Things to Do in Amish Country

Step away from your computer and phone to watch the way of life in a time far gone. Watch horse-drawn plows do the work of tractors and buggies replace cars. Quiet, simple and deeply rooted in faith, their way of life hasn't changed much since 1820 when the first Amish began farming in this Ohio city. A family vacation in Amish country is a time to slow down and appreciate fresh air, natural beauty and a culture largely free of modern technology, so unplug and enjoy your trip to Amish Country.

An Experience to Remember

Begin your visit at Berlin's Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, often called the Sistine Chapel of the Amish. "Behalt"—meaning to hold or to remember in German—is the center's stirring, 265-foot-wide Heinz Gaugel mural-in-the-round that depicts centuries of Amish history from persecution to triumphs. Take the guided 30-minute mural tour, then explore the hand-crafted Pioneer Barn's collection of artifacts that includes a Conestoga wagon like those that brought the first Amish settlers to Holmes County. Learn about the unique Amish education at the center's 19th-century one-room schoolhouse. Not all local Amish affiliations have identical beliefs and lifestyles, so ask the center's staff to help you understand the distinctions.

A Home Visit

Get a taste of Amish home life on a self-guided tour of Schrock's Amish Heritage Village, about one mile from Berlin. The 1848 farmhouse—once home to an Amish bishop, his wife and their 11 children—has been updated to reflect the lifestyles of today's Amish families. Read the history provided in each room to compare the traditions of two of Holmes County's 10 different Amish groups. Complete your down-on-the-farm experience with a horse-and-buggy ride over the Schrock Farm and Village grounds, then stop by the petting area for an up-close goat, horse and kitten encounter.

Humor Yourselves

Treat the family to an evening of gut-busting country humor at the Amish Country Theater in Walnut Creek, about 3.5 miles southeast of Berlin on Route 39. Stomp your feet to bluegrass music, laugh until you cry at the Amish comedy trio's jokes and the ventriloquist's silliness, then be a part of the show when performers interact with the audience. This two-hour, family-friendly variety show runs every Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday. To guarantee a spot close to the action, book your reserved seats early.

Mount Up

Family members age 8 and up can view central Ohio's open fields and scenic countryside from a different angle aboard the Amish Country Riding Stable's gentle, trail-wise horses. Rides are limited to two to five riders, so everyone gets plenty of the friendly guide's attention during the slow-paced, 45-minute trip over well-worn paths. Kids under 18 must have an adult along, and large families may need to ride in separate groups. Open every day except Sunday, the stable is less than five miles from Berlin on State Route 557 in Millersburg.

Hotels near Berlin, OH: 7