While Wisconsin isn't as known for its Amish communities in the same way Ohio and Pennsylvania are, the Amish here still have a long and storied history.
Wisconsin has the fourth largest Amish population in the country with more than three dozen Amish settlements throughout the state, making it a surprisingly rich destination for those interested in Amish culture and craftsmanship.
For years, when people thought "Amish," they thought Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Indiana. But Wisconsin has quietly become one of America's most significant Amish states, with communities that have been thriving for decades in the rolling hills and fertile farmland of America's Dairyland. And, yes, there are some Amish cheesemakers here (I have visited at least one!)
📜 The Largest Amish Community in Wisconsin: Cashton
The Cashton area in the Driftless Region is home to the largest Amish settlement in Wisconsin, and one of these days I will make it there. This sprawling community has been growing steadily since its establishment and now represents one of the most vibrant Amish settlements in the Midwest.
The Cashton settlement isn't just about one town – it spreads across the beautiful Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin, encompassing areas around Cashton, Sparta, and La Crosse. Later settlements were made near Hillsboro, in the Liberty Pole Area south of Viroqua, in the Chaseburg and Stoddard areas of western Vernon County, and also on the Sugar Grove ridge of northeastern Crawford County.
What makes Cashton special is its perfect blend of traditional Amish values with entrepreneurial spirit. 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.
🏞️ The Kingston & Dalton Settlement
Not far behind Cashton in size is the Amish community at Kingston & Dalton (over 2,200 Amish as of 2024). I have been here and there are a lot of quaint Amish shops to visit and it is very scenic.This settlement sprawls over three counties – Green Lake, Columbia, and Marquette. The Kingston/Dalton settlement was founded in 1977 and has grown to 15 congregations in size today.
This community is particularly scenic, nestled in the heart of Wisconsin's beautiful lake country. The rolling farmland and proximity to several lakes makes this one of the most picturesque Amish settlements you'll find anywhere. I visited there during the summer and it was so bucolic and quiet and, yeah, I loved it.
✔️ Why The Amish Love Wisconsin
It's no accident that Wisconsin has become such a magnet for Amish families. Wisconsin has been an attraction to the Amish because of its rural character and reputation as the "Dairy State". There are several compelling reasons why Amish communities continue to thrive here:
Perfect Climate: Wisconsin's four-season climate is ideal for traditional farming, with cold winters that preserve foods naturally and warm summers perfect for growing crops.
Abundant Farmland: As you drive through Wisconsin, you'll see why the Amish are drawn here – mile after mile of fertile farmland at prices that are still reasonable compared to other states.
Dairy Culture: Wisconsin's reputation as America's Dairyland aligns perfectly with traditional Amish farming practices. Many Amish families here operate successful dairy farms.
Legal Precedent: The Supreme Court ruling in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972), deciding that no state could require Amish children to attend high school, drew attention to this part of the country and triggered small migrations from Ohio and Indiana.
Rural Character: Wisconsin still maintains the rural, agricultural character that Amish communities need to thrive, even as other states become more urbanized.
Amtrak: This is always a key feature and the Amtrak line runs right through Wisconsin's Amish settlement with popular stops in Tomah and LaCrosse!
🗺️ Other Notable Wisconsin Amish Communities
While Cashton and Kingston/Dalton get most of the attention, Wisconsin is home to dozens of smaller Amish settlements scattered throughout the state. Wisconsin has seven Amish settlements, each with at least 1,000 people, but there are many more smaller communities worth knowing about.
Hillsboro: Part of the greater Cashton area, this community has its own distinct character and several excellent Amish businesses.
Viroqua Area: The Liberty Pole area south of Viroqua hosts a thriving Amish community with beautiful farms and traditional crafts.
Chaseburg & Stoddard: These western Vernon County communities represent some of the most traditional Amish settlements in the state.
Green Lake County: Beyond Kingston and Dalton, this county hosts several smaller Amish communities that are worth exploring.
Bondeul/Brodhead: I have been this Amish area in the southern part of the state. This is a compact, conservative Amish community but also historically important because the Yoder vs. Wisconsin case originated here.
The beauty of Wisconsin's Amish communities is their diversity. Some are more traditional, others slightly more progressive, but all maintain the core values of simplicity, hard work, and community that define Amish culture.
🏪 Must-Visit Amish Businesses in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Amish communities are famous for their entrepreneurial spirit and high-quality craftsmanship. Here are some standout businesses that showcase the best of what Wisconsin's Amish have to offer:
Maple View Bakery (Cashton area): Don't miss Maple View Bakery. If you leave without enough insanely inexpensive and gorgeous baked goods for at least 7 teenage boys for a month – well, then you have a lot more self-control than I do!
Old Country Cheese (Cashton area): Located on Highway D is Old Country Cheese, a cheese factory that uses milk from local Amish farms to produce more than 20 varieties of cheeses. A factory outlet store is located on-site where you can purchase their cheese along with other Amish-made goods including jams, candy, maple syrup.
Down A Country Road (Cashton): Down A Country Road is an amish village with handmade amish furniture, amish country tours and 6 amish stores and gift shops near Cashton WI.
Amish Furniture Shops: Wisconsin is famous for its Amish-made furniture, with workshops throughout the Cashton and Kingston areas producing everything from dining room sets to custom cabinets.
Mishler's Country Store: Okay, this store 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. The store is not a sprawling emporium.
Bulk Food Stores: Multiple Amish-owned bulk food stores offer everything from fresh-ground flours to specialty baking ingredients at unbeatable prices.
Quilt Shops: Wisconsin Amish quilters are renowned for their craftsmanship, with several shops offering both ready-made quilts and custom orders.
🚗 Planning Your Visit
The best way to experience Wisconsin's Amish communities is to plan a leisurely drive through the countryside. The Cashton area is easily accessible from La Crosse, while the Kingston/Dalton area is within driving distance of Wisconsin Dells and Madison.
Remember that most Amish businesses are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping accordingly. Many businesses also have seasonal hours, so it's worth calling ahead for larger purchases or during winter months.
Wisconsin's Amish communities offer a perfect blend of traditional culture, beautiful scenery, and high-quality craftsmanship. Whether you're interested in furniture, food, or simply experiencing a different way of life, Wisconsin's Amish settlements provide an authentic and memorable experience that rivals anything you'll find in Pennsylvania or Ohio.
📷 More Scenes From Amish Wisconsin
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