Staying in an Amish home can be a memorable experience
Outsiders often express the desire to visit and even stay with the Amish, to experience Amish life firsthand. Some are motivated by sheer curiosity, or an admiration for the Amish lifestyle. Others may even come to this request out of a desire to explore the lifestyle for the purpose of joining. Such individuals are often referred to as “seekers”.
While some seekers do eventually join the Amish, this is typically quite rare. It is difficult both to join successfully, and to remain Amish if one does join. Challenges can stem from adapting to the lifestyle—if one does not grow up in the culture, the Amish themselves often say, it can be very difficult to adopt.
That said, some may wish to experience living with an Amish family firsthand. While not impossible to stay with an Amish family, it helps to have some connections in the community. Due to the sheer number of requests we receive, we are unable to connect individuals with Amish families. That said, there are a few steps one can take.
Why do you want to stay with an Amish family?
It’s worth asking, why do you want to stay with an Amish family? If it is to get a better experience of Amish life—rather than through traditional tourist activities—there may be other alternatives.
Some Amish do serve meals in their homes, which gives one both the chance to visit the interior of an authentic Amish home, eat a delicious meal, and converse with the owners. Some Amish even offer the possibility of overnight homestays. There are such home businesses run by Amish in Lancaster County, Arthur, Illinois, and in other communities. A first step is to contact the tourist bureau in the area you are interested in visiting.
Form a relationship with an Amish person
The best way to visit an Amish home, of course, is to visit as a friend. Becoming friends with an Amish person or family is of course easier to do in person. At the risk of stating the obvious, Amish are people too, are often interested in how people from beyond their communities live, and enjoy many of the same subjects the rest of us do.
Striking up a conversation when visiting an Amish business or while at an auction or other event where Amish are present may be a way to do just that. Forming and developing relationships takes some work and an honest heart but the rules are generally the same as with any other people.
Remember however that Amish value modesty in dress, appreciate family and community, are church-going and live by the dictates of the Bible. This does not mean that Amish are particularly stuffy, however, and appreciate a good joke and warm companionship as much as anyone else.
Having formed an authentic relationship, it’s possible you may receive an invitation to visit. It’s certainly not unheard of as Amish much enjoy visiting, both with Amish and non-Amish friends, and it is a primary social activity in Amish culture.
Learn more about the Amish
Spending some time reading non-fiction books and learning more about Amish culture can also help you when trying to understand and relate to Amish.
There are numerous resources available by which to learn more about the Amish. Here is an Amish reading list of worthwhile books on Amish society and faith. Also, read the Amish America blog and try subscribing by RSS or email to keep up to date with new posts.
40 responses to How can I stay with an Amish family?
I’ve read about people staying in an Amish run b&b and googled to see if it were actually possible to plan a short stay in one. I happened across this link…is it? My son would have a blast and so would I!
Um, would they host a dinner if a family was TRULY and genuinely considering joining the Amish community? I AM serious, and WILL do anything!!!
Reply would be GREAT!
I have an Amish pen friend who I met through another friend in Indiana. I have visited them a few times and I know that if I wrote and asked them whether I could stay they would want to know when I was coming. They are genuinely good people and once friends they are friends for life.
I recently graduated University with a BA in Psychology and before I apply for graduate school, I have a deep desire to live and work with an Amish family for around a month, or however long they will let me stay. I would like to study their culture and, if possible, film and document my time spent in their lifestyle. I am sure that finding a family that would be accepting of me filming and taking pictures will be difficult to find and I do want to be conscientious of their wishes. Does anyone know how I could even begin the process of finding an Amish family who will let me live with and work for them?
Thank you!
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Reply to Lindsey Hollmann
Dear Lindsey, I was always currius about Amish culture I live in New Jersey for 30 years My husband and I go to Lancaster, PA alot we used to take our 2 girls there when they were young alot. We go once a month there I feel like i’m in another world so peaceful and relaxing.and the food is out of this world… We shop, eat in real Amish Resturants and drive the back roads for hrs. and say to each other could you live like that, what if? why don’t they? the questions we ask each other. So we start buying books on it and read up about their lives, being in an Amish family. One day we ask our neighboros if they like to go to Lancaster for dinner they said they have Amish friends there they go to their church and have dinner at their home I told her I would love to do it if we were aloud to join them she said yes.. They have B&B they stay for the weekend and go to their real home for dinner. So we are going there in Oct. for a weekend her and her husband and my husband and I I can’t wait to meet them and go to their church and join them for a meal in their home. I will contact you after our visit and let you know how it was.. I talk to alot of Amish when I go there all the time. but never asked if I could stay or go to their home.
Jane, Jersey Girl
How can I stay with an Amish family?
How can I stay with an Amish family? I read your post and I have been very interested in doing what you did. I live in albany ny and I work with elementary special education school. My teacher and I have been wanting to do this for so long. Can you help us?
visiting a Amish Family
I am visiting America and meeting up with my sister and her daughter who live in Australia, we have seen documents of the Amish people and was wondering if it was possible to visit you when we arrive in Pennsylvania Your Sincerely Val Thacker.I am 67 yrs old.
Please help
I live in the uk, I
My hearts desire is to live and become Amish, could anyone help me please please. I cannot find any details how to contact anyone to help me so I’m praying I may find some help here thank you for taking time to read this
I would like to work for an Amish family for a week
I want to stay with an Amish family for a week to help work around the house and possibly make some new friends out of it would be great.
I don’t want money or nothing I just genuinely want to see how it is working alongside people that are so pure and dedicated to the family lifestyle. I think it would be good for me also.
Writer's Curiosity...
I would like to, at some date in the future, like to stay with an Amish family (particularly one with children of varying ages) so as to gain a true perspective on their lives. I plan to (again, at some date in the future) write a series of books focusing heavily on the Amish culture, including faith and daily habits. Any information anyone could provide would be appreciated. Also, I am Canadian, and aware of Amish settlements in Ontario. Hopefully, any answers applicable to United States Amish will also be applicable to Canadian Amish.
Thanks!
How can I stay with an Amish family?
You want to stay with an Amish family? Hers my story how I stayed in a real Amish families home.
Theres a website go to it and read about How can I stay with an Amish family. It’s educational an different areas in USA. First of all I think you should do some reach online, on where abouts you want to stay (state) and what you want to know.
I just got luck cause my neighboro are friends with several families in Lancaster, PA were the Amish are they had taken my husband and I up for a weekend and stayed with them in their home we ate, did chores along with theem and talked alot!! And we even went to church with them and met other Amish families and play ball with the children and went into town to the market to buy fresh products in a buggy that was cool. Do your reach you will learn alot. Good luck
How can I stay with an Amish family?
OOoooopps !!! I forgot to put in the website: amishamerica.com
Check it out, and don’t forget to go online and do your own reach.
There’s so much out there to learn.
How can I stay and help out with the Amish
I saw a program about the Amish last night and thought they have a great way of life. I would like to do some travelling this summer and would love to be able to stay and help out the Amish for about 1 month. I am hoping to go to university in September to study countryside management and the Amish way of life would tie in nicely with my course. I am also very interested in experiencing different cultures, and learning about there way of life. I have done lots of volunteering for the National Trust hear in England in many different parts of the country, including helping out on a farm in Cornwall.
If anyone can give me some advise on how to go about it, it would be very much appreciated!
Henry
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Amish PenPal
Hello,
. Lookiing forward to and hoping to see some doors open up!
I am very much interested in having an Amish Pen Pal. I am familiar with the Amish lifestyle and Religion, too. Likewise, am very much interested in pursuing a possible stay with an Amish Family (preferrably in PA). I am 28, and would prefer a female around my age or some what around my age
Leaving for the community.
I just came across this website trying to prepare myself to go stay with the Amish. I have a friend on Rumspringa and he has invited me to go visit his family with him. We are leaving today, and I am excited but worried. I am completely addicted to running water and my cell phone, but I hope I will enjoy the experience.
Jones,
You say you are addicted to running water and your cell phone. This is something God has to say about loving the things of this world more than obeying Him:
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Here is a little more on the same topic:
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Jones, not picking on you in particular. I am just witnessing to all Amish America readers about when we love things of this world so much that we would not go Amish, even if only for a weekend. Have a great time and don’t get overheated.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Lance I for one appreciate you sharing this here. Jones and others interested in the Amish I think it’s worth pausing at these passages for their importance to Christian and particularly Amish Christian belief. They are key to understanding why the Amish live as they do, and even if you’re not Amish (or even Christian) there is a lot of value in those words. I write and study about the Amish daily but it is good to pause and consider the above. Have a great visit and I hope you come away richer for the experience.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
I Have a Lot of Admiration For The Amish
I was born a long time ago (78 yrs). My life was not an easy one as I married an alcoholic who was not a family man but I have 6 fantastic children that I was strict with while they were growing up, but I’m proud to say they all have good jobs, not alcoholics, not on drugs, so I guess I did a great job. I was born a city girl, but never liked it at all, and always hoped for country living, and never was able to do that as I had to work to support myself, but I still go to the Pa. Dutch area to enjoy the scenery and the people. I think one of the great things about it is you can be on Rt. 30 (don’t like it) or Rt.340 which is really pretty because you go through all the farmland, turn down a side road, and its a miracle you’re in the country. When my grandson was young his mother took him to Pa. and he asked why they dressed so funny and I said “what makes you think they don’t feel you dress funny”, and he never said anything after that. They are a people to be admired for their values, work ethics, (excellent craftsmen), kind people, and would most certainly help you if you needed it with no questions asked, so they are very easy to admire, and I will keep going back as long as I can. Sept. is a great time because I can buy all their farm products.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Thanks for Sharing Lance
Lance, I really appreciate those scriptures that you share-they are KEY with Anabaptists, most certainly, Amish.
Very often in Christianity, we gloss over those when reading our Bibles-and don’t really make the connection on some of the things we are ‘into’ in this life and when we read those passages you shared in both posts, it should make us take inventory of where we could be perhaps, disappointing the Lord in some areas. Or not being the Christian witness we could be, the world really watches us close once they know we’re Christians and are looking for ways it seems, to accuse of of being hypocritical, or falling short in various areas we cling to the world in our ‘freedoms’. So-
They were Jesus very words, we need to remind ourselves of. Challenging? Yes they are. He helps us.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Of the world
Makes no sense if you are a believer.
If you believe that god made the world,
then everything in it is his doing, and loving it would be loving him.
If he doesn’t want is to have sexual desires, he wouldn’t have given it to us .
Sex without lust is actually pretty gross, and we would quickly die out as a specie.
Yes, Jon, God has given us certain desires and privileges, but also responsibilities with it. Imagine if you were driving a car, and you wanted to go anywhere at anytime. Suppose you had a desire to take the shortest route to the store; you could either choose to cut across lawns or stay on the road. And if you came to a red light, it might be a good idea to stop! Otherwise, some people might get hurt.
Similarly, most Amish would believe that any sexual sin outside of the man-and-woman marriage bond is a sin, and that fornication, adultery, or homosexuality needs to be repented of to inherit the kingdom of God.
God can help you to use self-restraint if you ask Him. I encourage you to cultivate moral purity and proper reserve in your social relationships.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
When I say addicted I don’t mean it literally. I grew up old time Holiness therefore I’m quite aware that if the love of the world is in a mans heart the love of the father is not. On another note, come to find out the Amish are more worldly than real old time Holiness like I was. The community were I’m staying don’t have running water or electricity but their outward appearance is much more worldly. I thought the women didn’t cut their hair as we don’t but they do and the men unlike our men grow their hair out. They wear jewelry, as long as they make it, we would not wear jewelry. The men roll up their pants to make them shorts when working, we wouldn’t dare show leg. They do have musical instruments, and they don’t mind their picture taken as long as they have repented and are right with the Lord before taking it, they actually have cameras. I was just intrigued to learn that at one point I was living a more strict outward appearance than the Amish.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Come back & share Jones-
Would be interested in hearing how it went!
Wow-your history with the Holiness church is interesting-see what happens when a group focuses on outward? A whole lot of comparing.
Comparing, on outward more than inward, at times.
I remember sharing with a Mennonite lady in PA about how I didn’t see the colors of dresses in Lancaster PA Amish, like I was seeing the change in Holmes County OH-more variety of colors in Holmes-
She said “yes, I was there visiting not too long ago and noticed how ‘loud’ the colors of dresses the Amish were wearing there.”
Anyway-enjoy your visit! I can be addicted to my cell phone too-
it’s easier, to just put it away for a time-out of sight out of mind.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Visiting Amish
I know that my son Mark has hosted folks at his house. He met a couple from Switzerland at the Behalt Center at Berlin, OH and through that meeting struck up a friendship. They visited him for a week a couple of years ago. Also, Mark met a man from Germany, while sitting near him in the food tent at Horse Progress Days several years ago. This man and his family have visited Mark on his farm a couple of times. A lot of Mark’s former teacher friends and such come up to visit him, too. But, Mark says, for most Amish to open their home to Outsiders is difficult. The home and family is very important, almost sacred, to many Amish. Many, also, are not interested in the merely curious or novelty seeking. Some Amish might be more open to folks that were truly seeking to join the Amish. Think of it this way, what if you wanted to spend time in a Chinese home. What would you need to do. I guess you would need to visit China and strike up a friendship with Chinese people somehow. Maybe through a business contact or whatever. From that friendship could come an invitation to visit their home. I think that is how it would work to visit an Amish home, as well. Personal contact is the answer and you can’t do that over the internet. At least not with the Amish.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
By-the-way, I am lucky enough to visit in an Amish home almost every day. All I have to do is drive the few miles to Mark’s house and there I am. Sometimes he comes in to visit me with the horse and buggy. I have a place in back where he can tie up. Also, he comes in with the horse and wagon every couple of weeks to bring in his trash and recyclables and to pick up mine and take them to the Recycyling Center in Belle Center. My little dachshund, Fritzi, just about goes nuts when he spies that horse tied out in back. I don’t know who he thinks he’s fooling. A great big horse versus a three legged dachshund isn’t much of a contest. One kick and Fritizi would be history.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Inquirey about Amish stay
I have a bit of a different issue to add to this discussion. I am a 68 year old woman, widowed, who has developed electrosensitivity, in other words I have very uncomfortable symptoms from being near microwaves,
cell phones, WiFi routers, cell phone towers, and especially the smart meters that are on all the homes now…I live in an apartment building with 31 meters on it and believe now that this is how I got this condition. I think I will be well if I can be away from all these electromagnetic devices, and I thought of the Amish and how they do not have these things. I also have some chemical sensitivities, so I can’t use the commercial products in my space.
I have long studied the Amish and would like to know if a stay with a family that might have compassion for my condition would allow me to stay long enough to heal from this condition. Can anyone advise me?
I am forced now to leave my apartment and will have no safer place to live. I fear for my health every day.
thank you,
Ruth Ruddock
How can I stay with an Amish family?
I am very intrigued into learning more and more about the Amish community. How can I find a pen pal? I live in Gaithersburg, MD and am hoping to visit a community with a tour guide. Do they accept or befriend foreigners?
I have read so many fictional books about the amish lifestyle by authors such as, Francine Rivers and Beverly Lewis. These two authors and several more have transported me to the quiet and serene farms and the loving families that work them. Apart from what I have read in books I know that many families have a strong faith in God, which is important to myself and my family too. It is our desire to stay with a family. I have been wanting to stay with a family for a long time. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Kristy Thompson
How can I stay with an Amish family?
From my experience (I live in the “North Country” of upstate NY), if you want to strike up a safe and lively (if not necessarily the most stimulating) conversation with an Amish fellow, talk about the weather and planting. With this subject, the Amish fellow is completely in his element. No need to worry about the conversation dragging… he soon carries (if not dominates) it easily. In fact you might get more information than you’ve bargained for, including tips on growing good crops. Not a bad thing if you’re a farmer or just have a nice big garden like me! BTW, sorry for the extended use of parentheses. After all, I thank most of my writing skills from Prof. Tolkien.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Mikayla:
So have your joined the Amish yet? I have followed you on T.V. and I so admire what you are doing. I hope you find what you are looking for and truely find the peace and happiness you want by joining the Amish.
I think the settelment in Pinecraft would be best for you,due to the fact they will allow you to keep in contact with your Mom and sister, etc.
Please find a way to let me know how things have turned out for you.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
As Erik wrote above, some Amish do serve meals in their homes. For various prices, you can have a meal or lodging at an Amish home in Holmes County, Ohio. One way is to book it through
www.amishheartlandtours.com,(330)893-3248. Once a month, they also arrange a 12-hour Progressive Meal Tour with 3 meals.
To have a complete stranger live in your house for a week or a month, takes a certain element of trust. Would the visitor steal? What is their background about child molestation? Are the visiting children obedient? What if the visitor got hurt? Would you mind if a stranger stayed in your home for a week? God bless the people that have the gift of hospitality.
If someone desires to stay with an Amish family, one option is lodging at The Farmstead Inn Bed and Breakfast near Fredericksburg, Ohio, 330-674-0603, www.amishbusiness.com/FarmsteadInnBnB, where guests can help with the chores. Alternately, the Dawdy House offers rustic accommodations in a first-floor apartment.
www.countryviewpa.com/,(717)768-0936, is a farm bed and breakfast operated by an Amish Mennonite family, Eli & Barbara Smucker, in Kinzers, PA.
www.verdantview.com/, 1-888-321-8119, is a farm bed and breakfast in Paradise, PA. It’s not Amish but it’s a working Mennonite farm, c/o Don & Ginny Ranck. Farmer’s Apprentice and/or Farm Tours are also available.
These places are not free. Hope the information doesn’t drive you buggy!
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Great suggestions
That was wonderful information you provided Yoder!I think it would be a good place for “seekers” to start. I read about a guy in South America who truly has the desire to become Amish, he is a Christian and is seeking help to know if it is even possible for him to come to America and at least try-he also wondered if he could just go and help the Amish as a way to start-maybe a visit like this would be enlightening for such a person in their pursuit.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Amish Homestay
Hi, i have just watched a Amish documentary, and it was very cheerful and also heartbreaking. ‘Trouble in Amish Paradise’. I am 25yrs old living in Sydney , Australia. I am wanting to experience the Amish way of life. I am getting tiresome of the same routine and lifestyle i have. My brain is bombarded with the media, bad expectations to have the best of everything, latest fashion, boasting about how great your social life is on facebook and so on. I am just over everything right now. Isnt life more than materialist possesions and money? So i watched this documentary i decided to try living without technology. I wished i grew my own food, due to how much checmicals they spray on our produce at the grocery store. I also started dressing conservatively, and started to appreciate my inner beauty and not having so much makeup on. I am still surrounded by friends who are very superficial and loves being up to date with the social world. In short i am wanting a new change, to truely experience the Amish lifestyle. I want to know God more without the pressure of the city life i live in at the moment. So please if you know any Amish homestays i would really love this change. Who knows i might meet a Amish future husband
hehe. Please email me if you want, even for small talk with past experiences, advice etc. I am saving and hoping to find some Amish community next year to visit if God willing. mangomlw@gmail.com
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Visit Amish Country Contest
Until December 15, 2012, author Cindy Woodsmall is having a giveaway at her website for one winner to stay at an Amish home, including the airfare to travel there. The winner and a guest will stay the night on Friday, May 10, 2013, and attend the annual Amish auction on Saturday, May 11, 2013. If interested, or to enter for a chance to win, go to www.cindywoodsmall.com/amishcountrycontest/
Please help me!
I want to join Amish SOO bad! I live in georgia and already have made most my stuff by hand since i was young. Im great with manual labor, and a hammer. I want to know if there are any Amish comunities in georgia. And if so where if not than anywhere. I would prefere to be in a large community, about 45+ people. I am a Roman Catholic and wish to know if i am able to go to the amish church every sunday in the community but practice Catholicism in my home( but im fine with devoting to the amish church). The only problem is im 15 and i would need a family that would take me in. I could be a son to a Amish family that are not able to have children. I would be so devoted to the community. I would burn all my clothes and destroy my iPhone and all my electronics and get right up to where ever that community is. I dont speak any german or dutch but have ALWAYS wanted to learn german. I speak a good bit of french if that counts. I also dont want a community where some of the people own cars or use ANY electronics including tractors. I want a community where you build your own home and use horse drawn carriages. PLEASE if any of you know a comunninty like this no matter what state its in, tell me.
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Really interesting!
I’d already heard about the Amish culture, but never really looked for further information on it. This month I read an article about them on a Brazilian magazine (since I’m Brazilian) and I felt so attracted to their lifestyle I decided to search for exchange programs! I’ve been feeling so disillusioned recently… people don’t get to share their emotions anymore, it looks to me that they try to avoid physical contact whenever it’s possible – but when they wish the physical contact it’s the superficial, sexual and foolish one, which lasts for no more than one night. As I finish Law School this year, I really wanted to spend about 2 months abroad living in the plain and happy way of life I imagine the Amish do. I’ve already deleted Facebook account, YouTube account, Instagram account, and everything that keeps me distracted. I also turn my mobile off when I get to the Uni or at work. I think people need desperatly to learn how to enjoy every single moment of their blessed life without thinking of “what to do next”, if you know what I mean. Anxiety, stress and irritation are leading people into depression, and it seems to me NOBODY links these feelings to the globalisation and technological advances!!!! Anyway, I really hope you can recommend me something related to this “exchange program” of mine, since we don’t have an Amish community in Brazil yet. Best wishes!!!!
How can I stay with an Amish family?
I'm trying to find an Amish home to stay in for about a week or two
Hello,
My name is Sarah,I’m 18, I live in England and I am truly fascinated by the Amish way of living. I would be grateful to experience it for myself and learn all about the culture and make new friends. Hopefully they will be able to learn from me and my experiences, if anybody has any information on where I can contact an Amish family that would be happy for me to stay with them, please reply.
Many Thanks,
Sarah
How can I stay with an Amish family?
Will the Amish give you or loan you a house if you drive for them, taxi them 24/7,
Will join permanently if needed, our family would love to live in that culture,
If you can facilitate, will appreciate very much, our family is devout born again family, we are praying for the door to be opened.
Warm regards
Chris; Deborah and Samuel Sittard
Leave a reply to How can I stay with an Amish family?