Embark on a delicious journey across America’s Heartland, where pie lovers can indulge in diverse flavors and traditions. This road trip combines culinary delights with local culture, making it a must for any dessert enthusiast. From orchard-fresh fruit pies to traditional Amish recipes, discover the best slices the Midwest has to offer.
Door County, Wisconsin
In the heart of Wisconsin, Door County is a haven for lovers of Montmorency cherry pies. Picture biting into a slice surrounded by the very orchards that provide the vibrant cherries. Local farm markets and inns serve these tart delights, perfectly paired with a traditional fish boil or a serene lakeside stroll.
During summer, the sight of cherries bursting with flavor in a pie is a common delight. Whether you stay at a charming inn or wander through a farmer’s market, the local dedication to fresh ingredients shines through every bite.
Galena & Princeton, Illinois
Winding through Illinois, Galena and Princeton offer a slice-by-slice pie adventure. Quaint bakehouses and family-run counters await, promising both classic fruit pies and inventive cream flavors.
In Galena, the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, enticing locals and visitors alike. Princeton’s Myrtle’s Pies, with its nostalgic charm, invites guests to pick their favorite from a chalkboard menu. Sit back with a coffee and embrace the small-town feel as you enjoy your chosen slice.
Amana Colonies, Iowa
Amana Colonies, with its rich history of communal baking, beckons pie enthusiasts with its old-world recipes. The bakeries here, known for apple and custard pies, hold onto traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Visitors can gaze through bakery windows stacked with whole pies and turnovers. Practical hours ensure travelers can grab a slice or take a whole pie for the road. This stop offers a taste of history wrapped in a flaky crust, each bite filled with stories of the past.
Waterloo / Try Pie (Iowa)
Waterloo’s Try Pie is more than just a bakery; it’s a community initiative. Here, teens learn valuable skills while crafting pies with love and precision. Seasonally inspired fruit and cream pies await, each with a story and purpose.
The bakery’s informal, vibrant setting welcomes all who enter. Ordering ahead is advisable, and for those traveling, shipping options are available. Enjoy a slice knowing you’re part of a supportive program that enriches both taste buds and community life.
Decorah & Northeast Iowa pies
In Decorah and beyond, Northeast Iowa’s pie scene thrives on local produce. Bakers here transform farm-fresh ingredients into delicious fruit and custard pies, with flavors changing to match the harvest.
Discover rhubarb, berry, and creative twists that reflect the region’s agricultural bounty. The list of “today’s pies” is a testament to the close relationship between local farms and ovens. Each slice offers a taste of the community’s agricultural pride and culinary creativity.
Boone / Ames (Iowa)
Central Iowa’s Boone and Ames are renowned for their Dutch-style pastries and pies. Dutch Oven Bakery, a local favorite, serves rhubarb custard and other regional delights that capture the essence of homestyle baking.
As you explore, read the bakery board to choose your favorite. The welcoming atmosphere invites pie lovers to pause and savor each bite, making it an essential stop for those traversing central Iowa on their pie adventure.
Shipshewana / Middlebury, Indiana
In Indiana’s Amish Country, Shipshewana and Middlebury offer family-style dining with generous pie servings. At places like Blue Gate and Essenhaus, guests find a plethora of daily pie choices, from pecan to cream.
The experience extends beyond just eating; counting the varieties becomes a delightful challenge. Embrace the wholesome tradition of sharing large, homemade pies with loved ones, each slice crafted from scratch with care.
Holmes County / Sugarcreek, Ohio
Holmes County, Ohio, is rich with Mennonite baking traditions, offering unique fried pies and creamy delights. Farmstands and bakeries here provide a warm, handheld treat, perfect for enjoying on the go.
Stop by a local favorite to sample old-family recipes in pie form. The experience of eating a warm pie straight from a paper plate adds an authentic touch to this culinary journey, immersing visitors in the region’s baking heritage.