We have visited the Sauder Village museum more times than I can count and have watched it grow and expand over the years since it opened in 1976. The exhibits represent the various craftsmen of the early NW Ohio settlers and show what life was like for them. The Black Swamp was conquered by these strong German immigrants, my ancestors being some of those settlers . Plan to spend a day if you have never been before. And try to come for one of the events. Apple Butter Makin' has become annual family favorite - well worth the four hour drive.
The Heritage Inn is almost a home away from home. We have stayed there so often we know which room number to request when making reservations. The new wing with indoor swimming pool greatly expanded the quantity of rooms, but the room size in the original wing is very spacious.
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My husband and I first visited the Barn Restaurant in October 1976 when we held our wedding reception there in the manger. It must have worked as we are still married. The food was excellant then and still is. We enjoy the generous family portions, the apple butter at each table and the house salad dressing is the best. Of course since the building was originally a barn, the decor is fascinating to see the post and beam construction and all the other old farm implements adn quilts that decorate the walls.
We have visited the Sauder Village museum more times than I can count and have watched it grow and expand over the years. The exhibits represent the various craftsmen of the early NW Ohio settlers and show what life was like for them. The Black Swamp was conquered by these strong German folk, some of them being some of my ancestors. Plan to spend a day if you have never been before. And try to come for one of the events. Apple Butter Makin' has become a family favorite. We even attended Butchering Day once when our children were younger but they didn't appreciate it as much as their parents.
The Dough Box has the BEST peanut butter pie, and Belly Stickers are a special local treat.
The Heritage Inn is almost a home away from home. We have stayed there so often we know which room number to request when making reservations. The new wing with indoor swimming pool greatly expanded the space. Room size in the original wing is very spacious.
Review from Guidestar
We live in Archbold and have found that it is a great place to shop for gifts. We LOVE shopping in the Quilt Shop for the wonderful fabric and patterns. We also enjoy checking out the Pottery Shop, Tin Shop, Basket Weaving, and the Glass Blowing. We have gotten lots of gifts from the Sauder Village. The Pottery and Baskets are our favorite places to shop for wedding gifts. There is also lots of other paces to shop as well.
Review from Guidestar
We arrived in Archbold four years ago, and immediately joined Sauder Village. Our kids have now grown up with The Village and continue to want to go again and again. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable, and there is a huge variety of special programs in addition to the village itself which provides more to discover each visit. We enjoy the train and the buggy rides nearly every time. We used to drive from two hours away to spend the day. Now there is even more to see. You won't want to miss the opportunity to come to Sauder Village!
Review from Guidestar
Sauder is an amazing place to take the family .... my children ages 5 & 8 love going there. I remember going as a child & have many wonderful memories of it & am soo happy that I can now share it with my kids!!!!
Review from Guidestar
Sauder village was a huge part of my childhood; every year, my entire family would visit multiple times. It's a tradition that has been passed down; my sister and I now take our children every year, too. Visiting the village ignites a passion for history that might otherwise lie dormant in a child. Being able to really SEE history, to feel it and smell it, makes it much easier to relate to, and helps to quell the question, "Why do I have to learn this?"
Review from Guidestar
I remember going on a field trip to Sauder Village as a child. So in October when my daughter celebrated her 10th birthday we stayed at the Sauder Heritage Inn and visited the Sauder Village.
The Heritage Inn was so much fun, they girls enjoyed the pool, hot tub and the game room. The room we chose was nice and big and gave us lots of room to move around.
The breakfast was outstanding and much appreciated, each girl could choose what they wanted from the selection. We checked out of our room and the girls swam until Sauder Village opened up.
Sauder Village was a great experience for the girls. They were amazed at how different life was for the people back then. The tin shop and barber shop were very informative as well as the little school house. Being able to walk inside of a home and see how the people lived really made the girls appreciate what they have at home.
One thing that really tickled my heart was when the girls were walking around the village and saying "I can't wait to turn 10, I'm having my birthday here too"!
We will definitely be back for another visit in the spring.
Review from Guidestar
wonderful place to visit. I love the whole atmosphere. Simple yet a very great learning experience for young and old. Peaceful atmosphere. Wonderful restaraunt and store! My family and I are definitely coming back!
Review from Guidestar
When you walk through the doors of the welcome center of Sauder Village, its like walking back in time 150 years! From the moment you enter the village, the interpreter's make their shop come alive! They tell of the history of their shop and what it was like working in the environment back in the early 1800's. From the smells of the farm house as the ladies cook, to the barn full of livestock ready to put in a good days work! The craftsmen that work there are incredible and knowledgeable. You can see glass blowing, pottery, tinsmith, cooper shop, blacksmith, basket making, spinning shop, rug weaving, quilting... and so much more!
The village has an incredible timeline from Natives and Newcomers area to the latest addition, the pioneer settlement! All with authentic homes and people working in them as they did back in the day.
I've volunteered at Sauder Village for five years and its the most enjoyable experience I've had! Its a great place to meet guests from all over the world! And a great family destination!
They do have excellent facilities: Barn Restaurant, Doughbox Bakery, Founders Exhibition Hall, Campgrounds and the Heritage Inn! All on the Village property! Stay for a day or for a week and enjoy spending your time at one of the largest living history museums in the country!
Review from Guidestar