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Have An Amish Experience!

By far, our most frequently asked question here at the Visitors Center is “How can I have ‘Amish experiences’ during my stay in Shipshewana?” We get travelers from all over the world who are intrigued by our large Amish community and who want to see what it’s like to ride in an authentic buggy as they tour the countryside, visit with local makers and artisans, and enjoy a delicious home-style meal while visiting a working Amish farm.

Select the experience you’d like to have, or scroll down to see them all:

Guided Amish Tours

You’re in Amish Country, so what better way to immerse yourself in the culture than a guided tour? Whether you’d rather travel by buggy or bus, there’s a tour to satisfy your curiosity. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations to ensure you don’t miss these unique Amish experiences you and your family will never forget!

Want to ride like a local? Buggy Lane Tours offer anything from a quick trip around town to an extensive farm tour finished off with an in-home Amish dinner. Any tour you take, it’s a great opportunity to hear about Northern Indiana living from a local’s perspective.

People making leather crafts

Back Road Amish Tour Options:

Up Close & Personal Tour: On this Amish adventure, participants will not only sightsee through the beautiful farm-dotted countryside, but will make 3 stops along the way to visit with our Amish neighbors.

Evening in an Amish Home Tour: Join your knowledgeable tour guide for an evening drive through the beautiful Shipshewana countryside. Stop at an Amish home and enjoy an enlightening evening learning about their away of life and beliefs. Refreshments served.

Taste of Amish Country Tour: This brand new experience will open your eyes – and your taste buds! – to the world famous phenomenon that is Amish cooking. Along with the beautiful scenery of Amish farm country, you will make 3 stopes at Amish homes and businesses to sample some of the best delicacies that this unique culture has to offer.

$6 Buggy Rides Amish home-cooked meals dairy farm tours

Buggy Lane Tours (Buggy Ride Tours)

To cap off a busy day, unwind on a buggy ride out to an in-home Amish meal with Buggy Lane Tours. The driver will entertain you with stories on the way, and you’ll love the warm welcome you’ll receive from your host family. No, there’s no Wi-Fi connection at the house! You’ll be dizzy from the smell of 20 different mouth-watering home cooked favorites – go ahead and sit down for a traditional Amish Thrasher’s meal.

Along with the great food, their amazing hospitality and fellowship will make your experience one to remember – not to mention no one will be distracted by their phones! Finish up with a freshly baked dessert before rounding off the night with a buggy ride back to town.

Buggy & Carriage Rides

The most popular attraction in Shipshewana might just be our unique mode of transportation! Whether you’re an individual or a group, you can hop in a buggy or carriage and see our beautiful town.

People getting in a buggy

Cruise around Shipshewana like a local! Visit Buggy Lane Tours downtown to schedule a quick buggy ride around town. Or, ask them to take you on a longer ride through the countryside. Your Amish driver will be more than happy to answer any questions as you ride along and enjoy the local sights.

Wedding Carriage

Blue Gate Carriage offers carriage and buggy rides around town or out into the countryside as well. Chose from a traditional Amish Buggy or a beautiful white carriage! Their buggy station is located near the entrance of the Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery (and is a favorite selfie spot!).

Looking to expand your Amish experiences? Take a dairy farm tour or visit an Amish home for an evening meal.

Close up of a quilt

Educational Experiences

When you’ve had your fill of food and fun, why not spend a little time on an educational experience? There’s a LOT to learn about the local culture and we promise it will make you appreciate the simple way of life even more.

Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite museum

Amish & Mennonite Museum

Learn more about the Amish and Mennonite lifestyle and culture by visiting the Menno-Hof museum in Shipshewana. Travel through time and across the ocean to see how the Amish and Mennonites evolved and migrated, and eventually ended up here in LaGrange County, Indiana!

Stutzman Dairy Farm

Tour an Amish Dairy Farm

Make your way to Stutzman Dairy Farm to watch daily milkings, feed the cows! Get up close and personal with your favorite farm animals (pigs, sheep, horses & more). If you’re lucky, you may be able to view a live birthing in the Birthing Center before watching a calf take its first steps. One of our must-do Shipshewana Amish experiences! Treat your kids to real-life education – they will walk away with a better understanding of where their dairy comes from.


In-Home Dining

You can get a great Amish home-style meal at several places around Shipshewana and LaGrange County, but it’s a rare treat to eat at an Amish home with such friendly hosts!

People eating a meal

A Taste of Shipshewana

A Taste of Shipshewana is an Amish home that groups can visit and enjoy a delicious family-style meal. Cooking demonstrations are available for groups. Reservations are required.

Don’t have a group of 10 or more? Don’t worries – join them on Wednesday evenings in their newly remodeled dining room for a more intimate meal and conversation – reservation required.

Everything is served family-style, straight from the heart of Amish country. They are looking forward to seeing you and hope your enjoy your visit to Shipshewana!

Banquet

Hoosier Banquets

Popular with Bus Groups, Hoosier Banquets offers large groups the experience of an authentic Amish dinner in their home. Groups are welcome – they can accommodate up to 100 people! They are also able to cater special events such as weddings or reunions.

Have a group smaller than 10? You might be able to ‘drop-in’ and join a group – call to find out availability. No group to join? Don’t worry – you can get their meals to go on Saturday evenings to enjoy in your favorite park or your hotel room.

Meal options include a delicious Thrasher’s meal, haystack, chicken dinner and more. After your meal, stay for ‘coffee hour’ where you can ask your hosts questions about their Amish heritage!

Reservations are required.

Buggy Lane Tours

As part of one of their tours, Buggy Lane also offers an in-home dining experience – however, a 30 hour notice is required so you’ll have to call ahead.

 

Planning a Trip?
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