I can't speak for everyone but, I am drawn to the perceived simplicity of Amish life. No worrying about after-hour emails, servers crashing, or phones ringing during family dinner. It's this curiosity, and a bit of envy, that has led me to learn more about their way of life here in Michigan. Maybe that's why you're reading this too.

Related: 13 Rules Your Michigan Amish Neighbors Must Obey

There are approximately 11,000 Amish in Michigan, scattered throughout the state:

  • Quincy, Michigan
    • Roughly 150 Swiss Amish households
  • Branch County, Michigan
    • 5 different Amish communities call Branch County home
  • Hillsdale County
    • Hillsdale has 2 Amish settlements, including Camden
  • Mio, Oscoda County
    • Though the community in Mio is small, it was once home to an Amish community that lasted 5 decades.
  • Upper Peninsula
    • There is a single community in Mackinac County

The largest community of Amish found in Michigan is also the first settlement in the state.

Where Was Michigan's First Amish Settlement?

Amish Horse and buggy in Centreville, Michigan, the state's first Amish Settlement.
RCanva
loading...

In 1895 the Amish first arrived in Michigan and eventually made their first settlement in Centreville in St. Joseph County. The Swish Amish were once part of Indian settlements in Adams and Allen counties.

99.1 WFMK logo
Get our free mobile app

These settlers were eventually joined by a group of German Reformed Amish, and their descendants still live in Centreville, Michigan today. There are roughly 1,500 individuals and 11 church districts. A new district could be added if an existing one becomes too large. Many Amish communities begin to think about splitting once they reach 40 or so families in a district.

Amish Horse and buggy in Centreville, Michigan, the state's first Amish Settlement.
Randy Fath via Unsplash
loading...

Contrary to popular belief, these Amish communities are not frozen in time. Their rules have evolved, including using phones, accepting rides, and other changes made throughout the decades.

Related: Your Michigan Amish Neighbors May Practice These 11 Rituals

The Centreville Amish community is still thriving today, working side by side with their sister church in Lagrange and Elkhart Counties, putting their skilled trades to use by building Recreational Vehicles (RVs) in area factories. Keep reading for more on Amish life in Michigan.

5 Do’s and 5 Don’ts For Exploring Michigan Amish Country

Curious about how the Amish live in Michigan and want to explore some of our state's backroad culture? Here are some tips to avoid making any 'English' mistakes.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

11 Rituals the Amish Practice in Michigan

Amish rituals are long-standing behaviors that are a vital part of their belief systems. Here are 11 rituals your Amish neighbors in Michigan practice. Please keep in mind that different Amish communities may have different traditions and rituals, as their leaders may be more or less strict in their adherence to their Ordnung.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

13 Rules Michigan Amish Must Follow

Why do Amish women wear 'prayer coverings'? Why do Amish men grow out their beards but not their mustaches? Here are 13 Rules Michigan Amish Must Follow

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Inside An Amish Michigan Farmhouse

More From 99.1 WFMK