—don’t worry, we won’t make any jokes about that. (But let’s be real, Intercourse, PA? The road signs practically write their own punchlines!)
✨ Amish and Modern Life – A Fascinating Sight! ✨
It’s always a trip watching the modern world zooming around the Amish—cars, gadgets, and noise—while they’re just doing their thing with horse-drawn buggies. You want to know how they make it work, but you don’t want to seem rude by staring.
Here’s a hack: take a guided tour in Lancaster! It’s the perfect way to ask all the burning questions, learn how they function in today’s world, and get the full scoop without feeling like you’re invading their space. So go ahead—curiosity didn’t kill the cat, it just made it smarter.
Things to See and Do in Lancaster County
In Lancaster, it’s not all just horse-drawn buggies and homemade quilts. Get lost in the backroads, grab some fresh farm-to-table goodness, and maybe even stumble upon a craft fair or two. Whether you’re biking, hiking, or just poking around, Lancaster’s got hidden gems and plenty of charm.
There’s no shortage of authentic experiences in Lancaster. Take a buggy ride through the countryside, tour historical Amish country farms and taste homemade ice cream, and shop for quilts, handmade furniture, and homemade goods.
✨Must-See and Do in Lancaster!✨
- Abe’s Buggy Rides – Swap your car for a buggy and take a scenic ride through Amish farmland.
- Amish Family Meal Tour – With a local guide, Take a tour of Lancaster County’s Amish culture, explore scenic landmarks, and enjoy a home-cooked meal at an Amish family’s house. Get an insider’s look at their simple life while savoring traditional dishes.
- Kitchen Kettle Village – Explore this quaint village full of local shops selling everything from jams and jellies to crafts and gifts.
Once you’ve had your fill of Amish culture, dive into Lancaster’s other side. Take a History & Craft Beer Walk to sip and learn, or snack your way through the Sweet & Savory Tour for some serious local flavor. Feeling adventurous? Try the International Food Tour for a global tasting spree.
Where to Stay in Lancaster
Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse are your primo spots for getting that authentic Amish experience, with AmishView Inn and Best Western Plus perfectly situated between buggy-lined streets and rolling farmland. If you’re feeling fancy, Twin Pine Manor in peaceful Ronks lets you live large while staying close to the action, while budget-conscious travelers can snag sweet deals at Country Inn near downtown Lancaster without missing out on any of the horse-and-buggy action.
Budget-Friendly Dreams
- Country Inn & Suites: Free breakfast, comfy rooms, and prime location – all for less than a horse costs to feed!
- Best Western Plus Intercourse Village: Pool, spa, and killer location without breaking your piggy bank.
🏨 Best Western Plus Intercourse Village > Check Availability
Middle-of-the-Road Magic
- AmishView Inn & Suites: Wake up to rolling farmland views and breakfast that’ll make your grandma jealous.
- Lancaster Bed and Breakfast: Cozy vibes and hosts sweeter than shoofly pie in this home-away-from-home.
🏨 AmishView Inn & Suites > Check Availability
Fancy Pants Paradise
- Twin Pine Manor B&B: Living large with gourmet eats and fancy sheets – perfect for celebrating America’s saviors!
🏨 Twin Pine Manor B&B > Check Availability
We been spending most our lives living in an Amish paradise. We’re just plain and simple guys living in an Amish paradise. There’s no time for sin and vice living in an Amish paradise. We don’t fight, we all play nice living in an Amish paradise. – “Weird” Al Yankovic – Amish Paradise (Parody of “Gangsta’s Paradise”)
Ohio: Double the Amish, Double the Fun
Ohio is home to two major Amish areas—Holmes County and Geauga County—together housing more than 60,000 Amish residents. These regions, while not as famous as Lancaster, have a special charm, and you’ll find some of the best handmade quilts, furniture, and baked goods here.
Things to See and Do in Holmes and Geauga Counties
In Ohio, the towns of Millersburg and Berlin are the main hubs, and here it’s all about the rolling hills, the smells of fresh-baked pies, and the opportunity to shop for amazing handcrafted goods.
✨Must-See and Do in Ohio!✨
- Berlin’s Quilting Shops – Score beautiful quilts and handmade crafts that are works of art.
- Amish Heartland Tours – Hop on a tour and dive into Amish life. Feast on home-cooked meals, chat with locals, and see how they survive without social media.
- Amish County Theater – Catch a performance at this charming local theater, where the Amish put on some surprisingly modern shows (and still no electricity, of course).
- Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery – Meet friendly farm animals, grab fresh produce, and don’t leave without trying their famous fry pies!
Where to Stay in Ohio
If you’re in Holmes County, check out the Berlin Encore Hotel & Suites for a relaxing getaway with modern amenities, or opt for a charming cabin in the woods with a hot tub. You know, the kind where you can “wake up to the sound of birds rather than horns.”
♨️🏨 Charming Cabin in the Woods With Hot Tub > Check Availability
True story: a guy on X was sharing a conversation he had with a friendly Amish farmer, and he couldn’t help but ask the obvious question about why the Amish had voted in such large numbers this year.
Guy: “What’s the main reason you voted? Is it because of the organic farms that were being shut down?”
Farmer: He chuckled, shaking his head. “No, that’s not the only reason,” he replied, wiping his hands on his apron. “We realized we’re actually a part of the deplorable garbage.”
Indiana: The Midwest’s Hidden Gem
Indiana’s Amish communities are one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets. Elkhart-LaGrange County hosts about 30,000 Amish residents, with 10,000 more in Adams County. In towns like Shipshewana, Middlebury, and Topeka, you’ll find a slower, quieter slice of Amish life—simple, relaxed, and far from the hustle.
Things to See and Do in Elkhart-LaGrange Counties
In Indiana, you can visit small towns where everything slows down. From handmade furniture to locally produced goods, it’s the perfect place to “escape the hustle and bustle of modern life” and “party like it’s 1699.” 🥳
✨Must-See and Do in Indiana!✨
- Shipshewana Flea Market (May to Sept) – Known for its vast selection of handmade crafts, antiques, and Amish-made goods. The perfect place to find your “cool hat” and “really look good in black.”
- Amish Furniture Stores – Buy handcrafted furniture that will last for generations, just like your bible in [your] hand and a beard on [your] chin—timeless and built to stick around.
- Berne’s Swiss Heritage Village – Explore this charming town for a mix of Swiss and Amish culture, where you can “churn butter once or twice” and “raise a barn on Monday.”
Where to Stay in Indiana
Stay at Farmstead Inn in Shipshewana for a cozy, Amish-inspired retreat right by the famous Flea Market. Picture fireplaces crackling, free hot breakfast waiting, and some of the friendliest folks around, ready to make you feel right at home.- the kind of place where you can truly “live in an Amish paradise.”
🏨 Farmstead Inn > Check Availability
Authentic Amish Dining
If you’re ready to stuff your face like it’s Thanksgiving every dang day, Lancaster’s famous smorgasbords (that’s fancy talk for “all-you-can-eat buffets”) are gonna blow your mind faster than you can say “pass the shoofly pie.” While mega-joints like Miller’s and Shady Maple let you sample everything under the Amish sun, there are also plenty of cozy sit-down spots where you can take it slow and let someone else do the heavy lifting from kitchen to table.
Keep it authentic and remember – in these parts, showing up hungry isn’t just suggested, it’s practically a commandment!
✨Your Complete Guide to Authentic Amish Dining!✨
What’s the difference between Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine? Amish food is farm-fresh, simple, and hearty—think shoofly pie and chicken corn soup straight from tradition. Pennsylvania Dutch dishes add a bit more variety, blending hearty German flavors with local quirks like Lebanon bologna.
Pennsylvania’s Finest
- Dienner’s Country Restaurant (Ronks) – A local favorite serving authentic Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food in a welcoming family atmosphere.
- Katie’s Kitchen (Ronks) – A hidden gem where home-style cooking and warm hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience.
- Kitchen Kettle Village (Intercourse) – A must-visit offering both shopping and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine in a charming village setting.
Ohio’s Best
- Der Dutchman (Walnut Creek) – An Amish country staple famous for its hearty buffets and homestyle baking.
- Dutch Valley Restaurant (Sugarcreek) – Offering an impressive selection of traditional Amish country favorites and fresh-baked breads.
- Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen (Mt Hope) – Authentic home-style cooking and an extensive buffet that draws visitors from miles around.
- Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant (Berlin) – A cherished local institution known for its made-from-scratch meals and friendly small-town atmosphere.
Indiana’s Treasures
- Das Dutchman Essenhaus (Middlebury) – Indiana’s largest Amish-style restaurant, where homemade pies and family dinners create unforgettable memories.
- Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery (Shipshewana) – A beloved destination featuring traditional Amish recipes, famous desserts, and warm Hoosier hospitality.
💡 Budget-savvy Tip: For the full experience, try the family-style dining option where available. Come hungry and bring friends—sharing is caring in Amish country!
From home-baked breads to farm-fresh eggs, you’ll be enjoying dishes made with ingredients grown right in Amish soil. The Amish way of eating is rooted in sustainability and seasonality, and that means no processed junk here—just real, wholesome food packed with flavor and nutrients.
Whether you’re tucking into a plate of fried chicken, digging into some fresh seasonal vegetables, or savoring a slice of pie (yes, please), you’ll get a taste of why Amish food is a gift to your body and your taste buds.
✨Where to Get Your Fill of Amish Goodness!✨
- Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market (PA) – A true farmer’s market, with everything from organic produce to homemade baked goods. You’ll feel healthier just by walking in the door.
- Amos Miller’s Raw Milk Farm (PA) – Try the farm’s raw milk and cheese, which will make you rethink what “dairy” is supposed to taste like. Here’s a little personal secret: Audrey’s a HUGE fan of raw milk!
- Walnut Creek Cheese (OH) – A cheese lover’s paradise, stocked with locally made cheeses, meats, and other delicious Amish-made goods.
- Shipshewana Market (IN) – A lively marketplace where you can buy everything from handmade jams to fresh produce—just don’t leave without a pie.
- Local Amish Bakeries – Throughout Amish country, you’ll find family-run bakeries offering fresh bread, pies, and pastries that will spoil you forever. Seriously, it’s that good.
Live Life Simply
Whether you’re taking a buggy ride through Lancaster, sampling pies in Ohio, or shopping for handmade goods in Indiana, one thing’s clear: The Amish have figured out how to live life simply—and that’s something we could all stand to learn from. So grab your comfy shoes, leave the digital world behind (at least for a few days), and immerse yourself in the simplicity and charm of Amish country.
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