A Guide to Visiting Amish Communities in New York

New York state is home to a growing Amish population, with nearly five dozen Amish settlements scattered across the state. While not as well-known as Amish communities in Pennsylvania or Ohio, the New York Amish offer visitors a chance to experience their traditional way of life and purchase handmade goods. This guide will help you plan a visit to some of the main Amish areas in New York.

Overview of New York’s Amish

The Amish first settled in New York in 1949, when families from Pennsylvania established a community in Conewango Valley. Since then, the Amish population in New York has grown rapidly, with new settlements forming across the state. As of 2024, there are estimated to be over 20,000 Amish living in New York.

The largest concentrations of Amish in New York are found in:

• Western New York (Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties)
• Northern New York (St. Lawrence County)
• Central New York (Mohawk Valley region)

The Amish in New York represent various affiliations and levels of conservatism. Some communities are quite traditional, like the Swartzentruber Amish, while others are more progressive. This diversity means visitors can observe different Amish lifestyles and practices across the state.

Main Amish Areas to Visit

Conewango Valley

Located in Cattaraugus County in western New York, Conewango Valley is home to the oldest and one of the largest Amish settlements in the state. Founded in 1949, it has a population of around 2,700 Amish.

What to See and Do:

• Drive the scenic country roads to see Amish farms and buggies
• Visit Amish-run shops and businesses selling furniture, quilts, baked goods, and more
• Stop at the Amish-run Valley View Cheese factory to sample and purchase cheeses.
• Have a meal at the Amish-owned Country Cabin Restaurant

Key Addresses:

• Valley View Cheese: 5724 Thorpe Hollow Rd, Conewango Valley, NY 14726
• Country Cabin Restaurant: 1095 Jamestown Rd, Randolph, NY 14772

Heuvelton

The Heuvelton settlement in St. Lawrence County is the largest Amish community in New York, with an estimated population of over 3,000. It is home to very conservative Swartzentruber Amish.

What to See and Do:

• Drive through the countryside to observe traditional Amish farms and horse-drawn buggies
• Visit small Amish-run shops selling baskets, furniture, quilts, and produce
• Stop at Amish bakeries for fresh-baked goods

Key Addresses:

• Heuvelton area Amish businesses are mostly located along County Road 15 and surrounding rural roads

Clymer

The Clymer settlement in Chautauqua County is one of the more progressive Amish communities in New York. Established in 1949, it has a population of around 800.

What to See and Do:

• Visit Amish-run shops and greenhouses
• Stop at Troyer’s Greenhouse for plants and produce
• Have a meal at the Clymer Cafe, popular with both Amish and non-Amish locals

Key Addresses:

• Troyer’s Greenhouse: 8657 Ravlin Hill Rd, Clymer, NY 14724
• Clymer Cafe: 562 Clymer-Sherman Rd, Clymer, NY 14724

Mohawk Valley

The Mohawk Valley region in central New York is home to multiple smaller Amish settlements. This area allows visitors to experience several different Amish communities within a relatively short drive.

Key settlements include:

• Fort Plain (Montgomery County)
• Poland (Herkimer County)
• Newport (Herkimer County)

What to See and Do:

• Take a driving tour to compare the different Amish settlements
• Visit Amish businesses selling furniture, quilts, baked goods, and produce
• Stop at the Fort Plain Museum to learn about local history

Key Addresses:

• Fort Plain Museum: 389 Canal St, Fort Plain, NY 13339
• Amish businesses are scattered throughout the rural areas around Fort Plain, Poland, and Newport

New York’s Amish Trail

The Amish Trail is a self-guided driving tour through Cattaraugus County’s Amish country. It runs from Gowanda in the north to Randolph in the south, passing through the Conewango Valley settlement.

What to See and Do:

• Follow the official Amish Trail map to visit Amish shops and businesses
• Stop at the Leon Historical Society for information and guided tours
• Visit Amish furniture makers, quilt shops, bakeries, and more
• Have a meal at the Amish-run Country Cabin Restaurant in Randolph

Key Addresses:

• Leon Historical Society: 12231 Leon-New Albion Rd, Conewango Valley, NY 14726
• Cattaraugus County Tourism Office: 303 Court St, Little Valley, NY 14755 (for maps and information)

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit:
The Amish communities can be visited year-round, but keep in mind:

• Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and scenic countryside views
• Summer allows for more outdoor activities and seeing Amish working in the fields
• Winter can be harsh, with some rural roads potentially difficult to navigate

Days and Hours:

• Most Amish businesses are closed on Sundays
• Some may also be closed on Wednesdays for church activities
• Typical business hours are Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm, but can vary

Transportation:

• A car is essential for visiting Amish areas, as they are located in rural regions with limited public transportation
• Drive cautiously and be prepared to share the road with horse-drawn buggies
• Respect speed limits and be patient when driving behind buggies

Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity:

• Do not photograph the Amish without permission, especially not their faces
• Dress modestly out of respect for Amish values
• Be polite and respectful when visiting Amish homes and businesses
• Ask permission before entering private property

Lodging:
While there are no hotels in the heart of Amish country, nearby towns offer various accommodation options:

Western New York (Conewango Valley/Amish Trail area):

• Ellicottville Inn & Spa: 6461 US-219, Ellicottville, NY 14731
• Holiday Valley Resort: 6557 Holiday Valley Rd, Ellicottville, NY 14731

Northern New York (Heuvelton area):

• Gran-View On The River: 6765 State Highway 37, Ogdensburg, NY 13669
• Sherman Inn: 9 W Main St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669

Mohawk Valley area:

• Travelodge by Wyndham Little Falls: 20 Albany St, Little Falls, NY 13365
• Overlook Mansion: 55 Douglas St, Little Falls, NY 13365

Dining:
While visiting Amish areas, try these dining options for a taste of local cuisine:

• Country Cabin Restaurant: 1095 Jamestown Rd, Randolph, NY 14772 (Amish-run)
• Clymer Cafe: 562 Clymer-Sherman Rd, Clymer, NY 14724 (popular with Amish)
• Sprague’s Maple Farms: 1048 NY-305, Portville, NY 14770 (features local products)

Shopping:
Amish-made goods available for purchase typically include:

• Furniture
• Quilts and textiles
• Baskets
• Baked goods
• Jams and preserves
• Handmade toys
• Produce and dairy products

Most Amish businesses are cash-only, so be sure to bring enough cash for your purchases.

Guided Tours:
While many visitors prefer to explore independently, guided tours are available in some areas:

• Leon Historical Society Tours (Cattaraugus County)
  Contact: Pat Bromley, Town Historian (716) 296-5709 or Klayton Peterson (716) 574-9883
• Amish Trail Step-On Guide Service
  Contact: Cattaraugus County Tourism at 1-800-331-0543

Sample Itineraries

Western New York Amish Trail (2-3 days):
Day 1:

• Start in Gowanda and follow the Amish Trail south
• Stop at Amish furniture shops and bakeries along the way
• Have lunch at the Country Cabin Restaurant in Randolph
• Visit the Leon Historical Society for information and a possible guided tour
• Overnight in Ellicottville

Day 2:

• Continue exploring the Conewango Valley area
• Visit Valley View Cheese factory
• Stop at Amish produce stands and quilt shops
• Optional: extend your stay to visit the Clymer settlement

Northern New York Amish Experience (1-2 days):
Day 1:

• Drive through the Heuvelton area, observing Amish farms and buggies
• Visit small Amish shops along County Road 15 and surrounding roads
• Have a picnic lunch with Amish-made goods
• Overnight in Ogdensburg

Day 2 (optional):

• Take a morning drive to see Amish farmers working in the fields
• Visit more Amish businesses for last-minute purchases
• Explore the nearby town of Canton or Potsdam

Mohawk Valley Amish Tour (2-3 days):
Day 1:

• Start in Fort Plain, visiting Amish businesses in the area
• Tour the Fort Plain Museum
• Drive to the Poland settlement, comparing the differences
• Overnight in Little Falls

Day 2:

• Explore the Newport Amish settlement
• Visit Amish furniture makers and quilt shops
• Have lunch at a local cafe in Newport or Middleville
• Return to Little Falls for the night

Day 3 (optional):

• Take a scenic drive through the Mohawk Valley
• Stop at any Amish businesses you missed
• Visit other local attractions like Herkimer Diamond Mines or Erie Canal Lock 17

Conclusion

Visiting the Amish communities in New York offers a unique opportunity to experience a traditional way of life and purchase high-quality handmade goods. Whether you choose to explore the well-established settlements in western New York, the conservative communities in the north, or the diverse settlements of the Mohawk Valley, you’ll gain insight into Amish culture and values.

Remember to approach your visit with respect and cultural sensitivity. Take the time to appreciate the slower pace of life, the beautiful rural scenery, and the craftsmanship of Amish-made products. By following this guide and planning ahead, you can create a memorable and enriching experience exploring New York’s Amish country.

Citations:
[1] https://amishamerica.com/new-york-amish/
[2] https://enchantedmountains.com/arts-culture-history/amish
[3] https://www.iloveny.com/listing/amish-trail/12493/
[4] https://amishtrail.com/tours
[5] https://www.introducingnewyork.com/amish-community-lancaster
[6] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/trip-ideas/new-york/penn-yan-ny
[7] https://amishtrail.com/what-see
[8] https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k14043692-o40-Amish_culture_near_NYC_best_way_to_visit-New_York_City_New_York.html