For most people, trying to interpret Amish life with accurate understanding is no easy task. Fortunately, The Amish Village is here to help us tourists sort it all out. Informative guides conduct educational group tours throughout the house and grounds which date back to 1840. This is a place where every effort has been made to capture an authentic view of Amish life.
Tours begin in the "meeting room" where Sunday worship services are held. Furnishings for this room typically consist of many wooden benches and a small wood-burning stove for heat. The Amish do not have actual church buildings and therefore take turns holding services for the entire community in their homes. These services take place every other Sunday lasting four to five hours. Church typically ends with a meal shared with all the members of the home community. On non-church Sundays, the Amish spend the day visiting with family and friends in neighboring communities.
Next, the tour moves on to the kitchen where propane and water powered appliances offer modern convenience. Because the Amish choose to live separately from the world, they do not have outside utilities like electric brought into their homes. The tour then moves on to the bedrooms where visitors learn about traditional Amish clothing and some not-so-traditional footwear. Yes, the Amish have been known to rollerblade into town on occasion!
Guides then show tourists a few more places along the grounds. Afterwards, visitors may explore at their own pace. Some of these other sites include a blacksmith shop furnished with all the trade tools, a one-room schoolhouse, livestock, and a ham smokehouse where visitors may observe the process through a glass window.
The Amish Village gives a fun, informative glimpse into the everyday lives of these intriguing people. A tour here is sure to be the high point of any visit to beautiful Amish Country.