Amish Culture & Lifestyle

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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? And […]

You probably won’t find decorated trees, hanging wreaths, or wrapped presents in an Amish home during the holidays, but you will find the spirit of Christmas alive and well. As I was out and about these last few weeks visiting Shipshewana/LaGrange County retailers, I asked some of the Amish about whether they celebrate Christmas. Everyone […]

You know you’re a history buff when you love to know the story behind each destination you travel to. Shipshewana, Indiana has a rich Amish and Mennonite heritage that is fun to learn about. History buffs can bring Shipshewana’s past to life by visiting the following events and attractions. Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Museum One of the […]

All around town in the Amish businesses, I’ve been seeing signs that read: “Closed for Ascension Day.” I finally asked Chris, an Amish businessman, what the significance of the holiday is and how the Amish observe it. Chris said the holiday represents the day Jesus ascended into Heaven after He was resurrected. He also said […]

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. Here are answers to 10 common Amish questions: In this blog, Loren Beachy, a resident of Goshen, Indiana and member of the Old Order Amish Church, seeks […]

I’ve lived here most of my adult life and there is one thing I never get tired of: Amish Peanut Butter!  It’s crazy to think that this little condiment can literally be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!  If you are unfamiliar with this gooey smooth rich yummy treat, let me tell you a little […]

During the first part of June, I happened to be driving past an Amish home on a dirt county road, on my way to visit my Amish friend Mahlon (who sometimes contributes to our blogs). At this house, dozens of buggies were parked in a field, and in the distance near the home, a huge […]

A friend who recently visited wondered out loud, “I wonder what it would be like to go to an Amish school?” I thought her question was a great one, with now being the end of the school year and students graduating. And so, with pen in hand and “detective” hat on head, I set out […]

A blog reader recently posted the question, “Why do Amish women wear aprons?” I responded that I would post the answer when I found it. Since I didn’t grow up in an area surrounded by the Amish community, I often have to go to the sources themselves to find the answer. To find answers to […]