Fall in Shipshewana is more than a season. It’s a reason to hit the road.
From August 31 through October 24, 2026, Autumn Adventures brings together local shopping, giant straw bale creations, seasonal treats and special events throughout Shipshewana and Amish Country Indiana.
Whether you come for one afternoon or make it a full fall getaway, here’s what you need to know before you go.
What Is Autumn Adventures?
Autumn Adventures is a seasonal celebration featuring two favorite fall activities:
- The Autumn Adventure Shop Hop
- The Giant Straw Bale Art Trail
The fun stretches beyond Shipshewana into Middlebury, LaGrange and Howe, giving you plenty of reasons to explore our locally owned businesses, scenic backroads and small-town stops.
There is no required route or starting time. Pick up your materials, choose where you want to go and enjoy the adventure at your own pace.
How Does the Autumn Adventure Shop Hop Work?
The Shop Hop is your invitation to discover local boutiques, restaurants, bakeries and other participating businesses throughout the area.
Begin at the Shipshewana Visitors Center to pick up your official shopping pass and map. Then visit participating businesses and ask for a sticker at each stop.
Every 10 stickers earns you one entry into the prize drawings. The more participating businesses you visit, the more entries you can earn.
Many locations also offer special discounts, deals or other surprises. Look for the official Shop Hop participant sign near the entrance or register, and don’t forget to ask for your sticker before leaving.
What Will You Find Along the Way?
This is not your average shopping trip.
You might discover locally made home décor at Joyfully Said, a new outfit at Eminence Home + Boutique, handcrafted chocolates from Coblentz Chocolate Company or a gift you absolutely did not plan to buy inside the Davis Mercantile.
The Shop Hop also includes plenty of places to eat, drink and recharge. Begin with coffee at Kitchen Cupboard Coffee House, grab a homemade treat from Country Lane Bakery 2.0 or enjoy a homestyle meal at one of our participating restaurants.
You may begin the day looking for a fall sweater and end it with chocolate, home décor and three baked goods riding home in the passenger seat. That’s part of the fun.
What Is the Giant Straw Bale Art Trail?
The Giant Straw Bale Art Trail takes ordinary locally grown straw and turns it into oversized fall creations.
Local artists work with participating businesses to design colorful displays throughout Shipshewana, Middlebury, LaGrange and Howe. Each creation is different, making the trail a fun photo hunt for families, couples and groups of friends.
Use the official map to find the displays and see how many you can visit.
There is no voting for the straw bale creations. The trail is simply a free, self-guided way to explore the community and enjoy local creativity.
Don’t Forget the Fall Food
Shopping may be the official activity, but the food deserves its own itinerary.
Look for seasonal drinks, cinnamon rolls, apple butter, homemade pie, chocolates and other fall treats as you travel between stops. Many participating businesses serve food or sell locally made goodies that are perfect for enjoying now or taking home.
Bring a cooler. This is friendly advice from people who know how quickly a casual bakery stop can escalate.
Add an Event to Your Adventure
Autumn Adventures includes more than shopping and straw bales. The season is filled with concerts, craft shows, family activities and other special events.
Visit a Fall Favorite Event
- Labor Day Flea Market - Sept 7-9
- Shipshewana Swap Meet - Sept 19
- Market Under the Lights - Sept 26
- Mongo Pigeon River Fest - Sept 26
- Fall Crafters Fair - Oct 1-3
- Corn School - Oct 6-10
- Middlebury Pumpkin Races - Oct 10
- Ship-Chic Fall Craft Show - Oct 24
Check the Shipshewana events calendar before your visit. You may find the perfect event to add to your day or a very convincing reason to stay overnight.
Tips Before You Go
- Begin at the Shipshewana Visitors Center for your map and shopping pass.
- Check individual business hours before planning your route.
- Look for Shop Hop participant signs.
- Ask for your sticker before leaving each participating business.
- Remember that every 10 stickers earns one prize entry.
- Travel carefully around bicycles, buggies and farm equipment.
- Bring a cooler for baked goods, cheese and other local finds.
- Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.
Begin Your Autumn Adventure
The Shipshewana Visitors Center is located at 350 S. Van Buren Street in Shipshewana. Stop in for your shopping pass, Straw Bale Art Trail map, free visitor information and help planning your route.
The 2026 Autumn Adventure Shop Hop and Giant Straw Bale Art Trail run from August 31 through October 24.
Come for the colorful displays. Stay for the shopping. Leave with local treats, great finds and at least 47 pictures of straw bales.
Visit the Autumn Adventures page for current information. Share your trip by tagging @VisitShipshewana and using #AutumnAdventure26.
Join the Autumn Adventure Fun
Whether you are by yourself for traveling with family, we want to see your Autumn Adventure photos!
Tag @VisitShipshewana and use #AutumnAdventure26 when posting your fun on social media. Or feel free to upload here!