Yes, There Are Amish In Idaho & They Have Strict Rules For Women

You don't see them wandering around Boise or driving buggies through the Treasure Valley, but that doesn't mean the Amish don't have a presence in Idaho.

According to AmishAmerica, Idaho is home to at least 100 Amish in a single community in Lemhi County. For about four years, there was an Amish community much closer to town in Bonner's Ferry, but they have since moved on. The Amish community in Lemhi County has been thriving for the past ten years. It is the second most Western Amish community in the United States, with the one in Rexford, Montana, being the furthest west. The Salmon, Idaho, community loves having the Amish as part of its city and frequents its Country Market.

Amish communities are mostly found in the Eastern and Midwestern parts of the United States. The largest is in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They moved there in the 1700s looking for religious freedom and to live a simple life of faith. They value family and community and live outside of large cities because they see the outside world as a potential threat to their chosen way of life.

If you've ever seen the show Breaking Amish on TLC, you would understand why the outside world threatens their lifestyle. Trying to keep younger Amish in the community without deciding to go to the outside world with its lights, glitter, entertainment, and conveniences is hard to do. Oftentimes, the temptation to try what the outside world has to offer leads to alcohol and drug addiction for those who aren't ready for what the outside world has to offer.

Amish women in Idaho have to follow these stringent guidelines.