What makes Yoder so unique?
One of the oldest, but more progressive Amish settlements in Kansas, Yoder intertwines the past with the present in transportation and productivity. Yoder earned its namesake from founder Eli Yoder back in 1889. Still today, with a population of well under 500, residents continue the traditions and practices of their forefathers. Visitors from all over have learned and enjoyed much of what the community offers in the way of shopping, dining, and festivals.
What can visitors see and do in Yoder?
With shopping, eating, sight seeing, and annual festivals, it is next to impossible for visitors to leave Yoder empty-handed. Shops range from hardware to household furnishings and antiques to apparel. Those looking for a light or hearty meal don’t have far to dine-in at one of Yoder’s family-friendly restaurants. The most well known eating establishment is the Carriage Crossing Restaurant and Bakery with its local meats, sweet desserts and quaint gift shop featuring handmade Amish creations.
Perhaps the main reason that we frequent Yoder is to purchase the homemade and locally produced goods like milk, eggs, cheese, and (our favorite) sweet dill pickles at Borntrager’s Dairy. This family-owned farm is located just minutes from downtown. All food products are sold in a small shop just behind the home.
Two major festivities draw hundreds of thousands to Yoder a year. During the month of March, quilt enthusiasts can peruse the many handcrafted quilts displayed in various local businesses as part of the Parade of Quilts. The fourth Saturday of August welcomes thousands of visitors to take part in Yoder Heritage Day. Attendees and locals alike are spectators to a number of events contributing to the culture and history of the Amish community (parades, quilt auction, tractor and buggy races, etc.).
Thinking of staying a weekend or longer? Not a problem. The Hitchin’ Post RV Park and Sunflower Inn Bed and Breakfast can accommodate all of your overnight needs.
Where is it located?
The quaint town of Yoder is situated between Wichita and Hutchinson alongside Kansas Highway 96. From Wichita, the drive to Yoder was less than an hour, about 40 minutes.
For more information on places to see and experience in and a round our nation, check out our Trail Guide page. If you have visited some of these sites or have a suggestion on nearby sites, leave us a comment below! Happy trails!
Russell County – Lucas, KS – Stop in at Brant’s Meat Market for some “Bologna” and go visit the “Garden of Eden” sculptures there in Lucas. Quirky, fun & kitschy (weird?) stop on your way across Kansas.
Will do, Lisa!