For a long time Missouri seemed very slow to attract an Amish population, but as the decades have past more and more Amish are finding the slow-paced state appealing. Overall, Missouri is a mystery for me. I mean, I've been there, but it's usually on the way to someplace else. I can't say I've ever really explored the state.
Missouri now hosts over 17,000 Amish residents across roughly five dozen settlements, with over three dozen consisting of single church districts. The growth has been remarkable - from a handful of communities in the 1950s to a thriving network of settlements that spans the state. The largest communities are found at Seymour, Jamesport, and Clark, each offering unique glimpses into Amish life and culture. I have been to Clark and, I think, Bowling Green (SIGH, been to so many I sometimes lose track or the memories blur together).
❤️ Why Does Missouri Appeal To The Amish?
Missouri's appeal to the Amish isn't accidental - it's a perfect storm of factors that make the state irresistible to families seeking a simpler life:
Affordable Land: Missouri offers some of the most reasonably priced farmland in the nation. Young Amish families can actually afford to buy farms and start their lives without crushing debt, something that's become increasingly difficult in traditional Amish states like Pennsylvania.
Minimal Government Interference: Many counties in Missouri have no zoning or land use regulations, making the area very attractive for the Amish to settle in. This freedom allows them to build and operate their businesses without excessive bureaucratic hurdles.
Fertile Farmland: Missouri's rich soil and favorable climate make it ideal for the diverse farming operations the Amish prefer. From dairy farms to produce operations, the land supports the agricultural lifestyle that's central to Amish culture.
Central Location: Missouri's position in the heart of America makes it easily accessible to family and friends in other Amish communities across the Midwest and beyond.
Welcoming Communities: Rural Missouri communities have embraced their Amish neighbors, creating mutually beneficial relationships that support both tourism and local economies.
🗺️ Where are The Amish Communities in Missouri?
Missouri's Amish settlements are scattered across the state, but several have grown into significant communities that welcome visitors and offer authentic experiences.
Jamesport
Jamesport is home to the largest Old Order Amish Settlement west of the Mississippi River, located 75 miles northeast of Kansas City in Daviess County, this community was established in 1953 and was the first of the newer Missouri settlements. I'd love to visit Jamesport, but have not made it there yet.
Seymour
The Seymour area, located in Webster County in south-central Missouri, represents one of the largest Amish settlements in the state. Along with Seymour and Jamesport, this community in Webster County is one of the three largest Missouri Amish settlements. The rolling hills and fertile farmland around Seymour provide an ideal setting for Amish agriculture. The Amish settlement can be found along Route P, off of Route 39, making it easily accessible for those wanting to explore this peaceful region. What makes Seymour interesting is that it is a "daughter" settlement to Berne, Indiana. So customers common in Berne are also found here, namely the Swiss language, yodeling, and "topless buggies."
Clark
The Clark settlement spans multiple counties - Audrain and Randolph Counties - and represents another of Missouri's three largest Amish communities. This area has attracted Amish families looking for good farmland and the freedom to live according to their beliefs.
Bowling Green
The Bowling Green area in Pike County holds special significance as Missouri's oldest Amish settlement, established in 1948. This community - like the Seymour - was originally founded by transplants from a Swiss Amish community in Indiana, which explains some of the unique characteristics you'll notice when visiting.
What makes Bowling Green particularly interesting is its Swiss Amish heritage. Unlike many Amish communities where buggies have tops, the Bowling Green Amish often use open carriages - a tradition that comes from their Swiss roots. This community maintains many of the customs and practices that set Swiss Amish apart from other Amish groups.
Located just outside Bowling Green on rural Highways Y and M, the settlement includes approximately 65 families who maintain a thriving, self-sufficient farming community. The area features beautiful countryside dotted with well-maintained farms, one-room schoolhouses, and traditional Amish businesses.
The community includes families with surnames like Miller, Burkholder, Yoder, Schrock, Gingerich, Schwartz, Troyer, Hershberger, Beachy, Borntreger, Wagler, Eicher, Hilty, and others.
Other Growing Communities
Missouri's Amish expansion continues with smaller settlements scattered throughout the state. Over three dozen consisted of a single church district as of 2024, indicating how many new communities are just getting started. These smaller settlements often represent families striking out on their own, seeking the perfect combination of land, community, and opportunity.
🏪 Amish Businesses In Missouri
Bowling Green Area (Pike County)
The Bowling Green area represents Missouri's oldest Amish settlement, established in 1948, and offers some of the most authentic Amish shopping experiences in the state. Just outside Bowling Green on rural Highways Y and M, lies a thriving Amish farming community with approximately 65 families creating beautiful handcrafted items.
The Cabinet Shop: Widely known for its fine handmade cabinets and furniture, this shop represents the pinnacle of Amish woodworking craftsmanship. Each piece is built to last generations using traditional techniques passed down through families.
J&D Woodworking Shop: The Eicher family's J&D woodworking shop offers custom woodworking services and handcrafted items. The quality of work here reflects the Swiss Amish heritage of the Bowling Green settlement.
Amish Bulk Food Store, 11350 Pike 486, Bowling Green, MO 63334
Jamesport Area
Country Store & More: Located right in downtown Jamesport, this is your one-stop shop for authentic Amish goods. From handcrafted furniture to home-canned goods, quilts, and bulk foods, this store captures the essence of Amish craftsmanship.
Gingerich Dutch Pantry: Known for their incredible baked goods and traditional Amish meals. Their fried chicken dinners and homemade pies have become legendary among visitors to the area.
Jamesport Amish Country Store & Bulk Foods, 31115 State Hwy NN, Jamesport, MO 64648.
Jamesport Pottery: Watch skilled craftsmen create beautiful, functional pottery using traditional techniques. Each piece reflects the Amish appreciation for both beauty and utility.
Countryside Bakery, 21870 MO-190, Jamesport, MO 64648
Seymour Area
Down The Lane: Located at the crossroads of county roads 2170 and 1135, this restaurant is run by an "English" woman who donates all the tips she receives to the Amish for their healthcare. It's a perfect example of how the broader community supports their Amish neighbors.
Seymour Furniture: Known for solid wood furniture built to last generations. The craftsmanship here represents the best of Amish woodworking traditions.
Country Fresh Produce: Seasonal produce stands offer the freshest vegetables and fruits, grown using traditional Amish farming methods.
Other Missouri Amish and Mennonite Businesses
Amish Bulk food store: State Hwy M, Curryville, MO 63339
Dutch Bakery & Bulk Foods: 709 US-50, Tipton, MO 65081
Lilac Lane Amish Bulk Foods, 1206 NE 1400 Rd, Windsor, MO 65360
Hoover's Bulk Foods, 9376 MO-52, Versailles, MO 65084
Nolt's Country Market, 1907 US-54 BUS, Eldon, MO 65026
When visiting Amish businesses in Missouri, remember that most operate on cash-only basis, and many close on Sundays. The best time to visit is during weekday mornings when communities are most active, but you'll still find plenty to see and do on Saturdays. If we missed a business that should be on this list, shoot a note to [email protected]
🏘️ Mennonites in Missouri
While Missouri's Amish communities often capture the spotlight, the state is also home to a thriving Mennonite community that deserves recognition. Missouri has a large Mennonite community nestled in the Ozark hills near Versailles, creating a unique cultural landscape that complements the state's Plain People heritage. There is also a fascinating Old Order Mennonite group near Rich Hill (I sent my parents there once!)
The Versailles Mennonite Community
Just a few miles north of the Lake of the Ozarks on Highway 5 is an historic Mennonite community nestled in the midst of open rolling fields and long country roads. The settlement was established in 1866-1868 in the Morgan County-Moniteau County area near Versailles and Fortuna, with the first arrivals being Swiss Mennonites from Berne, Indiana, and Polk County, Iowa, followed by others from Rockingham County, Virginia.
What makes the Versailles area special is its blend of Mennonite heritage with Ozark beauty. Those in the community keep to themselves, producing products and services known for their high quality. The community maintains the traditional Mennonite values of simplicity, hard work, and craftsmanship while being more integrated with the broader community than their Amish neighbors.
Visiting Mennonite Country
Fall is inarguably the best time at the Lake to go for a drive... and a unique destination, where the paved road ends, is the Lake area's Mennonite Farm Country. The scenic drive through Mennonite country offers visitors a chance to experience the peaceful rural lifestyle that defines this community.
Rich Hill Old Order Mennonites
In southern Bates County, near the Kansas border, lies another fascinating Mennonite community that deserves attention. The Rich Hill Old Order Mennonite community started in November 1997 when families from other communities mostly to the east gathered to start a new life with new opportunities in Missouri.
Rich Hill Mennonite Businesses:
The community has become well-known for their produce operations and farm markets. Mennonite Farm Markets near Rich Hill, Missouri feature fresh local produce along with items such as home-made salves and furniture. Look for billboard signs along I-49 in the Butler, Rich Hill, and Horton areas that advertise these authentic Mennonite operations.
Visiting Rich Hill Mennonite Country:
Rich Hill offers visitors a chance to experience a more recent Mennonite settlement - one that's still growing and establishing its identity. The community represents the continuing tradition of Plain People seeking new opportunities while maintaining their traditional values and way of life.
The Versailles and Rich Hill Mennonite communities together represent a quieter, but equally authentic, glimpse into Plain People life in Missouri. While they may not draw the same tourist attention as the Amish settlements, they offer their own unique contributions to Missouri's rich cultural tapestry, combining traditional Mennonite values with Missouri's welcoming rural communities.
📈 The Growth Story
The Missouri Amish population has grown rapidly thanks to migration from other states, and this growth shows no signs of slowing. Young Amish families continue to discover what their predecessors found decades ago - Missouri offers the perfect combination of affordability, freedom, and community that allows their way of life to flourish.
This growth has created a fascinating dynamic where traditional Amish values meet modern Missouri hospitality. The result is a series of communities that maintain their authentic character while welcoming visitors who want to learn about and experience this unique way of life.
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