A New Chapter Unfolds: Amish Community Takes Root in Northern Minnesota

In the quiet, forested landscape of Itasca County, Minnesota, a new Amish settlement is quietly taking shape, bringing with it a blend of traditional values and agricultural expertise. The community, nestled near the small town of Bigfork, has grown from just three families in 2022 to a thriving group of 15 families today. This expansion represents not only a demographic shift for the area but also a testament to the enduring appeal of the Amish way of life in an increasingly modernized world.

Eli Yoder, one of the settlement’s founders, reflects on the early days with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. “When we first arrived, it was just my family and two others. We had to start from scratch, building our farms and our community in a place that was completely new to us.” The challenges were immense, particularly during that first winter, which saw temperatures plummet to -30°F – a test of resolve for even the most seasoned Itasca County residents[1].

Despite the harsh conditions, the Yoders and their fellow settlers persevered. “That first fall, a group of Amish from Wisconsin made the journey to help us raise our first barn,” Eli recalls. “It was a blessing to have that support as we established ourselves here.” This display of community support, characteristic of Amish culture, helped the fledgling settlement gain its footing[2].

As word spread through the Amish network, more families were drawn to the promise of affordable land and the opportunity to establish a new community. Sarah Miller, who moved her family from Ohio in 2023, admits the decision wasn’t without its uncertainties. “Coming here was a leap of faith,” she says. “We didn’t know exactly how things would turn out, but we trusted in God’s plan for us.”

Today, the Bigfork Amish settlement is a growing community of around 90 people. The population skews young, with only two individuals over the age of 50. This youthful energy has contributed to the rapid growth of the settlement, which now boasts five expanding farms, a schoolhouse, and several small businesses including a furniture workshop and a bakery[3].

The integration of Amish families into the local economy has not been without its challenges, particularly in adapting their traditional farming methods to the northern Minnesota climate. The Amish prohibition on electricity use initially posed a problem for crop storage during the long winters. However, an innovative solution was found through the use of root cellars and ice houses.

“We’ve had to learn new techniques for preserving our harvests,” explains Jacob Hochstetler, one of the settlement’s farmers. “But in many ways, our methods are well-suited to this environment. We’re able to work the land without relying on modern machinery, just as we’ve always done.”

The impact of the Amish settlement on the local community has been largely positive. Bigfork town manager Lisa Johnson notes, “The Amish have brought a renewed focus on small-scale agriculture and craftsmanship to our area. Their presence has also attracted visitors interested in experiencing a simpler way of life.”

Local residents have generally welcomed their new neighbors. “They’re hardworking folks who keep to themselves but are always willing to lend a hand when needed,” says longtime Bigfork resident Tom Anderson. “It’s been interesting to see how they’ve adapted to life here in northern Minnesota.”

The Amish, for their part, have found the people of Itasca County to be welcoming and respectful of their way of life. Eli Yoder notes, “We’ve been blessed with good neighbors who understand and appreciate our beliefs, even if they don’t share them.”

Education is a crucial aspect of Amish life, and the settlement has established a one-room schoolhouse to serve their growing population. The school, staffed by an Amish teacher, provides instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, and other basic subjects, typically up to the eighth grade. The curriculum also includes lessons on Amish history, values, and practical skills needed for life within the community[4].

The Amish approach to education reflects their broader philosophy of living simply and prioritizing community over individual achievement. As one Amish saying goes, “We live simply so that others may simply live.” This ethos is evident in every aspect of their lives, from their plain dress to their rejection of modern conveniences like cars and televisions.

However, the Amish are not entirely isolated from the broader world. Their businesses often require interaction with non-Amish customers and suppliers. The furniture workshop, in particular, has found success by providing high-quality, handcrafted products to a market that increasingly values artisanal goods.

The settlement’s growth has not been without its growing pains. As Eli Yoder points out, “Some communities start and fail. We still could.” The challenges of maintaining their way of life while adapting to local conditions and regulations require constant negotiation and occasional compromise.

One such challenge has been navigating healthcare issues. While the Amish generally prefer natural remedies and often avoid modern medical interventions, they have had to find ways to work with local healthcare providers for more serious conditions. This has led to some creative solutions, such as arranging transportation for Amish patients to medical facilities in ways that respect their beliefs while ensuring they receive necessary care.

The future of the Bigfork Amish settlement looks promising, but its members remain humble about their prospects. As another Amish saying reminds them, “The best way to prepare for tomorrow is to live today well.” This focus on the present moment, combined with their strong work ethic and faith, has served them well in establishing their new home in Minnesota.

As the sun sets over the Itasca County forests, the clip-clop of horse hooves and the distant sound of children playing serve as a reminder of the unique culture that has taken root here. The Bigfork Amish settlement stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a simpler life, even in our fast-paced modern world.

For Eli Yoder and his fellow settlers, the journey continues. “We’re still writing our story here in Minnesota,” he says with a smile. “Every day brings new challenges and blessings. We’re grateful for the opportunity to build our community and share our faith in this beautiful place.”

As the Amish of Bigfork look to the future, they do so with the quiet confidence that comes from facing adversity and thriving. Their presence enriches the cultural tapestry of rural Minnesota, offering a living example of an alternative way of life that prioritizes community, simplicity, and faith.

In a world that often seems to be moving too fast, the Amish of Bigfork remind us of the value of slowing down, of cherishing our connections to the land and to each other. As they continue to build their lives in Itasca County, they invite us all to reflect on what truly matters in life – a lesson as relevant today as it was when their ancestors first arrived in America centuries ago[5].

Citations:
[1] https://www.mnopedia.org/group/harmony-amish
[2] https://explorationvacation.net/todd-county-is-amish-country-in-minnesota/
[3] https://amishamerica.com/minnesota-amish/
[4] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Amish
[5] https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Clarissa_Old_Order_Amish_Settlement_%28Todd_County%2C_Minnesota%2C_USA%29
[6] https://fillmorecountyjournal.com/welcome-to-amish-country/
[7] https://www.exploreharmony.com/play/amish-communities/
[8] https://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/29/amish-population-boom
[9] https://www.prestonmnchamber.com/play/attractions/amish-communities-tours/