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Amish Communities

A Short Overview of Amish Culture.

Indiana’s Amish Country Shipshewana and the LaGrange County area are known as Amish Country, Indiana, and are home to the third-largest Amish community in the United States. Although the comparative size of Amish Communities remains small compared to the rest of the United States, the Amish are one of our fastest-growing communities. It’s estimated that […]

Amish Communities

Purple Martin Nesting Boxes are an Amish Tradition

The beneficial relationship between Purple Martins, a type of sparrow, and humans goes back hundreds of years in North America. Purple Martins are voracious consumers of insects, especially mosquitoes, and early Native Americans figured out that attracting them to their land was beneficial to all the people and animals that lived there. Historically, Purple Martins […]

Purple Martin Nesting Boxes are an Amish Tradition

A Recent Visit to Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park

A fantastic photo-taking opportunity.

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 […]

A Recent Visit to Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park

What are ‘Cottage Shops’?

These out-of-the-way shops are an important component of the Amish way of life.

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 […]

What are ‘Cottage Shops’?

Shipshewana Featured Story Ideas

At the Heart of Amish Country

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 […]

Shipshewana Featured Story Ideas

What is Epiphany? Understanding Amish Christmas.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here again, and in the United States, Dec. 25th is both the federal and traditional date of Christmas. Whether religious or secular, the majority of the population are so accustomed to this that calendars and businesses closings are planned around the date. Outside of the single […]

What is Epiphany? Understanding Amish Christmas.
Storefronts

10 Reasons to Visit Shipshewana, Indiana

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 […]

10 Reasons to Visit Shipshewana, Indiana
Bed and breakfasts

Bed & Breakfasts

IN AMISH COUNTY, INDIANA

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 […]

Bed & Breakfasts
Blue Gate restaurant

15 Best Things to Do in Shipshewana, Indiana

YOU'LL WANT TO DO THEM ALL

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, […]

15 Best Things to Do in Shipshewana, Indiana
Morton House

My Weekend in Shipshewana

BY TRAVELING TONYA

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 […]

My Weekend in Shipshewana
Amish Buggies

Do Amish Celebrate Easter?

AMISH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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 […]

Do Amish Celebrate Easter?
Blue Gate noodles

Amish Noodles

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 […]

Amish Noodles
Christmas lights parade

Do the Amish Celebrate Christmas?

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 […]

Do the Amish Celebrate Christmas?
Arial view of Shipshewana

Take a Memorial Day Trip to Amish Country

Memorial day is always the last Monday in May, and its become the unofficial start of the summer season. The Shipshewana Flea Market is open every week (seasonally) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so it just makes sense to turn it into a 3-day Flea Market for Memorial Day, when many people have the day off […]

Take a Memorial Day Trip to Amish Country
Antique oil cans

9 Things History Buffs Should Do in Shipshewana

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 […]

9 Things History Buffs Should Do in Shipshewana
An Amish community gathered in a field

10 Common Amish Questions

AMISH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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 […]

10 Common Amish Questions
Amish peanut butter

Amish Peanut Butter

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 […]

Amish Peanut Butter
Amish Buggies

A Look Inside Amish Weddings

AMISH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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. At this house, dozens of buggies were parked in a field, and in the distance near the home, a huge white tent stood with two or […]

A Look Inside Amish Weddings
School room

What is Amish School Like?

AMISH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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 […]

What is Amish School Like?
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