In the Amish Heartland of Ohio Lies a Distinctive Swiss Gem

Drive an hour south of downtown Akron, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Ohio’s charming Amish country. One of the prettiest parts of the “Buckeye State,” it’s here you’ll find Sugarcreek, a spellbindingly beautiful village that offers visitors a unique blend of cultures that sets it apart from other small towns in the region.

Known as "The Little Switzerland of Ohio," Sugarcreek's European heritage is evident throughout the town, from its Swiss-style architecture to its bucket-list cultural events. Founded in 1803 and later settled by immigrants from Switzerland in 1814, Sugarcreek Township took its name from a tributary of the Little Miami River and soon established itself as a productive farming community in Tuscarawas County, its fertile soils and rolling hills proving ideal for agriculture.

With them, these Swiss settlers brought their cheese-making and dairy farming skills, along with their culture and traditions, all of which are very evident in the community.

Celebrate a Proud Heritage at the Ohio Swiss Festival

Pay a visit to Sugarcreek these days, and you won’t have to try too hard to see just how good a job the community has done in preserving its Swiss heritage. This is especially true if you drop in during events like the Ohio Swiss Festival. Held in late September since 1953, this Euro-centric festival celebrates everything Swiss, from cheese-making demonstrations to a “Cheese Chase” run and even yodeling competitions.

Other fun things to do in Sugarcreek during its celebration of all things Swiss include sampling traditional Swiss foods such as delicious cheese fondues, rösti, and raclette, as well as enjoying authentic folk music and dances. You’ll also have the chance to learn more about the history and customs that have influenced the town for more than a century now.

Topping it all off are parades, craft shows, and even the crowning of the Swiss Festival Queen, all highlights of this two-day event that draws thousands of visitors from across the Midwest.

Other Fun Things To Do in Sugarcreek

Sugarcreek’s handy location just off the I-77 connecting Cleveland, OH, with Charlotte, NC, makes it an ideal day trip destination. Better still, it’s a great place to enjoy a weekend retreat with several must-see attractions highlighting both its Swiss and Amish influences that are well worth exploring.

One of the quirkiest, the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, is a Swiss-inspired mechanical clock that chimes every half hour with a display of figures dancing and playing music. Standing an impressive 23 feet tall and 24 feet in width, it was originally installed in a restaurant in the 1970s but was later restored and moved to its current location in the heart of downtown Sugarcreek, where it now serves as a key tourist attraction… and a great selfie spot.

Sugarcreek’s Amish heritage is also fun to experience. Take a traditional Amish horse and buggy ride to explore the lovely surrounding countryside with stops at delightful Amish farms and markets along the way (favorites include the popular Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market).

Play and Stay in Sugarcreek

If you can make a weekend of it, check out the rates at the Carlisle Inn. Located on the eastern fringes of Sugarcreek, this 5-star Amish-style hotel offers accommodations that are both comfortable and reflective of the town’s simpler, rural ambiance. For something completely quirky, Sugarcreek Village Inn offers funky accommodations in restored and renovated old railroad cars, all just a short stroll away from the downtown shopping and dining…and, of course, the giant cuckoo clock.

You’ll also be just a couple of blocks from another great Sugarcreek attraction, the Alpine Hills Museum. Highlights include exhibits and artifacts portraying the first Swiss settlers, the challenges they faced in the 19th century, and how they helped shape the community’s destiny. Amish culture and the area’s agricultural history are also explored through interactive displays and a strong focus on education.

Sugarcreek’s downtown area is also worth a wander. Swiss-themed crafts and souvenirs can be purchased at gift shops like Kaleidoscope Custom Goods (it’s right next to the Alpine Hills Museum), while a short drive west of town will bring you to Guggisberg Cheese’s Sugarcreek Factory, where you can stock up on authentic Swiss cheeses.

As for dining, Swiss specialties like fondue, raclette, and bratwurst, along with traditional Amish fare, can be enjoyed at restaurants like Dutch Valley Sugarcreek (the same company that owns and operates the Carlisle Inn). The property also features a market offering everything from fresh meats and cheeses to homemade jams and preserves.

Other Adventures in the Amish Heartland

Just a short drive south of Sugarcreek, The Age of Steam Roundhouse is a must-visit for train buffs and steam enthusiasts. This privately owned, fully operational roundhouse is one of the largest in the United States and features an impressive collection of steam locomotives that have been carefully restored to their former glory. Established in 2012 by rail enthusiast Jerry Jacobson, the facility does a superb job of preserving the country’s legacy of railroading with a collection of steam locomotives that once played a critical role in America's industrial growth.

Highlights of a visit include guided tours of the roundhouse building where locomotives can be seen under restoration, along with various railroad artifacts. It’s a big facility, including 18 stalls for housing engines and a 115-foot turntable that’s used to maneuver the locomotives.

For nature lovers, the surrounding countryside provides plenty of opportunities to explore Ohio’s Amish heartland, with the region’s rolling hills and quiet roads making it ideal for cycling and scenic drives.

Thanks to its distinctive blend of Swiss and Amish cultures, Sugarcreek, Ohio, certainly stands out as a must-visit travel destination for anyone wanting to experience the state’s Amish heartland. Founded in 1814 by Swiss immigrants, the town remains committed to preserving its European heritage through fun festivals, world-class attractions, and a thriving community life. From the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock to the Swiss Festival and Amish markets, Sugarcreek offers a rich cultural experience that invites exploration and discovery of this beautiful part of the American Midwest.