Off the Beaten Path
The popular Off the Beaten Path Trail has been expanded!
The NEWLY UPDATED version of the FREE self-guided backroads Audio Driving Tour now has over 120 Amish Cottage Shops and over 80 Barn Quilts throughout LaGrange County. Get your brochure with its large and easy-to-read map at the Visitors Center in Shipshewana, or download a digital version (map is too large to print at home).
Amish Farmer
COMING IN MAY
A Free & All-New Off the Beaten Path Audio Tour!
The Audio Driving Tour is informative and fun, containing facts, history, laughs, and local folklore. Contains over two hours of directions and narration to guide you through 100+ miles of the scenic countryside of LaGrange county.
The FREE Off the Beaten Path Audio Driving Tour will be available via USB, CD or streaming. Contact the Official Amish Country Visitors Center in Shipshewana for more information, and watch for the Spotify link coming soon!
Find out why this small town is named after Chief Shipshewana of the Potawatomi tribe, and why the Pumpkinvine is called the Pumpkinvine. Learn the legends and folklore of our small towns, and hear the kinds of stories that only the long-time locals know, like the odd story of the Skunk Lady of Howe, Indiana.
See hand-made Barn Quilts and learn the stories behind the beautiful art pieces. Shop roadside stands and Amish cottage shops to find one-of-a-kind crafts, intricate art and home decor, and locally-grown or sourced foods and other goodies. You’ll find unbelievable scenery, as well as working farms and tours.
100+ Amish Cottage Shops
Off the Beaten Path is where you’ll find hidden jewels like
the Amish Beekeeper-owned “B Honey” for all your honey product needs. Or Silver Star, where you can find beautiful hand-crafted leather goods, or Owl Toy Craft for hand made wooden toys.
80+ Barn Quilts
There’s no better way to experience the culture and history of rural Northern Indiana than by hitting the road to travel through the gently rolling countryside. As colorful quilt-pattern murals adorn historic barns, family homesteads and public spaces, you’ll fall in love with LaGrange County, Indiana.
Tips while Driving
- Understand the Grid! Road names and numbers can be confusing. Road names are based on the distance in miles from US 20 and State Road 9 (SR 9):
- The East & West roads are east and west of SR 9. The North & South roads are north and south of US 20.
- Use a Map! Make sure and get a printed map and assign a navigator to help enhance the experience. Pick up one at the Visitors Center.
- Take it Slow! Watch for buggies, pedestrians and bicyclists on the roads. Some roads are bumpier than others and may be gravel, all of which require slower driving, but add to the cultural experience.
- Stop and enjoy! You’ll pass by LOTS of great roadside stands, Amish Cottage shops and Barn Quilts, perfect for an Amish Country Adventure. Feel free to stop and re-start the audio anytime, even extending it over several days, so you can really enjoy.
- Do the speed limit! The audio tour is timed for you to follow the speed limit and with no buggies on the road. You might find you are ahead or behind the narrator, especially if you get behind a buggy or bike, but don’t get frustrated. Simply pause the recording until you get to the next turn and catch up.
- Plan! Store hours in Amish Country may vary. Amish- owned businesses have limited hours, are closed after 5 and are closed on Sunday for them to be with their family.
If you get lost or have questions, do not hesitate to call the Visitors Center! (260) 768-4008! We are here to help!
