Ohio’s Hidden Gem: Millersburg’s Artisan Shops and Historic Charm

Millersburg, Ohio: A Haven of Handcrafted Treasures and Timeless Traditions

Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, Millersburg is a town where horse-drawn buggies share the road with modern vehicles, and the rhythms of 19th-century craftsmanship still thrive. As the second-largest Amish community in the U.S., after Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, Millersburg offers visitors a rare blend of pastoral beauty, artisanal excellence, and historical depth. Whether you’re browsing handcrafted furniture, savoring homemade pies, or exploring Victorian-era landmarks, this Ohio gem promises an escape to a simpler, more intentional way of life.

The Heart of Amish Craftsmanship

Millersburg’s identity is deeply rooted in its Amish and Mennonite communities, who have preserved traditional skills like woodworking, quilting, and cheesemaking for generations. Key stops for handmade goods include:

• Hershberger’s Farm & Bakery: A family-friendly destination featuring an Amish bakery, petting zoo, and seasonal produce market¹. Their freshly baked pies and jams are local legends.
• Coblentz Collar Leather Shop: Specializing in hand-stitched leather goods, from belts to horse harnesses, crafted by Amish artisans².
• Yoder’s Amish Home: Tour authentic Amish homes, a one-room schoolhouse, and enjoy a buggy ride while learning about Amish customs².

For unique antiques, Village Antique Emporium sprawls across multiple floors with vintage furniture, collectibles, and Americana¹. Meanwhile, Baskets and Blooms offers handwoven baskets and floral arrangements that reflect Amish gardening traditions³.

Historical Gems: Museums and Architecture

Holmes County Historical Society & Victorian House Museum

This 28-room mansion, built in 1901, showcases Victorian opulence with stained-glass windows, hand-carved woodwork, and period furnishings. Self-guided tours reveal artifacts from Millersburg’s early days, including Civil War memorabilia¹.

Millersburg Glass Museum

A hidden treasure for collectors, this museum displays rare glassware from the short-lived Millersburg Glass Company (1909–1912). Its vibrant “carnival glass” pieces, known for iridescent finishes, are highly sought after¹.

Holmes County Courthouse

Built in 1880, this Second Empire-style courthouse remains a functioning government building. Its clock tower and ornate facade make it a photogenic centerpiece of downtown¹.

Scenic Adventures and Outdoor Escapes

• Holmes County Trail: A 15-mile paved rail-trail perfect for biking, walking, or even Amish buggy rides. The trail connects Millersburg to Fredericksburg, offering pastoral views of farms and forests¹.
• Deer Run Park: A quiet retreat with picnic areas, fishing ponds, and walking paths¹.
• Golfing: The rolling hills of Amish Country provide a serene backdrop for courses like Fire Ridge Golf Club³.

Culinary Delights: From Farm to Table

Amish Country’s culinary scene emphasizes simplicity and freshness:

• Hershberger’s Bakery: Try their famous fry pies or cinnamon rolls baked in a wood-fired oven⁴.
• Broad Run Cheesehouse: Sample award-winning Swiss and Gouda cheeses paired with local wines⁵.
• Der Dutchman Restaurant: A staple for family-style meals featuring fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and shoofly pie⁴.

Where to Stay: Cozy Retreats

• Inns and B&Bs: The Hotel Millersburg blends historic charm with modern comforts, while Garden Gate Getaway offers cottage stays amid flower gardens³.
• Cabins and RV Parks: Scenic Hill RV Park provides full hookups near hiking trails, while The Barn Inn features rustic-chic cabins with fireplaces⁵.
• Airbnbs: Rent a farmhouse or converted barn for an immersive Amish Country experience.

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions

• Berlin, Ohio: Just 10 miles away, this village boasts Schrock’s Heritage Village, a collection of artisan shops and a petting farm⁵.
• Sugarcreek: Known as “Little Switzerland,” it hosts the Ohio Swiss Festival each September⁴.
• Lakewood, Ohio: An hour and a half away, this walkable suburb offers boutique shopping and lakefront parks³.

Planning Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: Fall foliage (October) and spring planting season (May) are ideal. Avoid Sundays, as many Amish businesses close for worship.
• Getting There: Fly into Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) or Columbus International (CMH). Rent a car for the 1.5-hour drive to Millersburg.
• Local Etiquette: Always ask permission before photographing Amish individuals, and respect “No Trespassing” signs on private farms.

Preserving Tradition in a Modern World

Millersburg’s artisans face challenges balancing tradition with economic demands. Many now sell online or participate in fairs like the Ohio Amish Country Farmers Market, ensuring their crafts endure. As visitor interest grows, the community remains committed to sustainability, with initiatives like solar-powered workshops and organic farming cooperatives.

Millersburg is more than a destination—it’s a living testament to the enduring appeal of craftsmanship, community, and quiet country living. Whether you’re hunting for heirloom-quality quilts, savoring slow-cooked meals, or simply soaking in the rolling hills, this Ohio town invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the rhythms of a simpler time.

Footnotes

1. Tripadvisor: Millersburg Attractions ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷
2. Yoder’s Amish Home Reviews ↩ ↩²
3. Visit Millersburg ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴
4. Gleason Family Adventure: Ohio Amish Country Guide ↩ ↩² ↩³
5. Ohio’s Amish Country: Things to Do ↩ ↩² ↩³

Citations:

1. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g50664-Activities-Millersburg_Ohio.html
2. https://www.ohiosamishcountry.com/things-to-do
3. https://www.visitamishcountry.com
4. https://gleasonfamilyadventure.com/things-to-do-in-ohios-amish-country/
5. https://ohiosamishcountry.com/millersburg
6. https://fundsforwriters.com/markets/
7. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g50664-d2619364-Reviews-Yoder_s_Amish_Home-Millersburg_Ohio.html
8. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-CRECB-1976-pt24/pdf/GPO-CRECB-1976-pt24-5-1.pdf
9. https://worksheets.codalab.org/rest/bundles/0xd74f36104e7244e8ad99022123e78884/contents/blob/frequent-classes

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