It's hard to believe that the Clare community was only estabished in 1980. It feels like it has been around a lot longer, although, geez, by 2030 that will have been half a century. I remember hearing about Clare when I first started studying the Amish in the late 80s. I am happy that I finally had a chance to visit about a dozen years ago (2012-ish)
Among Michigan's growing Amish settlements, Clare County enjoys a unique position as one of the state's most vibrant Plain communities. The Amish didn't arrive in Clare County until 1980, when families from Ohio arrived, seeking some room to spread out. What makes Clare special is its combination of traditional Amish values with a welcoming tourist atmosphere that invites visitors to experience authentic Plain culture. Keep in mind that this is a Swartzentruber Amish, among the most conservative Amish sects out there, so there are a not a lot of tourist amenities.
Clare is located in central Michigan, about 90 minutes north of Lansing. The heart of the Amish community spreads throughout Clare County, with businesses and farms dotting the rural landscape around the city of Clare itself. When I visited, I enjoyed just exploring the backroads and finding little Amish businesses operating out of homes. The best way to experience Clare's Amish community is to take a scenic drive through the countryside and visit the various businesses that welcome visitors.
❓ What makes Clare's Amish community unique?
The community has grown steadily over the past four decades and now encompasses a significant portion of Clare County. These are Old Order Amish who maintain traditional practices including horse-and-buggy transportation, plain dress, and rejection of modern conveniences like electricity and automobiles.
The Clare Amish are known for their furniture craftsmanship, with many families operating woodworking shops that produce high-quality, handcrafted furniture. The community also includes farmers, bakers, and various skilled tradespeople who serve both the Amish community and the general public.
Interesting, the Amish settlement buts up against the Isabella Indian Reservation. This is the primary land base of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. The reservation is located in Isabella County, which is a neighboring county to Gladwin County.
🏪 Amish Businesses to Visit in Clare
The Clare Amish community offers visitors numerous opportunities to experience authentic Plain culture through their businesses. Here are some must-visit establishments:
Country Cookstove Bakery and Bake Shop, located on South Eberhart Street, is a popular destination for fresh-baked goods. This Amish bakery serves the freshest bread and sweets and gives visitors a taste of traditional Amish baking.
Hershberger Hardware, 10289 N Leaton Rd,, is another essential stop. Jonas has a contractor referral desk and can tell you if he knows of anyone in your area or someone who will travel to you. This full-service hardware store serves both the Amish community and visitors looking for quality tools and supplies.
The area is also home to numerous furniture makers, quilt shops, and specialty food stores scattered throughout the county.
Byler Equine Supplements & Feed at 9032 Clarabella Road offers horse supplies and feed, reflecting the community's reliance on horses for transportation and farming.
Colonville Canvas at 6732 E. Colonville Road specializes in custom canvas work and outdoor equipment.
Yoder Kuntry Market Bulk Foods, 7534 E Colonville Rd, Clare, MI 48617. This is a classis Amish market. One Google reviewer says: Love their deli meats, cheese and sandwiches- excellent quality and prices. Great bulk apples, amazing whoopie pies and deserts. Lots of other fun products. I try to come here whenever I’m in the area!
🎪 Clare's Famous Amish Auctions
One of the highlights of visiting Clare is experiencing the community's famous auctions. Each spring (third Friday and Saturday of May) and late summer (Friday and Saturday of Labor Day Weekend), the Yoder Family and their friends hold a large quilt auction and craft show.
This event is one of the largest, well attended, craft shows, flea markets and quilt auctions in Michigan. No machine stitched quilts are sold at the auction. Imagine farm fields transformed with rows of hundreds of vendors offering everything from antiques and flea market finds to handmade goods.
The auctions feature not only quilts but also handcrafted furniture, tools, plants, and various crafts. A number of concession stands and several food specialty tents, featuring baked goods and cheese, are hosted by the Amish women.
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