Exploring Three Unique Amish Communities in New York State
New York isn’t just bustling cities and upstate mountains—it’s also home to some of the most fascinating and distinct Amish communities in the country! As a travel blogger obsessed with under-the-radar culture, I set out to meet the “Plain People” who live, work, and welcome outsiders in ways you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s your immersive guide to the three most popular and one-of-a-kind Amish communities in the Empire State—perfect for curious visitors, foodies, and anyone who treasures authentic experiences.
1. Conewango Valley – Western New York
Location: Centered around Conewango Valley, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties
Must-Visit Stop: Valley View Cheese Co.
Address: 6029 Route 62, Conewango Valley, NY 14726
Website: amishtrail.com
What Makes It Unique:
Founded in 1949 by traditional “Troyer Amish” fleeing church splits and seeking good farmland, Conewango Valley is New York’s oldest and largest “plain” Amish settlement. Homes here have no indoor plumbing or electricity, and families are famous for their hand-crafted quilts, rustic furniture, basketry, leather goods, and harness shops. Many support themselves by working the land, with milk and cheese production (especially at Valley View Cheese Co.) a legacy activity.1
Travelers Love:
- Driving the idyllic “Amish Trail”—a mapped route linking more than a dozen businesses, shops, and bakeries (except Sundays!).
- Seeing horse-drawn buggies, oil-lamp-lit houses, and traditional garb at every turn.
- Visiting home-based stores, guided by hand-painted roadside signs—don’t miss bakery pies and unique handwoven baskets!
Review/Quote:
“It’s like stepping back in time and into a living painting. We stopped at Mystic Hill Olde Barn and bought a quilt that’s now a family heirloom. The Valley View Cheese Company’s cheddar is incredible, and the shopkeeper was eager to chat about Amish life. Just remember—bring cash and go slow. Every interaction feels genuine.”2
2. Mohawk Valley – Central New York
Location: Stretching along the Mohawk River, Herkimer, Montgomery, and Otsego Counties
Must-Visit Businesses: Weaver’s Farm Market (Morris, NY)
Address: 6099 State Hwy 23, Morris, NY 13808
Website: Weaver’s Farm Market Info
What Sets It Apart:
The Mohawk Valley region hosts one of the country’s most diverse Amish populations, with Old Order, Swartzentruber, Byler, and Andy Weaver Amish calling the valley home. Some are ultra-conservative (Swartzentruber), with limited technology and strict shunning; others (Old Order) are more open to “English” visitors, even conducting a bit of business with the outside world.
Fort Plain, NY is home to the state’s oldest “Byler Amish” church (est. 1986), while Weaver’s Farm Market in Morris offers a dazzling spread of locally grown produce, jams, baked goods, handcrafted gifts, and always-friendly service.
Travelers Love:
- Shopping directly from Amish families at roadside produce, bulk foods, and woodworking stands.
- Learning that some communities here permit limited phones/cell use for business, while same-day neighbors stick strictly to horse-powered living.
- Snap up maple syrup, home-churned butter, and straight-from-the-farm eggs!
- Exploring the ever-changing “business maps” available from locals, making each trip a true scavenger hunt.34
Review/Quote:
“Weaver’s Farm Market is a delight! Daniel himself will greet you with a smile and samples. The jams and fudge are divine, and we left with a trunk-full of produce. He thanked us for coming from out of state—these are the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.”3
3. Heuvelton/Swartzentruber Community – St. Lawrence County
Location: Centered near Heuvelton, NY (north of Canton)—spans multiple rural townships
Must-Visit Stop: Swartzentruber roadside businesses (furniture, produce, baked goods)
What Makes It Unique:
Heuvelton is home to New York’s most conservative Amish— the Swartzentruber group—now the largest with over 2,900 members as of 2024. Their homes are especially “plain,” lacking pressured water, fridges, or even curtains, and they’re known for old-world farming, simple dress (men still wear straw hats year-round!), and strictest church rules. Businesses here are almost always run out of the home, and English (i.e., non-Amish) visitors are welcome to shop—but photography and intrusion are strictly forbidden.1
Travelers Love:
- Buying sturdy rockers, wooden barn stars, and beeswax candles at family-run sheds.
- Home-baked pies, preserves, hand-woven rugs—each stop is a new adventure.
- The chance to witness the most traditional way of Amish rural life in the USA, right on the Canadian border.
Review/Quote:
“You might feel out of place at first, but every shopkeeper treats you with simple kindness. We got a hand-carved toy and jars of apple butter at a road stand—some of the best meals of our trip!”1
Tips for Visiting New York Amish Country
- Bring cash (most businesses do not accept credit cards).
- Be respectful—do not photograph the Amish directly.
- Visit Monday–Saturday for best shopping; most close on Sundays.
- Drive cautiously and enjoy slow travel—watch for buggies!
For travelers eager to slow down and connect with America’s past, these three New York Amish communities are full of warmth, craftsmanship, and living history. Whether you’re shopping for quilts, cheese, or pies, you’ll leave with a full heart, a heavier bag, and stories you’ll tell for years!
Check sources
- https://amishamerica.com/new-york-amish/
- https://enchantedmountains.com/arts-culture-history/amish-trail
- https://amishamerica.com/weavers-farm-market-morris-new-york-amish/
- https://amishamerica.com/amish-business-map-livingston-county-new-york/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VohjP8N19aI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s1FQyIriV0
- https://www.introducingnewyork.com/amish-community-lancaster
- https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Canastota_New_Order_Amish_Settlement_%28Canastota%2C_New_York%2C_USA%29
- https://roadslesstraveled.us/amish-farms-of-the-ny-finger-lakes/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60763-d3315312-Reviews-Amish_Fine_Foods-New_York_City_New_York.html