The Amish Population in Wisconsin: History, Tourist Sites, and Conflicts in the Community
© Peggy Hoehne
The Amish populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana are well known, but many people are unaware that Wisconsin is fast becoming the state with the fourth highest Amish population.
The Amish Population in Wisonsin
The first Amish families moved to Medford, Wisconsin in 1920, and in the 1960s a larger migration beagn. Since the 1990s the population growth rate has increased. As populations rise in the eastern states and land prices increase, there is more motivation for families to move to less expensive, open areas of land.
There are an estimated 8,000-12,000 Old Order Amish in Wisconsin as well as a large number of New Order Amish and Mennonites. Determining the exact number of Amish living in the state is not easy. The Census Bureau and other statistical agencies do not have data on religious affiliation.
In mid-2002 an attempt was made to estimate the Amish population in Wisconsin for the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association. While the study did provide the geographic location and distribution of Amish communities, it provided population numbers thought to be too low.
Amish Tourism Sites in Wisconsin
Tourism plays a large part in Wisconsin’s economy, but many rural areas have little to attract tourists. Several areas have taken advantage of their Amish populations to bring tourist dollars into the area.
In Chaston you will find Down a Country Road, an Amish Gift Shop and Tour Service. Trempealeau County offers an Amish Country Tour. More Amish related gift shops and tours can be found at Travel Wisconsin.
The Amish are known for their beautiful handmade quilts, baskets, furniture, and many other items. In their communities you will often find bakeries, furniture or cabinet making shops, quilt shops, as well as general stores with unique items. Along with the general curiosity the Amish arouse in the rest of the population, this makes their communities a popular destination.
Conflicts Between Amish and English Populations
While some see their Amish neighbors as a good thing, others are less sure. They bring with them farming methods that worked on flat land farms in the east, but these same practices can contribute to soil erosion and water pollution in the hills of Southwest Wisconsin.
Implement dealers in small towns see the number of farmers needing their services greatly lowered when the Amish population rises. Insurance salesmen also see many of their accounts dry up as the families who bought farm and crop insurance leave and Amish families who do not purchase insurance move in.
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