Holmes County Attractions for Families: Museums, Farms, Trails, Wineries

Begin at the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center in Millersburg to view the Behalt cyclorama, a 10-foot by 265-foot circular mural that "tells the history of the Amish & Mennonite people" and the Reformation beginning in the 1500s; the center at 5798 County Road 77 offers a short 25-minute tour with an Amish guide and is open Monday–Saturday April–October 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and November–March 9:30 AM–4:30 PM, closed Sunday. Yodertoterblog recommends, "I'd recommend starting your visit to Holmes County with this attraction."

For evening performances and family variety shows, Berlin’s Amish Country Theater at 4365 State Route 39 stages "H5 Experience award winning family variety shows, concerts, comedy and seasonal events" in a 600-seat, state-of-the-art downtown Berlin venue; the theater lists 888-988-7469 for ticket or schedule questions. Millersburg’s Holmes Center For The Arts at 5200 State Route 39 describes its mission as: "The Holmes Center For The Arts enriches community by providing educational and performance art opportunities for everyone in a wholesome family-oriented atmosphere." The Ohio Star Theater on the Dutch Valley campus, 1387 Old Route 39 Northeast in Sugarcreek, advertises "unforgettable, family-friendly entertainment" and notes outstanding acoustics and a great view from every seat; call 855-344-7547 for hours.

Farms and hands-on family attractions cluster along State Route 557 and between Berlin and Charm. Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery at 5452 State Route 557 in Millersburg combines a bakery and bulk foods with petting zoo and pony rides; the site lists 330-674-6096 and appears in listings as Hershbergers Truck Patch with a note that "the fry pies call me in…it just happens," a first-person endorsement from Gleasonfamilyadventure. Walnut Creek Farm offers wagon rides and tours of Amish homes and barns and bills itself as "a working farm with exotic animals."

Food-and-drink stops include Guggisberg Cheese at 8922 SR 241 in Fredericksburg, which markets itself as "HOME OF THE ORIGINAL BABY SWISS" and is open Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; phone 330-359-5615. Wineries within easy reach include Doughty Glen Winery at the Guggisberg Swiss Inn in Charm, which "offers live entertainment most Friday nights on a brand-new deck," plus Sunny Slope Winery in Big Prairie, Breitenbach Wine Cellars in Sugarcreek, Swiss Valley Winery in Dover, and Baltic Mill Winery in Baltic, the latter "situated in a restored gristmill that was in operation until about a decade ago." Holmes County also lists several breweries and sports pubs including Millersburg Brewing Co.

Outdoor recreation centers on the 12-mile Holmes County Trail accessed in Millersburg for cycling, walking, rollerblading and horseback riding. Tiffany Gerber of the Holmes County Chamber & Visitors Bureau notes, "The new mini golf course is another fun recreational activity for families to enjoy in Holmes County," and adds, "You'll also find plenty of kayaking and canoeing, zip lining, and hiking trails." Beach City Wildlife & Wilderness Area is highlighted for birding and wildlife spotting, and Gerber points to parks that "have recently added more acreage" and a local bird list "with bald eagles and other species."

Seasonal programming and markets include the Holmes County Steam & Engine Show, which showcases historic steam engines, antique tractors, tractor pulls and family activities that celebrate local craftsmanship, and the Amish Country Flea Market on the east side of Berlin on State Route 39, open late March to December. New attractions cited in regional listings include Country Acres Mini Golf in Berlin and indoor Berlin Golf Simulators featuring Uneekor QED technology for rental play.

Practical contacts to plan visits: Amish Country Theater, 4365 State Route 39, Berlin, 888-988-7469; Holmes Center For The Arts, 5200 State Route 39, Millersburg, 330-473-2879; Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Route 39 Northeast, Sugarcreek, 855-344-7547; Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center (Behalt), 5798 County Road 77, Millersburg (see hours above); Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery, 5452 State Route 557, Millersburg, 330-674-6096; Guggisberg Cheese, 8922 SR 241, Fredericksburg, 330-359-5615. Confirm current hours, event dates and ticketing with each venue before you go.