Amish Experiences

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 […]

Experience the vibrant colors and crisp air of fall in Shipshewana, Indiana, where adventure awaits at every turn. Shipshewana is in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country and offers the perfect blend of food, fun, and shopping for a memorable autumn getaway. Stroll through the bustling flea market open through September, savor locally sourced, hearty […]

Shipshewana is well known for its shopping and dining opportunities — but what about glimpses of rare wildlife? Getting up close with wild animals can elevate any destination to legendary status, and that’s exactly what visitors can expect at Dutch Creek Animal Farm Park. Featuring an incredible menagerie of exotic animals, the Amish-owned Dutch Creek […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

There’s one from Dutch Creek Animal Farm.   And there’s one from Trading Post outfitters in Mongo.  

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 […]