Stories from the Heart of Amish Country

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 […]

National Agriculture Week is celebrated every year in March. National Agriculture Week is celebrated every year in March on dates announced by the Agriculture Council of America. This year the week-long event begins on March 17th and ends on March 23rd. The week acknowledges and celebrates the agricultural industry and the role it plays in […]

Amish, Mennonite, and other Christian denominations all regard Good Friday and Easter as important days in their religious calendars. On Good Friday you’ll find that many government entities, banks, and offices are closed for the holiday, and Amish businesses will be closed as well. Amish who work outside of the Amish community may take Good […]

Sara Patrick is the Executive Director of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce. In that role, she’s proven a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for the organizations and people of LaGrange County. For more about Sara and the Chamber of Commerce, read on:   Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? A: I […]

Driving the scenic country backroads of Northern Indiana, you’ll likely see Barn Quilts adorning historic barns, family homesteads, Amish farms, and public spaces. Similar in design to fabrics quilts, traditional Barn Quilts are constructed using wood, and painted with heirloom or newly designed quilt patterns chosen by the owner or artist. Barn Quilts are either geometric […]

Sure, our kids love the carefree days of Spring Break! And we love having them home and spending time with them! But Spring Break can start to feel a little bit LONG sometimes. And LOUD. But don’t worry, we can help! Whether your kids or young or older, whether the temps cooperate or not, we […]

If you haven’t met the SRMA’s (Shipshewana Retail Merchant’s Association) new Executive Director yet, she’s a friendly, spunky spitfire who is kind to everyone, has a super cute dog named Augie (see above) and loves the people of Shipshewana. Here’s Tobi in her own words:   Q: Can you tell us a little bit about […]

SHIPSHEWANA — Another Shipshewana tradition is quickly gaining traction and its become a yearly getaway for many from around the area. Pajama Day was held on Saturday (Feb. 3rd) throughout the town of Shipshewana. The day-long event features sales at many of Shipshewana’s locally-owned businesses. This year, over 30 storefronts participated in the pajamas only […]

Group Tours get to do some fun stuff: Shipshewana, Indiana is a beloved destination for a variety of travelers due to the kinds of attractions, events, and experiences available. It’s a unique location in the U.S. because although the official population of Shipshewana is under a thousand, it is still the 3rd largest Amish population in […]

Local artist Karen Weiland is busy this winter season, working with the all the local farm and business owners who applied to host all new Barn Quilts in 2024. As both Project Manager and Artist, she collaborates with them to choose sizes, patterns, and colors to design a one-of-a-kind Barn Quilt for prominent display on […]