Where Are The Amish In Idaho?

For generations, pretty much since the Amish arrived in America, they've been synonymous with Pennsylvania. And, later, Ohio, Indiana, and bucolic Michigan farmland.

But Idaho? Yes, there are Amish in Idaho. It's a small, but growing, presence and not terribly surprising because the Amish population is increasing so much in neighboring Montana that moving into Idaho is probably the next logical place.

👍 Why Do The Amish Like Idaho?

There are many reasons why the Amish would find The Gem State appealing. Among them:

• It's close to Montana where the Amish population has been growing, so many can move to Idaho an still not be far from family.
• There is an Amtrak stop in Sandpoint, which provides a convenient way for the Amish to visit family and friends in communities in the Midwest and East.
• The Amish generally love potatoes and what state is most associated with potatoes? Idaho!
• The weather can be harsh during winter, but the summers aren't (usually) stifling, and that is appealing to the Amish who generally don't have amenities like electric air-conditioning.

📋 Other Thoughts About the Amish in Idaho

The outdoor experience opportunities from big game hunting to mountain climbing to whitewater rafting are plentiful here, so I am sure many adventurous Amish are lure here from out east. Some other points to note:

There are some Hutterite communities in Idaho, the Hutterite church is closely related to the Amish theologically, but they don't interact much.

Huckleberries grow wild here and are ready to harvest in the fall and are considered a delicacy among the Amish.

Historically, Amish settlements west of Montana have not fared well, but the Baker-Salmon settlement has been going strong now for over a decade.

🗺️ Where Are the Amish Communities In Idaho?

There are not many settlements, but there are a few and the Amish presence is growing.

Salmon: This is a community in the southern part of the state that appears to be a New Order Amish settlement. Based on dispatches in the Amish newspaper, the Budget, there is talk of Sunday school (a New Order custom) and rollerblading (typically not something the more conservative Amish do). It sounds like there are wonderful church dinners and mushroom hunting is bountiful and plentiful during the Idaho spring. The community is a little outside Salmon, some refer to this community as being in Baker, which is another small town in the area.

Plummer: Miller and Mast are common names in this church which is not Amish, but Beachy-Amish Mennonite. The church is called Stillwater's Mennonite Church and many of the congregants have Amish roots.

🛒 Amish Businesses in Idaho

Baker/Salmon - Baker Country Market: This is a classic Amish store and the premiere Amish destination in the state of Idaho if you want to experience Amish culture. The store is run by the Miller family and describes itself like this:
The Paul & Maria Miller family moved to Idaho, from Pennsylvania in January 2015. 

We are an Amish Family-Owned Country Market surrounded by scenic mountains, in the little village of Baker, Idaho. (9 miles south of Salmon)

From our homemade Fry Pies, toasted Deli Sandwiches, and savory Pretzel Dip to Maria’s beautiful flowers and our handcrafted lawn furniture and storage buildings. 

A TripAdvisor reviewer says gives it 5-stars and says: Baker's is outside of Salmon, Idaho that serves sandwiches. The market also includes a large selection of baked goods and local specialty food baskets. The store is Amish owned. You check out after eating and relay what you ate to the young Amish girl cashier who adds everything up in her head.

Clark Fork - Clark Fork Pantry: This market is run by the Schrock family. They are not Amish, but Schrock is an Amish surname so their traditions and cooking styles closely mirror the Amish. So if you are in northern Idaho and want an Amish store experience, this is as close as you'll get!

A Trip Advisor reviewer says: This place has the best pies! We had the raspberry and rhubarb and it did not last long. The oatmeal Whoopie pie will transport you right back into childhood. The service here is great and milkshakes are phenomenal! My husband had the chocolate shake and claimed it was the best he’s ever had. I’m not really a shake kinda gal, but did try the coffee frosty which was also a tasty treat on a hot day! It is quite a drive for us, but we will be returning:)