A Visitor's Guide to the Heart of Ohio's Amish Furniture Country
Ohio is home to the largest Amish population in the world, and with that comes a rich tradition of craftsmanship, particularly in furniture making. When people ask, "Where is Amish furniture made in Ohio?" they are really asking about a specific region, not just one town. This guide will take you to the heart of Ohio's Amish country, showing you the key counties and towns where generations of artisans create high-quality, solid wood furniture.
Know Before You Go: Essential Amish Country Etiquette
A trip to Amish country is a unique cultural experience. Being a respectful visitor will make your trip much more enjoyable. Here are the most important things to know:
- Sundays are a Day of Rest: The Amish do not conduct business on Sundays. All of their shops, workshops, and restaurants will be closed. Plan your visit for other days of the week.
- Bring Cash: While larger stores accept credit cards, many of the smaller, family-run workshops are cash-only.
- Share the Road: You will be sharing the road with horse-drawn buggies. Drive slowly, give them plenty of space, and do not honk your horn, as it can spook the horses.
- Photography Etiquette: Be respectful of the Amish desire to not be photographed. Do not take close-up pictures of people without their explicit permission. Photos of buggies, farms, and furniture from a distance are generally acceptable.
The Epicenter of Amish Craftsmanship
While you can find Amish communities scattered throughout Ohio, the epicenter of furniture making is concentrated in a specific area of the state's rural, rolling hills.
The Heart of Amish Country: Holmes County
The answer to the question is, overwhelmingly, Holmes County, Ohio . This county, along with its immediate neighbors, Wayne and Tuscarawas counties, forms the largest and most vibrant Amish settlement in the world. This is where you will find the highest concentration of Amish furniture workshops, showrooms, and stores.
Getting Your Bearings: The Lay of the Land
The main tourist and shopping activity is centered around a cluster of small towns. Berlin is the commercial hub, with Sugarcreek to the east and Kidron and Mt. Hope to the north. The real magic, however, is found on the scenic back roads that connect them, where hundreds of small workshops are located.
Key Towns to Visit
Your journey into Amish furniture country should be focused on a handful of small towns, each acting as a hub for the surrounding rural workshops.
Berlin, Ohio
Often called the "capital" of Amish Country, Berlin is the most commercial and tourist-focused of the towns. It's a great place to start your visit. The main street is lined with large furniture showrooms, craft malls, and restaurants. While it can be busy, it offers the widest selection in one place.
Sugarcreek, Ohio
Known as "The Little Switzerland of Ohio," Sugarcreek has a unique Swiss-German heritage that blends with its Amish culture. It's home to the world's largest cuckoo clock and several large furniture stores. It's a charming town that offers a slightly less crowded experience than Berlin.
Kidron, Ohio
Kidron is famous for the Kidron Auction and the Lehman's hardware store, which specializes in non-electric tools and goods. It's a more rustic and authentic town where you are more likely to find smaller, independent furniture workshops. It's a great place to get off the main tourist path.
Mt. Hope, Ohio
Mt. Hope is home to the Mt. Hope Auction, which hosts major furniture auctions throughout the year. This is where many local builders sell their pieces. Visiting on an auction day provides a fascinating look into the business side of the Amish furniture world.
How to Shop for Amish Furniture in Holmes County
- Start at a Large Showroom: Begin your trip at one of the large furniture stores in Berlin or Sugarcreek (like Schrock's or Homestead Furniture). This will give you a great overview of the different styles (Mission, Shaker, etc.), wood types (oak, cherry, maple), and price points.
- Get Off the Main Roads: The real magic happens in the countryside. Grab a local map (many stores offer them for free) that shows the locations of smaller, family-run workshops. Drive the scenic back roads and look for small, hand-painted signs advertising "Furniture" or "Cabinet Shop."
- Visit a Workshop: Don't be shy about visiting these smaller shops. You will often get to meet the craftsman himself and see the furniture being made. This is where you can often order a custom piece or find unique items not available in the large showrooms.
- Understand the Process: Most furniture is made to order. You will select your piece, wood type, and stain color. The craftsman will then build it for you. This process can take anywhere from 8 to 20 weeks, depending on the builder's backlog.
Conclusion
While you can buy "Amish furniture" in stores all over the country, the vast majority of it originates from the skilled hands of craftsmen in a small, concentrated region of Ohio. A trip to Holmes County and its surrounding towns is more than just a shopping trip; it's a journey into a unique culture of faith, family, and a deep-rooted tradition of quality craftsmanship. By exploring the showrooms of Berlin and the back-road workshops of the surrounding countryside, you can find a beautiful, solid wood piece of furniture that will last for generations.
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