The "Little Switzerland of Ohio", Sugarcreek, draws visitors from all over the United States and even other countries. If you're planning a trip to Ohio's Amish Country, or just curious about the attractions this little town offers, here's a top ten list to get you excited about this one-of-a-kind destination.
1. The World's Largest Cuckoo Clock was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1977. At over 23' tall and 24' wide, it first stood behind a restaurant in Wilmot, Ohio after clockmaker Karl Schleutermann finished its twelve-year creation in 1972. In May of 2012, it moved to its current location on the corner of Main Street and Broadway in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Every half an hour, the clock chimes, a cuckoo bird pops out, and a three foot tall couple dances to Swiss polka music. It's an authentic experience that costs nothing and makes for some extra special memories.
Location: Corner of Main Street and Broadway, Sugarcreek, Ohio
Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM April through November
Website: https://www.facebook.com/worldslargestcuckooclock/
2. Age Of Steam Roundhouse Museum is not just a museum, but a working roundhouse where specialists restore steam locomotives, rail cars, machinery, and tools to their former glory. It all began in 2008, when Jerry Jacobson retired from the railroad industry and sold his railroad and all the equipment; all except for his old-timers, which he used to begin the museum. Guided tours are available April through November on Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays. The history is fascinating, and the engines and cars are immaculately kept up, plus, there's a gift shop to help commemorate your visit.
Location: 213 Smokey Lane Rd SW Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: Thursday - Saturday: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Website: https://www.ageofsteamroundhouse.org/
3. David Warther Carvings & Gift Shop is a must see! The intricate, detailed ivory and wood carvings in this beautiful museum and gift shop surpass all expectations. David began carving when he was 3 years old, finishing his first piece, a Viking ship, at age 6. The exhibits and informative tours are packed with the history of ships from the very beginning of seafaring days to the present, as well as fascinating carving techniques David uses in his creations.
Location: 1775 OH-39 Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website: https://warther.org/
4. Alpine Hills Historical Museum is an absolute gem! Take a step back in time with visual and audio exhibits, and learn the fascinating history of the Swiss, German, and Amish heritage of this little town. Since 1976, the curators have been working to preserve the stories and artifacts of this richly historic place, and educate visitors and locals alike on its engaging past.
Location: 106 West Main Street Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Website: https://alpinehillssugarcreek.com/
5. Swiss Village & Murals is a relaxing way to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Sugarcreek as you stroll the sidewalks and enjoy the Swiss style buildings and murals. Right across the street from the Cuckoo Clock is a wall with six detailed murals, depicting the town's history, made by local artist Tom Miller, who also designed the storefronts inspired by his trip to Switzerland. Swiss polka music plays over loudspeakers, providing a fully rounded experience. Don't forget to stop into the local gift, antique, and bake shops as you pass by.
Location: Downtown Sugarcreek Ohio (Swiss Village)
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Website: https://visitsugarcreek.com/visit-swiss-village-and-murals.html
6. The Hatchet Club is a unique experience in a growing sport that can be enjoyed by anyone ages 8 and up in a safe, fun environment. Go solo or in a group and let out your adventurous spirit with throwing axes, ninja stars, and more! Bring a snack or a pack lunch and make some amazing memories while building a rare skill. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and engaging, and make this sport easy to learn for beginners, and a challenge for the experienced.
Location: 528 McDonald Dr. NE Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: Wednesday - Thursday: 5 AM -9 PM
Friday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Website: https://hatchetclub.com/
7. Cabin Creek Golf Course is the perfect destination for families. With two 18-hole miniature golf courses, a sand volleyball court, batting cages, and an all-weather driving range, there's something for everyone. They even stay open late to provide families and groups traveling to tour Amish Country with a relaxing evening after shopping and sightseeing.
Location: 1361 Co Rd 108 Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: (Fall Hours- Closed for the season after September 30th)
Thursday: 3:30 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 3:30 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 1 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 7 PM
Website: https://cabincreekgolf.com/index.html
7. Black Gold Golf Club with Habeneros Tacos & Margaritas is the destination for more avid golfers, with a beautiful setting featuring gorgeous sunsets in the evenings, a full bar and Mexican restaurant, and occasional live entertainment. Resident pro, Tyler Light, offers lessons, and the course hosts outing tournaments and personal events throughout the year, giving you the perfect place to hold a family get-together, wedding, class reunion, or graduation party.
Location: 2870 Winklepleck Rd. NW Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:05 PM
Website: http://www.blackgoldgolfclub.com/
8. Swiss Village Bulk Foods is a staple for both locals and tourists. We offer a broad selection of freshly sliced deli meats and cheeses, bulk food items, baked goods, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, snack mixes, candies, herbal teas, vitamins and supplements, over 80 spices, and much more. Our commitment to quality is not the only thing that keeps people coming back. Customers can sample our homemade cheeseballs, sandwich spread, and freshly ground nut butters, as well as featured items, like locally made jam and gluten free crackers. There's always something new to try!
Location: 309 S Broadway Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Website: https://swissvillagebulkfoods.com/
9. The Ohio Star Theatre is home to a variety of family friendly shows and events, including musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and more, often featuring the Amish way of life in their original shows. Located in the same plaza as Dutch Valley Restaurant, Carlisle Inn Sugarcreek, Dutch Creek Foods, and Dutch Valley Gifts, this destination has everything you need for a fun-filled, relaxing day.
Location: 1387 Old Route 39 Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: Varies (See website below for upcoming events)
Website: https://dhgroup.com/theaters/the-ohio-star-theater/
10. Erb's Coleman Museum keeps the history of the Coleman family alive with over 3,000 Coleman-made articles, including gas lanterns, stoves, irons, ice chests, vintage advertising, and even a Coleman Model 400 snowmobile. Ed Erb began his collection over 32 years ago, and loves to answer questions about the items he's repaired & preserved, and the simpler way of life from an Amish perspective.
Location: 149 Seldenright Rd SW Sugarcreek, OH
Hours: Monday - Wednesday by appointment only
Thursday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website: https://visitsugarcreek.com/visit-erb-coleman-museum.html
Bonus stops nearby!
It's hard to stop at 10 when Sugarcreek and its surrounding areas have so much to offer, so here's a few more destinations from nearby Dover addresses that we couldn't leave out.
~Breitenbach Wine Cellars is a popular stop due to their award winning berry, grape, fruit, and dandelion wines. All of the specialty wines are made and bottled on the premises. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, as well as wine tasting. Live music is provided May through October. Time your visit just right and you can enjoy a winery tour and family activities during the Dandelion May-Fest!
Location: 5934 Old Route 39 NW Dover, OH
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Website: https://breitenbachwine.com/
~Broad Run Cheesehouse has been crafting award winning cheeses and wines since the 1930s. This dynamic combo is complimented by a quaint gift shop, and offers wine and cheese sampling and beautiful wine and cheese gift boxes, as well as locally processed meat that pairs well with your selection. Indoor and outdoor seating is available in this scenic location as well as fun photo ops!
Location: 6011 Old Route 39 NW Dover, OH
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Website: https://www.broadruncheese.com/
And that concludes our list! This doesn't cover our Amish furniture shops, gift shops, antique shops, and more, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do some more exploring on your own, and find your next favorite spot. Feel free to leave a comment telling us about your experience at any of these featured places, or suggest some destinations of your own. We'd love to hear from you!