Historic Sauder Village

Farming in Northwest Ohio

Ohio's largest living history destination, Sauder Village lets visitors experience the lives of pioneers who lived in Ohio’s Great Black Swamp during the nineteenth century.

Ohio's largest living history destination, Sauder Village lets visitors experience the lives of pioneers who lived in Ohio’s Great Black Swamp region during the nineteenth century. For many years, the sprawling swamp prevented settlement – the land was too wet to farm and standing water filled with mosquitos encouraged the spread of malaria and fever. At the same time, the region was rich in resources for Native Americans whose villages could be found on higher ground along the rivers running through the region. Sauder Village portrays this history by depicting Native American life, the homesteads of early pioneers, and the efforts of later generations to tame the landscape into its present fertile form. Living history exhibits chronicle agricultural life from 1803 through the mid-1920s, with costumed interpreters and artisans demonstrating the skills and perseverance needed to live in this region.

Notes for Travelers

Sauder Village offers a comprehensive experience for the entire family. Even toddlers can experience hands-on experiences like sleeping in a child-sized rope bed, milking a cow, or playing nineteenth century fireside games. As a working farm, the village offers gardens to explore and barnyard animals to pet. Along the mid-century Main Street, artisans demonstrate nineteenth century crafts which shopkeepers offer for unique souvenirs. Lodging and camping is available on-site.