Stories from the Heart of Amish Country

MEET THE AUTHOR OF SHOW ME SHIPSHEWANA: A GUIDE TO INDIANA AMISH COUNTRY Meet Emmy-winning author Theresa L. Goodrich on Saturday, June 15 at Davis Mercantile. She will be there signing copies of Show Me Shipshewana: a Guide to Indiana Amish Country. Also available will be her books Planning Your Perfect Road Trip, Midwest Road […]

BIKE SHOP INFO NEW! You can now rent bikes from Otto’s Bike Shop at 2 Chicks & a Chair on Harrison St. Call 574-535-3233 or scan this QR Code: Otto’s Bike Shop – Amish-owned bike rental and repairs, 8275 W 450 N, Shipshewana. For more information call (260) 768-7223. Shipshewana Bike Rental – Bike rentals are […]

Barn Quilt Trail Expansion Driving the scenic country backroads of Northern Indiana, you might see something called a Barn Quilt adorning historic barns, family homesteads, Amish farms, and public spaces. Similar in design to traditional quilts, Barn Quilts are constructed using wood, and painted with heirloom or newly designed quilt patterns,  chosen by the owner […]

Dining in an Amish home has been on my bucket list for a long time. When I had the opportunity to go to one, I jumped at the chance. The thought of homemade food made my mouth water just thinking about it. Having a meal in an Amish home is a privilege, and being invited […]

Many Shipshewana & LaGrange County visitors are fascinated by the Amish culture in our area, and are often curious about the reasons behind the Amish lifestyle and traditions.  1. Rules of the Road Travel Tips:  Understand the Grid! Road names and numbers can be confusing. Road names are based on the distance in miles from US 20 […]

Menno-Hof Museum The Menno-Hof Cultural Museum shares a narrated history of Anabaptism and how the religion eventually became the Amish and Mennonite cultures that we know today. See and hear the Amish-Mennonite story through multimedia presentations, historical environments, and colorful displays. Step into a 16th century courtyard where Anabaptism began, then board a ship of […]

You’ve never taken selfies like this before! Photo Mirror Selfie Stations have become a huge trend at weddings and events because you can program them with custom and specific text, digital frames, and digital backgrounds. And then visitors can mix it up to produce a one-of-a-kind selfie showing off where they’ve been! The Shipshewana/LaGrange County […]

So, you and three of your best girlfriends are planning a few days together for some relaxation and much-needed friend time. What could a day in Shipshewana look like for you? 8am: Wake up from your restful night’s sleep in an Amish Lodging Cabin at Shipshewana North Park, and leisurely drink your coffee on the […]

Carrie Miller is the Store Manager of Rise’n Roll Bakery located at 1065 N. 1150 W. (right on the corner of 1150 & SR 20.) The incredibly popular bakery is a Middlebury institution, located right outside of Shipshewana. A favorite of visitors and locals alike, Rise’n Roll is the home of the beloved Cinnamon Caramel […]

JUST DOWN THE ROAD FROM SHIPSHEWANA IS A HIDDEN GEM If you’ve never attended the Clearspring Auction, it is something amazing to see. Located just down the road a bit from Shipshewana, Indiana, the only indication that you’ve found the auction is a small sign, a gravel parking lot full of cars, buggies, horses, and […]

The Shipshewana/LaGrange County area is a beloved destination for millions of visitors every year, and tourism is a increasingly large part of the local economy. National Tourism Week gives CVB employees the chance to go out to local establishments, meet people and employees, and share information about all the important things about Shipshewana and LaGrange County […]

Amish Country is a treasure hunter’s paradise, full of vintage artifacts waiting to be reclaimed and given a new home. Shipshewana Trading Place specializes in such discoveries, a destination for modern-day fortune seekers to track down the valuables of a bygone era — a tradition that dates back more than a century beginning with a […]

From its humble beginnings, Shipshewana Trading Place grew into one of the most visited attractions in Northern Indiana Amish Country. As interest expanded beyond the immediate community, organic growth led to a wide range of services and sales beyond the livestock auction from which the Trading Place originated. Today, the Trading Place can be described […]

DISCOVER SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET TRAILS People who love to shop and hunt for bargains obviously love the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market. Sometimes, because it is THE LARGEST, the sheer size and shopping possibilities might seem overwhelming. Luckily! The smart folks over at the Flea Market, have solutions for that! There is, of course, a Vendor […]

Auctions can be a blast and an amazing resource. But Where? How? When? And why do they talk so fast? Here’s some help for the Auction Newbie. The wonderful people at Shipshewana Trading Place and Flea Market hold a weekly auction of COOL STUFF every Wednesday, all year long. We’ve put together some helpful tips […]

Spring in Shipshewana offers a fresh and colorful array of fun and fascinating activities. As the weather warms and nature awakens, visitors are invited to explore the rich tapestry of experiences this quaint town has to offer. From strolling through the bustling aisles of the Shipshewana Flea Market to enjoying horse-drawn wagon tours through the […]

In Amish Country, fabric creations are an art form. In Shipshewana you can find: knitting, macrame, hand-sewn clothing, weavings, hand-loomed rugs, but this area is well-known for beautiful quilting. Amish Quilts are beloved as decor, and so well-made that they can be handed down as family heirlooms. Not only that, but quilting as a past-time […]

One of the best parts of any visit to the Heart of Amish Country is the delicious food! There are a bunch of tasty bites this area is known for, so trying them all can take some time and planning. But what a great goal! We’ll tell you where to try all the signature Eats & […]

How do you turn a leisure activity into an expansive hospitality group drawing millions to a town of under 700? Hard work. Craftsmanship. A welcoming spirit. For Blue Gate Hospitality Company in Shipshewana, IN, these same traits that define Amish Country also embody the quality goods and services they provide for the many who trek […]

One of the most attractive things about visiting LaGrange County is its wide-open spaces. The gorgeous landscapes, beautiful scenery, and large populations of both domestic and wild animals mean there’s always something new to hold your attention. And there are so many ways to experience your surroundings here: buggy, bike, walking paths, trails, but one […]

Shipshewana is one of the most popular Group Tour destinations in the U.S.   Visitors choose Group Bus Tours for a number of reasons! No driving, and no navigating. You can travel with friends. No decisions to make: the trip is already fully planned! You’ll experience a curated adventure. You can meet new people and […]

It’s officially Spring in Northern Indiana! That means it’s time to get to planting and pruning and plotting and potting!   One of the first plant and gardening goods stops we always recommend is, of course, the Largest Flea Market in the Midwest. They have produce, plants, and gardening areas, and stock changes from week […]

Meet Jess Linder! The hardworking business co-owner, wife and mom has made relaxation her business, literally! Read on to get to know her and her family a little better, and make a point of getting out to the Trading Post this spring and summer – you won’t be sorry!   Q: Can you tell us […]

Are you a Picker? A Home-Improvement Guru? Landscaper? An Antique-Hunter? A DIY’er? Whatever the hands-on hobby, if you like to get your hands dirty, Shipshewana’s for you! Everyone knows that Shipshewana is home to the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market (opening for the season on April 30th.) Fewer people know that the Flea Market location (Shipshewana Trading […]