Stories from the Heart of Amish Country

WOLCOTTVILLE Ind. (WFFT) – A family of farmers in Wolcottville will receive the 2023 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation at the Indiana State Fair. Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau will present the award to the Evers family on August 3 during the Indiana Department of Agriculture’s Celebration of Agriculture at the Normandy Barn, […]

If either photography or painting is a favorite pastime, LaGrange County needs to be the destination for your next trip. Whether you prefer landscapes, classic architecture, gorgeous farm sunrises, interesting portrait opportunities, or amazingly photogenic animals, there are subjects to be had everywhere you turn. A recent quick stop at Dutch Creek in Shipshewana inspired […]

The term ‘Cottage Shop’ in LaGrange County refers to the many Amish-run businesses that you can find scattered throughout the beautiful backroads surrounding Shipshewana, LaGrange, Middlebury and almost any area where the Amish way of life is prevalent. They are typically small stores next to their homes and workshops, and the products they make and […]

3 Key Elements You could say that the family farm behind Yoder’s Meat & Cheese has been ahead of the curve for decades. Four generations of cattle farmers and smart farming practices have culminated in both a popular retail space and a successful agri-business. Yoder’s Meat & Cheese is located at 435 S. Van Buren […]

Visiting Shipshewana soon? In September, you’re liable to hear the kind of catchy music that makes you want to get up and dance. For those who love to get out there and play music with others, we’ve got The MEC’s Weekly Food Truck Rally and Jam Session. Every Wednesday until September 15th, you can bring […]

If you’ve met Lora, than you know that she is hardworking, kind, and fun. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, you can learn more from our quick interview below. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your life here in Shipshewana? A: I relocated from my hometown 9 years ago to join […]

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 […]

Need a great story idea? We’re here to help! Choose from the categories and suggestions below and contact us for the info and illustrative pieces you need. Need info on a topic that you don’t see here? Contact us and we’ll assist with whatever you need!   Historical: The History of Shipshewana The Story of Davis […]

Whether you like soaking up the summer heat or playing in the snow, there’s something to enjoy every season in Shipshewana & LaGrange County. While events, attractions, and activities dot the calendar year-round, we summed it up with 10 reasons why you should visit us! Live Entertainment Every year the level of entertainment we host […]

What’s better than waking up to peaceful serenity and the smell of a freshly made breakfast? Whether you’re visiting for a girl’s weekend, a romantic getaway or even quilting retreat, a bed & breakfast will make your stay in Amish country even more memorable. LaGrange County is lucky enough to have several Bed & Breakfasts […]

Shipshewana has gotten a bit of a misperception that it is only open during the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market season from May – September. And while the Flea Market is a huge claim to fame for this 3rd largest Amish community in the US, that simply couldn’t be farther from the truth. There are many […]

The holidays come early in Shipshewana, and we LOVE it!! At the end of October, the elves are out hanging lights and decorating all over town. It’s a nice mix of fall and Christmas décor for a period of time, but once November arrives it’s an all-out Christmas extravaganza here in Shipshe! Just in time […]

Welcome to LaGrange County – we’re so glad you’re here! This area (known as Amish Country) is home to the third-largest Amish community in the United States. The simple and modest lifestyle of the Amish is both fascinating and endearing and is the reason many people visit our area — to observe and learn about […]

Typically when you roll into Shipshewana, you’re greeted by endless farms and open fields. The natural beauty here in Northern Indiana can often be underappreciated: many people aren’t aware of hidden gems like the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area or our many lakes. Follow this scenic fall drive in Shipshewana & LaGrange County and […]

Shipshewana brings simple living, Amish hospitality, amazing shopping, and fun activities to Northern Indiana. Take in the area’s best attractions including shopping the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market, catching a musical at the Blue Gate Music Hall, or eating a home-cooked Amish meal (all group-friendly!). You’ll want to spend more than a day exploring this town, […]

Many vacation destinations have added technology services to make the trip more convenient and efficient – at the cost of making the experiences less personable and tying you to your phone. Shipshewana is one of the few places that is the exception to that trend, and our way of simple living makes us the perfect […]

“We are an adventurous family! While only 5 of us travel together these days….we have 8 children, 2 sons-in-law, and 3 grandbabies and of course, Matt and I. We try to go adventuring as often as possible and find new things to be doing and learning. Creating meaningful family time and making memories is what […]

There’s always one downside for going on vacation, leaving that furry little friend to wonder why you’re not home at 5:42 like a usual day. So, why not just bring them along for the ride? You’d be surprised (and excited about) how pet friendly LaGrange County businesses are! Shipshewana Flea Market Visit on a Tuesday […]

Shipshewana was excited to host Tanya Shelburne, from Traveling Tanya, along with her family for a weekend of activities. Their time was filled with cultural experiences, shopping, wine tasting, and even a concert. She has shared her experience in the blog below so you can what visiting Shipshewana is like first hand! With full days […]

Make the most of your visit to the Shipshewana Flea Market by reading these tips about hours, vendors, lodging and Amish food. We hope it will help you get the most out of your shopping experience! Flea Market Hours The Shipshewana Flea Market is open 8am to 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May to […]

It’s common curiosity to compare our normal traditions to those of another culture, which is why we get asked this question often: Do Amish celebrate Easter? The short answer is yes, but their activities and traditions may be different than what your family is used to. On Good Friday, you’ll find Amish families taking a […]

Spring break doesn’t always mean you have to jump on a plane and travel to somewhere tropical. There’s plenty to do within driving distance around the Midwest, like a visit to Shipshewana. With activities both parents and kids can enjoy, these top family vacation / staycation ideas are sure to make everyone happy. Enjoy Hotel […]

There’s one thing you’ll find in the kitchen of every Amish home, as a matter of fact, most homes in LaGrange County: Amish noodles. They’re a staple around here since they’re easy to add to any dish. But where do you buy them? What can you make with them? Can you make them yourself? The […]

Eager to start our day full of exploring, we stepped outside the hotel and let the fresh Northern Indiana air wake us up for an exciting Shipshewana Group Bus Tour. Our step-on tour guide, Vickie Estep from Great Life Tours, welcomed us aboard the bus, excited about what she had in store for us. With […]