Planning an Amish country road trip offers a unique glimpse into a simpler way of life, featuring handcrafted goods, farm-fresh foods, and peaceful rural landscapes. Whether you're seeking authentic cultural experiences, quality handmade products, or a break from modern life's hustle, these communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana provide unforgettable journeys through America's heartland.
🗺️ Choosing Your Region
The three main Amish regions each offer distinct experiences and attractions, making your choice depend on your interests, travel distance, and available time.
Pennsylvania (Lancaster County)
- • Largest and most established Amish community
- • Best tourist infrastructure and dining options
- • Historic sites and museums
- • Premium quilts and furniture
- • Higher prices but widest selection
Ohio (Holmes County)
- • World's largest Amish settlement
- • More authentic, less commercialized
- • Excellent cheese and woodworking
- • Rolling hills and scenic drives
- • Best value for money
Indiana (Elkhart/LaGrange Counties)
- • Third-largest Amish population
- • Known for RV manufacturing and furniture
- • Less crowded than PA and OH
- • Great for antique hunting
- • Affordable accommodations
Regional Specialties to Consider
- • Pennsylvania: Whoopie pies, shoofly pie, hex signs
- • Ohio: Swiss cheese, trail bologna, pottery
- • Indiana: Furniture craftsmanship, quilting supplies
🛣️ Route Planning and Duration
Plan for Slower Travel!
Amish country roads are narrow, winding, and shared with horse-drawn buggies. Allow extra time between destinations and avoid rushing.
Most visitors find 2-3 days sufficient for one region, allowing time to visit key attractions, browse shops leisurely, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without feeling rushed.
🏨 Accommodations
Bed & Breakfasts
Authentic experience with homemade breakfasts and local insights. Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Expect $80-150/night.
Farm Stays
Stay on working farms for immersive experiences. Some offer activities like milking cows or collecting eggs. Rates vary from $60-120/night.
Hotels & Motels
Standard accommodations in nearby towns. Less authentic but more predictable amenities. Budget-friendly options available from $50-90/night.
🌤️ Best Seasons to Visit
Spring (April-May)
- • Mild weather and blooming farms
- • Fewer crowds than summer
- • Fresh produce begins appearing
- • Mud season may affect rural roads
Fall (September-October)
- • Peak season with beautiful foliage
- • Harvest time with abundant produce
- • Perfect weather for driving
- • Highest prices and crowds
✓ DO: Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds and better service
✗ DON'T: Plan trips on Sundays when most Amish businesses are closed
💰 Budget Planning
A well-planned Amish country road trip can accommodate various budgets, from economical weekend getaways to luxury experiences.
Daily Budget Estimates (per couple):
- Budget Trip: $100-150 (modest lodging, simple meals, selective shopping)
- Mid-range Trip: $200-300 (B&B stays, restaurant meals, moderate shopping)
- Luxury Trip: $400+ (premium accommodations, fine dining, extensive shopping)
- Accommodations: 30-40% of budget
- Food and dining: 25-30%
- Shopping and souvenirs: 20-25%
- Gas and transportation: 10-15%
- Attractions and tours: 5-10%
Money-Saving Tips
- • Many Amish businesses only accept cash - plan accordingly
- • Buy directly from farms for best prices on produce
- • Pack lunches for scenic roadside picnics
- • Visit during shoulder seasons for lower accommodation rates
🏪 Must-Visit Store Types
Furniture Workshops: Witness master craftsmen creating heirloom-quality pieces. Expect to order custom items with 6-12 week delivery times.
Quilt Shops: Browse stunning handmade quilts ranging from $200-2000. Many shops also sell fabric and quilting supplies for DIY enthusiasts.
Bakeries: Sample traditional treats like whoopie pies, shoofly pie, and fresh bread. Most items are made daily and sell out quickly.
Cheese Houses: Taste artisanal cheeses, especially in Ohio's Swiss communities. Many offer free samples and vacuum-sealed packages for travel.
Bulk Food Stores: Stock up on spices, grains, and specialty items at wholesale prices. Popular with both tourists and locals.
Craft Shops: Find handmade baskets, pottery, woodwork, and seasonal decorations. Quality varies, so examine items carefully.
🚗 Vehicle Preparation
Rural Road Reality Check!
Expect narrow roads, limited cell service, and horse-drawn buggy traffic. Prepare your vehicle and patience accordingly.
Essential Preparations:
- Check tire condition and spare tire
- Ensure GPS has offline maps downloaded
- Pack a physical road atlas as backup
- Clean windshield thoroughly for better visibility
- Fill up gas tank before entering rural areas
- Pack emergency kit with water, snacks, and blankets
📅 Sample Itineraries
Pennsylvania (Lancaster County) - 2 Days
Day 1: Eastern Lancaster County
- Morning: Start at Lancaster Central Market (8 AM)
- Mid-morning: Kitchen Kettle Village for shopping and demonstrations
- Lunch: Family-style meal at Plain & Fancy Farm
- Afternoon: Amish Farm and House tour
- Late afternoon: Quilt shopping in Intercourse
- Evening: Dinner at Miller's Smorgasbord
- Morning: Strasburg Rail Road scenic train ride
- Mid-morning: Browse Strasburg's antique shops
- Lunch: Picnic at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
- Afternoon: Furniture shopping in Gordonville
- Late afternoon: Visit Ephrata Cloister historic site
- Evening: Sunset buggy ride
Ohio (Holmes County) - 3 Days
Day 1: Berlin and Millersburg
- Morning: Arrive in Berlin, visit Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center
- Mid-morning: Cheese sampling at Heini's Cheese Chalet
- Lunch: Local restaurant in Berlin
- Afternoon: Furniture browsing and woodworking shops
- Evening: Check into local B&B
- Morning: Drive scenic Route 557 to Charm
- Mid-morning: Guggisberg Cheese factory tour
- Lunch: Traditional meal in Charm
- Afternoon: Explore Sugarcreek's Swiss heritage
- Late afternoon: Warther Museum woodcarving exhibit
- Evening: Dinner at local inn
- Morning: Bulk food shopping in Walnut Creek
- Mid-morning: Carlisle Inn gift shops
- Lunch: Farm-to-table restaurant
- Afternoon: Final souvenir shopping and bakery visits
- Evening: Departure or extend stay
✓ DO: Build flexibility into your itinerary for spontaneous discoveries
✗ DON'T: Over-schedule - part of the charm is slowing down and enjoying the pace
🎯 Combining with Local Attractions
Enhance your Amish country experience by incorporating nearby attractions that complement the cultural immersion.
Pennsylvania Add-ons:
- Hershey's Chocolate World (45 minutes from Lancaster)
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia
- Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Shipshewana Flea Market (if visiting during market days)
- Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
Find Amish Stores Near You
Ready to experience authentic Amish craftsmanship and products? Use our store locator to find Amish stores, markets, and shops across the United States.