Minnesota has seen a marked increase in its Amish population over the past decade. For the longest time the hub of the state's Amish population was the Harmony area in the far southeast. That is still the case, but now Amish settlements are spread throughout the state way up to near Grand Forks, North Dakota.
👍 Why The Amish Like Minnesota?
The term "Minnesota nice" is real and many Amish are drawn to this welcoming state. But there a a multitude of reasons the Amish population is on the increase in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Among them:
- Plentiful and relatively inexpensive land
- Proximity to growing Amish communities in Iowa and Wisconsin
- Climate. It used to be that Minnesota was an icebox, but it has turned more temperate in the past decades so the climate is near-perfect.
- Great growing conditions for Amish who wish to stay in farming.
- Easy access to an Amtrak line
🗺️ Where Are The Amish In Minnesota
Harmony: I have been to this community before. It's a very conservative Swartzentruber settlement so you won't find tons of touristy stuff, but definitely worth a visit if you are nearby.
According to the local tourism bureau, the Amish of Harmony began their move to this area in 1974 and have grown to over 1,000 people with ten church districts and ten one-room schools. Another Old Order Amish group has recently begun settling in nearby Granger, Minnesota.
The Amish primarily make their living through farming, construction and by making and selling crafts. Baskets, furniture, jams, rugs, quilts, baked goods and cashew crunch are among the items available for sale in local businesses and at farmers markets, Amish homes and roadside stands.
Fillmore: Also in the southeast part of the state, this community is affiliated with the Harmony Amish.
Here are some other Amish settlements in the state:
- Bertha
- Brooten
- Browerville
- Canton
- Clearbrook
- Fertile
- Frazee
- Granger
- Lanora
- Long Prairie
- New York Mills
- St. Charles
- Wadena
Some of the above like Wadena, Fertile, and Bertha are all in the same approximate area east of Grand Forks, North Dakota.
🛒 Amish Businesses in Minnesota
This list is absolutely not comprehensive, if you know of any other Amish businesses in Minnesota that should be on this list, let us know!
Harmony - Five Star Weaving: An Amish owned shop just 1.5 miles from Harmony offering woven shag rugs, potholders, clothespin baskets and much more! From Harmony, head south on HWY 139, turn left on Garden Road at the fire station. Shop is approximately 1.5 miles down the road on the right. No Sunday sales.
Canton - Roadside Market Baked Goods: 12668 US-52, Canton, MN 55922, Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Not the most poetic name, but sounds like a classic Amish bakery and if you are anywhere near, stop in! You can see the bread above. Here is a trip advisor reviewer: This is the nicest bakery.We love the variety of bars and breads. My go to is the Cashew crunch candy! It's the best I've ever had...we love this Amish place!
Canton - Yoder B & H, County Road 21: Leather, horse tack, honey, jam, and more.
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