By Brian Dohrn / Amish Greenhouses
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog!
🌄 A Spring Morning Beckons
It was one of those cool, cozy spring mornings—clouds still lingering after an early rain, the kind of morning that tempts you to stay in bed a bit longer. But adventure was calling.
We didn’t have firm plans. Should we go hiking or fishing at Whitewater State Park? Or maybe take a drive and check out the Amish Greenhouses near 🗺️St. Charles, MN? However, our growling stomachs made the decision easy—breakfast first!
Heading to get breakfast, we rolled into Elba, MN, and stopped at Elba House Coffee & Spirits, now under new ownership. I ordered the Whitewater Omelette and, naturally, a Bloody Mary to go with it. Both hit the spot!
With our bellies full, we set our sights on the Amish greenhouses. What started as a simple errand to grab a few plants for our patio garden quickly turned into a full-blown road trip adventure through Southeast Minnesota’s scenic Amish countryside.
Discovering the Amish Greenhouses of St. Charles, MN
A Thriving Tradition
For years, I heard my mom talk about visiting the Amish greenhouses. I never thought much of it—what’s so special about buying plants from the Amish? However, I was in for a surprise.
Every spring, the rolling hills near St. Charles come alive as Amish families open their greenhouse doors to the public. These modest farm-based greenhouses are treasure troves of colorful annuals, hardy perennials, hanging baskets, vegetable seedlings—and even homemade baked goods, jams, and handcrafted products.
Each greenhouse has its own unique charm, shaped by the hands and hearts of the families who run them.
While visiting the farms, you may occasionally smell wood smoke from the stoves heating the buildings and admire the well-kept farmsteads.
💡 Traveler Tip: Bring cash or checks—most Amish greenhouses don’t accept credit cards.
A Journey Through Rural St. Charles
With breakfast behind us, we made our way toward our first stop—Yoder’s Country Greenhouse—a mix of excitement and curiosity built with every mile. We didn’t quite know what to expect, which only added to the thrill of the unknown. But the moment we pulled in, any nervous energy melted away and was replaced by pure excitement. This was going to be an interesting day.
Inside, we were greeted by a welcoming Amish family and by rows of vibrant flowers, and vegetables and herb seedlings—each tray priced around $2 to $3. We also picked up a printed map marking the locations of all the nearby greenhouses—our treasure map for the day! I had my eye on one of those handcrafted wood patio rockers too… maybe next time.
With one successful stop behind us and vegetables seedlings in tow and our map in hand, we set off like excited kids on a scavenger hunt, ready to see what treasures the next greenhouse held.
Next, map in hand, we headed to the next stop: Grainbin Greenhouse—named for its clever grain bin entryway. Although we didn’t purchase anything, the visit was worth it for the creativity alone.
Following that, we made our way to Stoney Acres Greenhouse. We didn’t need many more plants, but I couldn’t resist snagging a citronella plant.
As the day progressed, the clouds gave way to sunshine, and the country roads were alive with cars bouncing from greenhouse to greenhouse. I had no idea “greenhousing” was such a popular spring activity!
At Shetler’s Plants & Blooms, parking was tight, so instead, we pressed on.
As we headed West on Sandstone Drive, we passed an Amish farm making beautiful custom-built log cabins, named simply, Custom Built Cabins.Â
Further down the road and around the bend onto County Road 37 was our fifth stop, Shetler’s Greenhouse. Parking here was a breeze. The gravel road had a wide shoulder, so instead of squeezing into a tight spot in the farmyard, I just pulled off to the side—simple and stress-free.
Shetler’s had a great selection, and something we hadn’t seen much of at the previous stops: trees and bushes. That variety caught my eye. We ended up picking out a patio tomato plant for just five bucks!
Nearby, we discovered Shetler’s Restock Groceries, an Amish grocery store. Though small, it had a solid selection of spices, dry goods, and sweet treats. Definitely worth a peek.
Heading south, we then pulled into Miller’s Greenhouse on County Road 35. Parking was limited but I looped around and found a spot.  With two greenhouses, we strolled around admiring their offerings and enjoyed the sight of dairy goats.
💡Traveler tip: If the parking lot looks full, loop around. Chances are, a spot will open quickly—visitors are constantly coming and going.
Before wrapping up, we browsed Artisan Home Furnishings. Think of high-quality wood furniture: patio chairs, beautiful dining sets, even bedroom collections perfect for a cabin in the woods or updating your home décor.
Finally, our last stop of the day was Gingerich Greenhouse, with wide aisles and neatly spaced rows—perfect for wandering without dodging hanging flowerpots (tall folks, you’ll appreciate this one!). Although we didn’t buy anything there, we were content.
Returning to Elba, we capped the day with a refreshing Bloody Mary to unwind.
🌼 Traveler Tip: Visit during the week to beat the crowds. And if you’re tall—watch your head around those hanging baskets!
Thriving Countryside Businesses
Throughout the day, one thing became clear: the Amish countryside isn’t just home to beautiful greenhouses—it’s a thriving hub of hardworking, family-run enterprises.
Each farm seemed to have its own unique niche, often juggling more than one source of income. Some paired their greenhouse operations with dairy cows or goats, while others raised livestock, built log cabins, or ran small shops. It’s a self-sustaining community built on tradition, craftsmanship, and good old-fashioned ingenuity.
The greenhouses may be the highlight of spring, but they’re just one part of the picture.
Here are a few of the standout businesses we came across:
Custom Built Cabins
Handcrafted Amish log cabins built to order using locally sourced lumber. From tiny camper-cabins to full-sized homes, they offer a range of sizes and styles to suit your rustic dreams.
Shetler’s Restock Groceries
Hidden behind a hill off County Road 37, this small Amish grocery store surprised us with its well-organized selection. From bulk spices and dry goods to canned goods and baking ingredients, it had a little bit of everything. The store was tidy, the staff friendly, and the prices more than fair.
Artisan Home Furnishings
This newly built store caught our eye with its beautifully crafted furniture. From outdoor patio sets and dining tables to cozy couches and bedroom suites, Artisan Home Furnishings blends quality craftsmanship with rustic elegance. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the pieces are clearly made to last.
Country Lane Variety
Down the gravel stretch of Fremont Drive, we found a unique little shop called Country Lane Variety. Inside? A quirky little shop selling everything from vintage kitchenware and fabric to kids’ toys—and even bear traps.
Country Fresh Produce Auction
Held every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 a.m. from late April through mid-October, this lively auction on County Road 35 brings together local growers and eager buyers. You’ll find produce, plants, and even seasonal décor up for bid in a traditional auction setting. It’s a great way to experience the community spirit firsthand.
📣 Traveler Tip: Items are often sold in bulk—so pay close attention when bidding or you might end up with more tomatoes than you bargained for!
Planning Your Visit
When to Go: Most greenhouses open in late April and operate through the growing season, and they are open Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays and Ascension Day).
Tips for a Smooth and Respectful Visit
Before hitting the road for your own Amish greenhouse adventure, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your day:
Bring Cash or a Checkbook – Most Amish greenhouses don’t accept credit or debit cards.
Suitable Vehicle – You’ll be driving gravel roads and you’ll need space for hauling plants.
Make a Day of It – With 15 greenhouse options and side stops, it’s easy to turn this into a full-day outing. We pack drinks and snacks in this compact cooler bag, perfect for road trips like this!
Go Midweek if You Can – Weekends can get crowded, especially on sunny spring Saturdays. For a more relaxed experience (and easier parking), try visiting during the week.
Gardening Essentials – After stocking up on plants, flowers, and seedlings, don’t forget your gardening gloves, pots, tools, potting soil or plant food. Some greenhouses sell these items but the section is limited.
Mind Your Manners with Photos – The Amish value privacy and generally avoid having their photos taken. It’s best to aim your camera at the beautiful plants, handcrafted goods, or scenic countryside—not the people.
Final Thoughts
The Amish Greenhouses near St. Charles aren’t just places to shop—they’re destinations into a simpler, richer way of life, clean farms, warm smiles, and the unmistakable scent of fresh earth and wood smoke.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just craving a fun countryside day trip, this adventure delivers.
Will this become a new tradition for me? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—I’m already excited for next spring.
So, grab some cash, load up the car, and hit the backroads—this Amish Greenhouse Road Trip is calling.
📸 Follow Along
To view more photos, check out my Facebook and Instagram pages.
