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NOTE: Amish Acres closed at the end of 2019. It was sold and reopened on May 15, 2020, as The Barns at Nappanee. They plan to focus on events, festivals, and food. I’ll write a separate page for the new business when I have a chance to visit.
Amish Acres is a historic farm and park located in Nappanee, Indiana. It’s centered around the Stahly-Nissley-Kuhns Farmstead, which was built in 1873. The farm was purchased in 1968 and Amish Acres opened to the public in 1970 in order to enlighten and educate outsiders about the Amish way of life.
Packages
There are several different packages to enjoy a day at Amish Acres. It’s possible to see just the farm and shop for authentic Amish products, take tours and buggy rides, have dinner, and even see a performance in the theatre. A hotel is located onsite for overnight stays.
Package prices are very reasonable. We opted for the Amish Acres PastPort, which includes everything except the theatre performance. For this package, it’s possible to arrive by 2pm and see everything, but getting there earlier is better.
Round Barn Theatre
At the parking lot, you’ll see the Round Barn Theatre, which houses Indiana’s only professional repertory theatre company. It features several different shows throughout the year, including Plain and Fancy, which has run annually at Amish Acres since 1986.
Greeting Barn
Next to the theatre is the Greeting Barn, where you can buy ticket packages and shop for crafts. The documentary film theatre, where you can learn more about the history of the Amish, is also located there.
Shopping
Outside of the Greeting Barn are a few small buildings where you can buy authentic Amish treats such as apple butter, sausages, and cheese. There’s a cider and grist mill, soda fountain, and meat and cheese market. You don’t need a ticket to go shopping.
Restaurant Barn and Thresher’s Dinner
The Restaurant Barn sells baked goods such as bread and pies, and is where you can chow down on the delicious family-style thresher’s dinner.
The dinner includes a choice of meats and sides, a drink, and an amazing piece of pie for dessert. Everything is delicious, and you’re even encouraged to ask for seconds!
House and Farm Tour
The house and farm tour is not to be missed. You learn about the family that occupied the farm for nearly 100 years, as well as how the Amish have lived and worked up until the present day. The guide does a fantastic job answering all questions and explaining how everything works.
The tour starts outside of the main house, where you can see how the Amish prepare and store foods, smoke meats, and cultivate honey.
Once inside the house, you can see authentic items used by the Amish. Clothes are hung up on the wall and items they would use in everyday life, such as beds and washboards, are shown.
Next, you can walk through the Grossdaadi Haus, where the elders are sent to live as the families of their children grow. After that, it’s possible to see the barn, live farm animals, and outbuildings that have been moved to the site. Some of them include a buggy barn, blacksmith shop, maple syrup barn, and ice house.
Horse and Buggy Tour
Another tour is a horse and buggy tour, which is driven by a friendly Amish man. He takes you around the beautiful grounds past several of the historic buildings.
Wagon Ride
Finally, you can take a wagon ride around the grounds. It stops at the old schoolhouse, which was relocated from down the road. Next to the schoolhouse is an Amish school bus wagon and an old railroad crossing house.
Conclusion
Amish Acres is a great place to spend a day if you are in northern Indiana. It’s both educational and entertaining, and the food is delicious. For the price of admission, it’s a nice deal for both couples and families.
