Nestled in the heart of Ohio Amish Country, Holmes County has become a beloved destination, inviting travelers to slow down, savor the season, and experience the simple beauty of fall. From scenic backroads lined with vibrant foliage to bustling farm markets overflowing with harvest bounty, autumn in Ohio Amish Country offers an unforgettable getaway for families, couples, and anyone longing for a peaceful retreat.
The fall season kicks off in Berlin with the annual Harvest Festival, Rib Cook-off and Parade. Enjoy this year’s Harvest Festival on Friday, September 11th and Saturday, September 12th along Main Street in downtown Berlin, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the flavors, sights and sounds of the season.
Another sign of the season is the annual Winesburg Fall Gathering, September 18–19, a beloved tradition filled with fun, fellowship, and a great cause! Enjoy a weekend packed with live music, delicious food, a benefit auction and raffle, 5K run, softball and pickleball tournaments, local history panels, and a spectacular fireworks display. This year’s event features more than $150,000 in raffle prizes, with every ticket helping support local families in need.
One of the greatest joys of visiting Ohio Amish Country in the fall is discovering the abundance of fresh seasonal produce throughout the countryside. Along winding backroads, roadside farm stands pop up in nearly every direction, offering a colorful display of pumpkins, squash, apples, and jars of homemade jams and honey. The region’s slower pace encourages travelers to take their time, enjoy the scenery, and connect with the agricultural traditions that define the area.
Few places capture the spirit of autumn better than Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery. A longtime favorite for visitors of all ages, Hershberger’s comes alive during the fall season with festive decorations, colorful mums, towering stacks of pumpkins, and the aroma of fresh-baked goods drifting from the bakery. Guests can climb aboard a wagon ride bound for the pumpkin patch, where children and adults alike will delight in selecting the perfect pumpkin to take home. Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery will host their Fall Late Nights event on Friday, October 2nd and 16th from 4pm-9pm. Attendees will receive free admission to the animal petting area, free pony rides and a free wagon ride to the pumpkin patch.
Another highlight of the fall season is The Farm at Walnut Creek, where their annual Fall Festival weekends kick off September 25th and run through October with family-friendly authentic rural experiences.
One of the most popular attractions is the horse-drawn wagon ride through the farm’s expansive grounds, where guests can feed more than 500 animals representing species from around the world. From giraffes and zebras to bison and exotic deer, the experience creates lasting memories while showcasing the beauty of the countryside in peak fall color.
The Farm at Walnut Creek, as well as Yoder’s Amish Home, offer self-guided tours of a traditional Amish home, giving guests an opportunity to learn more about Amish culture, customs, and daily life. Demonstrations throughout the festival weekends highlight traditional skills and hands-on experiences that connect visitors to the region’s rich heritage.
Apple season is another reason travelers flock to Ohio Amish Country each fall. U-pick opportunities throughout the area allow guests to experience the harvest firsthand while enjoying crisp autumn air and scenic orchard views. Hillcrest Orchard in Walnut Creek is a favorite stop for apple enthusiasts eager to fill baskets with freshly picked fruit.
Beyond the orchard itself, the market at Hillcrest Orchard features an impressive selection of fall produce, pumpkins, baked goods, jams, and seasonal decorations. Fresh pressed apple cider is a must-try fall tradition at Hillcrest Orchard, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and crisp flavor. Many seek out the orchard’s famous apple cider slushies, a refreshing seasonal treat enjoyed while taking in the colorful surroundings from the back deck overlooking the valley.
Outdoor enthusiasts looking to get in a little exercise can take in the fall colors while biking the Holmes County Trail or playing 18 holes on the greens. The tree-lined Holmes County Trail offers miles of paved trail shared by bicyclists, Amish buggies, hikers and horseback riders. While the Black Diamond Golf Course and Fire Ridge Golf Course offer rolling fairways with breathtaking views of the countryside. Both provide a great way to reconnect with friends or family.
A day filled with outdoor adventure leads to a healthy appetite and there is no shortage of savory Amish-inspired meals waiting to satisfy your hunger. Enjoy a traditional Amish buffet at Der Dutchman Restaurant in Walnut Creek, Berlin Farmstead in Berlin or Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen in Mt. Hope, where you can fill your plate with savory broasted chicken, mashed potatoes, freshly picked vegetables and dessert delights. Looking at where the locals eat, stop in at Boyd & Wurthmann in Berlin or head to Rebecca’s Bistro in Walnut Creek for a delicious early breakfast.
Perhaps the greatest appeal of Ohio Amish Country is the opportunity to reconnect with simpler pleasures. Scenic drives along quiet backroads reveal horse-drawn buggies and rolling farmland painted in autumn color. As the leaves begin to change and the harvest season arrives, there may be no better place than Holmes County to experience the warmth and wonder of fall. Plan your autumn adventure at visitamishcountry.com.
