Amish Country in the Appalachian Foothills of Ohio

Great Ohio Travel Destinations Start Here IN THE HEART OF OHIO

AMISH COUNTRY LAKE ERIE HOCKING HILLS

Amish Country of Southern Ohio

Amish Country at its finest! Rich in history and overflowing with scenic country views, Adams County, Ohio is more than just a picturesque day trip away from the city. There is the historical Serpent Mound, more than a handful of Amish markets and tons of parks and forests and Nature Conservancy areas. And there's also the river. In fact, there is more stuff to do here than your grandma could shake a stick at!

Tucked into the gentle rolls of Appalachian foothills, this southern section of Ohio has been aptly nicknamed "Amish Country" by both locals and tourists alike. It isn't likely you'll miss seeing a carriage or two if you take a drive along these quiet roads deep in the heart of farm country and settled along the Ohio River. And you will definitely see the many signs for the many Amish-owned stores like Millers Furniture, Bulk Foods and Bakery and Keim Family Market. But don't think for a minute that these are just road-side markets along some lonely stretch of highway. Miller's, alone, is a huge complex of handmade furniture (both indoor and outdoor), bulk food sales and a bakery.

But shopping aside, if you like immersing yourself in the outdoors, southern Ohio is the place to visit. There are tons of hiking trails between the Edge of Appalachia Preserve, Shawnee State Forest and Adams Lake State Park. There is fishing and boating along the Ohio River and quiet walks at nearby nature preserves.

Amish Country Attractions

Amish Shops

Hillside Bird’s Nest

35 Port Rd off Wheat Ridge
937-544-9983
Window feeders, thistle sacks, hummingbird supplies and just about everything about birds.Closed Sundays.

Keim Family Market
2621 Burnt Cabin Road
Seaman, Ohio 45679 Closed Sundays.

Miller's Bakery

954 Wheat Ridge Road
West Union, Ohio 45693
Phone: (937) 544-4520
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed Sundays.

Miller's Bulk Foods

960 Wheat Ridge Road
West Union, Ohio 45693
Phone: (937) 544-4520
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed Sundays.

Miller's Furniture

960 Wheat Ridge Road
West Union, Ohio 45693
Phone: (937) 544-4520

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed Sundays.

Montana Woodworks

Redwood cedar products, rustic log furniture, tables & chairs.
3645 Wheat Ridge Rd
937-544-8004
Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Raber's Shoe and Saddlery

5252 Unity Road
Peebles, Ohio 45660
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays.

Scenic Country Books & Gifts

Cards, books, puzzles, & unique gift for adults and children.
67 Poole Rd off Wheat Ridge
Monday & Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed Sundays.

Unity Variety

Fabric materials and quilt squares sold in an Amish shop.
4399 Unity Rd.
937-544-8035

Tuesday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Ohio Historical Society's: Serpent

Mound State Memorial

Serpent Mound-Ohio Historical Society

3850 State Route 73
Peebles, OH 45660
PHONE: 937-587-2796
1-800-752-2757 (toll free)

5 miles NW of Locust Grove on State Route 73
Locust Grove, Ohio

Serpent Mound is one of the largest and most awesome serpent effigies found in the entire United States. Coiling for nearly a quarter mile, this mound snakes its way along a section of raised ground overlooking the Brush Creek Valley. There is a museum containing exhibits on the mound and the geology of the surrounding area.

APRIL - MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

MONDAY -FRIDAY 10 - 5
SATURDAY             10 - 5
SUNDAY                 10 - 5
Groups by Appointment
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - LABOR DAY DAILY
10 - 8 Museum closes at 5
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER MONDAY - FRIDAY 10 - 5
SATURDAY              10 - 5
SUNDAY                  10 - 5
Groups by Appointment
PARK HOURS
YEAR-ROUND DAILY 10 - 5 Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year's Day
Park and Admission Fees apply.

Amish Country Ohio State Parks and Forests

Adams Lake State Park

14633 State Route 41
West Union, Ohio 45693
(740) 858-6652

95 acres. Boating (non-powered craft and those with electric motors) on the 47 acres of lake. Also fishing and an accessible 3/4-mile walking path follows the southern shore of the lake. Picnic area and playground available.

Off State Route 125 near West Union.

Brush Creek State Forest

13291 U.S. 52
West Portsmouth, OH 45663-8906
740-858-6685

12,000 + acres of productive hardwood forest land.

Brush Creek State Forest Headquarters and Service Center is off State Route 73, about one mile west of the village of Rarden. Click here for an Ohio State Forestry map!

Shawnee State Forest

13291 U.S. 52
West Portsmouth, OH
45663-8906
740-858-6685

60,000 + acres. Shawnee is the largest of Ohio's State Forests. The forest is located west of Portsmouth. Hiking, backpacking and bridle trails.

Shawnee State Forest Headquarters is located on U.S. Route 52, near the village of Friendship. Click here for an Ohio State Forestry map!

Shawnee State Forest

13291 U.S. 52
West Portsmouth, OH
45663-8906
740-858-6685

60,000 + acres. Shawnee is the largest of Ohio's State Forests. The forest is located west of Portsmouth. Hiking, backpacking and bridle trails.

Shawnee State Forest Headquarters is located on U.S. Route 52, near the village of Friendship. Click here for an Ohio State Forestry map!

Boating

Adams Lake State Park

14633 State 41
West Union, Ohio 45693

(740) 858-6652

47 acre limited horsepower lake. Only non-powered craft and those with electric motors permitted on the lake. A small launch ramp near the park entrance provides access to the 47-acre lake.

Ohio River-Brushcreek Yates Landing

17085 US 52 at Brush Creek
Manchester, Ohio 45114
Yates Landing
937-549-3380

Off season 937-549-4700

River- Unlimited boating, launch ramp fee; camping; island; food, picnic areas, rental boats and fuel. Government built public boat landing. Season is April through September.....weather and river permitting.

Ohio River-Brushcreek Yates Landing

17085 US 52 at Brush Creek
Manchester, Ohio 45114
Yates Landing
937-549-3380

Off season 937-549-4700

Nature Conservancy Areas

Buzzardroost Rock Preserve

Edge of Appalachia Preserve

Lynx Prairie Preserve

12,000 acres of rugged woodland, prairie openings, waterfalls, cliffs and clear streams

Edge of Appalachia Preserve
3223 Waggoner Riffle
West Union, OH 45693
Phone: (937) 544-2188

Ohio Historical Society's: Serpent Mound State Memorial

Serpent Mound-Ohio Historical Society

3850 State Route 73
Peebles, OH 45660
PHONE: 937-587-2796
1-800-752-2757 (toll free)

5 miles NW of Locust Grove on State Route 73
Locust Grove, Ohio

APRIL - MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Nature Preserves, Ohio State Parks and Nature Conservancy Areas

Adams Lake Prairie State Nature Preserve

14633 STATE ROUTE 41
West Union, Ohio 45693

26 acres. Cedar barren prairie known for abundant wildflowers and butterflies. There is a trail system with interpretive signs.

Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve

Hawk Hill Road
West Union, Ohio 45693
Phone: (937) 544-9750

67 acres. A blackjack-post oak prairie opening known for its summer wildflowers. Rare Lepidoptera like Edward's hairstreak butterfly, have been reported from the preserve.

Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve

Davis Memorial Road

122 acres-A cave, cliffs and prairie openings make this preserve a classic example of Ohio's diverse wild areas. There is a trail system with bridges, interpretive signs and a boardwalk.

Johnson Ridge State Nature Preserve

Unity Road
West Union, Ohio 45693
Phone: (937) 544-9750

28 acres-Known for the many summer prairie wildflowers.

Robert A. Whipple State Nature Preserve

The east side of SR 247, approximately 1 mile north of U.S. Route 52.

187 acres. Narrow wooded ridge top, pocketed- with small, symmetrical sinkholes. The ridge top and head of the valley is bordered by dolomite cliffs of 10-30 feet in height. 2 miles of moderate hiking Trails.

Ohio-USA is one of the premier getaways for family vacations. From fireworks to world-renowned zoos, amusement parks and wilderness trails, there is something outdoors, wild and fun for everyone. Between the beautiful shoreline of Lake Erie and the rolling waters of the Ohio River, Ohio visitors can relax, climb a cliff, catch a glimpse of a giraffe, take a hike through history or dine in elegance.

And there's so much more! Railways and secluded cabins, art museums and Amish farmland. Sandy beaches. . .rollercoaster thrills. . . lazy riverboat rides. . . Lighthouses.. . backpacking trails.. . . So come on over to the Midwest.-Come explore Ohio's Wilder Side!

Check out these sites for more information on Ohio and exploring its wilder side: