Mecosta County residents share this area with one of the largest and most conservative Amish communities in the state. Over 80 families reside in or near Stanwood, living off the land. Their homes have no electricity, telephones or automobiles. Children attend one of seven Amish schools through 8th grade. Boys then develop farming skills at their father's side and girls learn homemaking skills.

Amish agriculture is powered by draft horses. A typical Amish farmer farms 80 acres, milks 10-12 cows, raises feeder pigs and laying hens. A large garden and orchard helps their self-sufficiency. Many Amish are craftsmen, building fine furniture or operating a sawmill.

Milk from this area is processed into a variety of hard cheeses at a cooperative plant south of Lakeland.

Click here for Amish Tour information. All shops are closed on Sunday. Please do not take any pictures of the Amish when you go to their shops, please respect their traditions.

Click here for additional information about farming in the area.