Wisconsin Amish

The Wisconsin Amish population is the fourth-largest in North America

wisconsin amishWith a population of over 15,000, Wisconsin has fewer Amish than only Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.  The Wisconsin Amish population is spread over nearly four dozen settlements across the state, and a total of 120 church districts (Young Center, 2010).

Wisconsin Amish communities include:

  • Cashton-The Cashton settlement is Wisconsin’s largest Amish community, with 13 church districts
  • Hillsboro-the Hillsboro Amish community in Vernon County numbers 8 districts
  • Wilton/Tomah-A sizeable Amish settlement is found in Monroe County near the towns of Wilton and Tomah
  • Medford-The Amish community at Medford in Taylor County is the oldest in Wisconsin
  • Green Lake County-The Amish community near the towns of Kingston and Dalton consists of 9 church districts
  • Clark County-Clark County is home to 5 separate Amish communities
  • Small Wisconsin Amish communities-Small Amish communities are found across the Badger State

Cashton

Cashton is the largest Wisconsin Amish community.  Founded in 1966, the settlement had grown to 13 churches as of 2009 (see Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, David Luthy, for dates of founding and some church district numbers).

wisconsin amish cashton
Amish do business in the town of Cashton, Wisconsin

The Cashton Amish community is a conservative group.  Cashton Amish do not use indoor plumbing for bathrooms, and will have only cold water in homes.

Cashton is a very farming-oriented community.  Amish farmers supply milk for a local cheese factory.  There are also some Amish-run businesses, many operated as sidelines.

These include three hat shops, three buggy makers and a shoe store which keep the Cashton Amish supplied with clothing and transportation.  Additionally, cabinet makers, metal shops, bulk food stores, a hardwares store and a clockmaker are found among Amish businesses in the Cashton community.

Cashton Amish have ties with the Hillsboro Amish community.  Amish from Cashton have also started at least one daughter community, in southern Illinois.

wisconsin amish barn raising
Raising a barn, Amish-style, in Vernon County, WI

Hillsboro

The Hillsboro Amish community, founded in 1985, is located in eastern Vernon County.  The Hillsboro settlements has roots in a Kentucky Amish community.

At first glance, the Hillsboro Amish community appears to be one of Wisconsin’s largest, with 8 church districts.  However, David Luthy notes that the Hillsboro districts are exceptionally small, in 2002 averaging 13 households per congregation–roughly half the size of the average Amish church district elsewhere (Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, Luthy p 8).

Wilton/Tomah

The Amish community near the towns of Wilton and Tomah in Monroe County was founded just a few years after the Cashton settlement, in 1969.  Amish at the time were  likely attracted to the state for its strong dairy reputation.

Amish horse-and-buggy tied to telephone pole
An Amish horse-and-buggy parked in a Wisconsin town as its owner uses an English person’s phone

The Monroe County settlement is one of the largest in Wisconsin, with 8 church districts, (population roughly 1,000) as of 2008.

Medford

The Medford Amish settlement in Taylor County, founded 90 years ago (1920) is by far Wisconsin’s oldest.

Given its age, the Medford Amish community is relatively small, with only 3 church districts as of 2008.  Medford is located in north-central Wisconsin.  The GAMEO entry for this settlement notes that “Its cold winters have had an effect on the slow growth” in the community.

Green Lake County

Green Lake County is home to one of the largest Amish settlements in Wisconsin, near the communities of Kingston and Dalton.  The Kingston/Dalton settlement was founded in 1977 and has grown to 9 congregations today.

Footwear in a “mud room” in an Amish home in the Kingston/Dalton community

Clark County

Clark County is located in central Wisconsin, and is one of the largest of Wisconsin’s  72 counties in terms of land area.  Amish have found Clark County an attractive area and roomy enough for a number of separate settlements to have been founded here.

The oldest Amish community in Clark County is found near the towns of Greenwood and Willard in the center of the county.  Founded in 1975, this community numbers 2 districts today.

The largest Clark County communities are at Granton (1981), in the southeast portion of the county, and at Loyal (1989). Both settlements are comprised of 5 congregations today.

Two other small Amish settlements can be found in Clark County, at Owen (1991), and the much younger settlement at Neilsville (2005).  Both consist of one church district as of 2008.

Other Wisconsin Amish communities

Another noteworthy Wisconsin Amish community is found at Augusta in Eau Claire County, at 6 church districts in size.  The Augusta Amish settlement was founded over 30 years ago (1978).

Wisconsin is dotted with small Amish communities.  Roughly 3/4 of Wisconsin’s 40+ Amish settlements consist of just 1 or 2 church districts.  Wisconsin has experienced high levels of in-migration from Amish communities in other states.  Nearly 30 Amish settlements have been founded in Wisconsin over the past 2 decades.

Wringer washer and heat stove in a Wisconsin Amish home
A wash room in a Wisconsin Amish home

Wisconsin’s Amish population has increased at a much faster rate than most over this 20-year period, gaining 150% as opposed to an average of roughly 100% (see Young Center, 2010).  Older small communities are found at Blair in Trempealeau County, Spencer in Marathon County, and Chetek in Barron County.

Younger small settlements are located at New Auburn in Chippewa County (1997), Taylor in Jackson County (1998), and near Platteville and Darlington in Lafayette County (1999).  All of these young settlements have reached the level of at least 2 church districts.

Though the long-term trend suggests high in-migration to Wisconsin, over the past five years (2005-2009) Amish communities in the state have actually experienced a net loss of population. The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies notes that “Wisconsin had 236 new immigrant families in the five-year period, but it lost 325 families, yielding a net deficit of 42 households” (Young Center, 2010).

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Wisconsin is of particular significance in the matter of Amish education.  A local conflict over schooling in a small Wisconsin Amish community eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark 1972 decision which effectively granted Amish and other religious groups the right to remove their students from school upon finishing the eighth grade.

Conflict between Amish and school officials had occurred in previous decades in places such as Iowa, Kansas, and Pennsylvania, garnering national attention.  Amish in numerous cases had been compelled to migrate to different locales were school officials were seen to be more lenient (resulting in the founding of new settlements, such as the St. Mary’s County, Maryland Amish settlement).

The Wisconsin conflict, originating in a newly-formed settlement at New Glarus in Green County, resonated to the highest judicial levels in the country, and ultimately influenced not only Amish education but numerous other religious freedom cases.

Amish phone shanty in a snowy setting in Vernon County, Wisconsin
A footpath through the snow leads to an Amish phone shanty in Vernon County

Local school administrators in Green County objected to the Amish practice of removing their children from school at completion of the eighth grade.  In the fall of 1968, three fathers of Amish children aged fourteen and fifteen were arrested for refusal to enroll their children in high school.  This refusal on the part of the Amish came in direct violation of Wisconsin law requiring school attendance until reaching sixteen years of age.

Though Amish generally refuse to defend themselves in court, the case was taken up by the National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom, a  group which had been recently formed by non-Amish for the legal defense of Amish religious liberty.  Attorney Willam Ball was hired to argue the Amish case.  Ball maintained that state officials were in fact violating the religious liberty of the Amish.

After hearings at local and state levels, the case made its way to the US Supreme Court.  On May 15, 1972, a final verdict was delivered in the Wisconsin v. Yoder case.  By a vote of 7 to 0, the Supreme Court Justices granted that both the First and Fourteenth amendments supported the Amish practice of removing students from school before age sixteen.

The precedent set by this decision has essentially granted Amish legal protection, though certain issues such as teacher certification continue to pose potential problems in some areas (see Amish Society, Hostetler, pp 268-270; also The Amish and the State, “The National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom”, William C. Lindholm, and “First Amendment Issues”, William B. Ball).

Extinct Wisconsin Amish Settlements

The New Glarus community, where the famous conflict over schooling originated, had disbanded by 2007, after over 40 years in existence.   Wisconsin was also once home to a number of other now-failed settlements dating back a century.

In The Amish In America: Settlements that Failed 1840-1960, David Luthy tells us that the Exeland Wisconsin settlement in Sawyer County, in the northwestern section of the state, was founded in 1909.  Amish from North Dakota, Montana, and Indiana were attracted to this area of “cheap, cutover timberland”, likely by a land agents’s advertisement promoting the inexpensive acreage.  Luthy reports that Amish used dynamite to blast away at acres of stumps left over from the former forest land.

Amish in this settlements operated sawmills, hunted, and grew an abundance of crops, including oats, sugar beets, barley, and red clover.  Eventually this settlement disbanded in 1927, due to a “lack of leadership”(Settlements that Failed, Luthy, p 504).

A second Amish settlement existed during this period in Rusk County, bordering Sawyer County to the south.  Settlers from a Michigan Amish community founded a settlement near the town of Glen Flora in 1920.  This settlement existed for about 2 decades, but eventually disbanded with the last Amish family leaving in 1942 (Settlements, Luthy, pp 504-509).

A number of modern-day Wisconsin Amish communities ceased to exist in the first decade of the 21st century, including one at Viroqua (though 2 communities remain in this area), as well as Clayton, Downing, and Hilbert.  All of these communities lasted roughly a decade or less (Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, Luthy).

Wisconsin Amish at home in the “Dairy State”

Wisconsin is a state which saw Amish arrive relatively late compared to other states associated with the Plain People.

Though the first Amish only began to settle in Wisconsin in the early 1900s, the Wisconsin Amish presence has grown to become the fourth-largest in North America.  In terms of Amish population, Wisconsin trails only Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, states which first experienced Amish settlement 50-100 years, or more, earlier.

In Wisconsin, Amish have found an environment conducive to settlement.  Relatively few Amish settled in Wisconsin before the 1960s, when the state began to see an influx of Amish which has only increased in each ensuing decade.  One observer notes that “Undoubtedly the farmers were attracted to Wisconsin because of its highly rural character and its reputation as the nation’s “Dairy State.” (The Amish Struggle With Modernity, Luthy p 245).

As long as Wisconsin offers affordable farmland and relatively isolated communities in which to settle, Amish are likely to continue to thrive in the Badger State.

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For more information, see:

Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, David Luthy

The Amish in America: Settlements that Failed, 1840-1960, David Luthy

The New American Almanac 2010, Raber’s Bookstore (Baltic, Ohio), Ben J. Raber

Amish Society, John A. Hostetler

The Amish and the State, “The National Committee for Amish Religious Freedom”, William C. Lindholm; “First Amendment Issues”, William B. Ball

The Amish Struggle with Modernity, “Appendix: Amish Migration Patterns 1972-1992”, David Luthy

“Amish Population by State (2010)”, “Amish Population Change 1991‐2010”, and “Amish Migration Trends 2005-2009”; Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College (http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Population_by_State_2010.asp; http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/PDF/Statistics/Population_Change_1991_2010.pdf; http://www2.etown.edu/amishstudies/Migration_Trends.asp.)

Yoder, Samuel L. “Medford, Wisconsin, Old Order Amish Settlement.” Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1987. Web. 25 October 2010. http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/M438.html.

Photo credits:  Cashton Amish- Brandon O’Connor (photo cropped); Amish barn-raising- Dorothy Robson, Westby Times;   Kingston/Dalton wash room; mud room- Rose

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    345 Comments

    1. Lois Klobucher

      Thank You for this wonderful article I really enjoyed it, now my husband and I are going to do some road trips thank you agin, I really enjoy all of your articles, very informative

    2. Many thanks Lois–I hope you enjoy your road trips, and travel safe!

      1. Kirsten Lynch

        Looking to interview

        Hello,
        I am taking an Ethics class and I need to interview someone of a different religion than mine. I was hoping to interview someone who is Amish. If you or anyone has any information on how I would find someone in my area (Beaver Dam, Dodge Co. WI.) that would be very helpful.
        Thank you,

        Kirsten Lynch
        kirstenew@msn.com

        1. Richard Lee Dawley

          Interviewing an Amish person for your class

          I’m wondering what religion is yours to make the Amish religion “differnet.” They are Christian believers. I know several Amish folks in the Kingston, WI area.
          Richard Dawley
          http://www.richarddawley.com
          rld7971858@att.net

          1. Kirsten

            They are not a different religion than mine however the lifestyle is. I have always wanted to learn more about how to live a more simple life.

            1. Richard Lee Dawley

              Visit my presentation

              I’ll be making a slide talk on the Amish at the Watertown, Wisconsin PUblic Library March 29, 2012 at 7 p.m.
              Raise your question after the slides, or talk with me after the program on how to live a simpler lifestyle similar to what you see the Amish living. Or, is the Amish lifestyle really simpler?

              Richard Dawley
              Amish Insight

    3. John Lueders

      Hi Erik. What a great series. I really enjoy the travelogues as they will surely help in my travels to these places. I am from Wisconsin and one community that is now gone/failed is the settlement near Amherst which was the second oldest in the state behind only Medford. It had just reached 4 districts but soon after started to see families leave for various reasons. Around 2000 is when the last family moved out to Marion, Wi. What a sad day as I had just started to know quite a few families there. I never thought I would see such a thing happen before my eyes.
      Thanks again for all your posts and your book was excellent as well.

    4. Suzanna Laitinen

      Really informative blog you have. I highly enjoy reading your posts. Learning alot, thank you!

    5. Thank you Suzanna! Hope you’ll visit again 🙂

    6. Amherst, Wisconsin Amish settlement

      Hi John many thanks and great to hear from Wisconsin readers here. I had been aware of the Amherst settlement and it seems that is just the way things go with some of these communities. For instance in Ohio there are a couple of settlements that are both around 100 years old and just holding on at barely a church district. Meanwhile other communities take off and grow like wildfire.

      It was really nice to hear the kind words on my book-thank you!

    7. Christina

      There’s also a settlement north of Portage, WI in Columbia County (or just over the border into the next county–not sure). Anywho, there’s a little Amish-run country store that sells bulk foods and canned goods and sometimes produce. I think the actual name is Missler’s Country Store or something like that. We just always called it the Amish store and I always liked the candy section because they had all types of candy in bulk;-) There’s supposed to be a bakery somewhere in the area as well, but we’ve never found it. And, there’s a nice furniture shop across the road from the store–possibly run by the same family. In any case, it’s always a treat to go to the “Amish store” with my aunt every time I visit!

      1. pat nielsen

        just getting ready to go over going to viset some of the friends we have gotten over the years we have taken some as far as penn. had a ball these people should not be put on display for people to gop at

      2. Annie

        Mishler's Country Store

        Hi, Mishler’s is a great store. I really love their produce (yes, there is alot of candy!) They do not own a furniture store, however. They are very nice, hardworking people and a great store to go to. A feed store is also owned by relatives in the same parking lot. They carry alot of bird feeders and feed, too. In that store, someone has a 2nd hand store at the other end. It’s worth checking out!

    8. Christina nice to hear about another Wisconsin Amish community. It’s funny this is the 2nd time this week I’ve heard about the Columbia County community but I don’t have a listing for it. I wonder if it is relatively new or if I just have it under a different name/county. Need to check the map!

    9. Thomas

      Not sure what Mr. Luthy means concerning the community in Viroqua being non-existent. There’s a small Swartzentruber community there.

    10. Hi Thomas, you are correct concerning Viroqua; in fact as of ’08 there are 2 separate communities under the Viroqua tag according to the listing.

      The Viroqua community referenced here was one located nearer Rising Sun, and which ceased to exist in the early 2000s. I’ve tweaked the entry to clarify and prevent confusion. Thanks for bringing this up.

    11. Erik, do you or anyone know who would be constructing portable wood garages. The Amish in PA, Kentucky and other places in the East make them and ship them on flatbed trailers. We are interested in pricing one locally. Size is 10 by 20/24. I thought someone might know of local Amish who are doing this type of wood work.
      Thank you

      1. andrew

        log cabin

        did you ever find anyone? I am in the wautoma area looking for someone to build a small amish log cabin on my property

      2. glen k. wilson

        made to order garage

        i know of several carpenters in the dalton cambria area. if you would send the specifics to my email and maybe a contact number, i will ask around and get back to you. where is the final destination?

        glen k wilson

    12. Hi Roberta, I wish I could help you on that but don’t have direct contacts of someone in Wisconsin doing this, though I am sure there are folks who do. Maybe someone else who reads this has a little local knowledge on this one.

    13. Kristen Scott

      Erik,

      I want to find out if there are any Amish who might be willing to help/teach a group of people to do a barn raising.

      I am founding a therapeutic farm (Leap of Faith Farm) for individuals and families impacted by trauma. Our philosophy is healing through meaningful work with animals, the environment, and the community.

      We will need to build a barn/arena.

      Sincerely,

      Kristen

    14. Hi Kristen, thanks for checking in with me–I wish I could help you, but the best thing to do might be to check directly with Amish in one of these communities–I’m assuming you’re in Wisconsin?

    15. jeff baker

      Erik,

      The Amish Store North of Portage is in Dalton Wisconsin. It is called Mishler’s Country Store and has everything you could possibly need as an Amish Family(that is the Bulk Food,Spices,Herbs,Cook Books,Kitchen Ware,Oil Lamps Etc… . It is Seven Miles North of Pardeeville on Hwy. 22 to Barry Road-Turn East and go 2 miles, it is on the right(South) side of the road. To the West of them is a farm selling Fresh Eggs($1.25 a Dozen)and one that sells fresh Produce and Flowers in Season. Mischler’s-W5115 Barry Road,Dalton, Wis. 52926. No Electricity,Closed on Sundays and possibly Thursdays. Great Prices. Can also get crowded on Friday and Saturday. Hope This Helps.

      Jeff.

      1. Debbie

        Times

        Does anyone one know what times Mishler’s Country Store in Dalten (or the bakery) is open? I’m an hour and a half away and I’ve never been there, I don’t want to drive that distance if it’s going to be closed.

      2. Annie

        Mishler's Country Store

        All stores are closed in Dalton area on Thursdays and Sundays. The greenhouses stay open on Thursdays during growing season.

    16. jeff baker

      Erik, Sorry about the Typo- Dalton, Wisconsin Zip Code is 53926.

      Jeff.

    17. jeff baker

      Erik,

      Here is a list of Amish and Mennonite Stores in Wisconsin. I go to the One that is 6 miles Wesy of Beloit on Wis. Hwy. 81- Kauffman’s Country Store, because it is close to me(I live 20 mile west of Chicago) and has Great Priced Bulk Foods.

      WISCONSIN
      Detweiler Bulk Foods
      N5055 Hwy 14
      Albany, WI
      608-897-8500

      Cathy’s Country Store
      2125 N Richmond St.
      Appleton, WI
      920-830-3311

      Arena Cheese, Inc.
      300 Hwy. 14
      Arena, WI
      608-753-2501

      Kauffman’s Country Store
      9550 W. State Rd. 81
      Beloit, WI
      608-362-1750

      Penrose Country Store
      650 Tower Drice
      Cadott, WI
      715-289-4476

      Cloverdale Country Store
      N13731 County Rd. E
      Curtiss, WI
      715-223-4797

      Mishler’s Country Store
      W 5115 Berry Rd.
      Dalton, WI
      608-429-3392

      Amish Connection, Ltd.
      920 Wells Street
      Lake Geneva, WI
      263-348-9590

      Mayflower Bulk Foods & Furniture
      W2332 Hwy 10
      Granton, WI
      715-238-7988

      Sugar N Spice
      Marathon City, WI
      715-659-4896

      Back to the Country Store
      7220 3rd Ave.
      Rudolph, WI
      715-435-3492

      Maranatha Market
      B4179 County Rd F
      Spencer, WI
      714-659-4896

      Amish House
      N 5183 17th Drive
      Wild Rose, WI
      920-622-3338

      Jeff.

      1. Patricia L Huber

        Bulk Food Store

        I didn’t see listed the Bulk Food Store in in Neshkoro, WI…although it might be Mennonite. Here is the info:

        Spring Lake Country Store
        Street: W5496 Cumberland Lane
        Neshkoro, wi 54960-7374
        Phone: (920) 566-0272

        I’m really enjoying this blog. Just found it tonight! I frequently see Amish in Wautoma, as well as Marion. I live between in Waupaca (central Wisconsin). I have been fascinated with the “Plain People” for years and really enjoy reading Amish fiction. Thanks for the info here!

        1. Richard Dawley

          Spring Lake Country Store in Neskoro, WI

          Yes, it is run by Mennonites. A near-by bakery is also run by a Mennonite lady and I’ve heard she is closing the business or may have already–Matties Bakery.
          Richard Dawley
          Amish Insight
          http://www.richarddawley.com

      2. John

        Just got back from Detweiler’s. They are located on State Hwy 104, not Hwy 14.

      3. NEW AMISH STORE

        I just wanted to introduce you to our 7000 sq ft Amish Store
        We have Amish Bulk Food, spices, canned goods, jams jellies.
        We have Amish Hand made items including Furniture
        OVER 5000 garden statues
        Petting zoo
        Reloved furniture. We have craftsman rebuild old furniture into new again.
        FB Country Treasures & Thrift
        N 3469 State Road 26
        Juneau is mailing however physically close to Clyman WI
        53039 920 696 3100

    18. Jeff, thanks for the great info. This will add to the page and I think be helpful for people. Appreciate any others who’d like to share too.

    19. Irene

      Amish bedroom furniture makers

      Do you know any Amish furniture makers who sell their custom made furniture directly to the individual vs. through a retail store? I’m looking to have some custom-made bedroom furniture made.

      Thanks,
      Irene

    20. Richard Lee Dawley

      Amish Furniture

      Tri-County Lumber Readstown, WI 54652

      I have more depending on where you live and what you want.

      1. Cory

        Log Furniture

        Do you know any that make log furniture that you would see in a cabin? I would prefer close to the Spooner area but would be interested in any that you know of.

        There is a store in Brooklyn Park, MN that sell log furniture made be them and it is beautiful. Thanks in advance.

    21. Jennifer

      Furniture

      Detweiler & Kauffman Albany, WI 53502

      http://www.amishfurnituremadison.com/

    22. Richard Lee Dawley

      Furniture makers

      One of the best places to find wood artisans is at their Quilt and Furniture auctions in Wisconsin. There are about 13 of them from April to October. They have their business cards on their furniture in the “holding tent” that you can see the furniture, pick up their business cards, and even talk with them.

      Richard Lee Dawley
      http://www.richarddawley.com
      New Berlin, WI

    23. christine sullivan

      my (new) amish buggy

      I just bought an enclosed 2 seat buggy that has steel wheel rims. I am wanting to restore parts of it but do not want to mess up the history of it. Is there any place on the buggy that would give me an idea of where it was made and possible how old it is. It has roll up side doors with windows and a back roll up door with a window. The front window is clear plastic which is detachable and it has not wipers. It does have electice lights from a battery and no brakes of any sort. Can you give me any information that can help me?

    24. shaghalay

      Health care

      Thanks a lot for this wonderful article. it was very informative and helpful.
      I am a Physician and wanted to help Amish population and establish a clinic at least couple of days a week, it will be a cash only practice with minimum fee. I was wondering if there is any possiblity to materialize it.
      I will appreciat your kind in put

      thanks once again

    25. Tim kannenberg

      Amish farm

      There are Amish farms in Grant Co. I know this I visited one. In 2003&2004 I had a delivery driving job I drove from Madison to Prairie Du Chine. On highway 18 between Montfort and Fennimore there is a Amish farm that sells corn and bake goods at there stand in front of there farm on highway 18. I brought stuff from them alot in the summers of 03,&04. I got to know some of the people and visited them in side there house two times. very nice people. I even got to ride in the buggy with the Man of the house and his son. I belive I got to do this cus I talk to them about God,the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit. I’m a Believer (Christian) Do you know is there any Amish people in the state of Washington and CA.

    26. Hardev Parama

      Excellent produce in the Dalton area!

      Stopped at a few local Amish farms and had fine conversations
      with fantastic veg! Lovely canned goods as well! Cabinet shops
      and machine shops? What a great trusting community lots of on
      your honor boxes!

    27. "daughter community"

      Erik,
      You mentioned that Amish from Cashton, WI have started at least one daughter community in Southern Illinois. I am from Southern Illinois and I would be interested to know where that daughter community might be located.

    28. Judy

      Info on Amish lunch needed SOON.

      I am going to Columbia County WI SOON and would like to have lunch at the home of an Amish family. How can I find out about where? I( have tried several resources by haven’t been able to connect. Thanks. Judy

      1. Richard Dawley

        Lunch at an Amish "restaurant"

        There are no “Amish restaurants”. In many states the Amish serve a meal in their home or in another building on their farms, but not a walk in any time restaurant. Tours are usually arranged to settlements and include a meal in a home. Some communities, however, frown on such “commercialization.” And local health departments are sometime overjealous and shut them down, in one case I know with a $500 fine for not having “ice cubes cold enough.” I lead tours to five communities in Wisconsin and know the treatment some Amish suffer.
        Richard Lee Dawley

    29. Corrine stone

      How to contact a community

      I have two 6 burner gas stoves to sell in good condition.
      I am sorry but I don’t know how to get intouch with the
      Communities in my area – Edgar Wisconsin.

      1. janine

        Try contacting Noah Borntrager, F1412 County Rd N, Edgar WI. There is a benefit fish fry at their farm (for their new school) this Friday Sept 2. from 5-9 p.m. 1/4 mile west of Hwy 97 on Cty Rd. N.

        Serving: fish, potatoes, veg, salad, fresh homemade bread and pie. Drinks and coffee.

        I have attended pancake benefits at this farm. GOOD FOOD!!!

      2. Richard Dawley

        aution off your stove

        Check with the Horst Restaurant and Horse pavilion near you in Thorp or Withie. They may have a list of auctions in your area this coming summer.

    30. janine

      Sheldon area Amish

      There must be a settlement near Sheldon, as there is an advertisement in the “shopper” for a benefit pig roast on 9/5. At the Sheldon Amish Auction Bld. N1009 Marshall Rd., Sheldon. Proceeds to help offset medical expenses incurred for the baby of Melvin & Lydia Schrock. They recently had a consignment auction in this building as well. Quilts, furniture, crafts, misc. The contact person for the auction was Marvin Mast.

    31. Sara

      Great Blog!

      I really enjoyed reading this article …thanks for posting it!

      ~Sara

    32. Jen

      Other Amish Communities

      Does anyone know of any Amish communities in the Washington/Sheboygan/Fond du Lac county areas? Please let me know.

      1. Richard Lee Dawley

        Calumet County Amish Settlement

        Hello Jen,
        I’m curious of your interest in the Fond du Lac county area. Do you live nearby? I’m making two slide talks on the Amish In Wisconsin in Columbus, WI and Cambria, WI this month if you are interested. They are in public Libraries in each town and free.
        There is a small settlement in St. Anna in Calumet County. I lead tours there and have an Amish meal.
        Check out my web site richarddawley.com rld7971858@att.net

        I’d like to network if you have a serious interest in the Amish and/or Mennonites or Hutterites as I write non-fiction books about my experiences with them over the past two decades.

        1. Jen

          I was just seeing if anyone knew what I was talking about-there was an amish community in the Campbellsport area (maybe north) about ten years ago and was just wondering if it was still there. Thanks@!

          1. Gina

            Campbellsport

            Jen,
            Yes there is one near that area. I work for American Red Cross and did a blood drive in that area. Unless they are Mennonite? They had the traditional clothes and such, but were willing to answer our questions on the computer (which those in Loyal will not do) and one had a cell phone. But either way, they were still there 🙂 This was this Spring (2012).

            1. Gina

              Campbellsport

              Like many of the readers here, I have always been fascinated with the Amish. So I love it when there are some that come to the blood drives. In the Campbellsport area (somewhere between there and Plymouth – they are all little country towns close together) were the ones I mentioned. I talked to one of the girls, and I know she had made her own dress and they didn’t drive cars themselves. She had recently married, and was quite happy about it. Her husband was from PA. So I asked her “how do you meet someone from so far away when you don’t drive [cars] or use the computer?” She said it was a friend’s wedding…at weddings, they seat unmarried youth with a member of the opposite sex. So she hit it off with the guy she was placed next to…they had the same last name, so she didn’t even have to change her name 🙂

          2. Richard Dawley

            Cambellsport Amish

            I know there was a fledgling settlement near there in Oakton, or Oakfield but it never materialized.

    33. jeff baker

      I don’t know about Campbellsport, but I always go to the store in Dalton – Mishler’s Country Store on Barry road- just east of route 22 and west of 44. It is right near the point where Green Lake co.,Columbia co. and Marquette co. come together.

      It’s a pretty large store with no electricity. They just expanded in the last year and when I was up there 3 weeks ago they had 2 or 3 checkout lanes(all push button adding machines).

      I live in the Chicago area, so I do not get to that area more than 2 or 3 times a year. Normally I go to Kauffman’s in Beloit(just west on highway 81. They are a Mennonite store I believe(they have electricity and cars). Kauffmans is only a quarter of the size of Mishler’s, but they seem to have as much variety. They just have more in back in storage and bulk.

    34. Judy Owens

      Auction in Dalton?

      I understand that there is an animal auction in Dalton on the first Sat. of the month. Do they ever sell overstock furniture? I would be interested in attending on Dec. 3rd. I am looking for several items, ex: rocking chair, dining buffet, bedroom set.
      And if you do purchase something, is there a place to hold items until trucking can be organized?

    35. Maria

      Where to purchase hormone steroid free meat?

      I am looking to purchase hormone steroid free qualty meat from the Amish.
      I usually go to Yoder’s in Shipshewana, IN. The quality is fantastic but I am looking for a place closer to my home. I live about 50 miles at NW suburbs of Chicago. I will appriciated any suggestions you might have,
      Thanks much…Maria

      1. Patricia

        Steroid/hormone free chicken

        Check at your local Piggly Wiggly. Our deli sells broasted chicken made from Amish grown, steriod/hormone free chicken that is shipped in from Indiana. They might be able to ship in orders for you, as well! Hope this helps!

    36. Daniel Halvorsen

      Are there any Amish kitchen cabinet makers near or around southern Minnesota?

      1. Brie B

        In response to Daniel Halvorsen, the above mentioned Brubaker’s Country Store has a featured kitchen cabinet maker at their store, maybe call them and see where he is located? Just a suggestion!

      2. MN Amish cabinet maker

        Thanks for the question Daniel, here’s a listing of Minnesota Amish furniture retailers, the first business listed works with a half-dozen Amish cabinet makers. The business is in central MN (Isanti), not sure where the Amish cabinet makers are located: https://amishamerica.com/amish-furniture-minnesota/

        Also there is a Minnesota Amish thread for any other Minnesota Amish questions you might have:

        https://amishamerica.com/minnesota-amish/

    37. Brie B

      Northern WI

      We live near Oconto, WI, and there is a fantastic Mennonite Bulk Food Store here, Brubaker’s Country Store, 3152 County Rd. A Oconto, WI 54153, phone number is 920-834-5010. It is owned and run by the Brubaker family, who also raise chickens and sell their beautiful brown eggs in their store, as well as Paul Brubaker’s fresh baked breads every day, including White, Whole Wheat, Seven Grain, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Raisin, and Rye with Carraway Seeds. They also have a nice deli section with a variety of meats and cheeses, and a very bountiful variety of bulk foods, health foods, Furniture, Glass bottled milk, and much more! Also in our Mennonite area is Garden Spot, located on Hwy 22 in Oconto, is a Menoonite owned nursery, with pick-your-own fruits during the summer, and a huge array of fruits and veggies for sale during the summer and fall, which they sell at the Green Bay Farmer’s Market on Sat. mornings on Cherry St.
      As far as an Amish community, Bonduel is quite heavily populated with Amish, including a Bent-and-Dent, and the Lark Country Store, on Lark Lane, which is a nice Amish Bulk Food Store. There is also a fantastic Amish bakery in Bonduel, with out of this world donuts on fri and saturdays! Hope someone else may enjoy these places as our family has!

    38. Mary Jo

      Amish in St. Anna area

      There is a small community of Amish in the St. Anna Wi area. Located in the Calumet, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan county area.
      They have various types of businesses.
      I have been doing some business with them and find them very interesting.

    39. Al

      Sauk County has a fairly large Amish population.

      1. Richard Dawley

        Sauk County Amish Community

        Al,

        I write non-fiction books (8 so far and a 9th in process) about the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites. Can you tell me more about the AMish in Sauk County? I’d like to visit some in summer or fall.

        Richard Dawley
        http://www.richarddawley.com

        1. Al

          Around Lime Ridge, Hill Point and Ironton are a decent number. All are in the northwest corner of the county.

          1. Al

            Also the Baraboo Farmers Market always has a few Amish vendors.

            1. Richard Dawley

              Baraboo Amish

              Thanks Al for the update. I know the Ironton folks with great Cashew Crunch for sale at auctions.
              Richard Lee Dawley
              New Berlin, WI

    40. Ellie

      Ammish farms, stores close to Wausau?

      Thank you for wonderful article. I have recently relocated to Wausau, WI and wondering if there are local Ammish farms, supply stores, etc. where can purchase eggs, cheese, etc? thanks again for helpful article.

      1. Jenny Vater

        grocery stores / bulk food

        Listed above is Cloverdale in Curtis, also there is Hene Supply just outside of Withee (maybe a mile north of HWY 29. Another store that I haven’t seen in the comments is Country Corner Sales in Marion (run by an Amish family). If in the Marion area in the spring and ealy summer time there is also a greenhouse called Sunset Acres just south of Marion.

    41. Annika

      More WI Mennonite stores

      I’ve been to three Mennonite stores not listed on this page. I really like them all.

      Brubaker’s Country Store
      3152 County Road A
      Oconto, WI 54153
      (920) 834-5010

      Beaver Creek Bulk & Natural
      6428 Iron Bridge Road
      Athens, WI 54411
      (715) 257-7259

      Weaver’s Country Store
      E13765 U.S. 12
      Fall Creek, WI 54742
      (715) 877-2020 ‎
      I also found this website when I was looking for its address, but I’m not sure if it is actually managed by the people that own Weaver’s, since they are Mennonite.
      http://weaverscountrystore.com/

    42. Mary Jo

      Amish bakery in Potter

      There is now available Amish bakery on Fridays in Potter.
      Between Brillion and Chilton on Main St.
      Hwy PP and Hwy Y.
      9 AM to 4:30 PM
      for more details contact me

    43. david

      Mennonites near Hillsboro, WI

      Do you know of any Mennonite communities, meeting houses, businesses, or farms near Hillsboro, WI?

    44. Nancy

      I need a fence installed

      Hello~

      I am looking to have a fence built for our backyard to keep our dogs in. We live right outside of Wausau, Wi in Weston.

      Thank you in advance.
      Nancy

    45. Bob

      Ride to Ortman Clinic in Canistota, SD

      I’m planning a trip to the Ortman Clinic in Canistota, SD in September. Was wondering if there are any Amish who would be looking to get a ride. I have room for 3 people.
      If anyone knows how to contact the Amish in various locations, please let me know. I would be traveling from Madison on the interstate through La Crosse.
      Thanks for any assistance.
      Bob

    46. Looking for amish market to by veg's for canning?

      Looking for an Amish veg market?
      Anything near Wisconsin Dells?
      let me know.
      Jamie Dusthimer

    47. Jeff Baker

      Mishler’s Country Store
      W 5115 Barry Rd.
      Dalton, WI
      608-429-3392

      This is about 25-30 miles east of Wis. Dells. Take 33 east to 22 or 44 and go north. You will have to use a detailed map or possibly google it. I just do it from memory when I reach Portage, so I do not remember the exact roads that I take. Barry road is also called HH which is the northern part of Columbia County. Look for where Columbia county intersects with Marquette and Green Lake County and you will be very close to it.
      I believe it is between 22 and 44.

      The vegetable farm is just west of them 1 or 2 farms down.

      Remember -Amish and Mennonite store are closed on Sunday’s.

      1. glen k wilson

        mischlers grocery store

        if you take 33 east out of portage until you come to hiway22 (should be the first stop sign) turn left (north). aprox. 6 miles north you’ll come to barry road. turn right, down about 2 miles, michlers is on the right.
        enjoy

    48. Jenny Vater

      Loved this article. I came from the Medford/Owen/Clark County area, moved to Amherst around the time they were leaving, then moved to Iola and I am enjoying the resources the Amish community in Marion has to offer.

    49. Michael Obinger

      Amish Hose Auctions or sales

      I’m interested in buying a light driving horse and am wondering how to find driving horses for sale by Amish folks or an
      Amish horse auction. I’m in southern Wisconsin.

      1. janine

        Horst Stables ( Thorp) has a sale of driving horses the first Wednesday of each month. The web site is http://www.horststablesauctions.com. Double R Horse sales (Neillsville) has a four day sale in September that includes equipment, driving horses and riding horses. That web site is http://www.centralwihorsesales.net.

    50. Mary Jo

      Haystack Supper, St. Anna

      The Amish community in the St. Anna area, near Elkhart Lake,
      is having a
      Haystack Supper
      with home made pies and home made ice cream,
      August 29th
      from 4 PM to 7:30 PM
      at the St. Anna Fireman’s Park on Sheboygan Rd and School St.
      It is a free will offering and benefits their school.