Exploring Pennsylvania’s Largest Amish Communities Outside Lancaster County
When tourists think of the Amish in Pennsylvania, Lancaster County often comes to mind. However, the Keystone State is home to several other thriving Amish communities that offer unique experiences for visitors. From the scenic valleys of Big Valley to the rolling hills of Smicksburg and the quiet charm of New Wilmington, these communities provide a glimpse into a simpler way of life while supporting local businesses and traditions.
Here’s a guide to three of Pennsylvania’s largest Amish communities outside Lancaster County, complete with recommendations for tourists looking to explore their rich culture, handmade goods, and delicious cuisine.
1. Big Valley (Mifflin and Huntingdon Counties)
Nestled in Central Pennsylvania, Big Valley—also known as Kishacoquillas Valley—is one of the most fascinating Amish communities in the state. Home to around 5,420 Amish residents, this settlement is unique for its three distinct groups: the Nebraska Amish (white buggies), the Byler Amish (yellow buggies), and the Renno Amish (black buggies). Each group has its own traditions, dress codes, and practices.
What to Do in Big Valley
Shop for Handmade Goods: Visit local shops offering quilts, furniture, and other handcrafted items. The Amish craftsmanship here is second to none.
Taste Amish Cuisine: Stop by local bakeries for shoofly pie or whoopie pies. Many farms also sell fresh produce and homemade jams directly to visitors.
Take a Scenic Drive: Route 655 runs through the valley, offering breathtaking views of farmland and covered bridges.
2. New Wilmington (Lawrence County)
Located in western Pennsylvania near the Ohio border, New Wilmington is home to one of the state’s most conservative Amish communities. With over 3,000 residents, this settlement is known for its quiet charm and dedication to traditional practices. Visitors will notice horse-drawn buggies on country roads and laundry drying on clotheslines—a hallmark of Amish life.
What to Do in New Wilmington
Visit The Cheese House: This iconic shop offers locally made cheeses, jams, and other goods sourced from Amish farms.
Explore Volant Village Shops: Located nearby, this quaint shopping district features Amish-made crafts and baked goods.
Attend an Auction: Seasonal produce auctions are a great way to experience the community’s agricultural roots.
Local Voices
Sarah Yoder, an Amish farmer, shared her thoughts on tourism: “We appreciate visitors who come here with respect for our way of life. It’s an opportunity to share what we do.”
A local resident added: “The simplicity here is refreshing—it’s like stepping back in time.”
3. Smicksburg (Indiana County)
Smicksburg is a hidden gem located in west-central Pennsylvania. Established in the 1960s, this community has grown to include over 3,000 residents and is known for its scenic beauty and artisan shops. The town itself feels like a step back in time with its horse-drawn buggies and traditional farms.
What to Do in Smicksburg
Shop for Artisan Goods: Smicksburg is famous for its handmade quilts, furniture, and wrought-iron crafts. Local shops offer these items along with baked goods like sourdough bread and shoofly pie.
Enjoy Seasonal Events: The town hosts events such as Harvestfest and Christmas markets where visitors can enjoy Amish food and crafts.
Visit Local Farms: Many farms welcome visitors to purchase fresh produce or learn about traditional farming methods.
Local Voices
Emma Fisher, who runs a bakery in Smicksburg, said: “Tourists love our pies—they’re made using recipes passed down through generations.”
Mark Johnson from Indiana County added: “Smicksburg offers more than just shopping; it’s an experience that connects you to the land and its people.”
Why Visit These Communities?
Each of these communities offers something unique for tourists:
Big Valley provides insight into diverse Amish traditions with its three distinct groups.
New Wilmington showcases conservative Amish life amidst serene landscapes.
Smicksburg combines artisan craftsmanship with seasonal events that celebrate rural heritage.
Visitors are encouraged to approach these communities with respect for their customs while enjoying their hospitality.
Tips for Visiting Amish Communities
Respect Privacy: Avoid taking photos of individuals as it goes against their beliefs.
Shop Local: Support family-run businesses by purchasing handmade goods or fresh produce.
Plan Ahead: Many shops operate on limited hours or are closed on Sundays.
Be Patient on Roads: Watch for horse-drawn buggies when driving through these areas.
Citations:
[1] https://amishamerica.com/10-biggest-amish-communities-2019/
[2] https://amishamerica.com/pennsylvania-amish/
[3] https://visitbigvalley.com
[4] https://www.visitsmicksburg.com/exploring-amish-country-a-guide-to-smicksburgs-hidden-gems/
[5] https://visitbigvalley.com/a-little-about-big-valley/50704/uncategorized/admin/
[6] https://amishamerica.com/visit-amish-new-wilmington-pennsylvania/
[7] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g53330-Activities-New_Wilmington_Pennsylvania.html
[8] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/largest-amish-communities-in-the-united-states.html
[9] https://www.stuckonthego.com/big-valley-pa/
[10] https://nwboro.com/our-community/local-businesses-and-resources/
[11] https://www.visitsmicksburg.com/amish-shop-tour/
[12] https://www.visitsmicksburg.com/top-amish-towns-to-visit-in-pennsylvania/
[13] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/first-time-visitors/
[14] https://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/blog/where-do-the-amish-live-in-lancaster-county/
[15] https://lancasterpa.com/things-to-do/amish-attractions/
[16] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/amish/
[17] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1732735-d274343-Reviews-Amish_Country-Lancaster_County_Pennsylvania.html
[18] https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28959-i112-k9380352-Amish_counties_other_than_Lancaster-Pennsylvania.html
[19] https://www.reddit.com/r/lancaster/comments/1704vzs/whats_the_best_amish_attraction_in_the_lancaster/
[20] https://www.amishfarmandhouse.com
[21] https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/Amish-Communities-in-Western-Pennsylvania
[22] https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Lancaster-Chester_Counties_Old_Order_Amish_Settlement_%28Pennsylvania%2C_USA%29
[23] https://discover.hubpages.com/travel/Amish-Communities-in-Western-Pennsylvania
[24] https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28959-i112-k7209992-Amish_Anywhere_in_PA_besides_Lancaster_County-Pennsylvania.html
[25] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish
[26] https://www.visitsmicksburg.com
[27] https://bigvalleyguide.centralpennsylvania.online
[28] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g53330-d8519856-Reviews-Simple_Life_Tours_Amish_Tours-New_Wilmington_Pennsylvania.html
[29] https://www.visitindianacountypa.org/member-categories/smicksburg/
[30] https://uncoveringpa.com/reasons-to-visit-mifflin-county-pennsylvania
[31] https://online.flippingbook.com/view/786808536/23/
[32] https://indianacountyparks.org/our-parks/old-smicksburg-park/
[33] https://www.visitpa.com/region/pittsburgh-its-countryside/new-wilmington
[34] https://www.karensaundersphotography.com/blog/amish-of-new-wilmington-pa/
[35] https://amishamerica.com/winter-new-wilmington-amish/
[36] https://www.amish365.com/amish-sayings/
[37] https://nextdoor.com/city/new-wilmington–pa/
[38] https://triblive.com/local/regional/daycation-smicksburg-offers-a-rural-retreat-60-miles-from-pittsburgh/
[39] https://www.pinterest.com/jankarcher/amish-sayings/
[40] https://www.pinterest.com/pafarm/smicksburgpa/
[41] https://www.businessinsider.com/man-left-traditional-amish-community-explore-modern-world-cars-planes-2024-8
[42] https://tracyfredrychowski.com/embracing-simplicity-discovering-amish-life-in-lawrence-county/
[43] https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/41733111-amish-friends-knitting-circle-smicksburg-tales-2
[44] https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/resources/pennsylvania-route-655-the-big-valley
[45] https://bookroo.com/quotes/amish-proverbs-words-of-wisdom-from-the-simple-life
[46] https://bigvalleyguide.centralpennsylvania.online/explore
[47] https://visitbigvalley.com/member-directory-2/
[48] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g53330-Activities-c26-New_Wilmington_Pennsylvania.html
[49] https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=shopping&find_loc=Smicksburg%2C+PA+16256
[50] https://www.wilmingtontwp.net/community/featured-businesses/
[51] https://www.visitsmicksburg.com/smicksburg-country-store/
[52] https://jrvchamber.com/MembersDirectory/cw_1443.htm
[53] https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Shopping&find_loc=New+Wilmington%2C+PA+16142
[54] https://www.golaurelhighlands.com/listing/smicksburg-specialty-shops/572/
[55] https://jrvvisitors.com/things-to-do/wednesday-in-big-valley/
[56] https://www.historicsmithtoninn.com/blog/amish-towns-in-pa
[57] https://www.amishvillage.com
[58] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_Amish_population
[59] https://simplelifetours.com
[60] https://visitbigvalley.com/exploring-amish-tourism-in-big-valley-pennsylvania-a-journey-to-mifflin-countys-hidden-gem/53068/uncategorized/admin/
[61] https://www.visitpa.com/region/pittsburgh-its-countryside/simple-life-amish-tours
[62] https://www.visitsmicksburg.com/things-to-do-in-smicksburg/
[63] https://reviewsandotherstuff.com/travel-back-in-time-new-wilmington-pa-amish-country/
[64] https://www.pbs.org/video/our-town-big-valley-ukmu3m/
[65] https://www.mapministry.org/articles/2022/01/01/from-the-peace-barn-born-again-and-amish
[66] https://amishamerica.com/somerset-county-pennsylvania/
[67] https://www.visitsmicksburg.com/smart-grocery-savings-the-secret-of-smicksburgs-amish-bulk-food-stores/
[68] https://www.nova.wine/newwilmington