Amish Acres in Nappanee, Indiana is a chance to experience the quiet and simple lifestyle of the Amish. It offers a historic farm and heritage resort. The homestead exposes visitors to way of life the Amish lead, and the tools and achievements of yesteryear.
Visitors can take a wagon ride around the 80-acre farm, witnessing the workings of a real Amish farm. There are barnyard animals, livestock, gardens, and an apple orchard. The tour exhibits many of the buildings of Amish Acres, including a one-room schoolhouse, a cider and grist mill, and the main house and barn. The tour begins with a documentary film, "Genosis and Exodus of the Amish,'' so visitors will have a feel for the history of Amish culture. There is a special movie for children, designed to hold the interest and attention of a child.
Following the tour, many people choose to enjoy The Old Barn Restaurant and Thrashers Dinner. This is a family-style feast, including all the traditional fare of an Amish meal. End the gluttony with Shoo-fly pie, a sweet Amish favorite from long ago. Special holiday and Sunday buffets are available, so plan ahead if your trip includes a special occasion.
To enhance the Amish Acres experience, the farm has included a musical theatre on the grounds. They offer a full schedule of whole family entertainment and musical plays. Performances are in a round barn theatre, a unique experience for those that have never attended theatre in the round. It is a 400 seat venue, and can be packaged with the dinner buffet for an enjoyable dinner and show evening.
Any trip to Amish Acres would not be complete without some shopping. On site is a bakery that offers delicious homemade goodies that you can enjoy at home. The Greeting Barn offers two levels of gifts, crafts, antiques, and knickknacks, so everyone can take home a piece of their Amish experience. There is a meat and cheese shop, and the Log Cabin Soda Shop and Fudgery, a place where families can enjoy a sweet treat to cap off their fun day.
Many visitors enjoy the quaint, seasonal merchandise available at the Stone House Christmas Shop. Ornaments and seasonal d,cor are available, styled in a simple, Amish manner. The Brick Forge Garden Shop offers visitors a chance to bring a bit of the Amish experience into their garden with wrought iron, wood, and terra cotta garden accessories. And a trip to Amish Acres would not be complete without a trip through the Cow Shed. There you will find antiques, gadgets, and the beautiful handmade quilts that are sewed lovingly by the Amish to keep families warm on chilly winter nights. Also in the Cow Shed is the costume shop where guests can rent and purchase costumes and accessories from previous performances in the musical theatre.
If the family is too exhausted at the end of the day to head home, Amish Acres offers resort accommodations. It is a non-smoking facility, but some have reported the lingering smell of smoke in some of the rooms, so be sure to clarify that you need a non-smoking room. The farm holds an annual arts and crafts festival. The event attracts a big crowd, so make reservations early if you are planning a visit at that time.
Review, comment, or add new information about this topic: