Holmes County, Ohio is a cheese lover’s paradise—tucked in the heart of Amish Country, it’s home to some of the most iconic and flavorful cheeses in the Midwest. Here’s a curated list of standout cheesemakers and shops in the area, along with what makes each one special and the must-try cheeses you’ll want to bring home:
🧀 Guggisberg Cheese – Millersburg
Highlight: The birthplace of Baby Swiss, invented by Alfred Guggisberg in the 1960s. Their Baby Swiss has won national awards and is known for its creamy, mild flavor and smaller holes.
Must-have: Original Baby Swiss—a true Ohio classic.
🧀 Heini’s Cheese Chalet – Millersburg
Highlight: A Swiss-style chalet with over 50 varieties of cheese and a viewing area to watch cheese being made. They’re famous for their Yogurt Cultured Cheese, which is creamy and tangy.
Must-have: Garlic & Herb Yogurt Cheese or Ghost Pepper Yogurt Cheese for the bold.
🧀 Bunker Hill Cheese (aka Heini’s) – Millersburg
Highlight: Traditional Amish-style cheese made with local milk and old-world techniques. They offer lactose-free and A2 cheese options.
Must-have: Fiesta Jack or Lactose-Free Cheddar.
🧀 Walnut Creek Cheese & Market – Walnut Creek
Highlight: A massive market with a full-service deli, bakery, and café. Their cheese selection includes local favorites and house-made options.
Must-have: Colby, Amish Butter Cheese, and don’t skip the custard cups from Mudd Valley Creamery upstairs.
🧀 Pearl Valley Cheese – Fresno (just outside Holmes County)
Highlight: Known for their award-winning Swiss and Colby-style cheeses. You can watch the cheese-making process through large viewing windows.
Must-have: Traditional Swiss—aged to perfection.
Troyer’s Trail Bologna is a beloved Ohio specialty with deep roots in Holmes County’s Amish Country. It’s not your average lunchmeat—it’s a smoky, garlicky, all-beef ring bologna that’s been handcrafted by the Troyer family since 1912.
🥩 What is Trail Bologna?
Trail bologna is a type of ring bologna made from lean cuts of beef, seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices, and traditionally smoked over hickory chips. Unlike typical bologna, it’s coarser in texture, richer in flavor, and has a satisfying snap when sliced. It’s fully cooked and ready to eat, often served cold or at room temperature.
📍 Where is it made?
Troyer’s Trail Bologna is made in the tiny hamlet of Trail, Ohio, which is nestled between Walnut Creek and Winesburg in Holmes County. The official address is: 6552 State Route 515, Dundee, OH 44624
The Troyer family still runs the operation, now in its fourth generation, and they’ve kept the original recipe a closely guarded secret.
Trail bologna is a charcuterie board’s best friend. Here are some classic pairings:
- Aged Swiss cheese – the nutty, buttery notes balance the smoky beef
- Sharp cheddar or smoked gouda – for a bold, savory bite
- Crackers or crusty bread – to add crunch and contrast
- Pickles or mustard – for a tangy kick
- Local wines or craft beer – especially malty ales or dry reds
You can also find cheddar- or hot pepper cheese–stuffed versions of the bologna itself, which are a hit at picnics and tailgates.
If you’re ever in the area, their general store is worth a stop—it’s a nostalgic little spot where you can grab a hot or cold trail bologna sandwich and browse local jams, noodles, and other Amish-made goods. Want help building a full Holmes County snack board? I’ve got ideas.
If you’re planning a visit, bring a cooler—you’ll want to stock up. And if you’re not, many of these places ship nationwide. Want help planning a cheese-tasting route through Amish Country? I’d be delighted to map it out.