Blast from the past: A version of this post originally appeared on an old version of the Discovering Ohio blog in 2011 and has been edited to bring it up to date.
Spring is coming and at our house, that means one thing: time for a drive up to Amish country.
Even before we became parents, E and I always loved going on scenic drives to visit Ohio’s beautiful Amish country. The pastoral views, delicious local cheese and sweet fry pies are all big draws for us.
Being a huge animal lover, though, I’d have to say my favorite thing about Amish country is seeing all the horses, cows, sheep and other animals – especially in the springtime when there are so many babies running around.
Amish country also offers many opportunities to get hands-on with furry critters, which is especially a plus if you have kids (or are an adult kid yourself).
Here are a few of our favorite stops in Amish country:
Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery. Located just minutes from Charm and about 1.5 hours from Columbus (just off 62 North), the family-owned Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery offers a full line of baked goods, fresh produce in season and so much more. The farm animal petting area is completely free and so much fun with baby animals galore.
There are pony rides for small kids, draft horse rides for bigger kids, and you can see an equine celebrity – Big Ben, billed as Holmes County’s biggest Belgian horse, weighing in at 3,000 lbs! You can also take buggy rides around the farm for $5 per person. Be sure to visit Amish country on a Saturday or weekday, as almost all establishments are closed on Sundays (and holidays, too).
The Farm at Walnut Creek. Not far north from Hershberger’s is the unique and unforgettable Farm at Walnut Creek, a working Amish farm turned animal park. Rolling Ridge Ranch features over 500 animals and birds, including species from around the world. Board a guided horse-drawn wagon to safari through natural woods and gently sloping pasture land, stopping to feed the animals all along the way.
Beware the bucket stealers – giant gazelles who excel at taking the feed bucket right out of your unsuspecting hands! Be sure to bring your camera, as you will be up close to the animals and birds and can get some wonderful shots. Once your carriage tour is over, a large petting area awaits, where you can pet and feed many different types of animals. There are also several gorgeous areas to just sit, take in the views and even have a family picnic.
Miller’s Bakery. By this point in our Amish animal adventures, we’ve usually worked up quite an appetite ourselves. Our favorite place to buy Amish food and treats is Miller’s Bakery, a hidden gem about two miles from Charm and very close to Hershberger’s Farm. Miller’s isn’t easy to find – it’s an authentic Amish bakery, not a tourist spot – but it’s well worth the effort to get there. We’ve simply never tasted fresher, more delicious baked goods. Get there early for the best selection, and be sure to try their heavenly cheese tarts – they are amazing.
To find Miller’s, take 62 north/east and turn right onto 557 south. Pass Hershberger’s Farm and continue (slowly–this is a narrow, winding road and there’s likely to be Amish buggy traffic) for 1.2 miles. After a sharp turn to the left and a sharp turn to the right, watch for a small, plain sign for the bakery and turn right up a hill onto Township Road 356. Miller’s Bakery will be on your left toward the top of the steep hill. Enjoy!
If you’ve visited Ohio’s Amish country – mainly in Holmes and Geauga Counties – what are your favorite hot spots? I’m always looking for ideas for our next drive up north.
