Yoder’s Amish Flea Market & Quilt Auction in Clare, Michigan
2026 dates, photos, what to expect, and helpful visitor tips
If you enjoy flea markets, handmade goods, country settings, and unique Michigan experiences,
Yoder’s Auction & Flea Market in Clare is absolutely worth a visit. I love this event and try
to go whenever I can. For two weekends each year, the fields at the Simon and Barbara Yoder Farm
are transformed into long rows of vendors, crafts, antiques, food stands, and auction activity.
Part traditional flea market and part Amish craft and quilt auction, this popular Clare County
event offers a fascinating mix of merchandise. You may find Amish-made furniture, hand-stitched
quilts, baked goods, cheese, jams, plants, tools, jewelry, clothing, home goods, antiques, and
handmade crafts. During our previous visit, we even saw bunnies and puppies for sale, although
animals and individual vendors may vary from one event to the next.
Yoder’s Auction & Flea Market fills the farm fields with rows of vendors, food, crafts,
antiques, and unexpected finds.
2026 Yoder’s Auction & Flea Market Dates and Details
Spring event: May 15 and 16, 2026
Labor Day weekend event: September 4 and 5, 2026
Flea market hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day
Auctions begin: 9:00 a.m.
On-site parking: $1.00
Location:
Simon and Barbara Yoder Farm
10885 N. Leaton Road
Clare, MI 48617
Dates, hours, parking fees, vendors, and auction details can change. Confirm current information
before making a long drive.
What Is Yoder’s Auction and Flea Market Really Like?
Yoder’s is a fun, casual day of walking through row after row of merchandise in a rural farm
setting. It is not a polished indoor shopping show. Expect grass, dirt, uneven ground, changing
weather, busy aisles, and plenty of walking. That relaxed country atmosphere is a big part of
what makes the experience memorable.
We like to browse the flea market, watch some of the auction activity, stop for lunch, and finish
with a scoop of ice cream. Give yourself enough time to wander because there is a lot to see, and
you never know what might be waiting in the next row.
What Can You Buy at Yoder’s Flea Market?
The merchandise is a mix of Amish-made goods and traditional flea market finds. Based on our
visits, it feels like a blend of both rather than an event devoted exclusively to Amish-made
products.
Items You May Find Include:
- Amish-crafted furniture and home goods
- Hand-stitched quilts and textile items
- Arts, crafts, and handmade decorations
- Antiques, collectibles, and secondhand treasures
- Tools, equipment, cutlery, and practical household items
- Jewelry, clothing, T-shirts, and accessories
- Jams, cheese, baked goods, and other food products
- Plants and seasonal garden items
- Small animals such as bunnies or puppies, depending on the vendors attending
You never know what you will discover. During one of our visits, I had the chance to hold this
adorable puppy.
How Does the Quilt Auction Work?
The large quilt auction is one of the most distinctive parts of the event. The auction area is
covered and includes seating, but you cannot simply begin bidding without registering first.
Look for the office next to the auction area. If you want to bid, go to the office, register, and
receive a bidder number before the auction begins. It took me a while to figure this out during
my first visit, so registering early can save time and confusion.
The quilts are a major attraction, and the auction is a wonderful opportunity to see the
craftsmanship up close. Auction offerings and rules can vary, so listen carefully to the
auctioneer and ask staff if you have questions about bidding or payment.
Food, Ice Cream, and Amish Baked Goods
Food choices are generally simple and casual. Depending on the vendors attending, you may find
hot dogs, burgers, potato salad, baked goods, cheese, and other easy-to-carry foods. We especially
enjoy stopping for ice cream while walking through the market.
Because the exact food vendors can change, visitors with dietary restrictions may want to bring
a few snacks and bottled water as a backup.
Save room for a treat. The ice cream stand was one of our favorite stops at the flea market.
Sherry’s Tips for Visiting Yoder’s Flea Market
Arrive When the Event Opens
The earlier you arrive, the closer you are likely to park. Early arrival also gives you more time
to browse before the busiest part of the day and helps you get registered before the auction if
you plan to bid.
Wear Shoes That Can Handle Grass and Dirt
Parking is in a large field that may have tall grass, dirt, mud, or uneven ground. Do not wear
brand-new shoes. Comfortable walking shoes are one of the most important things you can bring.
Bring Cash
Bring cash for parking, food, small purchases, and vendors that may not accept cards. It is also
helpful to carry smaller bills.
Expect a Lot of Walking
You will walk from the parking field to the market, up and down the vendor rows, and back to your
vehicle. People with mobility concerns should consider the distance, uneven ground, and limited
paved surfaces before visiting.
Think Carefully About Which Vehicle You Bring
A sports car or very low vehicle may be difficult to maneuver through a rough or grassy parking
field. A vehicle with normal ground clearance is the safer choice, especially after rain.
Dress and Behave Respectfully
The event takes place on an Amish farm. Wear comfortable, modest clothing and be respectful of
the hosts, vendors, and families attending. Avoid shirts with offensive language or graphics.
Do Not Photograph Amish People Without Permission
Take photographs of the grounds, merchandise, food, animals, and your own family, but do not
photograph Amish individuals without their clear permission. Respecting privacy is an important
part of being a considerate visitor.
Prepare for Sun and Changing Weather
There is not much natural shade from trees. Many vendors have covered tents, and there is covered
seating near parts of the food and auction areas, but you will spend much of the day outdoors.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Are There Restrooms, Seating, and Shade?
Portable restrooms are available at the event. Covered seating can usually be found near the
food and auction areas, but seating may be limited during busy periods.
Shade is also limited. Vendor tents offer temporary relief from the sun while you shop, but this
is primarily an outdoor event, so plan accordingly.
Is Yoder’s Flea Market Good for Children?
Yes, children can have a great time at Yoder’s. There are interesting booths to explore, food
treats such as burgers and ice cream, and animals that may be especially exciting for younger
visitors. We also enjoyed seeing horses in a nearby field.
Keep in mind that the event involves considerable walking, limited shade, crowds, and portable
restrooms. A stroller with sturdy wheels may be more practical than a lightweight stroller on
rough or grassy ground.
Children may enjoy seeing animals in and around the farm during the event.
Is Yoder’s Amish Flea Market Worth the Drive?
Absolutely. If you enjoy outdoor markets, auctions, handmade items, antiques, country food, and
unusual Michigan day trips, Yoder’s is worth experiencing. It offers a different atmosphere from
a typical festival or downtown craft show and provides an opportunity to support local vendors
and appreciate traditional craftsmanship.
Come with realistic expectations: the ground may be rough, the weather may be hot or rainy, and
you will walk a lot. Arrive early, bring cash, wear practical shoes, and give yourself time to
explore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yoder’s Auction & Flea Market
What is Yoder’s Auction and Flea Market really like?
It is a large outdoor rural market with rows of vendors, flea market merchandise, Amish-made
goods, food, and auction activity. Expect grass, dirt, crowds, and plenty of walking.
Is everything sold at Yoder’s Amish-made?
No. The event includes Amish-made furniture, quilts, foods, and crafts, along with traditional
flea market merchandise sold by a wide variety of vendors.
Should visitors bring cash?
Yes. Cash is useful for parking, food, small purchases, and vendors that may not accept credit
cards.
How early should visitors arrive?
Arrive near the 8:00 a.m. opening time for closer parking, cooler temperatures, and more time to
browse. Auction participants should also allow time to register before bidding.
Can visitors photograph the event?
You can photograph the grounds, merchandise, food, animals, and your own group. Do not photograph
Amish individuals without their clear permission.