City life, with its crowded streets, traffic, and pollution, often leaves us drained and longing for a change of scenery.
Whether you are a multi-generational family or are planning a getaway with your friends this spring, recharge with a one-of-a-kind stay in Amish Country, Ohio.
Ohio’s Amish Country, located in the east-central part of the state, mainly includes Holmes County and Wayne County, with extensions into nearby areas. Contrasting the glitz and glamor of a typical tourist town, Amish Country showcases its strong family values and agricultural heritage, unmistakable in its rich fields and farmers markets.
Spring season in the region means uber-picturesque scenes of sprawling green Amish farms, horse-drawn buggies, and infinite blue skies punctuated by rain clouds. This guide will arm you with all the information you need to tailor a perfect spring trip to the peaceful countryside of Amish County while staying in the fully-stocked rentals of Your Family’s Place.
Spring Weather in Amish Country
Spring in Amish Country is a time of revitalized, renewed energy as preparations for planting season begin. Spring spans from March to May, marked by gradually rising warm weather. Average high temperatures range from 40s in March to low 70s in May. Night-time lows typically range from mid-20°F to 50°F.
Rainfall is consistent throughout spring, averaging about 3 to 4 inches monthly. Snow becomes less common as the season progresses, but early spring may still have a handful of snowy days. By mid-April, these snowy landscapes transition into fields blooming with flowers.
Spring Packing List for Ohio’s Amish Country
Spring shows fluctuating temperatures and occasional rain, so your packing list for a springtime Amish Country visit might feel a little overwhelming. Ditch the guessing game with this comprehensive list of essentials:
- Light jackets and sweaters for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Coats and gloves if you’re visiting in early spring (March to mid-April), when there’s still a chance of snow.
- Comfy sneakers for exploring the vast countryside.
- Rain gear, like umbrellas and waterproof jackets, for spring showers.
- Modest attire like full-sleeved tops, jeans, and longer skirts to show respect to Amish culture.
- Sunscreen and hats for sunny days.
- Swimsuits for guests staying at one of our properties with a pool on site.
Everything else, Your Family’s Place, has got you covered, from plush towels to coffee makers for your perfect morning brew.
Things to Do in the Spring in Amish Country
Key towns of Amish Country are Millersburg, Sugarcreek, Berlin, Charm, and Walnut Creek, each with its own draw. Most shops and attractions run from Monday to Saturday between 8 am and 5 pm, with Sundays as a day of rest. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your trip.
1. Go on A Drive and Dine Tour
Get to know the towns of Amish Country on a drive-and-dine tour on the idyllic backroads. Spend your day traveling from one inviting location to the next, pausing only to enjoy the spring season’s special treats and meals. The backroads are beautiful, with scenic rural views and rolling hills all around.
Begin near Berlin with a hearty breakfast at Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery in Millersburg, a spot famous for its fresh, homemade baked goodies and a big petting zoo.
Next, allocate an hour or so to wander around Keim Lumber in Charm, an interesting home center for woodworking enthusiasts. Drive through Bedford, taking in the countryside, before stopping for lunch in the lovely village of Baltic.
Alternatively, head back to Berlin and eat at Boyd & Wurthmann. Their springtime specialties include tasty plates like dandelion gravy or ones with farm-fresh spinach and asparagus.
2. See the Farm Life of Walnut Creek
Make your Amish Country visit one of deep immersion with a tour of The Farm at Walnut Creek. Open from April to October, visitors can get up close with hundreds of farm animals.
It’s home to familiar horses, chickens, and sheep, as well as exotic species such as giraffes, zebras, and kangaroos. Hand-feeding them while sitting on a horse-drawn carriage is a special springtime experience in Amish Country.
3. Explore Amish Country’s Outdoors
The spring season’s mild weather is perfect for a beautiful outdoor adventure in Amish Country, especially at the Wilderness Center. Start your day at the information center for insights about the area.
Then, enjoy a hike along the pond trail, a perfect spot for birdwatching and sightings of stunning red-winged blackbirds. For families with children visiting in warmer months, the scavenger hunt at The Wilderness Center is a serious kid-pleaser.
4. Museum Hop
Spring isn’t all sunshine and roses. Even the wholesome Amish Country isn’t immune to showers from Mother Nature. So, on one of those rainy or chilly spring days, escape into the warmth of museums. There are plenty dotted around, but our three favorites are:
Victorian House
Enter this beautifully kept Victorian mansion from 1901, brimming with historical elegance for a short self-guided tour. Spend time in each of its 28 rooms filled with period furniture, antiques, and interesting artifacts. It welcomes visitors starting in early spring on weekends, with regular hours from April.
German Culture Museum
Showcasing the region’s German legacy, this museum is packed with exhibits ranging from intricate traditional outfits to fascinating historical documents, offering a peek into the life of German settlers.
Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center
Small yet incredibly rich in historical treasures, The Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center is a fantastic place for those interested in the Mennonites, Hutterites, and Amish Culture, tracing back to the Reformation.
Begin your explorations by taking in the glorious mural, followed by a guided tour (of about 45-50 minutes), which includes a visit to the school and barn. Conclude your visit with a video presentation that offers insights into the daily life of the Amish community.
5. Stock Up on Rich Cheese
Wrap up your Amish Country getaway with a visit to Heini’s Cheese in Millersburg. This landmark establishment has been selling artisanal cheese since the 1930s. Today, they offer over 50 varieties of cheese in numerous flavors, from sharp cheddars to rich creamy bries. And the best part is You can sample them before you buy! Besides cheese, Heini’s also sells yummy sauces, meats, candies, honey, fudge, and more.
And if you crave even more cheesy goodness? Expand your cheese collection with Swiss cheese from Guggisberg, and don’t forget to buy some for your cheese lovers back home.
Welcome Spring in Amish Country at Your Family’s Place!
As your spring visit to Amish Country draws to a close, its iconic red barns and galloping horses still linger fresh in your mind. You reminisce on the friendly locals and the beautiful landscapes, which already have you pinning to return. At least, that’s the case for many of our return clients!
Your Family’s Place welcomes you back with open arms for each visit. Our multigenerational homes are fully equipped with ample space to breathe and recharge while accommodating your entire family comfortably.
