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Farmstead Inn & Conference Center

Shipshewana Spring Break STAYCATION Fun!

For when you need a break from your Break...

Sure, our kids love the carefree days of Spring Break! And we love having them home and spending time with them! But Spring Break can start to feel a little bit LONG sometimes. And LOUD. But don’t worry, we can help! Whether your kids or young or older, whether the temps cooperate or not, we […]

Shipshewana Spring Break STAYCATION Fun!

Pajama Sales Day 2024 Photo Gallery!

SHIPSHEWANA — Another Shipshewana tradition is quickly gaining traction and its become a yearly getaway for many from around the area. Pajama Day was held on Saturday (Feb. 3rd) throughout the town of Shipshewana. The day-long event features sales at many of Shipshewana’s locally-owned businesses. This year, over 30 storefronts participated in the pajamas only […]

Pajama Sales Day 2024 Photo Gallery!

2024 Ice Festival and Chili Cookoff Results

And the Winners Are: The weather this past Friday & Saturday was made for ice carving! Visitors were able to watch carvings of all sizes being created most of the day on Friday, by part-time professional ice carvers from all over the Midwest. Then they could head over to the the area behind Smokehouse Grills […]

2024 Ice Festival and Chili Cookoff Results

Gear Up for This Weekend’s Annual Ice Festival & Buy Your Official 2024 Shipshewana Ice Festival Pin!

This weekend is the Annual Ice Festival & Chili Cookoff! And NEW this year is the addition of a Friday evening Icy & Spicy Wing Competition! Plan to bundle up and get out of the house for some cool family fun! Here’s the official schedule:   Fri. January 19th 10am: Ice Carvers begin creating their […]

Gear Up for This Weekend’s Annual Ice Festival & Buy Your Official 2024 Shipshewana Ice Festival Pin!

Make & Takes Make Group Tours Fun & Educational!

Shipshewana, Indiana is a beloved destination for a variety of travelers due to the kinds of attractions, events, and experiences available. It’s a unique location in the U.S. because although the official population of Shipshewana is under a thousand, it is still the 3rd largest Amish population in the country, as most residents live in […]

Make & Takes Make Group Tours Fun & Educational!

Fun Winter Activities in Small-Town Shipshewana

In Shipshewana, there are places to shop, food to eat, and fun things to do all year round! The winter time is actually a perfect time to visit for a getaway, family time, downtown shopping, or a relaxing weekend with friends. Locals and frequent visitor’s are probably already getting ready for the annual Ice Festival […]

Fun Winter Activities in Small-Town Shipshewana

Shawna Rae Shares Her Oatmeal Cake Recipe

Oatmeal Cake has been around for a very long time, and it sometimes referred to as a heritage recipe. It became a regular household staple after Quaker Oats started printing a version of it on their Old Fashioned Oats and Quick Oats containers in 1950, calling it the Lazy Daisy cake, because it was so […]

Shawna Rae Shares Her Oatmeal Cake Recipe

Happy Salt is a Shipshewana Tradition

Happy Salt has been around since since 1985, a Shipshewana staple for almost 40 years! Kevin Horn is the owner of Shipshewana Spice Company, and Happy Salt was created by his parents. Kevin’s father worked as a professional in the food industry for many years, and created the Happy Salt blend using pepper, onion, garlic, […]

Happy Salt is a Shipshewana Tradition
winter scene neighborhood night

Shipshewana is Magical at Christmas

Plan your holiday visit today!

Shipshewana is magical at Christmas… The entire small town of Shipshewana is lit up with beautiful Christmas lights during the holidays and looks like something straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie! The Christmas celebrations here truly showcase the towns small-town charm and kind-hearted people, as well as its bright and sparkling Yuletide joy. We’d […]

Shipshewana is Magical at Christmas

MEET SHAWNA RAE!

The genius chef and baker behind Shawna Rae's gives us a peek behind the kitchen curtain!

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your life here in Shipshewana? A: What most people don’t know is that not only do I have a catering business and bakery but I also live on about 300 acres in Lagrange where I raise Beefalo and bale 110 acres of hay with my husband […]

MEET SHAWNA RAE!

A Day at Davis Mercantile

Explore the four-story Shipshewana landmark that has a little something for everyone.

The origins of the Davis Mercantile building can be traced back to 1891, when original owner Hezekiah Davis built a hotel near the train station to house travelers. What followed was more than 130 years of prosperity, growth, new ownership, relocation, the addition of retail enterprises, a devastating fire, uncertainty, rebuilding, ingenuity, new growth, and […]

A Day at Davis Mercantile

The Moonlight Ride, Rides Again

2023 is the fundraiser's 12th successful year.

A treasured Shipshewana tradition hit the road again for its twelfth year on Friday, July 23rd, 2023. The Moonlight Ride is a yearly fundraiser to benefit local families, and is always well attended, and full of riders of all types. And it’s not just a ride, the entire event encompasses entertainment, meals, games, and demonstrations. […]

The Moonlight Ride, Rides Again

Mel Riegsecker and His Miniatures were the Beginning of Something Big

A brief history of the Blue Gate Hospitality Co.

When people hear the name Shipshewana, they associate it with Amish craftsmanship, buggies, good food, beautiful quilts, amazing shopping, and most likely at least one of the properties run by the Blue Gate Hospitality Company. Currently that list includes a bakery, a restaurant, a theater, a large Performing Arts Center, carriages, a resort-type hotel, and […]

Mel Riegsecker and His Miniatures were the Beginning of Something Big

LaGrange Habitat Hosting Annual Auction

The 27th annual benefit auction begins on Friday, in Shipshewana, starting at 4 p.m.

The LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity is hosting its 27th annual benefit auction on Friday in Shipshewana, starting at 4 p.m. Funds raised from the auction will go toward funding for the organization’s operation, and will in part go toward putting a family in a new home. While the Habitat for Humanity in LaGrange does […]

LaGrange Habitat Hosting Annual Auction

Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Celebrates ‘Cowboy Day’

3 Key Elements You could say that the family farm behind Yoder’s Meat & Cheese has been ahead of the curve for decades. Four generations of cattle farmers and smart farming practices have culminated in both a popular retail space and a successful agri-business. Yoder’s Meat & Cheese is located at 435 S. Van Buren […]

Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Celebrates ‘Cowboy Day’

Shipshewana is Alive with the Sound of Bluegrass…

... and gospel, and country, and outdoor jam sessions...

Visiting Shipshewana soon? In September, you’re liable to hear the kind of catchy music that makes you want to get up and dance. For those who love to get out there and play music with others, we’ve got The MEC’s Weekly Food Truck Rally and Jam Session. Every Wednesday until September 15th, you can bring […]

Shipshewana is Alive with the Sound of Bluegrass…

Shipshewana Featured Story Ideas

At the Heart of Amish Country

Need a great story idea? We’re here to help! Choose from the categories and suggestions below and contact us for the info and illustrative pieces you need. Need info on a topic that you don’t see here? Contact us and we’ll assist with whatever you need!   Historical: The History of Shipshewana The Story of Davis […]

Shipshewana Featured Story Ideas
Blue Gate restaurant

15 Best Things to Do in Shipshewana, Indiana

YOU'LL WANT TO DO THEM ALL

Shipshewana brings simple living, Amish hospitality, amazing shopping, and fun activities to Northern Indiana. Take in the area’s best attractions including shopping the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market, catching a musical at the Blue Gate Music Hall, or eating a home-cooked Amish meal (all group-friendly!). You’ll want to spend more than a day exploring this town, […]

15 Best Things to Do in Shipshewana, Indiana
Morton House

My Weekend in Shipshewana

BY TRAVELING TONYA

Shipshewana was excited to host Tanya Shelburne, from Traveling Tanya, along with her family for a weekend of activities. Their time was filled with cultural experiences, shopping, wine tasting, and even a concert. She has shared her experience in the blog below so you can what visiting Shipshewana is like first hand! With full days […]

My Weekend in Shipshewana
Girl feeding an animal

Family “Staycation” Ideas

IN SHIPSHEWANA, INDIANA

Spring break doesn’t always mean you have to jump on a plane and travel to somewhere tropical. There’s plenty to do within driving distance around the Midwest, like a visit to Shipshewana. With activities both parents and kids can enjoy, these top family vacation / staycation ideas are sure to make everyone happy. Enjoy Hotel […]

Family “Staycation” Ideas
Blue Gate noodles

Amish Noodles

There’s one thing you’ll find in the kitchen of every Amish home, as a matter of fact, most homes in LaGrange County: Amish noodles. They’re a staple around here since they’re easy to add to any dish. But where do you buy them? What can you make with them? Can you make them yourself? The […]

Amish Noodles
Group getting off a bus

Shipshewana Group Bus Tour

WITH GREAT LIFE TOURS

Eager to start our day full of exploring, we stepped outside the hotel and let the fresh Northern Indiana air wake us up for an exciting Shipshewana Group Bus Tour. Our step-on tour guide, Vickie Estep from Great Life Tours, welcomed us aboard the bus, excited about what she had in store for us. With […]

Shipshewana Group Bus Tour
Bus tour

Shipshewana Group Bus Tour

WITH STEP-ON GUIDE SCOTT MILLER

Many people skip right over the motor coach tour option when planning a vacation, and you’re thinking, “so what? Can’t I see the same things on my own?” Which may be partially true, but it’s not nearly the same experience as a Shipshewana Group Bus Tour. For the first time, I was able to join […]

Shipshewana Group Bus Tour
Flowers

Memorial Day Weekend Trip to Amish Country

WELCOME TO LAGRANGE COUNTY, INDIANA

Everyone knows Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summertime, so welcome the season with a bang! Shipshewana and LaGrange County have plenty going on all weekend long to make it a memorable holiday for you and your companions. Start Your Trip With A Haystack If you roll into town Saturday morning, of course […]

Memorial Day Weekend Trip to Amish Country
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