Amish Culture & Lifestyle

Small Business Season is the time of year to shop small and locally owned businesses. Shipshewana is chock-full of them. Each has a story to tell, a rich history, and smiling faces ready to greet you. From Amish-owned storefronts, vendors, and food stalls, to mom-and-pop restaurants and merchants, you’ll find a small business on just […]

As the whispers of the first snowflakes begin and the air turns cool, the quaint town of Shipshewana transforms into a winter wonderland that captures the true essence of Christmas. You’ll find holiday cheer in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country. Shipshewana welcomes you to join in the celebration of the season with its annual […]

Every year, local Amish have a Family Farm Day on farmland in LaGrange, Indiana. The event lets non-farmers, or farming equipment enthusiasts, check out how many of the common jobs are done: threshing, baling, sawing, and stripping ears of corn just to name a few. In addition to seeing the farming equipment in action, you’ll […]

Need to get away from the hustle and bustle of life? Experience the tranquil charm of Indiana’s Amish Country in Shipshewana, Indiana, where every moment promises a serene escape and unique experiences await. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet beauty of the countryside, the rich history and local folklore, or the opportunity to unwind amidst […]

Artisans & Craftsman Patience and craftmanship are prized in LaGrange County, which helps explain why these communities are known for well-crafted furniture, quilts, hand-loomed rugs, wood crafts, leather goods, and pottery, as well as hand-made foods, ice cream, and candy and so much more. A visit here means a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Amish individuals do not possess photos of themselves because it’s believed that they may encourage vanity, which runs counter to their  religious ideals of community and equality. The dolls played with by Amish children are faceless for the same reason. The lack of a face or any other distinguishing characteristics also make the dolls “less […]

Happy Salt has been around since since 1985, a Shipshewana staple for almost 40 years! Kevin Horn is the owner of Shipshewana Spice Company, and Happy Salt was created by his parents. Kevin’s father worked as a professional in the food industry for many years, and created the Happy Salt blend using pepper, onion, garlic, […]

Thanks to a grant from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, Shipshewana now has another beautiful mural to admire in the Downtown Shopping District. It’s called “Greetings from Shipshewana.” Completed recently by artist Cassi Graber, the gorgeous and colorful design shows off the vivid local colors, as well as a few things that help make Shipshewana […]

The Fall Crafters Fair, located inside the Michiana Event Center, is an exhibition and celebration of our talented local artists and craftspeople, as well as the slower-paced culture of Shipshewana and the surrounding countryside. You’ll find artisans, vintage sellers, hand-made items, personalized gifts, and much more! Vendors surround talented musicians and entertainers, while on the […]