There’s a rhythm to life in Amish country that you feel before you truly see it. It’s in the soft crunch of gravel under a horse’s hoof, the faint scent of fresh-baked bread, and the sight of hand-stitched quilts on a clothesline in the countryside. This is a world that operates on a different frequency, one of simplicity, faith, and deep community ties. Yet, for a visitor, finding your way into the heart of that world can feel like a mystery. The key lies in choosing the right Amish country tours, those rare experiences guided by respect and relationship, not just itinerary.
Key Takeaways:
- Amish Country tours, like in Lancaster, PA, offer immersive experiences like guided farm visits, historic home tours, and hands-on activities such as hayrides and cow milking.
- Lancaster County is the most popular Amish destination, but places like Holmes County and Harmony offer quieter, more authentic visits.
- Visitors should interact respectfully by avoiding photos, following guides’ cues, and supporting Amish-run businesses.
This article will guide you through the most valuable Amish tours and destinations, ensuring your visit is both respectful and profoundly memorable.
How to Choose Your Amish Country Destination
Not all Amish communities are the same, and choosing where to go depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. The most well-known destination is Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, home to one of the largest Amish populations in the United States. It offers a mix of guided tours, local markets, and countryside vistas that many first-time visitors find irresistible.
For a quieter, less commercialized feel, Holmes County, Ohio, offers sprawling farmland and a slower pace. Indiana’s Shipshewana is another favorite, known for its massive flea market and strong focus on Amish-made goods. When choosing your destination, consider whether you want a bustling hub with plenty of attractions or a tucked-away corner where the emphasis is on personal connection. Either way, Amish country tours promise a balance of cultural insight and rural beauty.
List of Amish Country Tours Worth Taking
Amish country tours vary widely, from intimate farm visits to immersive day-long adventures. Below are some of the most popular and worthwhile tours to consider when planning your trip.
1. The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
One of the most established experiences in Lancaster County, The Amish Experience blends education with authenticity. Located on the historic Plain & Fancy Farm, the tour includes guided visits through a carefully restored Amish homestead, along with multimedia presentations that explain Amish beliefs and traditions in a respectful, engaging way. It’s a great option for first-time visitors who want context along with hands-on exploration.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Guided walk through a recreated 1840s Amish house and barn
- “Jacob’s Choice” multimedia experience that tells a family’s story of faith and tradition
- Farm-to-table Amish-style dining at the on-site restaurant
2. Old Windmill Farm – The Amish Farm Tour
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
For a more personal encounter, Old Windmill Farm invites visitors directly into an active Amish homestead. This family-run farm offers small-group tours where guests can learn about daily chores, animal care, and food preparation from Amish hosts themselves. The experience feels less like tourism and more like being welcomed into someone’s backyard, making it especially memorable for families.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Collecting fresh eggs, milking cows, or feeding baby animals
- Learning about traditional farming without electricity
- Hands-on activities for children and adults alike
3. The Amish Village – Farmhouse & Backroads Bus Tours
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The Amish Village provides a structured yet engaging way to explore Amish culture in one visit. Centered around a 12-acre village, it features a historic farmhouse, one-room schoolhouse, and various farm buildings. Guests can also opt for a guided backroads bus tour, which ventures into the surrounding countryside for a closer look at working Amish farms and businesses.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Guided tour inside an authentic 1840s Amish farmhouse
- Stop at a functioning one-room schoolhouse with authentic furnishings
- Scenic bus ride along Amish backroads, visiting farms and shops
4. Amish Heartland Group Tours
Holmes County, Ohio
If you’re headed to Ohio, Amish Heartland Group Tours is a trusted choice for exploring Holmes County, the largest Amish settlement in the world. They specialize in curated experiences for groups but also cater to individual travelers. Expect a mix of cultural storytelling, community visits, and hearty Amish meals that give you both perspective and flavor in one package.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Step-on guided tours with Amish and Mennonite hosts
- Visits to Amish homes, schools, and cottage industries
- Family-style meals with Amish cooking traditions
5. Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
This premium 3-part tour experience is designed for visitors who want a more in-depth look into Amish culture without feeling rushed. The tour combines a guided visit through a traditional Amish farmhouse with scenic drives along the countryside. Guests get a closer look at the daily routines, craftsmanship, and community values that make the Amish way of life so distinct.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Guided tour of a historic Amish farmhouse and working farm
- Insightful commentary about Amish customs and traditions
- Scenic ride through picturesque Lancaster County backroads
6. Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Few experiences feel as genuine as sharing a meal in an Amish home. This tour offers just that—an intimate evening where guests are welcomed at the table of an Amish family. Beyond the delicious home-cooked food, the experience opens the door to conversation, stories, and firsthand perspectives that visitors rarely encounter elsewhere.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Warm welcome into a private Amish family home
- Family-style dinner with authentic Amish recipes
- Homemade desserts and baked goods to finish the meal
7. Amish Buggy Rides – Amish Farm Tour
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Nothing feels more iconic than exploring Amish country in a horse-drawn buggy. Amish Buggy Rides offers several options, but their farm tour stands out for its balance of charm and authenticity. Along the way, you’ll pass by farmlands, barns, and schoolhouses while hearing stories about Amish life from your guide.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Horse-drawn buggy ride through Amish backroads
- Stops at a real Amish farm for a closer look
- View of Amish schoolhouses and barns
8. Amish Tours of Harmony
Harmony, Minnesota
Located in one of Minnesota’s lesser-known Amish settlements, Amish Tours of Harmony offers a quieter but equally fascinating experience. These guided tours take visitors through the rolling hills of Amish farmland, with stops at family-run shops and roadside stands. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to explore Amish culture outside of the more tourist-heavy regions.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Guided van tours through the Amish countryside
- Visits to Amish-owned shops selling crafts, quilts, and furniture
- Insight into Minnesota’s Amish communities and traditions
9. Old Order Amish Tours
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
For those seeking a more traditional perspective, Old Order Amish Tours offers guided visits that emphasize authenticity over commercialism. These tours often include access to Amish homesteads and farms where visitors can see firsthand how families live without modern conveniences. The pace is unhurried, giving guests a real sense of Amish values and daily practices.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Visits to Old Order Amish homes and working farms
- Opportunity to observe traditional farming and craftsmanship
- Educational commentary on Amish beliefs and lifestyle choices
10. Pennsylvania Amish Country Day Tour
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
This full-day experience is designed for travelers who want to see as much as possible in a single visit. The Pennsylvania Amish Country Day Tour typically combines scenic countryside drives, cultural stops, and immersive activities, offering a well-rounded introduction to Lancaster’s Amish community. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss the highlights.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Comfortable guided transportation through Amish farmlands
- Guided tour of a traditional Amish farmhouse
- Optional buggy ride or add-on cultural experiences
Commercialized vs. Authentic: How to Tell the Difference
It’s easy to spot the more commercialized tours. Think big buses, rushed stops, souvenir shops, and “Amish-style” attractions that aren’t actually Amish-run. These can still be fun, but they often gloss over the depth of Amish life.
Authentic tours tend to be:
- Smaller in group size
- Led by locals (or those who’ve built strong relationships within the community)
- Focused on education, history, and real interactions—not just entertainment
Look for tours that work directly with Amish families or are run in partnership with the community. These tend to offer the most respectful and meaningful experiences.
Interacting with the Amish Respectfully (Do’s and Don’ts)
Whether you’re visiting an Amish market, farm, or community tour, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind to ensure your interaction is considerate and authentic.
Do:
- Be polite and friendly if someone engages with you. Many Amish are warm and hospitable, even if they appear reserved at first.
- Follow the lead of your guide when asking questions. If you’re on a tour, guides often know which topics are sensitive or off-limits. Let them set the tone.
- Support local Amish businesses. Purchasing handmade furniture, quilts, baked goods, or crafts is one of the best ways to show appreciation for their craftsmanship.
- Respect their pace of life. Amish culture values simplicity and patience. Taking time to slow down—rather than rushing through an interaction—shows that you value their way of living.
Don’t:
- Take photos of the Amish people. Many Amish believe that photographs violate the Biblical commandment against graven images and promote vanity. Always ask before photographing animals, buggies, or landscapes that might include Amish individuals.
- Assume everyone is open to conversation. Some Amish may be happy to exchange a few words, while others prefer quiet privacy.
- Wander onto private property without invitation. Amish farms and homes are not tourist attractions. Enter only if there’s a clear sign welcoming visitors or invited.
- Treat Amish life as a spectacle. Remember that what feels “quaint” or “different” to outsiders is everyday life for them. Approach with genuine curiosity.
Searching for the perfect event? Browse our list of Amish conferences and TV shows to find the ideal learning opportunity for you.
Wrapping Up Your Amish Country Journey
Amish country tours aren’t just about sightseeing; they’re about connection. Whether you choose a farm visit in Pennsylvania, a family meal in Ohio, or a countryside drive in Minnesota, each experience offers a rare chance to step into a world guided by simplicity and tradition.
The authenticity of these tours lies in their ability to slow us down, remind us of community values, and show that a fulfilling life doesn’t always need modern conveniences. For travelers seeking something more meaningful than the typical getaway, Amish country delivers an unforgettable cultural journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to take pictures of the Amish or their horses and buggies?
In general, the Amish prefer not to be photographed, as many believe it conflicts with their religious values regarding humility and avoiding vanity. Always ask permission first, and when in doubt, choose to simply enjoy the moment without your camera.
What is the difference between Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Ohio?
While both practice the same faith and traditions, Holmes County often feels more spread out and intimate, while Lancaster has more structured tours and attractions for first-time visitors.
How do I know if an Amish business or tour is genuinely Amish-owned?
A good indicator is the simplicity of the business itself. Many Amish-owned shops don’t advertise heavily online, don’t accept credit cards, and may not use electricity. Look for signage that indicates family ownership, and ask your tour guide or local tourism office for recommendations.
Which Amish country is best for first-time visitors?
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is often considered the best starting point. It has a wide range of tours, from buggy rides to farmhouse visits, along with accessible lodging and dining options.
