Amish families first began to settle in Minnesota in the late 1800’s. Today the Preston, Harmony, and Canton area of Fillmore County is home to Minnesota’s largest Amish settlement, with 7 church districts and approximately 1,000 people. A second Fillmore County settlement is found at Granger, 14 miles south of Preston. The Granger Amish community with 3 church districts actually spills over the state line into Iowa and is recognized as the second largest Amish settlement in Minnesota.
The Amish communities in Fillmore County were founded by Swartzentruber Amish from Wayne County, Ohio, who began settling here in 1974 and use only limited technology in their homes, businesses, and forms of transportation. You will find several Amish businesses located near Preston that offer a variety of items for purchase: seasonal vegetables & plants, handmade furniture, leather crafts, baskets, hand sewn quilts, rugs, jams & jellies, honey, bakery items, candles, soaps, and much more. Amish business location maps can be picked up at the Preston Tourism Center located on the north end of town along Hwy 52.
Taking a guided Amish Tour with one of our area Amish Tour businesses is a great way to experience Amish life first-hand and receive answers to your questions about the Amish culture.
- Amish Tours of Harmony – www.amish-tours.com
- Bluffscape Amish Tours in Lanesboro – www.bluffscape.com
If you are interested in stopping at the Amish Farms on your own, here is a ‘Self Guided Amish Map’.
