Wisconsin is definitely Amish Country, home to several Amish communities, with the largest Amish settlements of Dalton and Kingston being a leisurely drive from major cities. Not far behind Cashton in size is the Amish community at Kingston & Dalton (over 2,200 Amish as of 2024). What makes this area particularly appealing for visitors is the combination of accessible location, friendly community atmosphere, and the variety of authentic Amish businesses that welcome respectful visitors. This is one of my favorite Wisconsin Amish communities.
Wisconsin's Amish County is home to several Amish settlements and has the fourth-largest Amish population in the United States. The Kingston Amish community in Green Lake/Columbia/Marquette County was founded in 1977 and now includes 2,240 Amish. This settlement has grown steadily over the decades, creating a thriving community that balances traditional Amish values with practical business relationships with their English neighbors.
My Visit to Pardeeville-Kingston
I got to visit this Amish community in the early 2000s and I doubt much has changed. It seemed like a place frozen in time. I really enjoyed my stay here In the lush Wisconsin countryside.
All the jokes and references to cheese that you hear about when you think of Wisconsin, are true at least when it comes to the Amish community. I spent a lot of my time this community visiting an Amish cheese house, which was a wonderful experience. They handcrafted homemade bleu cheese.
And this area is dotted with home-based Amish businesses, greenhouses, bakeries, and variety stores like Mishler's. Definitely a place worth exploring. Mishler's is in the middle of nowhere but somehow I've managed to make it there twice over the years. The store is located at W5115 Barry Rd, Dalton, WI 53926. I think what makes this store make my list is that it is in the middle of nowhere, while there are plenty of non-Amish shoppers you get this homey authenticity here.
Unlike some Amish communities that can feel insular or difficult to navigate for visitors, the Kingston-Dalton area has developed a welcoming approach that makes exploration both rewarding and respectful. The businesses here operate with clear signage and established hours, making it easier for visitors to plan successful trips while maintaining the authentic, working-community atmosphere that makes Amish areas so appealing.
Amish Businesses to Visit
The Kingston-Dalton area offers one of the most comprehensive collections of Amish businesses you'll find in the Midwest. The customs of each community differ from one church district to the next, but most resist using modern conveniences and technologies such as electricity, cell phones, driving modern automobiles, and using the latest in farming equipment. This commitment to traditional ways translates into businesses that offer authentic products made using time-honored methods.
Pleasant View Bakery at N9541 Kiefer Rd., Dalton operates on seasonal schedules that reflect the community's agricultural rhythms. Summer Hours April-Sept. 8am-4pm Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. Winter Hours October-March 8am-4pm Friday & Saturday. This bakery represents the kind of operation that serves both the local Amish community and visitors seeking authentic baked goods made without preservatives or commercial shortcuts.
Lilac Furniture Gallery/Woodshop at W1996 Barry Rd., Dalton exemplifies the woodworking excellence that Wisconsin Amish communities are known for. Lilac Wood Shop is a must-stop, offering hand-crafted oak and cherry furniture from complete bedroom sets to outdoor lounge furniture. The craftsmanship here reflects generations of woodworking knowledge, with furniture built to last decades rather than years.
Mishler's Country Store at W5115 Barry Rd, Dalton serves as a community hub and shopping destination. Here you'll find a wide array of goods from bulk spices to canned items to doilies (some Amish-produced and others items as well). This type of general store captures the essence of rural community commerce, where practical needs are met alongside specialty items.
M&M Pet Supply at W5115 Barry Rd., Dalton reflects the agricultural nature of the community. Mon.-Wed., Fri.-Sat. 8am-5pm, this business serves the practical needs of farmers and pet owners while demonstrating how Amish businesses adapt to serve broader markets.
Greenhouse Operations throughout the area offer seasonal plants, flowers, and garden supplies. Woodside Greenhouse/Kuhn's Welding N941 Hwy. 22, Dalton represents the diversified nature of many Amish businesses, combining plant production with metalworking services.
Fresh Produce and Eggs are available at various farms throughout the area. Amish Vegetables & Brown Eggs W7214 Barry Rd., Dalton offers the kind of fresh, local produce that reflects traditional farming methods and seasonal availability.
Exploring Wisconsin Amish Country
Horse-drawn buggies, kerosene lanterns, subdued-color clothing, bonnets, and straw hats are still prevalent in today's Amish Country. The Kingston and Dalton Amish are known for their exceptionally well-made wood furniture, cabinetry, baked goods, beautiful quilts, and much more. As you drive through the area, you'll see these traditional elements of Amish life integrated into the beautiful Wisconsin countryside.
As you wander the backroads around Kingston and Dalton look for places like Pleasant View Bakery and Oven Fresh Bakery where you can buy homemade breads, pies, candies and jams to enjoy when you get home. The joy of exploring this area comes from discovering these small businesses tucked away on farm properties and rural roads.
The area benefits from its location in Green Lake County Wisconsin near the Wisconsin communities of Marquette, Markesan, Kingston, Dalton, Endeavor, Green Lake, Montello and Princeton. This accessibility makes it practical to combine Amish business visits with other Wisconsin attractions and activities.
Seasonal Considerations are important when planning visits. Most stores are closed on Sunday and Thursday. They are also closed on New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, the 7th Monday after Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the day after Christmas. Amish businesses are typically open on Memorial Day and Labor Day. They are also typically open on the 4th of July unless it falls on a Thursday or Sunday. This schedule reflects the community's priorities, where religious observance and family time take precedence over commercial considerations.
Business Hours and Expectations: Remember, no technology in Amish settlements means no online hours. So unplug and take a relaxing ride to discover the beautiful Amish countryside. This lack of modern communication methods requires a different approach to visiting - one that emphasizes flexibility and patience rather than rigid scheduling.
The Authentic Experience
The Amish are honest and ethical, even in the smallest business transactions. They genuinely bring their values into their work, and it shows. As a result, customers trust them, and they can build lasting relationships that drive a successful business quickly. This ethical approach to business creates an atmosphere where interactions feel genuine rather than commercial.
Amish businesses view money as a tool, which puts less emphasis on financial success. This perspective creates a different kind of shopping experience, where the focus is on quality products and fair dealings rather than maximizing profit.
The Kingston-Dalton area represents an ideal introduction to Amish communities for visitors who want authentic experiences without the overwhelming commercialization found in some tourist-heavy Amish areas. Any time of the year is a good time to visit the Kingston and Dalton Amish settlements, with each season offering different products and experiences.
Whether you're interested in furniture, baked goods, fresh produce, or simply experiencing a different way of life, the Kingston-Pardeeville area offers accessible, authentic encounters with Amish culture. The businesses here exist to serve practical needs while welcoming visitors who approach with respect and genuine interest in traditional craftsmanship and community values.
Leave a Reply