If you’re looking for a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simpler things in life, Shipshewana and LaGrange County, Indiana, are ready to welcome you. This area blends rolling farmland, Amish charm, and plenty of outdoor experiences to create a memorable getaway for all ages. From paddling across the water to exploring scenic trails or spotting birds, there are plenty of ways to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sunshine. Explore these outdoor activities in Shipshewana, Indiana.
Paddle the Peaceful Waters
Start your outdoor adventure by getting on the water. One of the top spots is Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area, where you’ll find over 17 miles of canoe and kayak trails winding through peaceful forests and open wetlands. It’s not uncommon to spot deer, cranes, and even river otters as you paddle along. You can rent from Trading Post Outfitters in Mongo, which offers kayak and canoe rentals as well as shuttle services.
For a more relaxed paddle, try the Fawn River. This easy-going waterway is ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a slower pace. You’ll pass through shaded areas and open farmland, giving you a real taste of the countryside. Rentals are available seasonally from T&L Country Canoes.
Cast a Line and Relax
Fishing is a favorite pastime in LaGrange County. The Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area is a hotspot for anglers, offering over 500 acres of lakes and miles of streams stocked with bluegill, bass, pike, and trout. With numerous access points and plenty of shoreline, you can find a quiet place to cast a line.
Other popular fishing spots include Dallas Lake, Oliver Lake, and Witmer Lake. These interconnected lakes offer both shoreline and boat fishing. If you’re looking to fish in a peaceful, lesser-known location, the Mongo Mill Pond and Reservoir is a hidden gem.
Pro-tip: Don’t forget to go to L & R Marine (Shipshewana), Country Bait & Tackle (Wolcottville)
Lace Up for a Scenic Hike
There are plenty of ways to explore on foot. The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail begins in Shipshewana and extends over 17 miles, connecting to Middlebury and Goshen. It’s a flat, paved path perfect for hiking and suitable for all ages. It is very quiet and relaxing.
Dallas Lake Park is another favorite, offering easy walking trails, a boardwalk through wetlands, and stunning lakeside views. It’s great for a peaceful walk or a family outing. For a more wooded experience, head to Delt Church Park, which offers shaded hiking paths and a massive playground, plus a fantastic disc golf course for those who want to play a round. (Disc Golf rental is located at Dallas Lake Park)
Pro-tip: Pack your swimsuit and cool off after your hike at Dallas Lake Park’s beach; it will be a highlight of the day!
Pedal Through Amish Country
If biking is more your speed, the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is also ideal for cycling. The smooth surface and scenic route take you past Amish homesteads, blooming gardens, and fields full of grazing horses.
Bikes can be rented locally at Otto’s Bike Rentals from 2 Chicks & a Chair and at the Morton House. They offer hourly and daily rentals for adults and kids, including helmets and baskets for your market finds.
Pro tip: Plan a mid-ride stop in Middlebury for an ice cream treat at Mooey’s or a visit to a farm stand along the trail.
Bring Your Binoculars
Birding is a popular hobby in LaGrange County thanks to its wide-open skies and diverse habitats. The Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area spans more than 11,000 acres and is home to sandhill cranes, herons, hawks, and seasonal migrants. Observation decks and trails offer excellent viewing opportunities.
If you’re a birder who wants to really delve into what the region has to offer, take a trip on the Indiana Birding Trail at Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area. Spanning over 11,000 acres, this diverse landscape offers lakes, marshes, forests, and river corridors teeming with birdlife year-round. From spring and fall migrations packed with warblers and waterfowl to the haunting calls of owls at night, it’s a must-visit for any birder. With well-marked hotspots like Deep Lake, Nasby Dam, and the Ontario Millpond, you’ll want to spend a few peaceful hours exploring this natural treasure.
Pro-tip: Be sure to bring a camera or field guide, and keep your ears open for birdsong as you explore the trails. Bug spray is always a win for walking in the woods.
Relax, Picnic, and Soak in the Scenery
Looking for a quiet picnic spot or a scenic view? David Rogers Memorial Park offers a unique combination of green space and history, with restored pioneer log cabins and open fields. It’s a great place to spread out a blanket and enjoy lunch in the shade.
Dallas Lake Park features picnic shelters, fishing piers, and playgrounds, making it an ideal destination for a whole afternoon with the family. The sunsets over the lakes are worth sticking around for!
Outdoor and Waterfront Dining in LaGrange County
If you’re looking to enjoy a meal outdoors with a side of fresh air and lakeside views, LaGrange County offers some fantastic dining experiences. If you’re craving a casual bite by the water or a charming patio setting in town, there’s something for everyone who loves dining al fresco.
Coody Brown’s
Coody Brown’s Lakeside Grill in Wolcottville is a local favorite for its laid-back, family-style atmosphere and scenic lakeside location on Witmer Lake. With outdoor seating right along the water, it’s the perfect place to kick back with a juicy burger, blue gill meal, crispy fries, and an ice-cold drink while watching the boats go by.
Just down the road, Adams Lake Pub on Adams Lake brings casual fine dining to the water’s edge. This hidden gem boasts delicious sauces, savory entrees, and a relaxed vibe that makes it one of the top-rated outdoor dining spots.
If you’re more of a patio person than a water-view chaser, Linder’s Tavern on Main in LaGrange is a delicious stop. While it’s not directly on a lake, it offers an outdoor patio space and a full menu of smoked meats, Americana dishes, and craft brews that locals rave about. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind with friends and enjoy a great meal.
Other Outdoor Fun to Explore
Don’t miss a chance to experience the countryside on a buggy ride with Shipshewana Buggy Rides, where you’ll clip-clop through backroads and pass Amish farms.
If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to check out the Quilt Gardens, a seasonal outdoor exhibit that combines gardening with creative quilt patterns. It’s a colorful and artsy way to tour the area.
Got kids? How about a round of putt-putt golf at the Essenhaus in Middlebury?
Plan Your Outdoor Getaway
From paddling peaceful rivers to pedaling past pastures, the outdoor activities in Shipshewana and LaGrange County are full of charm and variety. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the hustle and connect with the world around you.
Pro Tip: Your Outdoor Adventure curated itinerary!
- Visit in spring or fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Bring bug spray, sunscreen, water, and layers
- Many parks are pet-friendly, just keep pets on a leash
- Check local rental spots for updated hours and seasonal availability
