Amish Walmart

I know – your first reaction to the title is “what is she talking about?”  Every time I have mentioned going to the Amish Walmart facial expressions have gone blank and the first words are always- where????.

Yes there is a Amish Walmart located in the beautiful hills around Ontario WI.   This area in the mid-west section of Wisconsin is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the state as well as absolutely beautiful scenery and interesting places to visit going to and coming from.  

To get there travel Hwy 12 west to Hwy 33 through Reedsburg, LaValle, with a possible pit stop in Wonewoc and the Spiritualists Camp.   This camp was founded in 1874 and there has been spiritualist on site every summer since.   Drive through the camp or walk the grounds.  You can visit there healing tree or if you want an extended stay – they have cabins for rent.  They offer spiritual readings, workshops, and classes – if you have an interest in such things.   All in all interesting place and you feel a calming presence when you’re there.

But let us continue our journey.   From Wonewoc you have two options – follow Hwy 33 to Union Center to Hillsboro or take a more scenic detour via County Rd FF straight to Hillsboro.   The latter is hilly and a bit curvy but a might pretty.  A little side note – I took “the Ladies” to the Amish Walmart via this short cut but on that particular day the county crews were working on the right hand side of the road – so guess where we had to drive from – yes the left.   OMG – what an adventure. 

From Hillsboro you remain on Hwy 33 where you will find Wildcat Mountain State Park.   The park is one of the smaller parks but it has spectacular views of the Kickapoo River Valley and for a park - really clean bathrooms. 

 

From the park continue on Hwy 33 through Ontario to Hoff Valley Road (take a left) – follow that to Little Ridge Road (take a very sharp right).    Be prepared these roads are gravel and not always that wide.  As you come onto the rise the world opens up for beautiful scenic panorama with the Amish Walmart located at S301 A Little Ridge Rd.   

So what is the Amish Walmart – it’s an old barn type structure on an Amish farm filled with the new and the old.   I have bought old glass bricks, bandanas, tools, a miniature wood sleigh, and fruit.   They even had shopping carts for sale a while back.   You just never know what you may find at the “Amish Walmart”   Just a note - the Amish believe that having their picture taken steals their spirit.  Please respect that whenever you are in Amish country.  

 

While in the area be sure to stop in at “Down the Country Road” (12651 St. Hwy. 33 • Cashton).  A beautiful country garden setting dotted with unique gift shops built by the Amish.   Kathy Kuderer is the proprietor and not only manages these shops but provides Amish tours. Each shop is unique and they offer a variety of gifts, and goods.  I have enjoyed some wonderful picnics under their pagoda.  

 

 

To home we must go with our favorite route being via Hwy 33 through Westby and Viroqua picking up Hwy 14 in Richland Center then home through Spring Green.

Even if you do not go to the Amish Walmart - take the time to explore this area.  Beautiful scenery, and unique finds throughout.