The Tiny Amish Town in Iowa That’s the Perfect Day Trip Destination

If you're looking for a unique Iowa day trip idea, look no further than Bloomfield, Iowa! Bloomfield, and the surrounding communities, are one of the best destinations for a shopping and dining day out of town. Bloomfield has all the charm of a typical small town (they have a population of less than 3,000), but you may be surprised by what you find when you veer away from the usual Main Street attractions. Come along as we show you why we think it is one of the best small towns in Iowa!

Bloomfield, Iowa, is a charming town on its own—but what's hiding just outside of the downtown area is truly a wonder. In the communities surrounding Bloomfield, you'll find the largest, most conservative Amish community in Iowa. The Davis County Amish are a storied community, and they welcome visitors into their world. A visit to this community is a fascinating look at a lifestyle that feels completely foreign to us in the contemporary moment.

The Davis County Amish have been here for generations, and the tight-knit group still even speaks German. While the Amish are generally known to keep to themselves, you can always count on a friendly greeting when you visit Davis County. This welcoming attitude has been a great way for the Amish to educate visitors and the larger community about their way of life.

There are nearly 100 Amish shops and stores open to the public in and around Bloomfield. The fun part about visiting the Davis County Amish is that you never really need to have a plan. Most stores don't keep regular hours, so you might have to do a little searching to find a few open stores if you visit in the evenings or during the week. One thing is certain - don't visit on a Sunday. Everything will be closed because Sunday is a strict day of rest.

The Dutch Country General Store is one of the largest stores in the state. You'll find everything from fabric to toys to fresh and bulk foods here! It's a classic general store experience, bringing home the small-town charm in a hard way.

Graber's Country Store is another gem. Here, you'll find shoes, boots, and clothing, along with handwoven baskets and other homemade goods. It's easy to find an interesting and unique souvenir of your time in Amish country; the real trouble is choosing just one.

If you plan your trip right, you might be able to catch the Southern Iowa Produce Auction! The auctions usually take place in the fall, often with some landing in November and December, but they can happen year-round. Each day you'll find plenty of fruits, veggies, flowers, and more. It's an interesting and unusual way of buying produce, and it's bound to be an experience you'll remember for many years to come.

Set aside some time this fall to visit the Davis County Amish community. It may end up being the highlight of your year! Day trips out to Bloomfield always feel like a step back in time, and you'll love being away from the always-connected, busy Iowa life. A few days, or even a few hours, immersed in a simpler time may have a calming effect on you. And you'll develop a whole new respect for Amish people in Iowa.